Small Block - Act Three

Speaker 1 Say, you've always wanted to see your favorite team from the best seats in the house. Here's the thing: if you invest well, you could do things like that.

Speaker 1 With Empower, you can get your money working for you so you can go out and live a little. Isn't that why we work so hard?

Speaker 1 To splurge at certain moments, jet-setting off to see your team play at one of the most iconic stadiums, or getting your favorite players' super rare, autographed, one-of-one sports card.

Speaker 1 So, use Empower to help you get good at money so you can be a little bad. Join their 19 million customers today at Empower.com.
Not an Empower client paid or sponsored.

Speaker 2 Why choose a Sleep Number smart bed?

Speaker 3 Can I make my site softer?

Speaker 4 Can I make my site firmer?

Speaker 5 Can we sleep cooler?

Speaker 2 SleepNumber does that. Cools up to eight times faster and lets you choose your ideal comfort on either side.
Your sleep number setting. Enjoy a personalized comfort for better sleep night after night.

Speaker 2 It's the final days of our Black Friday sale. Recharge this season with a bundle of cozy, soothing comfort.
Now only $17.99 for our C2 mattress and base plus free premium delivery.

Speaker 2 Price is higher in Alaska and Hawaii. Check it out at a sleepbumber store or sleepbumber.com today.

Speaker 3 Small Block, written by Ashley Lauren.

Speaker 3 Thank you for listening to Small Block. Please note that there is adult language throughout that is not suitable for young listeners.

Speaker 3 Furthermore, there are a few items that might be triggering for some readers.

Speaker 3 These include suicidal ideation discussion, transphobic language, homophobic language, minor instances of fat phobic language. All phobic language is used intentionally for thematic reasons.

Speaker 5 It is not used without thought or due to either naivete or bigotry.

Speaker 3 Thank you again for listening to Small Block. Now, on to the show.

Speaker 5 Everybody got enough teams? Yeah. Yes.
Does everybody have ice cream? Yeah.

Speaker 5 Not yet. If you didn't have an ice cream, are you sad? Because everybody else had one? Yeah.
I don't know who used that in the scripture.

Speaker 5 Use your disappointment.

Speaker 6 Yesterday did not go how I planned. The good.
We ran into Miss World again and she promised to give us a ride today

Speaker 6 in her DeLorean. Also, I asked Bex to the homecoming dance and she said yes.
Here's the problem.

Speaker 7 I love her.

Speaker 6 Yeah, so that sucks. Apparently my best friend Kev's in love with her and he doesn't know I asked her to the dance.
How am I going to figure that one out? I have no idea.

Speaker 6 But I have a whole few hours to do it. Kill me.

Speaker 6 Especially since we're so close right now. I mean, I just told him about the cabbage patch doll and about the gray and well

Speaker 6 Never really talked to anyone about that.

Speaker 6 Oh, yeah. I got into St.
John's, which, first of all, gross. And second, means this is my last year at Pond Hill with my friends.

Speaker 6 Hopefully, Bex and I can be cool again before I go to that uptight, all-boys jerk factory.

Speaker 6 I also found out that my dad thinks I'm either a loser or I'm gay, or maybe both, but that's nothing new. Fuck it, let's go to the DeLorean ride.

Speaker 5 Fuck yes, finally!

Speaker 6 I need something fun and uncomplicated.

Speaker 5 Act 3.

Speaker 3 Interior Dizzy's room morning. P wakes up alone.
Q. Lazarus's goodbye horses plays faintly.
He looks at the TV. The dance scene from the silence of the lambs.

Speaker 3 Buffalo Bill, penis tucked, dances in his own skin. Noise outside.
P pulls back the curtains. Kev and Dizzy play basketball.
Back to normal. He checks the time, 10.45.

Speaker 3 Only about eight hours till the dance.

Speaker 3 Exterior Dizzy's driveway minutes later. P exits the house with a Dr.
Pepper. Dizzy, shirtless, tosses Kev the basketball.
Kev misses.

Speaker 5 That's Kay, your cock, motherfucker.

Speaker 3 Got a sec?

Speaker 5 After I exact my revenge, bring it. I ain't leaving this driveway until I'm in a DeLorean.

Speaker 3 Dizzy swishes three.

Speaker 3 Looks to the road, checks his watch.

Speaker 5 Four minutes. I love those doors, the weird-ass taillights.
The frame was actually inspired by a Lotus Espery. It was going to have a rotary engine like like the RX-7, which would have been sweet.

Speaker 5 The car's underpowered, but whatever. Looks so goddamn cool.
Three minutes.

Speaker 3 P shakes his arm, extending and curling his fingers.

Speaker 6 Why is Silence the Lambs on?

Speaker 3 Kev and Dizzy laugh.

Speaker 5 You guessed the part in Naked Gun last night where Anna Nichols Smith had a dick? The fuck? You fell asleep. Full-on Gonzo knows cock.
Should have rented the crying game. Would have had the trifecta.

Speaker 6 Einhorn or Anna?

Speaker 5 Anna? Got those thighs and those boobs? Thick ass? Dick or no dick, whatever. Of course, if she had a dick, y'all would never hear about it.

Speaker 5 I want to stop hearing about all the dudes pretending to be woman that you'd fuck. 1102, this is crap.

Speaker 3 Dizzy checks his watch, then the road. Still no Miss World.

Speaker 5 Bet you didn't see anything like that in the penthouse.

Speaker 3 P glares at Kev as Dizzy wheels on P, angry and pleading.

Speaker 5 Dude, please, my dad will beat my ass. Honk.

Speaker 3 Dizzy's head turns excitedly. With a blip of the horn, Mrs.
D pulls in the driveway. Perfect timing.
She lowers lowers the window. She looks and sounds exhausted.
Dizzy runs over.

Speaker 5 Mom, thank God you're here.

Speaker 8 Good in, I need your help.

Speaker 3 The color drains from Dizzy's face.

Speaker 9 Won't take long, I promise.

Speaker 5 Please, just hang out for a bit and then I'll do whatever you need. We can spend as much time as you want, just not right now.

Speaker 5 Uncle Chris. Mom, Mom, for real, not now.
You have no idea. Please, just stay for a bit.
It's important. Please.

Speaker 3 He looks to P and Kev for backup. They play invisible.
Mrs. D kills the engine.
Dizzy knows to walk over. Her dark-circled eyes gaze heavily up at him.

Speaker 3 I'm sorry to ask you, Philip. Dizzy knows he's lost.
He snatches his shirt off the ground, mutters to P and Kev.

Speaker 5 Please keep the DeLorean here as long as possible.

Speaker 3 He turns away as a tear rolls down his cheek. He pulls the Judas priest shirt on.
They leave.

Speaker 3 Can we talk about Bex?

Speaker 5 Inside. Miss World will blast something heavy.
We'll hear it.

Speaker 3 Kev walks inside. P watches Mrs.
D's car shrink away. Interior Dizzy's bathroom moments later.
P enters. Kev has the penthouse.
The white first aid kit sits on the counter.

Speaker 3 Kev turns to the toilet paper bookmark. Debbie and Terhigsa.
You like the Lesbos kissing, huh?

Speaker 5 It's soft somehow.

Speaker 6 Intimate. Not like a guy kissing a girl.

Speaker 3 Kev finds a picture of a guy sitting, legs spread, while a girl kneels almost in praise, her head in his crotch. Kissing?

Speaker 5 How about some girls straight up worshiping your cock?

Speaker 3 Listen, about Becks,

Speaker 5 I want you to be happy.

Speaker 6 I want nothing more for everyone in the class to see you like I do, but I just.

Speaker 3 Keb juggles the magazine in his hands, feeling its weight.

Speaker 5 I'm gonna bring this to school. Blow everyone's minds.
James, Rob, Zach, all those fucks. They'll be eating out of the palm of my hand.
Britt might even give Ken a high five, that stupid bitch.

Speaker 5 You'll know my name, asshole.

Speaker 6 You gonna ask Dizzy? His dad will kill him.

Speaker 5 My dad says asking forgiveness is better than asking permission.

Speaker 3 Peace stands in the open bathroom door, craning his neck to hear. Don't take it.
Dizzy over me, huh?

Speaker 6 Imagine if you caught shit from your dad because of your friends.

Speaker 3 Kev looks Peace straight in the eye.

Speaker 5 That's every day of my life.

Speaker 3 Kev shuts the magazine.

Speaker 5 I'm sick of being invisible. Why doesn't everyone see that I'm cool? What's wrong with them?

Speaker 10 You've only been here one year.

Speaker 3 It takes time.

Speaker 6 But listen, me and Bex.

Speaker 5 You think less of me, huh? For liking Bex? No, I... I know she's big, but if you could see her like I do, I gotta be me, bro.
My mom didn't have anything to fall back on, but she left anyway.

Speaker 5 I gotta be me.

Speaker 3 P leans on the counter to stabilize himself, but something pokes him. He moves the white first aid kit out of the way.

Speaker 5 You really never knew?

Speaker 3 P shakes his head.

Speaker 5 Thought you were all about Carla.

Speaker 5 You heard Tizzy. Carla Laguchino's famous.
I'm nobody. She's.

Speaker 5 That's for you guys. When I'm alone, I think about Pex.
Can't stop thinking about Pex. At first, I think I was worried about losing you, so I kept comparing us.

Speaker 5 And I was like, why would P ever pick me over her? She's smart, sexy. So goddamn funny.
And she doesn't take shit from anyone. Ain't afraid of anyone.
I mean, fuck. That's so hot.

Speaker 5 She wouldn't care for one second what the guy said about her.

Speaker 3 She knows she's hot shit.

Speaker 5 Plus, you used to be super close with her and you... Well,

Speaker 5 that's hell of an endorsement. I thought maybe you two could be friends again if we weren't together.

Speaker 3 Kev paces nervously.

Speaker 5 Fuck it. I'm gonna ask her to dance.
You think it's too late? She probably hates me. You think she hates me? She probably hates me.

Speaker 5 Maybe I should just ask her to dance when we're there, so it seems more spur of the moment. Would you put in a good word for me? Uh.

Speaker 5 Yeah.

Speaker 5 Yeah. Thank God.
You fucked up your interviews, man. High school without you would be.

Speaker 5 I'm glad I can be myself with you, man.

Speaker 3 Kev grabs the penthouse.

Speaker 5 You mind? I got a shit.

Speaker 3 Interior Dizzy's room moments later. P ambles into the room, dazed.
He pulls the blinds, opens the window. Cool breeze briefly rustles in.
The driveway is empty. The air is quiet.

Speaker 3 P raises his pillow, yearbook and lyrics folder underneath. Yearbook first.
He gazes at Bex's picture, a lot of complex shit behind his eyes. He looks at the wall shared with the bathroom.

Speaker 3 He shuts the yearbook, takes out the lyrics from last night. The breeze rustles the paper.
P looks outside. Gray.

Speaker 3 He hums a melody, but it's not right.

Speaker 6 Something, something. I gotta know the warmth to feel the sun.

Speaker 5 Covert love.

Speaker 3 Covert love.

Speaker 6 Covert love pumps blood through chambers. My heart's a concealed gut.

Speaker 5 Fuck, that's terrible. Fucking awful.

Speaker 3 He rolls onto his back, holding the page above him, searching.

Speaker 3 A dark spot shines through from the back. P flips it over.
On the side, Dizzy drew a heart with Kev inside it.

Speaker 5 Whoa.

Speaker 3 P's shocked.

Speaker 3 The toilet flushes. P's head snaps to the door, then back to the heart on the paper.
He hurriedly gets another of Dizzy's notebooks from his desk. He inspects for drawings, hoping for a clean page.

Speaker 3 First page? Nope. Second one? Kev and Dizzy.
Third, both sides are clean. He tears it out and places the notebook far back on the desk.
P copies the lyrics to the new page, crumples the original.

Speaker 3 Exterior Dizzy's driveway few moments later. P tosses the crumpled paper in the trash can.

Speaker 3 Mrs. D pulls into the driveway.
Dizzy hops out before the car is fully stopped. He rushes to P, trying to remain calm.

Speaker 5 So?

Speaker 3 Kev exits the house as Mrs. D pulls away.
Dizzy wheels.

Speaker 5 Mom, wait!

Speaker 3 Mrs. D is already down the street.

Speaker 5 She came, bro. It was awesome.

Speaker 3 P watches Dizzy's face subtly contort with emotion.

Speaker 6 She didn't come yet, man.

Speaker 6 You didn't miss it.

Speaker 3 Dizzy drops to his knees, overcome.

Speaker 5 Bro, you ruined it.

Speaker 3 Dizzy looks up at Kev, absolutely wrecked, quietly.

Speaker 5 Why'd you fuck with me, prick?

Speaker 3 Peace eyes move slowly from Dizzy to Kev. He runs into the house.

Speaker 5 Come on, you still love me. Friends?

Speaker 3 Kev offers a hand to Dizzy, who slaps it away.

Speaker 3 Dizzy pushes himself off the ground. He walks to the end of the driveway, looks down the street in case anything's new.
After a few moments, he walks back, kicking a small rock.

Speaker 3 It lands in the center of the driveway. P exits with a sprite for Dizzy.

Speaker 1 I wish this bitch would get here.

Speaker 3 He throws his Judas priest T down, grabs the basketball.

Speaker 5 I wish you'd stop being a bitch.

Speaker 3 Eddie Van Halen's out the window cuts the thick air as the growling tandem of guitar and DeLorean turn onto the street. Dizzy's face bursts alive.

Speaker 3 He grabs his shirt from the side of the driveway, pulling it on as he runs. The DeLorean stops.
Miss World steps out, a large yellow sunflower clip in her hair.

Speaker 5 Me first, please. Miss World laughs.

Speaker 5 Let me meet your parents.

Speaker 3 Dizzy's face falls. He looks at him sympathetically.

Speaker 3 Interior DeLorean, short time later. The DeLorean roars throatily as it hurts down the street.
Scattered leaves rustle in its wake.

Speaker 3 The boys scream excitedly. Peace sits in front.
Kev and Dizzy kneel in the small rear bulkhead. Miss World eyes them.
Pea feels the car accelerate. Miss World focuses ahead.

Speaker 5 You want to see the future, boys? They laugh.

Speaker 5 If my calculations are correct, when this baby hits 88 miles per hour, you're gonna see some serious shit. Faster!

Speaker 3 The DeLorean tears down the wide street, a perfect runway. Engine strains louder.
P watches the speedometer. 45, 50, 57.
What do you want to see, Dizzy?

Speaker 5 My car collection. Kev?

Speaker 3 Booth my son. The car zooms faster.

Speaker 5 P?

Speaker 3 P doesn't answer.

Speaker 5 75 P.

Speaker 3 P braces, tense and nervous.

Speaker 6 I don't want to think about the future.

Speaker 5 Worried about what you'd see?

Speaker 10 Probably worry he'll be dead.

Speaker 3 P and Miss World's eyes fly to Kev. The car decelerates sharply.

Speaker 5 Buffalo Bill is gonna murder him and turn him into a dress.

Speaker 3 P laughs like, you idiot.

Speaker 6 He only kills women.

Speaker 5 You're gonna rub that lotion all over your skin. You don't want that, hose.
You're the one that wants to fuck Einhorn.

Speaker 3 Miss World's brows furrow.

Speaker 5 Boys. Buffalo Bill is a dude that sews skin clothing.
Einhorn is a chick with a dick. Big difference.
Still a man. Really, let's not.

Speaker 6 Don't know, bro. It's in the name.
Chicks with dicks. Chicks.
Women.

Speaker 5 You wouldn't feel that way if you pulled off some girl's panties and boom, massive dong in your face. What's your dream car collection?

Speaker 3 Dizzy lights up.

Speaker 5 I'll have one of these for sure.

Speaker 3 P looks at his reflection in the side mirror.

Speaker 3 Exterior Dizzy's driveway later. The DeLorean returns.
Metal glares out the open windows. Miss World parks at the edge of the driveway.
The smiling smiling boys exit the car.

Speaker 6 Time?

Speaker 5 206?

Speaker 3 Peace shakes his arm, extending and curling his fingers. He tries to get Kev's attention.
Miss World's still in the DeLorean. She fidgets back and forth, chewing her lip with a conflicted look.

Speaker 5 You want a drink or anything?

Speaker 3 She starts, jarred from her thoughts by Dizzy at the window.

Speaker 5 Where's the nearest gas station? About ten minutes from here?

Speaker 3 Miss World looks pained. She fidgets more in her seat.

Speaker 5 You got a pee?

Speaker 5 I can make it ten minutes.

Speaker 3 She puts the car in gear. Dizzy's eyes widen.

Speaker 5 Wait, don't leave. Please, I want to get a picture with it.

Speaker 3 I really have to go.

Speaker 5 I have a Polaroid. It'll be super quick.
You can pee here. It's no problem.
Please. My dad will think it's the coolest thing.

Speaker 3 She assesses him cautiously. In an almost pained whisper, he pleads innocently.

Speaker 5 Please.

Speaker 3 Slightly shaking her head as if it's a bad idea, Miss World gets out of the car. Dizzy sprints ahead, returns quickly with the Polaroid camera.
At the door, he points to the main bathroom.

Speaker 5 Guest bathroom's right there. Lots of different Cokes in the fridge.
Dr. Pepper, Sprite, actual Coke, if you want.

Speaker 3 Miss World enters. Dizzy strips his Judas Priest tea, throws it on the driveway.
It lands on the small rock from before.

Speaker 5 Take my picture, P.

Speaker 3 P turns, about to talk to Kev. Give me a second.

Speaker 5 He's about to leave, now or never.

Speaker 3 P reluctantly leaves Kev. He snaps a couple pics of Dizzy.

Speaker 5 Get one with me and Kev.

Speaker 3 Kev joins Dizzy at the car. P snaps one.

Speaker 5 Hold on.

Speaker 3 He steps backward, trying to frame up a little wider. His foot contorts around the shirt and rock.
He falls hard, staring into the yellow judas poking out from the black.

Speaker 3 Interior Dizzy's kitchen moments later. An empty band-aid box being shaken.
Damp paper towel on his arm. P returns the box to the drawer.
A small red spot grows on the paper towel.

Speaker 3 P checks a couple other drawers, nothing. He remembers.
First aid kit. He walks toward Dizzy's bathroom door, reaches for the knob.

Speaker 3 He's about to grab it when he notices the door's closed, the lights on, and the fans running. Miss World.

Speaker 3 P shakes his head, smiles. Close call.
He turns to the other bathroom. Maybe it also has a first aid kit.
The paper towel's getting more red. P hurries toward the door, reaches for the knob.

Speaker 3 Interior, Dizzy's parents' bathroom continuous.

Speaker 3 Inside the bathroom, the door opens quickly. P steps in, stops dead.
His face contorts in shock and embarrassment. I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
He quickly shuts the door.

Speaker 3 Exterior Dizzy's parents' bathroom a couple minutes later. The door slowly opens a tiny bit.
A sliver of Miss World's face timidly peers through the crack. She sees P nearby.
The door shuts quickly.

Speaker 6 I didn't know you were in that bathroom, I swear.

Speaker 3 No answer. After a few moments.

Speaker 3 Did you call the cops?

Speaker 5 What?

Speaker 3 The door cracks open.

Speaker 5 Are you trying to keep me here until they come?

Speaker 3 P looks genuinely confused.

Speaker 5 Why would I call the cops?

Speaker 5 Come on, the crying game yesterday and then all that stuff in the car about silence of the lambs and chicks with dicks.

Speaker 5 That wasn't a casual conversation you just have in front of someone you've just met.

Speaker 3 P laughs immomentarily, but stops himself.

Speaker 6 No, that was just my my friends are idiots.

Speaker 3 He pauses, smile dropping.

Speaker 6 If you thought that that we knew about you, why did you use the bathroom?

Speaker 3 The door opens more.

Speaker 5 I pee a lot now.

Speaker 5 Side effect.

Speaker 6 Why didn't you use the other one?

Speaker 5 It's smelled.

Speaker 3 P hovers near the door. Miss World looks embarrassed and scared.
Her voice is quiet.

Speaker 5 P?

Speaker 6 Yeah?

Speaker 5 May I please leave?

Speaker 3 P's mouth drops slightly open as he finally realizes he's inadvertently trapping her.

Speaker 3 Exterior Dizzy's driveway, a couple minutes later. Dizzy talks to Kev by the DeLorean.

Speaker 5 Honestly, even in 81, there were faster and better cars, but the cool thing with the DMC-12 is.

Speaker 3 The front door opens. Miss World walks directly toward the car, but stops, noticing Dizzy and Kev.
She moves away from the door, but not quite toward the car, unsure of where to go. Dizzy notices.

Speaker 3 He walks toward her.

Speaker 5 Damn, my stomach again.

Speaker 5 Kev exits.

Speaker 3 Miss World stiffens as Dizzy approaches, quickly wiping her wet eyes. He stands next to her.
They face the car. He eventually speaks, voice soft.

Speaker 5 You never see these cars outside of the movies. They were only made for a couple years.

Speaker 5 There were three model years, 81, 83, but production was only for two.

Speaker 5 Same time we were all born. And, you know, there's others out there, thousands of them, but you never see them in person.

Speaker 5 To the point where you wonder if it's all a joke. Like, there's just a few left and you'll never, ever see any of them.

Speaker 7 This episode is brought to you by Progressive Insurance. Do you ever find yourself playing the budgeting game?

Speaker 7 Well, with a name your price tool from Progressive, you can find options that fit your budget and potentially lower your bills. Try it at progressive.com.

Speaker 7 Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates. Price and coverage match limited by state law, not available in all states.

Speaker 11 What's going on? I'm Arch Manning, Veori athlete and college quarterback. Whether I'm running, training, traveling, or just unwinding at home, I love doing it in my core shorts from Veori.

Speaker 11 With a breathable boxer briefliner, they're quick to dry, super versatile, and stand up to even my most intense training sessions. Plus, they come in three inseams and a ton of colors.

Speaker 11 Ready to try a pair? Go to Veori.com slash Arch and get 20% off at checkout. I think you're going to love them as much as I do.
That's vuri.com slash A-R-C-H and get 20% off your first order.

Speaker 11 Exclusions apply. Visit the website for full terms and conditions.
Not only will you receive 20% off your first purchase, but enjoy free shipping on any U.S. orders over $75 and free returns.

Speaker 11 Have a great day.

Speaker 12 November is all about gathering, friends giving feasts, Thanksgiving dinners, and football weekends.

Speaker 12 Total Wine and More has everything you need for your table and your toasts with thousands of wines, spirits, and beers at the lowest prices.

Speaker 12 From bold reds to sparklers, you'll find the perfect wines to raise a glass this season.

Speaker 12 And when it comes to spirits, Total Wine has you covered from smooth bourbons and tequilas to all the essentials for your holiday cocktails.

Speaker 12 Hosting Thanksgiving, Total Wine's guides make it easy by taking out the guesswork.

Speaker 12 With the lowest prices for over 30 years, you'll always find what you love and love what you find only at Total Wine and More. Curbside pickup and delivery available in most areas.

Speaker 12 See TotalWine.com for details. Spirits not sold in Virginia and North Carolina.
Drink responsibly. B B21.

Speaker 3 Dizzy gazes into Miss World's red-ringed eyes.

Speaker 5 Thank you.

Speaker 5 This was

Speaker 5 a really incredible day.

Speaker 3 Miss World exhales.

Speaker 3 Dizzy takes a final look at the DeLorean, running his hand gently over the angular lines of the steel. He walks to the basketball hoop as P exits the house.
P hands Miss World a Dr.

Speaker 3 Pepper and a Kleenex.

Speaker 5 For the road.

Speaker 6 I didn't mess with them or anything.

Speaker 3 She dabs her eyes with the Kleenex, then turns her gaze to the cool gray sky. She cracks the soda open, takes a long swallow.

Speaker 5 What's the hardest thing you've ever had to do, Pea?

Speaker 5 Live.

Speaker 3 Miss World closes her eyes. She removes the yellow sunflower clip from her hair.
Breeze rushes through her freed curls as they fall to her shoulder. She opens her eyes slowly and meets P's gaze.

Speaker 5 Same.

Speaker 3 Her eyes remain fixed on the cloudless gray expanse.

Speaker 5 I used to not like thinking about the future either.

Speaker 5 But here I am.

Speaker 5 Here I still am.

Speaker 3 Pea nods, clearly affected, as Miss World opens the DeLorean and steps mostly inside.

Speaker 6 You met the girl I like at the video store, Bex?

Speaker 6 She said yes.

Speaker 3 Miss World stops, unable to move for a second. Her eyes well.

Speaker 3 The faintest tinge of a smile. Then she pulls the gullwing door closed with a thunk.

Speaker 3 Exterior Dizzy's driveway moments later. The DeLorean starts up, a thick rumble.
Dizzy approaches Pea.

Speaker 5 What the hell did you say to her before?

Speaker 3 The DeLorean drives away.

Speaker 5 Yo, Pea, can we talk for a sec?

Speaker 3 Kev's in the doorway. Pea runs over.
Kev speaks quietly.

Speaker 5 Where's the penthouse?

Speaker 6 I don't know.

Speaker 3 Kev's still quiet, but louder than before.

Speaker 5 Dude, where's the fucking penthouse? You showed it to him?

Speaker 3 Dizzy's behind them, trapping P between him and Kev.

Speaker 5 I told you to put it back. Why didn't you do it yet?

Speaker 3 Pea stares at Kev.

Speaker 5 Hey! I did. You put it back? Oh my god.

Speaker 6 Let it be, man.

Speaker 5 I thought you took it. I took it.
But you knew how important my dad, man.

Speaker 3 Kev turns to P.

Speaker 5 And you know how important it is to me.

Speaker 6 His dad, dude?

Speaker 5 What about my fucking dad?

Speaker 6 I just. Listen, we'll come up with another plan for school.

Speaker 5 School? We saw how well your plan worked last time, so.

Speaker 6 You don't know, man.

Speaker 5 What does school have to do with the penthouse? What don't I know?

Speaker 3 P looks at Dizzy.

Speaker 5 What don't I know? What the fuck does school have to do with the penthouse? I was gonna show the guys!

Speaker 5 You were going to take my dad's shit to school without asking?

Speaker 5 Sorry, dude.

Speaker 5 Nice.

Speaker 10 I was trying to throw you a bone.

Speaker 3 Kev pushes P.

Speaker 5 Throw me a bone?

Speaker 6 Don't touch me, dude.

Speaker 5 I need you to throw me a bone?

Speaker 6 When's the last time you saw his dad, man? Not everything is about you.

Speaker 3 P tries to push past Kev, but Kev blocks him.

Speaker 5 It is for me! Let me through!

Speaker 3 P tries to brush past again, but Kev pushes him back.

Speaker 10 Let me through, bitch!

Speaker 3 P pushes faster this time, but Kev shoves him back. P stumbles backwards.
He trips down the steps, smacking face first on the concrete.

Speaker 5 Fuck!

Speaker 3 Pea lies motionless. Pea? P moans.

Speaker 3 Dizzy helps him roll into a seated position. Pea feels his forehead.
Blood trickles out under the beanie.

Speaker 5 Dude, I'm so sorry.

Speaker 3 Peace strains to his feet. He uses whatever strength he can muster to pull his shirt taut.
He staggers to the doorway. He looks Kev in the eye.
Kev steps aside. P goes into the

Speaker 5 bathroom.

Speaker 3 The cabinet's wide open, the contents on the floor. Pea unclasps the first aid kit.
He dabs at his face with gauze as Dizzy enters. Kev watches from the doorway.

Speaker 6 Want to go to the dance, Dizzy?

Speaker 5 With you? I don't seem that way.

Speaker 3 P laughs painfully.

Speaker 6 I already have a date.

Speaker 5 You have a date?

Speaker 3 P looks into the reflection of his bleeding face. A dark spot has formed on the purple beanie.

Speaker 6 Bex.

Speaker 5 But

Speaker 5 I was gonna ask her.

Speaker 5 Bex?

Speaker 6 I asked her at the game. She wouldn't have said yes to you anyway.

Speaker 5 Fuck you, dude. You wanted to go with Bex?

Speaker 6 She doesn't like you. Yeah?

Speaker 5 How do you know?

Speaker 6 She doesn't.

Speaker 5 All I wanted was a nude E-Mac to take to school to finally...

Speaker 5 finally be treated like I deserve and not be hidden behind you. But no.
Dizzy's dad might come back. Dizzy's dad, Dizzy's dad, Dizzy's dad.
You wanna know what would happen if Dizzy's dad came back?

Speaker 5 Nothing. Because he ain't coming back next week.
And even if he did, he wouldn't notice one magazine out of the massive stack of porno in there.

Speaker 5 But you took it away from me anyways.

Speaker 5 Let's keep Kev in his place at school. Can't let anyone see that Kev's cool.
Nah. Set him up in front of the whole class and make him look like a fucking idiot.

Speaker 5 You can't even let me go to the dance with Bex even though you ditched her the moment I showed up.

Speaker 5 Of course you weren't man man enough to tell me you already asked her when I told you I loved her.

Speaker 3 Dizzy stares at Kev, breaking. He rushes out of the cramped bathroom and into his room.

Speaker 8 I love her too.

Speaker 5 Isn't that convenient?

Speaker 3 Noises through the walls, shit being thrown. It sounds like Dizzy's crying among all the crashes.

Speaker 5 You should apologize. Don't tell me who to apologize to.
This is all fucked.

Speaker 3 I'm sorry, dude.

Speaker 5 Truly.

Speaker 6 I was gonna tell you, but then you told me you loved her, and

Speaker 6 you're my best friend, man. And I'm yours.

Speaker 10 I'm still here for you. Anything that happens at school, or with your dad, or with...

Speaker 5 God, my fucking dad.

Speaker 5 If you knew, man.

Speaker 5 If you knew.

Speaker 5 He doesn't hate you, you know?

Speaker 5 What?

Speaker 3 Dizzy bursts from the room, crying audibly past the bathroom.

Speaker 5 That asshole loves you. Every day.
Why can't you be like P? Pete's such a good athlete. Maybe he could show you some things.
Bring him around more. Toss the ball around.
P's favorite food is sushi.

Speaker 5 Why don't you love sushi? Fucking

Speaker 5 prick.

Speaker 5 What the fuck is wrong with me?

Speaker 5 What's so much better about you?

Speaker 5 Maybe you should go somewhere else next year.

Speaker 3 P looks toward the open door, then back at Kev.

Speaker 6 I got into St. John's.

Speaker 3 Sounds of a knob jiggling down the hall.

Speaker 5 You leaving?

Speaker 3 P nods, a trickle of blood running from his temple.

Speaker 5 I I can't make it through high school alone. You gotta stay.

Speaker 6 Dizzy cares about you, man.

Speaker 5 Yeah, well

Speaker 5 Dizzy's never gonna be you.

Speaker 3 Dizzy's sobs turn both P and Kev's heads. He stands in the doorway, a bundle of penthouses in his arms.

Speaker 5 He heard.

Speaker 3 Tears stream down his face. He motions the penthouses to Kev.

Speaker 5 God,

Speaker 5 here, take them. They're yours.
I'll tell my dad I took them or it'll be okay. I swear.
It'll work it out. Here, take them.
Take them.

Speaker 3 Dizzy holds the magazines out, sniffling. Kev laughs quietly.

Speaker 5 Maybe this is why my mom killed herself.

Speaker 3 P stares at Kev while Dizzy quietly cries.

Speaker 3 Interior dad's car, evening. Peace stares out the window.
Small purple bandage on his temple. Hair in a tight ponytail.
He's dressed for a dance.

Speaker 3 Jacket, slacks, nice shoes, but a black, my-dying bride shirt pokes through from underneath. He clutches a small yellow rose.

Speaker 4 After the dance, I'd love your opinion on the Wellington. Tester came out perfect, if I do say so.

Speaker 3 P nods.

Speaker 1 Do you think I should have brought a piece for...

Speaker 5 name again?

Speaker 3 Bex, dad. Bex.
We were super close for like six years.

Speaker 6 Bex McDonald?

Speaker 4 Oh, McDonald. Mark's her dad, right?

Speaker 4 Handsome guy. Strong.
He was a tight end in college. You can tell by that wife of his.

Speaker 5 Well, good.

Speaker 4 Now remember, respect, respect, respect. Women always deserve your respect.

Speaker 3 They stop at a red light. P spins the flower, examining it.

Speaker 5 Oh, look at this. Look at this.

Speaker 3 P looks up. A slightly plump woman walks in the crosswalk.

Speaker 4 Bet I know where that cow is going.

Speaker 5 Disgusting.

Speaker 3 Dad motions to the other side, a pizza hut in a strip mall. Peace sighs, shrinks into his seat.
Dad turns to him, smiling.

Speaker 4 I know you wanted your mom to drive you, but I had to do the honors. My son taking a beautiful girl to a dance is a big deal.

Speaker 3 He pats Pea on the leg. The light turns green.

Speaker 4 Remember what the man said. Be a mensch.
Respect and dignity. Every woman deserves both.

Speaker 3 Peace scratches his chin here. He looks out the window as they pass a red light.

Speaker 3 Exterior Bex's house, evening. The red taillights flush with light as the car stops.
P exits. He pulls his shirt taut.
The same for his jacket.

Speaker 3 He climbs the steps, pulls his shirt taut again by the door. He shakes his arm, extending and curling his fingers.
Rings the doorbell. He glances at the car.
Dad gives a thumbs up. The door opens.

Speaker 3 Bex is radiant. She looks him over, smiles.
Is that where we're starting? Oh, sorry. I'll do that again.

Speaker 3 The door opens. Bex is radiant.
She looks him over, smiles.

Speaker 5 Nice shirt. For you?

Speaker 3 P extends the yellow rose. She takes it, admiring it.
He smiles at her. She notices the bandage.

Speaker 5 The fuck happened to your face?

Speaker 6 Always wanted to hear you say that to me. You look beautiful.

Speaker 3 She gazes down.

Speaker 5 Before we go, I.

Speaker 8 You caught me off guard a bit yesterday. I was surprised and just

Speaker 8 it was so out of the blue.

Speaker 6 I wanted to tell you for so long.

Speaker 3 I want to go to the dance with you,

Speaker 3 but I'd like to go as friends. P's smile falls.
He glances at the car. Dad isn't looking.
He pulls his shirt jacket taut.

Speaker 3 Bex puts her hand on his arm.

Speaker 6 I know it wasn't cool that I kind of dropped out of your life. P, hold on.
I know it wasn't cool, but I won't do that again, I promise.

Speaker 5 Good.

Speaker 9 Because I want my best friend back.

Speaker 3 But it's not about you.

Speaker 6 Do you like someone else?

Speaker 3 Not exactly.

Speaker 6 Do you like Kev?

Speaker 3 Bex laughs loudly.

Speaker 5 Kev?

Speaker 8 I'd rather eat a bag of dicks. Than who?

Speaker 3 Bex searches in his eyes, finally.

Speaker 5 I don't like guys.

Speaker 3 P's blank. Then puts it together in a rush.

Speaker 8 You can't tell anyone. You're a lesbo, Anne?

Speaker 3 A lesbo, lesbo, and really?

Speaker 6 At least I didn't shit my pants.

Speaker 5 Bex giggles.

Speaker 6 You're an idiot.

Speaker 5 Don't tell anyone.

Speaker 3 Please? Swear.

Speaker 3 Wow, that feels good.

Speaker 5 Okay, you want to do this?

Speaker 3 Peace studies Bex's happy, relieved face. He gently rubs the purple bandage and smiles, but not out of happiness.

Speaker 6 I think I might actually stay in.

Speaker 5 Correct lines. Yeah, we should.

Speaker 5 Come to grips with that. Yeah.

Speaker 5 This is the end.

Speaker 6 I think I might stay in, actually.

Speaker 10 You sure?

Speaker 8 I'm still gonna go. So if you change your mind.

Speaker 3 P nods. He turns toward the car.
A tear carves down his face toward his chin. It runs by his short whisker, then plummets without turning.

Speaker 6 Bye, Bex.

Speaker 3 Interior dad's car. Moments later, P enters the car.
Bex still stands in the doorway.

Speaker 4 She gained weight.

Speaker 3 Interior P's bathroom later.

Speaker 3 A plate with a barely eaten piece of beef Wellington on the counter. The beef at the center looks perfect and preserved.
P stands in front of the mirror, his jacket and slacks crisp.

Speaker 3 He judges himself. He opens the suicide drawer.
He places each item ceremoniously on the counter: notepad, pen, sunglasses, knife.

Speaker 3 The Zippo gleams as P shuts the drawer with it inside. He writes with conviction in the notepad.

Speaker 5 Ring.

Speaker 3 The cordless phone illuminates. P checks the caller ID.
Pond Hill School. P clicks talk.
Loud music and teenage voices blast out. Whole scene, only P is on screen.

Speaker 5 So you are at home. Yeah.

Speaker 5 Next looks hot.

Speaker 5 Yeah.

Speaker 3 A pause, then.

Speaker 5 Thanks, bro. It takes a real man to step aside like this.

Speaker 3 P doesn't answer.

Speaker 3 Look,

Speaker 5 I'm sorry for how today went down.

Speaker 5 Let's make the rest of this year the best we can before you head to St. John's.
Cool?

Speaker 6 Yeah.

Speaker 6 All right.

Speaker 5 I'm going to go find Vex.

Speaker 5 Wish me luck.

Speaker 3 P hangs up. He writes a final line in the notepad, puts down the pen.
P pulls his tea and jacket taut, eyes himself in the mirror. He shakes his arm, extending and curling his fingers.

Speaker 3 He picks up the knife. He pulls open the longest blade, rotating the knife in his hands.
Ring. The phone rings again.
Caller ID, Pond Hill School.

Speaker 5 We're cool, Kev.

Speaker 8 Bro, thanks, bro. I like totally deserve your best friendship and stuff.

Speaker 6 You okay?

Speaker 6 Yeah.

Speaker 3 Bex waits.

Speaker 6 I'm okay.

Speaker 8 Hey, this might seem silly, but uh...

Speaker 3 Who is that lady? Bex sounds somewhat coy and unsure for the first time.

Speaker 5 Who?

Speaker 3 The tall one you talked to. With the curls and the VCR.

Speaker 3 The pretty one?

Speaker 3 P's face shifts. He meets his reflection's eyes.

Speaker 5 P?

Speaker 6 A friend.

Speaker 3 Bex sighs wistfully.

Speaker 3 She was cool.

Speaker 3 P hangs up.

Speaker 3 He looks himself up and down in the mirror, picks up the knife, brings it toward himself, snaps the blade shut.

Speaker 3 He gathers the notepad, pen, sunglasses, and knife, and exits the bathroom, shutting the door. The empty bathroom is quiet.
The mirror's expanse is barren without a subject.

Speaker 3 Peace been gone too long.

Speaker 3 Finally, the knob turns. P timidly opens the door.
The door's mirror is visible, displaying the DeLorean poster perfectly.

Speaker 3 Standing at the sink, he's surrounded by his reflection in front of him and the DeLorean behind. He drops a folded piece of paper on the counter.

Speaker 3 He wears only underwear, black briefs, and a thin tank-style undershirt.

Speaker 3 A band of flesh between the briefs and the two short singlet. His exposed abdomen trembles in the soft light.
He unfolds the paper. Debbie and Drahiksa gently kiss.

Speaker 3 He studies them quietly, assesses himself.

Speaker 3 He slowly shakes his arm, extending and curling his fingers. It's new this time, light and fluid, graceful.

Speaker 3 He looks transfixed as his arm moves with new life. He watches his arm lightly glide to his razor.

Speaker 3 He delicately shaves his lone whisker till his chin's completely smooth. He touches his face, examining his features softly.

Speaker 3 He gingerly removes the purple bandage. The dull purple bruise no longer bleeds.
He pulls the hair tie from his ponytail. His hair cascades out, a beautiful bounce of curls just above his shoulder.

Speaker 3 He presses his waist inward to narrow it. feigning wider hips, a more feminine look.

Speaker 3 He strokes his smooth leg past the black briefs that in this light with this pose looks undeniably like panties.

Speaker 3 Trailing fingers move delicately up his abdomen. The slight softness and give of the smooth belly rebound effortlessly as the fingers glide past.

Speaker 3 He cups his slightly plump peck. It takes form under the thin shirt.
The echo of a female breast. He presses play on the CD player, skips to track two.

Speaker 3 Holes, Miss World, starts starts to play.

Speaker 3 She continues to examine herself, mesmerized by the surprise her body offers.