Small Block - Act Three

Summary

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Table Read – "Small Block" Act Three

Podcast: Table Read (Manifest Media / TABLE READ)
Episode: Small Block - Act Three
Date: November 25, 2025
Theme: Award-winning coming-of-age drama about friendship, identity, and longing, brought to life by a robust ensemble cast, immersive sound design, and cinematic scoring—a "movie for your ears."

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Episode Overview

This episode plunges us into Act Three of “Small Block,” a sharply-wrought, emotionally-complex narrative following three teenagers—Pete (P), Dizzy, and Kev—on the day of their high school dance. As tensions, secrets, and insecurities among them erupt, their relationships are tested by desire, jealousy, grief, and the powerful need for acceptance. The action unfolds with rich character detail, confronting issues of gender, sexuality, and identity with rawness and humanity, climaxing in moments of pain, reconciliation, and self-discovery.

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Key Discussion Points & Dramatic Moments

1. Morning Unrest: Rivalries and Confessions

• The trio gathers, bantering over ice cream and basketball, but beneath the surface, jealousies simmer.
• Dizzy reveals anxieties over asking Bex to the dance without Kev’s knowledge, knowing Kev’s feelings for her (01:39).
  • Quote (Dizzy, 01:47): “Apparently my best friend Kev’s in love with her and he doesn’t know I asked her to the dance … Kill me. Especially since we’re so close right now.”
• Real-life worries permeate: Dizzy’s guilt about leaving for a new school, and his frustration with his father’s suspicions about his sexuality.
• The adolescent dynamic is raw and authentic; awkward discussions about movie scenes with trans characters and jokes about gender identity expose their confusion and learned bias (see [03:47-04:11]).

2. Friendship Frayed: The Magazine & The Dance

• Tension spikes over a Penthouse magazine, both as a symbol of adolescent bravado and escape from invisibility.
  • Quote (Kev, 07:01): “I’m sick of being invisible. Why doesn’t everyone see that I’m cool? What’s wrong with them?”
• The real matter: both Dizzy and Kev are vying for Bex’s attention, entangling feelings of loyalty, love, and betrayal.
  • Confession (Kev, 07:11): “I know she’s big, but if you could see her like I do … She’s smart, sexy, so goddamn funny … she knows she’s hot shit.”
• Pete tries mediating but is caught in the crossfire of adolescent longing.

3. The DeLorean Ride: Longing for Escape

• Their neighbor, Miss World, arrives with her iconic DeLorean for a promised ride—a brief, cinematic escape echoing Back to the Future (12:31).
  • Quote (Miss World, 12:34): “If my calculations are correct, when this baby hits 88 miles per hour, you’re going to see some serious shit.”
• As they joke about the future, darker currents surface—suicidal ideation, fears about growing older, and references to scenes from Silence of the Lambs and The Crying Game (see [13:05-13:36]).
• Gender and identity continue to be debated, revealing biases and anxieties—but also, Miss World's vulnerability.
  • Quote (Miss World, 13:23): “I used to not like thinking about the future either. But here I am. Here I still am.”

4. Unraveling Encounters: Pranks and Paranoia

• After the ride, an awkward bathroom encounter escalates Miss World’s discomfort as she believes the kids have discovered her trans identity and might call the police (17:01-18:00).
  • Quote (Miss World, 17:05): “Are you trying to keep me here until they come?”
  • Quote (Dizzy, 17:29): “No, that was just ... my friends are idiots.”
• The boys begin to understand the weight and risk Miss World carries daily, leading to a small moment of empathy from Dizzy (19:17).

5. Dangerous Honesty: Fights & Fathers

• Heightened emotions lead to a physical scuffle—Kev pushes Pete, who falls and is injured (22:33-22:42).
• The previously simmering conflict erupts in a heartbreaking fight about Bex, parental absence, and being “left behind.”
  • Quote (Kev, 24:51): “All I wanted was a nudie mag to take to school … to finally be treated like I deserve … but you took it away from me … You can’t even let me go to the dance with Bex, even though you ditched her the moment I showed up … Of course you weren’t man enough to tell me. You already asked her when I told you I loved her.”
  • Quote (Dizzy, 25:05): “I’m still here for you. Anything that happens at school or with your dad …”
• As Dizzy and Pete try to comfort Kev, the pain of Kev’s mother’s suicide and his fraught relationship with his father are exposed (27:19).

6. Dance Preparations: Hope, Respect, and Prejudice

• Pete, injured but dressed for the dance, is driven by his father—a sequence alive with the pressures of masculinity and coded insults.
  • Quote (Dad, 28:33): “Bet I know where that cow is going. Disgusting.”
  • His father's advice on "respect" toward women is undermined by casual bigotry (28:46-29:04).
• The real desire: to belong, to be seen, to be respected, to transcend family cruelties.

7. Bex & Pete: Affirmation and Secrets

• At Bex’s door, Pete tries to rekindle friendship and maybe something more. Bex, however, wants to attend as friends.
  • Coming-out moment (Bex, 31:00): “I don’t like guys.”
  • Pete’s confusion is met with Bex’s relief, and laughter cements their renewed friendship.
  • Quote (Bex, 31:10): “You can’t tell anyone you’re a lesbo Ann … Please. Swear.”
  • Sincere apologies and mutual recognition—two people finally seen by each other.

8. Closing: Self-Acceptance and Vulnerability

• Pete returns home, contemplating suicide—collecting ritual objects, writing, holding the blade. The phone rings; Kev offers imperfect but heartfelt reconciliation (33:13-33:28).
• Bex calls, hinting at the day’s mysteries.
  • Quote (Bex, 34:18): “Who’s that lady? The tall one you talked to with the curls and the VCR. The pretty one.”
  • Pete (34:29): “A friend.”
• The act ends with Pete engaging in a gentle, private exploration of his own femininity—removing makeup, hair ties, shaving, caressing his body, experimenting with presentation, and finally listening to Hole’s “Miss World” (35:11).
  • A profound moment of silent self-recognition and self-love closes Act Three.

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Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• Dizzy on friendship and secrets:
  “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 a whole few hours to do it. Kill me.” (01:47)
• Kev on visibility:
  “I’m sick of being invisible. Why doesn’t everyone see that I’m cool? What’s wrong with them?” (07:01)
• Miss World, philosophical:
  “If my calculations are correct, when this baby hits 88 miles per hour, you’re going to see some serious shit.” (12:34)
• Miss World, vulnerable:
  “I used to not like thinking about the future either. But here I am. Here I still am.” (20:23)
• Kev, parental wound:
  “Maybe this is why my mom killed herself.” (27:19)
• Pete’s Dad, toxic advice:
  “Taking a beautiful girl to a dance is a big deal.” (28:46)
• Bex, coming out:
  “I don’t like guys.” (31:00)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• The Dance Dilemma: 01:20–02:30
• Bathroom Confessions/Friendship Dynamics: 05:53–08:22
• DeLorean Ride and Futures: 12:00–14:00
• Miss World’s Fear & Empathy: 17:01–18:45
• Physical Fight/Betrayal Revealed: 22:25–24:56
• Pete’s Dance Prep with Toxic Dad: 27:46–29:04
• Bex’s Coming Out/Mutual Acceptance: 31:00–31:40
• Pete’s Private Self-Discovery and Resolution: 34:41–end

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Memorable Moments

• The excited rush for the DeLorean, Miss World channeling Doc Brown, and the subsequent emotional fallout when the thrill is over.
• The heartbreak of Kev feeling left behind and betrayed by both friends and family, culminating in a physical altercation and emotional spiraling.
• Miss World’s brief, aching vulnerability—the adult echo of the kids’ confusion and fear about gender, identity, and being outed.
• Pete’s nuanced, wordless journey from the threat of self-harm to gentle affirmation as he explores his feminine self, hinting at a path forward.

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Tone and Language

The language is raw, authentic, emotionally-charged, laced with adolescent bravado, black humor, and moments of poetic sincerity. Sensitive content relating to gender, sexuality, and mental health is approached through the unfiltered—sometimes problematic—lens of 1980s/90s teens but earns its emotional payoff through vulnerability and empathy.

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Summary

“Small Block: Act Three” is an intense, beautifully acted audio drama about the courage to be vulnerable and true—before friends, family, and oneself. Through fights, confessions, and moments of silence, the story explores the messiness of coming of age, navigating love, jealousy, gender, and the desperate desire to be seen. By episode’s end, listeners are left with both ache and hope: these characters may not have all the answers, but their longing for acceptance—of others and themselves—feels urgent and real. This isn’t just a podcast episode—it’s cinematic storytelling for the soul.

Transcript

[Narrator]

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[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Smallblock Written by Ashley Lauren thank you for listening to Smallblock. Please note that there is adult language throughout that is not suitable for young listeners. Furthermore, there are a few items that might be triggering for some readers. These include suicidal ideation, discussion, transphobic language, homophobic language, minor instances of fatphobic language. All phobic language is used intentionally for thematic reasons. It is not used without thought or due to either naivete or bigotry. Thank you again for listening to Small Block. Now on to the show.

[Pete (P)]

Everybody got enough to eat?

[Kev]

Yep.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Yes.

[Pete (P)]

Does everybody have ice cream?

[Dizzy]

Yeah, not yet.

[Pete (P)]

If you didn't have an ice cream, are you sad because everybody else had one?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Yes.

[Kev]

Use that in the script.

[Dizzy]

Use your disappointment Yesterday did not go how I planned the good we ran into Miss World again and she promised to give us a ride today.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Woo.

[Dizzy]

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

[Kev]

I love her.

[Dizzy]

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. But I have a whole few hours to do it. Kill me. 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, I've never really talked to anyone about that. 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. Hopefully Bex and I can be cool again before I go to that uptight all boys jerk factory. 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.

[Pete (P)]

Fuck yes.

[Dizzy]

Finally, I need something fun and uncomplicated.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Act 3 interior Dizzy's room Morning. P wakes up alone. Q Lazarus Goodbye Horses plays faintly. He looks at the tv. The dance scene from the Silence of the Lambs. Buffalo Bill, Penis tucked dances in his own skin. Noise outside. Pete pulls back the curtains. Kev and Dizzy play basketball. Back to normal. He checks the time. 10:45. Only about eight hours till the dance. Exterior, Dizzy's driveway Minutes later P exits the house with a Dr. Pepper. Dizzy, shirtless, tosses Kev the basketball.

[Pete (P)]

Kev Mrs. That's K. You're a cock, motherfucker.

[Dizzy]

Got a sec?

[Kev]

After I exact my revenge.

[Pete (P)]

Bring it. I ain't leaving this driveway until I'm in a DeLorean.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Dizzy swishes three, looks to the road, checks his watch.

[Pete (P)]

Four minutes. I love those doors. The weird ass tail lights. The frame was actually inspired by a Lotus Esprit. It was gonna have a rotary engine like the RX7, which would have been sweet. The car's underpowered, but whatever looks so goddamn cool. Three minutes.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P shakes his arm, extending and curling his fingers.

[Dizzy]

Why is silence and lambs on Kevin?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Dizzy laugh.

[Kev]

You dissed the part in Naked Gun last night where Anna Nicole Smith had a dick.

[Dizzy]

The fuck?

[Kev]

You fell asleep full on gonzo nose cock. Should have rented the Crying Game. Would have had the trifecta.

[Dizzy]

Einhorn or Anna.

[Kev]

Anna got those thighs and those boobs. Thick ass dick or no dick.

[Pete (P)]

Whatever.

[Kev]

Of course, if she had a dick, y' all would never hear about it.

[Pete (P)]

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

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

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

[Kev]

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

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

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

[Pete (P)]

Dude, please. My dad will beat my ass.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

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

[Pete (P)]

Mom, thank God you're here.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Gideon, I need your help. The color drains from Dizzy's face. Won't take long, I promise.

[Pete (P)]

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.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Uncle Chris.

[Pete (P)]

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

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

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

[Pete (P)]

The DeLorean here as long as possible.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

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

[Kev]

Can we talk about Bex inside? Ms. World will blast something heavy. We'll hear it.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

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. Kev turns to the toilet paper bookmark. Debbie and Trixa.

[Kev]

You like the Lesbos kissing, huh?

[Dizzy]

It's soft somehow. Intimate. Not like a guy kissing a girl.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

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

[Kev]

How about some girl straight up worshipping your cock?

[Dizzy]

Listen, about Bex. I want you to be happy. I want nothing more. For everyone in the class to see you like I do. But I just.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Kev juggles the magazine in his hands, feeling its weight.

[Kev]

I'm gonna bring this to school, blow everyone's minds. James, Rob, Zack, 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. You'll know my name, asshole.

[Dizzy]

You gonna ask Dizzy? His dad will kill him.

[Kev]

My dad says asking forgiveness is better than asking permission.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P stands in the open bathroom door, craning his neck to hear.

[Kev]

Don't take it, Dizzy over me, huh?

[Dizzy]

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

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Kev looks P straight in the eye.

[Kev]

That's every day of my life.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Kev shuts the magazine.

[Kev]

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

[Dizzy]

You've only been here one year. It takes time. But listen, me and Bex.

[Kev]

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. I gotta be me.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

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

[Kev]

You really never knew?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P shakes his head.

[Dizzy]

Thought you were all about Carla.

[Kev]

You heard Tizzy. Carla Gugino's famous. I'm nobody. Geez. That's for you guys. When I'm alone. I think about Bex. Can't stop thinking about Bex. At first I think I was worried about losing you. So I kept comparing us and I was like, why would P ever pick me over her? She's smart, sexy, so goddamn funny. She doesn't take shit from anyone, ain't afraid of anyone. I mean, fuck, that's so hot. She wouldn't care for one second what the guy said about her. She knows she's hot shit. Plus you used to be super close with her. And you, well, that's hell of an endorsement. I thought maybe you two could be friends again if we weren't together.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Kev paces nervously.

[Pete (P)]

Fuck it.

[Kev]

I'm gonna ask her for the dance. You think it's too late? She probably hates me. You think she hates me? She probably hates me. 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?

[Dizzy]

Uh, yeah. Yeah.

[Kev]

Thank God you fucked up your interviews, man. High school without you would be I'm glad I can be myself with you, man.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Kev grabs the penthouse.

[Kev]

You mind? I got a shit.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Interior, Dizzy's room Moments later Pete ambles into the room dazed. He pulls the blinds, opens the window. Cool breeze briefly rustles in. The driveway's empty. The air is quiet. 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. He shuts the yearbook, takes out the lyrics from last night. The breeze rustles the paper. P looks outside gray. He hums a melody but it's not right.

[Dizzy]

Something, something I gotta know the warmth to feel the sun. Covert love pumps blood through chambers My heart's a concealed gut Fuck. That's terrible. Fucking awful.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

He rolls onto his back, holding the page above him, searching. A dark spot shines through from the back. P flips it over. On the side, Dizzy drew a heart with Kev inside it. Whoa. P's shocked. 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. 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. Exterior Dizzy's driveway Few moments later he tosses the crumpled paper in the trash can Mrs. D pulls into the driveway. Dizzy hops out before the car's fully stopped. He rushes to pee, trying to remain calm. So Kev exits the house as Mrs. D pulls away. Dizzy Wheels Mom.

[Kev]

Wait.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Mrs. D is already down the street.

[Kev]

She came, bro. It was awesome.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P watches Dizzy's face subtly contort with emotion.

[Dizzy]

She didn't come yet, man. You didn't miss it.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Dizzy drops to his knees, overcome.

[Kev]

Bro, you ruined it.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Dizzy looks up at Kev, absolutely wrecked. Quietly.

[Pete (P)]

Why'd you fuck with me, prick?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P's eyes move slowly from Dizzy to Kev. He runs into the house.

[Kev]

Come on. You still love me, friends.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Kev offers a hand to Dizzy, who slaps it away. 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. It lands in the center of the driveway. He exits with a Sprite for Dizzy.

[Pete (P)]

I wish this bitch would get here.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

He throws his Judas Priest tee down, grabs the basketball.

[Kev]

I wish you'd stop being a bitch.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

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

[Pete (P)]

Me first. Please.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Miss World laughs.

[Miss World]

Let me meet your parents.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Dizzy's face falls. P looks at him sympathetically. Interior DeLorean Short time later, the DeLorean roars throatily as it hurls down the street. Scattered leaves rustle in its wake.

[Kev]

Yeah.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

The boys scream excitedly, sits in front. Kevin, Dizzy kneel in the small rear bulkhead. Ms. World eyes them. P feels the car accelerate. Ms. World focuses ahead.

[Miss World]

You want to see the future, boys?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

They laugh.

[Miss World]

If my calculations are correct, when this baby hits 88 miles per hour, you're going to see some serious shit.

[Pete (P)]

Faster.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

The DeLorean tears down the wide street. A perfect Runway. Engine strains louder. P watches the speedometer. 45, 50, 57.

[Miss World]

What do you want to see, Dizzy?

[Pete (P)]

My car collection.

[Kev]

Kev birth my son.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

The car zooms faster. P. P doesn't answer. 75p.p braces tense and nervous.

[Dizzy]

I don't like to think about the future.

[Miss World]

Worried about what you'd see?

[Kev]

Probably worried he'll be dead.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

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

[Kev]

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

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

He laughs like you idiot.

[Dizzy]

He only kills women.

[Kev]

You're gonna rub that lotion all over your skin. You don't want that hose.

[Pete (P)]

You're the one that wants to fuck Einhorn.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Miss World's brows furrow.

[Kev]

Boys, Buffalo Bill is a dude that sews skin clothing. Einhorn is a chick with a dick. Big difference.

[Pete (P)]

Still a man.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Really.

[Dizzy]

Let's not dono, bro. It's in the name. Chicks with dicks. Chicks. Women.

[Pete (P)]

You wouldn't feel that way if you pulled off some girl's panties and boom. Massive dong in your face.

[Miss World]

What's your dream car collection?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Dizzy lights up.

[Pete (P)]

I'll have one of these for sure.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P. Looks at his reflection in the side mirror. 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 boys exit the car.

[Dizzy]

Time 206.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

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

[Pete (P)]

You want a drink or anything?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

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

[Miss World]

Where's the nearest gas station?

[Pete (P)]

About 10 minutes from here.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

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

[Pete (P)]

You gotta pee.

[Miss World]

I can make it 10 minutes.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

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

[Pete (P)]

Wait. Don't leave. Please. I want to get a picture with it.

[Miss World]

I really have to go.

[Pete (P)]

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.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

She assesses him cautiously. In an almost pained whisper. He pleads innocently, please. 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.

[Pete (P)]

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

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

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

[Pete (P)]

Take my picture, Pete.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P. Turns about to talk to Kev.

[Dizzy]

Give me a second.

[Pete (P)]

He's about to leave. Now or never.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

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

[Pete (P)]

Get one with me and Kev.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Kev joins Dizzy at the car. P. Snaps 1.

[Dizzy]

Hold on.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

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. 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. P checks a couple other drawers. Nothing. He remembers. First aid kit he walks toward Dizzy's bathroom door, reaches for the knob. He's about to grab it when he notices the door's closed, the lights on and the fans running. Miss World. 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. INTERIOR dizzy's PARENTS BATHROOM CONTINUOUS Inside THE bathroom the door opens quickly. P steps in, stops dead. His face contorts in shock and embarrassment.

[Dizzy]

I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

He quickly shuts the door. EXTERIOR dizzy's PARENTS BATHROOM 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.

[Dizzy]

I didn't know you were in that bathroom.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

I swear. No answer after a few moments.

[Miss World]

Did you call the cops?

[Dizzy]

What?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

The door cracks open.

[Miss World]

Are you trying to keep me here until they come?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

PI looks genuinely confused.

[Dizzy]

Why would I call the cops?

[Miss World]

Come on. The crying game yesterday and then all that stuff in the car about silence of the lambs and chicks with dicks. That wasn't a casual conversation you just have in front of someone you've just met.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P laughs momentarily, but stops himself.

[Dizzy]

No, that was just My friends are idiots.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

He pauses, smile dropping.

[Dizzy]

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

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

The door opens more.

[Miss World]

I pee a lot now. Side effect.

[Dizzy]

Why didn't you use the other one?

[Miss World]

It smelled.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P hovers near the door. Ms. World looks embarrassed and scared. Her voice is quiet. P. Yeah?

[Miss World]

May I please leave?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Ps mouth drops slightly open as he finally realizes he's inadvertently trapping her. EXTERIOR dizzy's DRIVEWAY A couple minutes later Dizzy talks to kev by the Delorean.

[Pete (P)]

Honestly, even in 81 there were faster and better cars. But the cool thing with the DMC12.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Is the front door opens. Ms. 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. He walks toward her.

[Kev]

Damn, my stomach.

[Dad]

Again.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Kev exits. 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.

[Pete (P)]

You never see these cars outside of the movies. They were only made for a couple years. There were three model years. 81, 83. But production was only for two. Same time we were all born. And you know there's others out there, thousands of them. But you never see them in person. 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.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Dizzy gazes into Miss World's red ringed eyes.

[Pete (P)]

Thank you. This was a really incredible day.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Miss World exhales. 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 Pete exits the house, p hands miss world a Dr. Pepper and a Kleenex for the road.

[Dizzy]

I didn't mess with him or anything.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

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.

[Miss World]

What's the hardest thing you've ever had to do?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Pictures.

[Dizzy]

Liv.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

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.

[Pete (P)]

Same.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Her eyes remain fixed on the cloudless gray expanse.

[Miss World]

I used to not like thinking about the future either. But here I am. Here I still am.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P nods, clearly affected as Miss World opens the DeLorean and steps mostly inside.

[Dizzy]

You met the girl I like at the video store. Bex. She said yes.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Miss World stops, unable to move for a second, her eyes well, the faintest tinge of a smile. Then she pulls the gullwing door closed with a thunk. Exterior Dizzy's driveway. Moments later, the DeLorean starts up a thick rumble. Dizzy approaches P. What the hell did.

[Pete (P)]

You say to her before?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

The DeLorean drives away.

[Kev]

Yo, P. Can we talk for a sec?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Kev's in the doorway. P runs over. Kev speaks quietly.

[Kev]

Where's the penthouse?

[Dizzy]

I don't know.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Kev's still quiet, but louder than before.

[Kev]

Dude, where's the fucking penthouse?

[Pete (P)]

You showed it to him.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

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

[Pete (P)]

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

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P stares at Kev.

[Kev]

Hey, I did you put it back.

[Pete (P)]

Thank God.

[Dizzy]

Let it be, man.

[Pete (P)]

I thought you took it.

[Kev]

I took it.

[Pete (P)]

But you knew how important my dad, man.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Kev turns to pee and you Know.

[Kev]

How important it is to me?

[Dizzy]

His dad?

[Kev]

Dude, what about my fucking dad?

[Dizzy]

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

[Pete (P)]

School?

[Kev]

We saw how well your plan worked last time.

[Dizzy]

So you don't know, man, what does.

[Pete (P)]

School have to do with the penthouse?

[Kev]

What don't I know?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P looks at Dizzy.

[Kev]

What don't I know?

[Pete (P)]

What the fuck does school have to do with the penthouse?

[Kev]

I was gonna show the guys.

[Pete (P)]

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

[Kev]

Sorry, dude. Nice.

[Dizzy]

I was trying to throw you a bone.

[Kev]

Kev pushes P. Throw me a bone.

[Dizzy]

Don't touch me. Dude.

[Kev]

I need you to throw me a bone.

[Dizzy]

When's the last time you saw his dad? Man, not everything is about you.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

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

[Kev]

It is for me.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Let me through. P tries to brush past again, but Kev pushes him back.

[Dizzy]

Let me through.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

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

[Pete (P)]

Fuck.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P lies motionless. P. P moans. Dizzy helps him roll into a seated position. P feels his forehead. Blood trickles out under the beanie.

[Kev]

Dude, I'm so sorry.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P 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. Pete goes into the bathroom. The cabinet's wide open, the contents on the floor. Pete unclasps the first aid kit. He dabs at his face with gauze as Dizzy enters. Kev watches from the doorway.

[Dizzy]

Want to go to the dance, Dizzy?

[Pete (P)]

With you? I don't swing that way.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P laughs painfully.

[Dizzy]

I already have a date.

[Kev]

You have a date?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

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

[Kev]

But I was gonna ask her.

[Pete (P)]

Bex.

[Dizzy]

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

[Kev]

Fuck you, dude.

[Pete (P)]

You wanted to go with Bex.

[Dizzy]

She doesn't like you.

[Kev]

Yeah? How do you know she doesn't? All I wanted was a nudie Mac to take to school. To finally. 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? 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, but you took it away from me. Anyways, 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. You can't even let me go to the dance with Bex, even though you ditched her the moment I showed up. Of course you weren't man enough to tell me. You already asked her when I told you I loved her.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

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

[Dizzy]

I love her too.

[Kev]

Isn't that convenient?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

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

[Dizzy]

You should apologize.

[Kev]

Don't tell me who to apologize to.

[Dizzy]

This is all fucked. I'm sorry, dude. Truly. I was gonna tell you, but then you told me you loved her and you're my best friend, man. And I'm yours. I'm still here for you. Anything that happens at school or with your dad. Or with dad.

[Kev]

God, my fucking dad. If you knew, man. If you knew. He doesn't hate you. You know what?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

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

[Kev]

An asshole loves you every day. Why can't you be like Pete? 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. Why don't you love sushi? Fucking prick. What the fuck is wrong with me? What's so much better about you? Maybe you should go somewhere else next year.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

PI looks toward the open door, then back at Kev.

[Dizzy]

I got into St. John's Sounds of.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

A knob jiggling down the hall.

[Kev]

You're leaving?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

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

[Kev]

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

[Dizzy]

Dizzy cares about you, man.

[Kev]

Yeah, well, Dizzy's never gonna be you.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Dizzy's sobs turn both P and Kev's heads. He stands in the doorway, a bundle of penthouses in his arms. He heard tears stream down his face. He motions the penthouses to Kevin.

[Pete (P)]

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

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

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

[Kev]

Maybe this is why my mom killed herself.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P stares at Kev while Dizzy quietly cries. Interior Dad's car. Evening. Pete stares out the window, small purple bandage on his temple hair in a tight ponytail. He's dressed for a dance jacket, slacks, nice shoes. But a black My Dying Bride shirt pokes through from underneath. He clutches a small yellow rose.

[Dad]

After the dance, I'd love your opinion on the Wellington tester. Came out perfect, if I do say so.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P nods.

[Dad]

Do you think I should have brought a piece for name again?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Bex.

[Dizzy]

Dad. Bex. We were super close for like six years. Bex McDonald.

[Dad]

Oh, McDonald. Mark's her dad, right? Handsome guy. Strong. He was a tight end in college. You can tell by that wife of his. Well, good. Now remember, respect. Respect, Respect. Women always deserve your respect.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

They stop at a red light. Pea spins the flower, examining it.

[Dad]

Oh, look at this. Look at this.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

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

[Dad]

Bet I know where that cow is going. Disgusting.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Dad motions to the other side. A Pizza Hut in a strip mall. P sighs, shrinks into his seat. Dad turns to him, smiling.

[Dad]

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.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

He pats P on the leg. The light turns green.

[Dad]

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

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P scratches his chin. Here. He looks out the window as they pass a red light. 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. 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. Bex is radiant. She looks him over, smiles. Is that where we started? I'm sorry. I'll do that again. The door opens. Bex is radiant. She looks him over, smiles.

[Dizzy]

Nice shirt. For you.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

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

[Dizzy]

The fuck happened to your face? Always wanted to hear you say that to me. You look beautiful.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

She gazes down.

[Dizzy]

Before we go, I. You caught me off guard a bit yesterday. I was surprised and just. It was so out of the blue. I wanted to tell you for so long. I want to go to the dance with you. But I'd like to go as friends.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P's smile falls. He glances at the car. Dad isn't looking. He pulls his shirt jacket taut. Bex puts her hand on his arm.

[Dizzy]

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. Good. Because I want my best friend back. But it's not about you. Do you like someone else? Not exactly. Do you like Kev?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Bex laughs loudly. Kev?

[Dizzy]

I'd rather eat a bag of dicks.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Then who? Bex searches in his eyes. Finally.

[Dizzy]

I don't like guys.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Pees blank, then puts it together in a rush.

[Dizzy]

You can't tell anyone you're a lesbo Ann. A lesbo Ann?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Really?

[Dizzy]

At least I didn't shit my pants.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Beck's giggles.

[Dizzy]

You're an idiot. Don't tell anyone.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Please. Swear.

[Dizzy]

Wow.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

That feels good.

[Dizzy]

Okay.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

You want to do this? P studies Bex's happy, relieved face. He gently rubs the purple bandage and smiles. But not out of happiness.

[Dizzy]

I think I might actually stay in. Do it again. Do it again.

[Kev]

Just one last time. Just correct lines. Yeah, it's cold. Come to grips with that. This is the end.

[Dizzy]

I think I might stay in, actually. You sure? I'm still gonna go. So if you change your mind.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

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.

[Dizzy]

Bye, Bex.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Interior, Dad's car Moments later P enters the car. Beck still stands in the doorway.

[Dad]

She gained weight.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Interior, P's bathroom Later. 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. He judges himself. He opens the suicide drawer. He places each item ceremoniously on the counter. Notepad, pen, sunglasses, knife. The Zippo gleams as P shuts the drawer with it. Inside. He writes with conviction in the notepad ring. 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.

[Kev]

So you are at home?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Yeah.

[Kev]

Max looks hard.

[Dizzy]

Yeah.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

A pause. Then.

[Kev]

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

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

He doesn't answer.

[Kev]

Look, I'm sorry for how today went down. Let's make the rest of this year the best we can before you head to St. John's cool?

[Dizzy]

Yeah.

[Kev]

All right. I'm gonna go find Bex. Wish me luck.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

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

[Dizzy]

We're cool.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Kevin, bro.

[Dizzy]

Thanks, bro. I like totally deserve your best friendship and stuff. You okay? Yeah.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Bex waits.

[Dizzy]

I'm okay. Hey, this might seem silly, but who is that lady?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Beck sounds somewhat coy and unsure for the first time.

[Dizzy]

Who? The tall one you talked to with the curls and the vcr. The pretty one.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

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

[Dizzy]

P. A friend.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Bex sighs wistfully.

[Dizzy]

She was cool.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P hangs up. He looks himself up and down in the mirror, picks up the knife, brings it toward himself, snaps the blade shut. 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. Pete's been gone too long. Finally, the knob turns. P timidly opens the door. The door's mirror is visible, displaying the DeLorean poster perfectly 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. He wears only underwear, black briefs and a thin tank style undershirt. A band of flesh between the briefs and the too short singlet. His exposed abdomen trembles in the soft light. He unfolds the paper. Debbie and Drahixa gently kiss. He studies them quietly assesses himself. He slowly shakes his arm, extending and curling his fingers. It's new this time, light and fluid, graceful. He looks transfixed as his arm moves with new life. He watches his arm lightly glide to his razor. He delicately shaves his lone whisker till his chin's completely smooth. He touches his face, examining his features softly. 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. He presses his waist inward to narrow it, feigning wider hips, a more feminine look. He strokes his smooth leg past the black briefs that in this light, with this pose, looks undeniably like panties. Trailing fingers move delicately up his abdomen. The slight softness and give of the smooth belly rebound effortlessly as the fingers glide past. He cups his slightly plump pec. It takes form under the thin shirt, the echo of a female breast. He presses play on the CD player, skips to track two. Hole's Miss World starts to play. She continues to examine herself, mesmerized by the surprise her body offers.