Small Block - Act Two

Summary

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Table Read – "Small Block" Act Two

Podcast by Manifest Media / TABLE READ
Episode Date: November 18, 2025

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Overview

In this dynamic audio drama episode, "Small Block – Act Two," listeners are immersed in the raw, intense, and often humorous lives of Pete (P), Bex, Kev, Dizzy, and their circle as they navigate the turbulent world of adolescence. Capturing the experiences of friendship, identity, masculinity, love, and longing in 90s suburbia, this act hones in on the fallout from previous difficult moments, the anticipation of homecoming, and the strained, shifting bonds between teen friends. With an ensemble cast and cinematic soundscape, the episode’s dialogue balances biting wit, vulnerability, and nostalgia, including candid depictions of growing pains, awkward flirtations, family pressures, and adolescent bravado.

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Key Discussion Points & Scene Highlights

1. Fallout: Broken Trust and Banter

• Pete reflects on his recent "dark thoughts" and how things have not worked out as planned with both best friends, Bex (former) and Kev (current).
  • “Oh hey, cool you’re back. I’m glad I changed my mind about my dark thoughts. For the moment at least. But now Bex, my former best friend, is super pissed at me.” (Pete, 01:26)
• The friend group debates attending the homecoming dance. Tensions linger as P wants to go, Kev resists, and Dizzy pushes for group solidarity.

2. Awkward Mornings, Confrontations & the Search for Perfection

• Lighthearted yet barbed dialogue reveals cracks in friendships, anxieties about masculinity, and family pressure.
• Dizzy, agitated by the loss of a Penthouse magazine, confronts P and Kev, upending P’s backpack and exposing a yearbook and a “Kleenex bookmark.”
  • “All 57 issues need to be.” (Dizzy, 04:31)
  • “P. Dude, are you racking off to the yearbook?” (Kevin, 05:06)
• Underlying this is Dizzy’s anxiety about order and fear of parental disappointment—a theme mirrored throughout:
  • “Everything needs to be fucking perfect or my dad will be pissed.” (Dizzy, 04:36)

3. At Planet VHS – Humiliation and Reconciliation Attempts

• The trio’s trip to the video store is full of familiar teenage antics—rowdy jokes, sexual overtones, suggestive jabs, and banter about music and movies.
• Bex works behind the counter, verbally jousting with P about his ice cream-stained shirt:
  • “Looks like Kev dumped a load on your chest.” (Bex, 08:44)
  • “VHS stands for Very Hospitable Service.” (Bex, recurring, 08:50 & 14:41)
• P seeks to make amends with Bex, awkwardly attempting to explain himself after recent events—yet Bex deflects and the tension remains.
  • “That wasn’t me yesterday. I mean it was obviously me, but not like the real me. The real me wouldn’t do that.” (Pete, 11:37)
  • “Guess this one isn’t the real you either, right?” (Bex, 12:22)

4. Chatting with Ms. World and the DeLorean

• Interaction with the intriguing “Ms. World” and her DeLorean adds a tone of adolescent awe and aspiration.
• Dizzy’s obsession with the car stands in contrast to Kev’s more sarcastic commentary.

5. “The Crying Game” and Themes of Identity & Discovery

• A conversation about “The Crying Game” soundtrack and “shocking” movie moments turns crude and transphobic; Ms. World’s presence prompts a sense of being overheard and perhaps a challenge to the group’s attitudes.
  • Notable quote: “She Hot dick should be on Dudes Plus. … But then the camera keeps going down and she has a fucking dick.” (Dizzy, 15:29)
• Fluctuating lines about sexual identity, outcasts, and fitting in are woven into the scene.

6. Homecoming Game – Rivalries and Validation

• The boys play football in street clothes while varsity teams dominate the main field.
• The group dynamic is competitive, laced with insults and pride. Physical mishaps serve as a catalyst for male camaraderie and insecurity.
  • “Those St. John’s faggots are gonna blitz.” (Kevin, 20:49)
  • “Guess there is always room [for jello].” (Dizzy to a heavier player, 23:04)
• Triumph on the field is both exhilarating and hollow, as validation is fleeting and tied closely to image and dominance.

7. Parent Dynamics: Masculinity, Girls, and Social Pressure

• P’s dad embodies traditional, performative masculinity, offering outdated advice about girls, football, and social worth.
  • “Could be you next year. Girls love football players. Hopefully you’ll be on the other side, though.” (Dad, 25:55)
  • “You gotta be courteous to women. Be a mensch, right?” (Dad, 30:34)
• The awkward, almost slapstick way P’s father tries to assess P’s sexual orientation is both comical and revealing:
  • “You can be anything these days. … Not that there would be anything wrong with—” (Dad, 27:56)

8. P & Bex: Much-Needed Connection

• In a sweet, nostalgic turn, P and Bex revisit their shared history—waterpark memories, simple joys, musical aspirations.
  • “I missed you.” (Pete, 33:35)
  • “Will you go to the dance with me?” (Pete, 33:43)
• Bex’s acceptance (“Okay, the dance.” Bex, 34:16) is staged amidst fireworks, marking a small victory for P and reclaiming a piece of innocence.

9. Friendship Fractures: Jealousy, Love, and Insecurity

• Kev’s jealousy over P and Bex simmers and finally boils over:
  • “Every time I turn my back for a fucking second, you run to her.” (Kevin, 35:07)
  • “Do you even like me anymore?” (Kevin, 35:23)
  • “I love her, dude. I love her, okay?” (Kevin, 35:37)
• The pain of adolescent love triangles, yearning for validation, and fear of abandonment pervade these exchanges.

10. Nightfall: Late-Night Vulnerabilities

• Scenes of gaming and late-night band practice morph into moments of honesty about trauma, loss (Kev’s mother), and the struggle to “feel the sun” or happiness.
• P’s Cabbage Patch story is particularly poignant, reflecting the episode’s prevailing sense of longing and melancholy:
  • “That was the first time I remember feeling the gray. … Maybe Kurt couldn’t remember either. Maybe all he knew was cold. You gotta know warmth to feel the sun.” (Pete, 49:28)
  • “Write that down … sick fucking lyric.” (Kevin, 49:47)
• The friends attempt to sooth wounds with music, food, and fleeting laughter, their future uncertain.

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Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• “You want her to hang with us now? Maybe next time you two can have a heart to heart and you can tell her how super nice I am.” (Kevin, 03:43)
• “Ever consider how tiresome it is hearing gay shit from you all the time?” (Pete, 07:57)
• “VHS stands for Very Hospitable Service.” (Bex, 08:50 & 14:41)
• “Welcome to every night at my house.” (Kevin, 48:05)
• “That was the first time I remember feeling the gray. … You gotta know warmth to feel the sun.” (Pete, 49:28)
• “Write that down … sick fucking lyric.” (Kevin, 49:47)

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Important Timestamps

• 01:26: Pete’s opening reflection—sets personal stakes and current rifts.
• 04:47–05:19: Dizzy’s outburst; exposure of Pete’s yearbook.
• 08:44–14:46: At Planet VHS: embarrassment, banter, Bex interaction.
• 20:15–23:04: Homecoming football game and fallout.
• 25:55–30:34: Pete’s interactions with his dad about masculinity and social life.
• 33:43–34:16: Pete proposes the dance to Bex; fireworks scene.
• 35:07–35:52: Kev confronts Pete about his friendship with Bex (“I love her, dude.”).
• 49:28–49:47: P’s “gray” Cabbage Patch Kid story—lynchpin of emotional tone.
• 52:25: Episode ends with uncertain hope and camaraderie.

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Tone & Style

• Language: Unfiltered, deeply colloquial, veering between biting, comic, and deeply vulnerable.
• Atmosphere: Dense with 90s pop culture, angst, bravado, and longing.
• Format: Scripted reading—dialogue-driven, peppered with emotional asides, moments of raw vulnerability, and black humor.

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Final Thoughts

Act Two of "Small Block" vividly captures the complexity of adolescence—brutal honesty, desperate posturing, searching for connection, and the incessant need to matter. Balancing sharp wit and heartfelt moments, the episode’s characters are achingly real, their flaws and hopes rendered with clarity and cinematic flair. Whether through music, confessions, or confrontation, each moment propels them all a little closer and a little further apart at once—leaving the listener eager for the next act.

Transcript

[Narrator/Announcer]

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[Narrator/Stage Directions]

App Store Smallblock Written by Ashley Lauren thank you for listening to Small Block. 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 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 Smallblock. Now onto the show.

[Pete (P)]

Oh hey, cool you're back. I'm glad I changed my mind about my dark thoughts. For the moment at least. But now Bex, my former best friend, is super pissed at me.

[Bex]

Well, yeah. Is that cause I'm a girl? What kind of question is that?

[Pete (P)]

Plus I totally let Kev, my current best friend, down during the battle of the sexes. It's not the way I envisioned things going.

[Kevin (Kev)]

Yeah, you think?

[Pete (P)]

At least we get to spend homecoming weekend at our friend and bandmates Dizzy's house. We're still fighting over whether or not to go to the dance though. Not that any of us have dates yet.

[Dizzy]

It'll be fun. We should go.

[Kevin (Kev)]

Definitely not going.

[Pete (P)]

I'd like to go. But anyway, we just met Ms. World and her sick DeLorean man. I hope he gets a ride in it. I could use a win, especially with my dad on me about girls in.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

St. John's Act 2 interior, Dizzy's room. Morning sun streams in. P awakens top bunk. Alone in the room, he listens. Nothing. He quietly slips the yearbook from under his pillow. A Kleenex sticks out a makeshift bookmark. He opens to Bex smiling with the butterfly. He gazes fondly. He glances at the DeLorean poster on the wall, then back to Bex. He trials different ways to ask her the big question.

[Pete (P)]

Do you want to go to the dance with me? Do you want to go to the dance with me? Do you want to go to the dance with me? Do you want to go to the dance with me?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Through the wall toilet flush faucet. P quickly returns the Kleenex with Bex and shoves the yearbook under his pillow. Kev enters from the bathroom, an unopened but sweating Sprite in hand, backpack in the other.

[Pete (P)]

What about Coma at my funeral?

[Kevin (Kev)]

Wouldn't make sense. You're not killing yourself.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Kev opens the Sprite, sips. P reaches Kev, passes him the can.

[Kevin (Kev)]

You'll probably like die surrounded by your hot wife and perfect kids.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Pete takes a long drink, returns the can. He adjusts his purple beanie worn through the night.

[Pete (P)]

You know, the dance might not be so bad.

[Kevin (Kev)]

Please, I'm not gonna be the dateless loser in the corner with his other dateless loser friends while Bex laughs at me.

[Pete (P)]

She wouldn't laugh at you. I mean, I could, I don't know, like have her hang with us at the dance. She's super nice.

[Kevin (Kev)]

Yeah. You want her to hang with us now? Maybe next time you two can have a heart to heart and you can tell her how super nice I am.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Kev chugs the Sprite. He throws the empty can at the trash. It misses. He sorts through his bag by his pillow. He rolls over, facing the ceiling. He softly sings Guns N Roses. Coma.

[Pete (P)]

Hey, you caught me in a coma.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

And I don't think I wanna ever.

[Pete (P)]

Come back to this.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P looks at the closed door. No. Dizzy glances at the door again. Deep breath. Here goes.

[Pete (P)]

There's some shit that I want to.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Tell the door pounds open.

[Dizzy]

Where's my dad's penthouse homo?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Dizzy storms into the room, glaring at.

[Dizzy]

P. I know you took it from the stack in my parents bathroom.

[Pete (P)]

Your dad has a stack of Penthouses? Did you take it?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Kev shakes his head.

[Dizzy]

All 57 issues need to be.

[Pete (P)]

There's 57 penthouses in the bathroom and you never told us?

[Dizzy]

Everything needs to be fucking perfect or my dad will be pissed.

[Pete (P)]

I told you I didn't take it.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

And?

[Dizzy]

And I'm telling you you're a liar.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Dizzy grabs P's backpack. Kev props his pillow behind him.

[Pete (P)]

Don't touch my bag, dude.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Dizzy dumps the contents onto the floor. Books cascade out, followed by clothes and a Ziploc with a T shirt. Inside. A blue Trapper folder falls out, papers scattering. P rushes to the floor collecting them.

[Pete (P)]

That's our fucking lyrics, man.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Dizzy spots something under P's pillow. He tosses the pillow to the floor. He holds the yearbook. Confused.

[Kevin (Kev)]

P. Dude, are you racking off to the yearbook?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Pete eyes the Kleenex bookmark sticking out at the top.

[Dizzy]

Where are you hiding it?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P jumps up, grabs the yearbook. He lets it fall to his side, the Kleenex drifting to the floor.

[Dizzy]

Just put the shit back, okay? And whatever else you're hiding. My dad.

[Pete (P)]

Where is your dad anyway? I'm here like every weekend and haven't seen him in months.

[Kevin (Kev)]

Dude.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Outside, Mrs. D pulls into the driveway.

[Pete (P)]

I've seen your mom working her ass off, though, while you bitch about how she won't make you bonded or ribs or a fucking sandwich.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Dizzy's on the verge of tears.

[Kevin (Kev)]

So some shit should stay inside, bro.

[Dizzy]

It's got to be perfect when it comes back.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P shakes his head and pushes past Dizzy into the hallway. INTERIOR HALLWAY LIVING room KITCHEN Continuous. P walks towards the kitchen. Mrs. D quietly closes the front door. Her eyes ringed dark.

[Pete (P)]

Morning.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Mrs. D. They enter the kitchen. P gets water. Dizzy enters. Quiet.

[Dizzy]

How's Uncle Chris?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Mrs. D. Turns to Dizzy. Tired. A faint smile. Okay for now.

[Bex]

You boys want omelettes?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Anything you want. Inside, Dizzy glances at P first and shakes his head. Mrs. D hands him three Bontet. She winks conspiratorially.

[Pete (P)]

I can make more.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Before he runs out, P offers Dizzy a cold Sprite. He takes it. They're okay. INTERIOR dizzy's BATHROOM Short time LATER P opens a ziplock in front of the mirror an impeccably folded band T shirt Inside Sepultura beneath the remains. He inspects every milliliter carefully leaning close, he spots a tiny crumb real quick, just in millimeter. Sorry.

[Kevin (Kev)]

Millimeter.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

I did that at the rehearsal too. He inspects every millimeter. Carefully leaning close, he spots a tiny crumb. He brushes until every trace is gone. EXTERIOR STREET Planet VHS SHORT time LATER the sun shines brightly on the perfect Sepultura shirt. Pea, Kev, and Dizzy walk toward the Planet VHS parking lot. They each hold different ice cream treats. KEV Flintstones Push Up Pop. DIZZY Firecracker. P Drumstick.

[Dizzy]

Come on, I want to get the Crow.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

He walks even faster. P grins at Kev and walks even slower. Kev slows in kind. They talk quietly.

[Pete (P)]

The Crow soundtrack is so badass.

[Kevin (Kev)]

Why'd you say Bex could hang with us?

[Pete (P)]

I just met at the dance if we went. You brought her up.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Kev thinks about it.

[Kevin (Kev)]

We're cool, right, dude?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Always.

[Pete (P)]

You're my brother. Yeah. I still like her. Just not the same way I used to.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Kev nods, thinking. Dizzy notices how far behind they are the fuck, Kev.

[Pete (P)]

We just wanted to give you space.

[Dizzy]

And I want to give you my fat cock in your ass.

[Pete (P)]

Ever consider how tiresome it is hearing gay shit from you all the time?

[Dizzy]

Ever consider how I'd like you better if your mouth was full of dicks instead of words?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Kev laughs. P smacks Kev's arm, but smiles. P flat tires Dizzy. Dizzy kneels to put his shoe back on.

[Dizzy]

Fucker.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Finally at the store, P reaches for the door handle. Dizzy runs past him, flinging the door open. The door flies into P knocking his hand. The drumstick mashes onto his chest, leaving a huge vanilla smear spatula on his shirt. Fuck you.

[Pete (P)]

We gotta go back.

[Dizzy]

You wish. Looks like Kev's load blasted all over your chest.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Kevin's Dizzy laugh. Seriously, please.

[Pete (P)]

Let's go back.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Interior, Planet vhs. Moments later, Beck stands at the front of the Blockbuster style video store. P tries to hide his shirt, but nothing doing.

[Bex]

Welcome to Planet vhs. P. Looks like Kev dumped a load on your chest.

[Pete (P)]

Reach out if you need me.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Vhs.

[Bex]

VHS stands for Very Hospitable Service.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

She walks off smiling. P's face burns. Dizzy leans over the tape return counter trying to see what just came in, but it's obscured. P follows behind Kev closely, trying to hide his shirt. The three boys sort through the rows of tapes on the counter.

[Dizzy]

Chick flick. Chick flick. Seen it? Ah, chick flick. It's not fucking in. Thanks for insisting we come here today instead of yesterday.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Pull.

[Kevin (Kev)]

We can do Son in law again.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Dizzy renews his efforts, pulls a tape.

[Pete (P)]

Nakedgun33 and a third.

[Dizzy]

Anything but Son in law.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Tapes clunk into the return bin. Dizzy searches for help. He signals to a manager. She talks into her headset. Bex arrives moments later. P stands behind Kev.

[Bex]

Need help sounding out the titles?

[Dizzy]

Are any of those?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

The crowd P leans to Kev quietly.

[Pete (P)]

Gotten quarters?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Interior, Planet VHS back room. Short time later, a small arcade setup with a few game cabinets. P alone plays Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo. He's Cammy, a blonde female military fighter. He fights Guile, a blonde male military fighter. Cammy and Guile battle back and forth, the two blond fighters looking like mirrors as they trade blows. They connect simultaneously with each other. They collapse. Double ko. A quarter is placed by the bottom of the screen. Next, P turns. Bex is right there. Shit.

[Bex]

Hey now. Till yesterday I thought we were still friends.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

She inspects P's chin.

[Bex]

Mmm. You shouldn't shave your one hair. You look like a girl without it.

[Pete (P)]

Listen, I'm Bex.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Pushes in the quarter.

[Bex]

I'll be gentle since your bodyguard and his gunzilla outside.

[Pete (P)]

That's funny. Sam Spade calls a guy a gunzel in Maltese Falcon. Sorry. This is like a tongue twister. Okay, that's funny. Sam Spade calls a guy a gunzel and Maltese Falcon.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Bex stares dead eyed, answers deadpan.

[Bex]

Oh my golly. Do you know where I could possibly rent such a film?

[Pete (P)]

Listen, I'm an idiot.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Bex hits start. Short time later. P and Bex eye the screen intensely. Cammy P flips Blanca. Bex, a green manimal, grabs and bites her KO Bex wins. Two zip.

[Bex]

Almost one around though.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

She checks her watch.

[Bex]

Seven minutes left. Three or five.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P glances toward the door. No sign of Kev. Deep breath.

[Pete (P)]

This is kind of embarrassing, but is.

[Bex]

It about the shirt bit? Fucked up you'd show with my favorite album looking more like Beneath the Semen, but I'll forgive you for that.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P looks at his beneath the Remain shirt with the huge ice cream splotch. He turns to the door. Still no sign of Kev.

[Pete (P)]

It's not the shirt I wanted to ask. Listen, that wasn't me yesterday. I mean it was obviously me, but not like the real me. The real me wouldn't do that.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Oh yeah? Cause it looked like you the fuck, dude. Kev shoots P a loaded look from the doorway.

[Bex]

Eight whole minutes without P. Postpartum much?

[Kevin (Kev)]

Maybe I wanted to see you.

[Bex]

Flowers over there, please. I'm busy kicking P's ass. At least I think it's P. There's a debate.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P avoids both their eyes. He stares into his reflection in the game screen.

[Pete (P)]

It's not what you think, dude. We just won a few rounds with everything yesterday, you know. I didn't want her to feel bad.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Bex snatches her remaining quarter as she leaves.

[Pete (P)]

Bex wait.

[Bex]

Guess this one isn't the real you either, right?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

She's gone. P stares at the door.

[Kevin (Kev)]

Not like you used to, huh?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Interior Planet vhs. Moments later P and Kev, mid chat, find Dizzy at the wall of the crow boxes.

[Pete (P)]

She called next.

[Kevin (Kev)]

She can call whatever the fuck she wants. You don't have to play.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Kev walks a couple aisles over. P calls after him.

[Pete (P)]

Who doesn't continue playing when someone calls next.

[Dizzy]

47 fucking and not a single goddamn actual tape in. I knew we should have come yesterday.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Kev rapturously brings the box for son in law.

[Kevin (Kev)]

May I suggest son in law, Jen? It's featuring the lady of my dreams, Ms. Carla Gugino.

[Dizzy]

I'd rather shoot myself in the Butthole.

[Kevin (Kev)]

You like it?

[Dizzy]

I used to like it.

[Pete (P)]

Oh God.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

A distressed video clerk runs past the boys tearing toward the bathroom. Dizzy turns to P, who peers over the aisles, looking for Bex.

[Dizzy]

Isn't there anything else you want? Something more filmy or whatever?

[Pete (P)]

You know what I heard is pretty good. The Crying Game, bro.

[Dizzy]

Either of y' all seen it?

[Pete (P)]

No.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P Spots Bex talking to a tall, thin woman with a VCR case. The woman's short skirt shows her midriff yellow flower in her hair.

[Dizzy]

So this I'm sorry, short shirt shows her midriff?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Yeah, I was wondering how her short skirt showed. Yeah. As I was saying it, I'm like, how does that work? I was like, okay. P Spots Bex talking to a tall, thin woman with a VCR case. The woman's short shirt shows her midriff yellow flower in her hair.

[Dizzy]

So this Ira girl's gonna fuck this girl, right?

[Kevin (Kev)]

Ira guy. But great energy.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

That's such a director thing to do.

[Dizzy]

You fucked it up. But that was so good. So this Ira guy is gonna fuck this girl, right?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Beck smiles broadly, almost beaming. She points at a shelf. The woman turns, revealing her face.

[Pete (P)]

Ms. World.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Ms. World's surprise turns. She waves. The boys approach.

[Bex]

$14.50 for the weekend. Returns for the VCRs are inside the store. I'm here Sunday if you wanted to.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Hand it directly to me.

[Bex]

Anything else I may help you with?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

No, thank you, Bex.

[Pete (P)]

Reach out if you need me.

[Bex]

VHS stands for Very Hospitable Service.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Bex smiles wistfully, reluctantly leaves. P's eyes follow. Dizzy tries to locate the DeLorean out the store window.

[Pete (P)]

So lucky that we came today. Thought anymore about a ride? Our parents will be at the homecoming game later. We're playing St. John's you can meet them. They'll tell you no big deal. And we can go for a ride there.

[Kevin (Kev)]

God, I'd love to see everyone from school look at me. Ride around with a hot chick blasting Pantera.

[Pete (P)]

My pairs will buy you a free Miss World smiles.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Can't tonight. Dizzy turns back to the shelves. It was fun talking music and you all seem nice. But a ride's a bad idea.

[Dizzy]

I'm an adult. It's weird.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P's face falls.

[Dizzy]

Here it is.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Dizzy holds up the box. To the Crying Game.

[Dizzy]

So like I said, this Ira guy is going to fuck this girl, right? It's like any normal, boring sex scene, tits or whatever. But then the camera keeps going down and she has a fucking dick.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P and Kev both stop. What they're doing.

[Kevin (Kev)]

They show it.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Dizzy nods. Miss World listens intently.

[Dizzy]

She Hot dick should be on Dudes Plus. It should have been huge if you want to shock people.

[Pete (P)]

What does the guy do?

[Dizzy]

Hits her and pukes, obviously.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Ms. World's eyes circle the group. Kev bursts out laughing.

[Kevin (Kev)]

Sorry. Can we go again? Please?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Kev bursts out laughing.

[Pete (P)]

Acementure is so smart.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Ms. World steps in, taking the tape from Dizzy. Tomorrow morning. Same house?

[Pete (P)]

Yes.

[Dizzy]

Deal.

[Narrator/Announcer]

For real?

[Dizzy]

Promise. 11:00am I want to talk to your parents first, though.

[Kevin (Kev)]

Sweet. I'll wear my Metallica shirt.

[Dizzy]

No.

[Kevin (Kev)]

My Primus shirt again. No. Maybe my Nine Inch Nail shirt.

[Pete (P)]

You brought four shirts but only one pair of underwear?

[Kevin (Kev)]

Five shirts.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Miss World puts the Crying Game back on the shelf.

[Dizzy]

Read something else.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Dizzy points to the tape in her hand.

[Pete (P)]

That the crow.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

She displays her tape. Peggy sue got Married tomorrow at 11. She leaves.

[Dizzy]

Holy shit.

[Kevin (Kev)]

Holy shit.

[Dizzy]

I'm going to ride into DeLorean tomorrow.

[Pete (P)]

I can't even imagine what it'll be like to actually be inside it.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Kev waits till she's at the register, then quietly picks up the Crying Game. He looks at Pee and Dizzy shrugs. Pea gazes at Bex's cheerful smile as she rings up Ms. World. Interior, planet VHS checkout. Moments later, Dizzy checks the tape return one last time. Bex works one of two registers. P and Kev wait for the other. Only one customer ahead, but their video clerk, the same one who ran by earlier, shifts back and forth uncomfortably. P picks up a Cadbury Creme egg from the discount bin.

[Kevin (Kev)]

Ugh. Those don't deserve to exist.

[Pete (P)]

I like the center.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Dizzy returns. The customer leaves. Their clerk turns to Bex. Oh God, this new medication.

[Pete (P)]

I. I can't hold it.

[Bex]

Cover me.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

The boys look to Bex's register. She smiles sweetly at them. Moments later, tapes slide across the counter. P adds the creme egg. Shit tastes like butt.

[Dizzy]

You eat butt?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Bex laughs loudly, then stops abruptly, deflating Dizzy. Pete swaps the egg out for a purple grape Tootsie Pop. Bex holds up the Crying Game. Pete looks at Bex. He adjusts his purple beanie.

[Pete (P)]

Yeah, let's put it back.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Beck slides it under the counter.

[Dizzy]

God damn it. I want to rent two movies.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Kev slides Son in Law across the counter. He and P silently watch Dizzy stare at it.

[Dizzy]

Fine. I get to ride in a DeLorean. I'll give you Son in Law.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P nudges Kevin. Congratulations.

[Bex]

Touching. A true sacrifice.

[Pete (P)]

That'll be $8.80.

[Bex]

Oh, wait. You guys wanted the crow, right?

[Pete (P)]

Guess what?

[Bex]

My mom just returned.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Dizzy raises his hands to the Lord. P gives Bex a sincere thank you smile, the kind with a sheepish apology. Occluded, Bex smiles warmly. She slides the tape across the counter. Yentle. Tense crowd noise builds, getting louder. P drops his head. EXTERIOR Homecoming game Nearby FIELD EVENING pe's head raises. Nearby crowd noise floats on the wind. Pete charges down the field, weaving past St. John's 8th grade defenders. All the players are in street clothes. A playground game. The football floats through the dark night sky, arcing downward straight into the hands of the receiver. On the homecoming game main field simultaneously, the varsity Pond Hill receiver catches the ball, tears toward the end zone. Bright stadium lights bathe everything in fluorescent drama. Go Pond hill and Beat St. John signs on one side. He walks with us. St. John's is King and Pond Hill each shit signs fill the opposing stands. The receiver cuts sharply, dodges a tackle, dives. Touchdown. The Pond Hill crowd erupts.

[Dizzy]

Yes.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Cheerleaders scream wildly. EXTERIOR Homecoming game nearby field simultaneous 8th grade girls talk about anything else as they kinda watch P and the team play on a small field away from the stands. Spill from the real game's lights illuminate the play. Cheers waft across the night air. P turns, looks for the ball. The girls couldn't care less when a defender tags Brittany, the qb, the boy who threw the football to P in the hallway. Kev is wrapped on the sidelines.

[Kevin (Kev)]

Come on, Brit. P. Let it out, baby.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P's team huddles. P scans the sidelines. No, Becks.

[Kevin (Kev)]

Fourth and five.

[Dizzy]

Last shot.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Dizzy's chest heaves. He spits. P adjusts his purple beanie, tugs his shirt taut. Sorry.

[Pete (P)]

I used to cough that whole time. God. Safeties are playing close and center. I can't speak.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Sorry. Have some water. I'll have some too.

[Pete (P)]

Safeties are playing close and center. I'll be free if I go left.

[Kevin (Kev)]

Sounds good, beef guys. Those St. John's faggots are gonna blitz. Tiff. I need that juice. Dan's fake and going middle.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Plug the left.

[Dizzy]

Dizzy.

[Kevin (Kev)]

Stop. Jack.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Tiffany thicketh lit a girl at Britt's locker before nods.

[Bex]

I'll have that fat fuck nursing my dick when we're done.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Moments later they line up. P crouches. Ready.

[Kevin (Kev)]

Blue Ford 2. Blue Ford 2.

[Bex]

Hut.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P sprints. Dizzy mirrors and blocks Jack at the line of scrimmage. Britt drops back in the pocket. Tiffany plants her feet and wraps her arm around Dan. She hurls him to the ground. Dizzy slips, collapsing into the dirt. Jack's Free. He runs through the gap, Dizzy left open. Brit sees Jack getting closer. His arm goes back to throw. Dizzy scrambles on the ground, lunges. His craning fingers grasp Jack's ankle. Jack tumbles, grits free. P buttonhooks. The ball sails through the air. It's wide left. P leaps, extending his arms. Got it. Fuck yeah, P. P runs safety. Scramble from the middle. They're too far. Touchdown. P's cheer.

[Dizzy]

Foul interference. That was clean, Jack.

[Kevin (Kev)]

You lost.

[Pete's Dad]

No way.

[Dizzy]

He's.

[Kevin (Kev)]

He's dirty.

[Narrator/Announcer]

We win.

[Bex]

You St. John's fucks think you're owed everything.

[Kevin (Kev)]

Guess what?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

We're due.

[Dizzy]

You got caught. Get over it. You and your bitch.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

He nods at Dan.

[Dizzy]

You want to go, bitch?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Kev charges onto the field.

[Kevin (Kev)]

Yeah, let's go, motherfucker. I'll skull fuck you so hard archaeologists will think they'd discovered a new fuck. One more time, please. No, no. That was perfect the way it was.

[Pete's Dad]

Yeah, one more time.

[Pete (P)]

It'd be great.

[Dizzy]

You want to go, bitch?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Kev charges onto the field.

[Kevin (Kev)]

Yeah, let's go, motherfucker. I'll skull fuck you so hard, archaeologists will think they've discovered a new species.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

St. John's team laughs.

[Dizzy]

Archaeologists, man. Your school's stupid beating your ass, though.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Kev points to the giant scoreboard above the real field. Pond Hills ahead. 17 7. P runs over one of the St. John's players. Trips him. P tumbles. He stands, fixing his purple beanie.

[Dizzy]

Damn, boy, don't I know you from the buffet? I've seen less jiggle on jello. Guess there is always room.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

The St. John's team laughs. P looks down. His soft belly's partially exposed. His shirt rode up in the fall. He quickly yanks his shirt taut. Jack, dan and the St. John's team leave cheering. P joins Kevin. Dizzy. Dizzy high fives Kev.

[Dizzy]

Thanks for having my back.

[Kevin (Kev)]

They ain't taking my boy's TD away.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Kev looks to P beaming.

[Pete (P)]

That stave was sick. No way Britt gets that pass off without you.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P extends his fist to Divi. P extends his fist to Dizzy. P extends his fist to Dizzy but before Dizzy can bump it.

[Kevin (Kev)]

But that catch, though. Could you see P from the ground? It was awesome, man.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Dizzy dusts the grass and dirt from his clothes. P and Kev watch as he walks away past the edge of the light, throwing middle fingers to St. John's exterior. Homecoming game NEARBY FIELD Moments later Kevin P. Walk.

[Pete (P)]

Dizzy earned us that win. That kid's all heart.

[Kevin (Kev)]

He wouldn't have had to save it if he hadn't fallen in the first place. And Brit, our classmate, think that dude's hot shit, but it's garbage. Motherfuckers never thrown an on target pass ever. The team owes you the victory. You. You deserve that shit. Fuck those St. John's butt puppets.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P I S Kevin. Kev kicks a small rock deep into the night.

[Kevin (Kev)]

Palm Hill for life, bitches.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Kev tilts to see the stadium lights. P studies him.

[Kevin (Kev)]

Next year we'll settle in the real game. You want to play?

[Pete (P)]

Maybe.

[Kevin (Kev)]

Maybe you'd be a starting receiver as a freshman. Who knows how many touchdowns you'd score. Everyone would revere you.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P's silent. He steals a glance at Kev.

[Kevin (Kev)]

What's your deal? Seriously.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Deep breath.

[Pete (P)]

My parents are making me apply to schools for next year.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Kev slowly stops.

[Pete (P)]

And if I get in anywhere, I'll be gone.

[Kevin (Kev)]

You want to go?

[Pete (P)]

You kidding me? Not unless you go.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

They eyed the St. John's 8th graders laughing. Ugh.

[Pete (P)]

God, my dad would cream if I got into St. John's over my dead body.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Though.

[Pete (P)]

I told the St. John's interviewers that I don't fit in in an all boys joint and that religion has no place in and then I quoted Jesus Saves Slayer.

[Kevin (Kev)]

You quoted those religious fucks Slayer?

[Pete (P)]

I tanked the interviews at every school.

[Kevin (Kev)]

Dude, you're such a bro. Dude.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

The whistle blows. Halftime.

[Pete (P)]

Shit.

[Kevin (Kev)]

I told my dad I'd find him before halftime.

[Pete (P)]

Want me to come with?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Kev's silent.

[Pete (P)]

I don't get it. When I see him, he's super nice to me. And then he yells, cause you're on the phone with me and all the other shit you tell me, he says. What would have to change for that asshole to like me?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Kev laughs bitterly. He walks away singing Metallica's Disposable Heroes.

[Kevin (Kev)]

You will do what I say when I say.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Back to the front exterior. Homecoming game stands short time later, P locates his parents in the stands. Dad nods at the field.

[Pete's Dad]

Could be you next year. Girls love football players. Hopefully you'll be on the other side, though.

[Pete (P)]

I just scored a touchdown with the guys. But St. John's jerks pulled BS and said it didn't count.

[Pete's Dad]

Don't hide behind excuses. Leave an opening and your opponents will find a way to crawl out. Seal the deal. Girls love football players. I wanted to play football. Sweat. Passion. The guys.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Girls love rock stars too.

[Pete's Dad]

If they play real music.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P looks down. He sees Bex head toward the concessions.

[Pete (P)]

Need drinks? Corn dogs.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Terry P's mom pulls out a crisp $20 bill. She shuffles through other 20s until she finds the most wrinkled one. She hands it to P, saving the crisp one. P nods to dad.

[Pete's Dad]

Frito pie. Make sure they slather the chili and cheese. I don't want to be able to see underneath. And a soda bucket. They got big red.

[Pete (P)]

Really?

[Pete's Dad]

The hell's wrong with big red?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Pete turns to Mom.

[Bex]

Coors, please.

[Pete (P)]

How about a cream soda?

[Bex]

Harris, go with him for the beer.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Bex is halfway to the concessions alone.

[Pete (P)]

I want to make it easy on you both.

[Pete's Dad]

Wouldn't you prefer a cream soda?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Mom opens her wallet.

[Bex]

I'll put this 20 away.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Moments later, P and dad head toward the concession stand.

[Pete's Dad]

Christine's wedding is Sunday. If you need to get clothes or anything tomorrow for the dance.

[Pete (P)]

If I get a date, I'll let you know.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Chad.

[Pete's Dad]

You know his uncle grown up. He couldn't find anyone to take to dances at your age. Not in high school either. Could have had anyone too. Running back. Good looking, that guy. Wasn't till much later he found people he jibed with like him. Get what I mean?

[Pete (P)]

I'm a loser and I won't find anyone till I'm older.

[Pete's Dad]

No. What this guy was dad looks around.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Then leans in close.

[Pete's Dad]

He's.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

He likes I like girls. Dad. Of course.

[Pete's Dad]

Of course. I was just checking in. Not that there would be anything wrong with. You didn't like girls? It's the 90s. You can be anything these days.

[Kevin (Kev)]

I don't mean to stop you.

[Pete's Dad]

Yeah.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

When you lean in, can you give.

[Pete's Dad]

Me more of a quiet voice? Yeah.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

He's. He's lame.

[Pete's Dad]

So start for the top 55 don't.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Wake the baby voice.

[Kevin (Kev)]

And just stay too on the of course, of course. Like on of course, of course. I was just checking in. It's like thank you God. Thank you God. Thank you God. Thank you God. Gotcha all inside.

[Pete (P)]

Gotcha.

[Pete's Dad]

Gotcha. He's he likes.

[Pete (P)]

I like girls.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Dad.

[Pete's Dad]

Of course, of course. I was just checking in. Not that there would be anything wrong if you didn't like girls. It's the 90s. You can be anything these days.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Up ahead, Pete can just make out the back of Bex's head.

[Pete's Dad]

I guess it's not so bad going stag. Plenty of unbridled fillies around.

[Pete (P)]

Jesus Christ.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Fillies?

[Pete's Dad]

Yeah, fillies. What do you call them?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Chicks.

[Pete's Dad]

What about her?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Dad points out a thin girl.

[Pete (P)]

High school freshman, junior.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Her.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

He points out a more age appropriate but even thinner girl.

[Pete (P)]

Not for me. She thinks metal sucks.

[Pete's Dad]

That music's holding you back.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Her? Dad points out. The thinnest girl yet.

[Pete (P)]

A cheerleader that's literally the varsity cheerleading captain.

[Pete's Dad]

Really? That's short. Taken.

[Pete (P)]

Preston Jacobs.

[Pete's Dad]

Makes sense. QBs always get the girls muscular, but not too muscular. Handsome. Must be a DNA thing. You ever see an ugly quarterback? And they're never fat. Another benefit of playing.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P tugs the corners of his shirt taut. Bex is just ahead. P. P wheels. Mr. Welch approaches with a large covered box.

[Dizzy]

Tough break yesterday.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

I shouldn't have spoken so openly in front of the class. Seen Bex around. It's okay.

[Pete (P)]

And no.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Well, I doubt she's hiding.

[Dizzy]

Okay.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Gotta finish setting up the halftime surprise. He motions to the box he carries.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hope you enjoy, Mr. Richards.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Welch nods and smiles at dad, then leaves.

[Pete's Dad]

Dr. Richards. You uncouth fuck. I'd bet money that St. John's makes sure their teachers know the station of their students. Parents. Who's Bex?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Bex? Bex.

[Pete (P)]

Dad. You know who she is.

[Pete's Dad]

So what's the deal?

[Pete (P)]

Nothing. I just gotta apologize.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Dad sighs.

[Pete's Dad]

You gotta be courteous to women. Be a mensch, right?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Dad points out different thin girls.

[Pete's Dad]

Any one of these could be yours. You just gotta act right.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Dad spots a larger girl from behind, buying cotton candy. He doesn't recognize her. He chuckles and points with his thumb.

[Pete's Dad]

Some are easier to get than others.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P follows Dad's thumb to see Bex buying cotton candy. He quickly averts his gaze, focusing on a large locust shell on the ground. He scratches his whisker.

[Pete's Dad]

Almost forgot.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Bex is gone. P looks around. She's nowhere.

[Pete's Dad]

Happy belated birthday. Mom insisted on the ridiculous ribbon.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Dad hands P something. P looks upward at him. Exterior, Homecoming game. Short time later, P's face turns, scanning for Bex. He walks past the concessions, past the restrooms, past everywhere she's vanished. Sighing, P turns around. Bex is right behind him.

[Pete (P)]

Jesus christ.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P jerks Dr. Pepper sloshing out of his cup and onto his hand. Bex smiles.

[Bex]

I've been shadowing you for five minutes. Worth it.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

She peers around him as he regains his wits.

[Bex]

No, Kev.

[Pete (P)]

He's with his dad.

[Bex]

My condolences to both of them.

[Pete (P)]

You'd like him if you got to know him.

[Bex]

Yes, I've always thought that.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P laughs.

[Pete (P)]

Can I have some of your cotton candy?

[Bex]

Can I have some of your Dr. Pepper?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

They swap. She makes a face.

[Bex]

Is this diet?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P nods. Bex shrugs it off. Drinks again.

[Bex]

So I've been tailing your ass. Who we looking for?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

You. Bex turns the cup vertical and drains the soda. She holds it above her mouth so that P can watch the last drops fall in.

[Bex]

Now I'm sad we're alone. You've been doing such a great job humiliating yourself in front of people.

[Pete (P)]

That's nothing new.

[Bex]

Mom still talks about Wetroplex.

[Pete (P)]

Just your mom.

[Bex]

Oh, I do, too. And my dad and my sisters. Some cousins.

[Pete (P)]

Haven't been to a water park since.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P smiles. He looks at the bright stadium lights in the distance. His face shifts. What?

[Pete (P)]

Just wondering if I'll ever have lights like that shining on me.

[Bex]

Aren't you planning to play next year?

[Pete (P)]

I mean, the band know italica played to 1.6 million people in Russia. Pantera played earlier in the day and their crowd was over 500,000.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

They're from here.

[Pete (P)]

And they played to over half a million fans going batshit for their music.

[Bex]

What was that song you wrote me in fifth grade?

[Pete (P)]

Sunshine Heart.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Bex smiles.

[Bex]

I just wanted to see if you still remembered.

[Pete (P)]

Thought I'd forget.

[Bex]

It's not fifth grade anymore.

[Pete (P)]

You know what I remember most about Wetroplex?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Bex looks at him like he's a dumbass.

[Bex]

Shitting your swimsuit on the lazy river and then duck walking with an inner tube stuck in your ass so your suit wouldn't fall off.

[Pete (P)]

No one else would have laughed with me. I mean, no one else would have made me laugh.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Their eyes meet, connected. They look deep into each other. The moment suddenly intimate, close and raw.

[Pete (P)]

I missed you.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Pushes his purple beanie up. He puts a knee on the ground, raises the cotton candy like a proposal.

[Pete (P)]

Will you go to the dance with me?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Bex is shocked.

[Pete (P)]

You can't use my cotton candy.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P stands, returns the cotton candy. Boom. A lone firework explodes, painting the sky.

[Dizzy]

Whoa.

[Pete (P)]

Mr. Welch's surprise.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Boom. Boom. More fireworks. The glow paints their faces. Ps eyes, naked and deep, connect with Bex's.

[Pete (P)]

I think you feel sometimes you're the only one who knows how special you are.

[Bex]

Not when we were friends.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Boom. Boom. Boom. Boom.

[Bex]

Okay, the dance.

[Pete (P)]

Okay.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Boom.

[Bex]

Boom.

[Pete's Dad]

Boom.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Boom. The finale of the fireworks. They burst in aggressive beauty. P, overjoyed, screams excitedly into the air. P. P turns. Kev is clearly worse for wear after his dad. He might have been crying.

[Kevin (Kev)]

Thank God. I thought I was gonna find you with fucking Bex again.

[Bex]

Fucking Bex, huh?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Bex steps from behind P. Kev's face drains. He looks like. Like he's been punched. He hurries away.

[Bex]

I take it you didn't mention this.

[Pete (P)]

Yeah. Seven tomorrow.

[Bex]

If that shit's squared by.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Then moments later, boom. The last few fireworks ignite as Kev stomps ahead.

[Pete (P)]

It's not what you think. Hey, it's not what you think.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Kev strides forward without turning.

[Kevin (Kev)]

Yeah, well, every time I turn my back for a fucking second, you run to her.

[Pete (P)]

You're my best friend, man. Swear.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Kev stops, closes his eyes. P catches up.

[Kevin (Kev)]

Just tell me, man. The truth. Tell me.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P nervously stammers. What?

[Pete (P)]

We're just friends?

[Kevin (Kev)]

Do you even like me anymore?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P breathes again, relieved. Of course. Kev laughs bitterly, stomps forward.

[Kevin (Kev)]

Can't even be honest with me.

[Pete (P)]

Did your dad fuck you up?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Kev wheels on him, eyes ringed red.

[Kevin (Kev)]

I love her, dude. I love her, okay?

[Pete (P)]

I told you. When we're 18, I'll find a way for you to meet Carlos, man.

[Kevin (Kev)]

Bex.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Kev storms toward their classmates ahead. P dazed follows Bex.

[Kevin (Kev)]

You think I'm stupid? Just friends my ass. Fucking palling it up with her like old times. You're gonna be best friends forever and I'm not gonna have either of you. Well, joke's on her cause you're chasing me.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

And she.

[Kevin (Kev)]

She's alone.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

They reach their classmates, passing around a soda bucket, a 96 ounce cup with a handle and lid. James offers P the bucket beer.

[Kevin (Kev)]

P. I'll have some.

[Dizzy]

You fucked us, bro.

[Kevin (Kev)]

Just give me the fucking beer.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P nods at James. James gives Kev the bucket.

[Dizzy]

Going to the dance tomorrow, P Taking two breakfast, Becks.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P's head snaps towards Zach. The whole group of boys erupts in laughter. Kev stares at the can you imagine.

[Dizzy]

P going with Double Quarter pounder with cheese McDonald? Every dance would be a slow dance. Maybe it's true you guys were best friends forever.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Pulls down as Purple Beanie tries to.

[Pete (P)]

Play it cool as if caught you.

[Kevin (Kev)]

Alone with her twice today.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P eyes Kev hurt. A moment of guilt, then Kev steels himself. James hands Kev the cup of beer. Classmates laugh and holler. Kev tilts his head back, drinks. Moonlight and floodlights paint Pea's face different hues. Interior Dizzy's room Later that night blue, red, white, yellow light flickers on P's face. BareKnuckle3 the import version of Streets of Rage 3 a video game on the TV the Boss, a ridiculous gay stereotype named Ash, enters the fight. P's purple beanie framed face focuses intently on Ash's. Ash is heavily muscled. Black goatee, purple cop hat, black legless leotard, green stockings that end mid thigh and women's knee high heeled boots. A large gold women's symbol medallion hangs from Ash's neck. P plays as Blaze, fielding badass female cop in all red miniskirt, boots, crop top.

[Kevin (Kev)]

You slip. That's all I'm saying.

[Dizzy]

I'm sure you could see everything I did wrong from the sidelines.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

He tries to ignore them. On screen he expertly counters Ash's prancing kicks. Ash laughs effeminately.

[Kevin (Kev)]

My stomach hurts.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Kev walks past Dizzy. He covertly rummages in his pillowcase, removes something. He exits.

[Pete (P)]

You're right. The input version of this game is the shit.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Dizzy lowers his car magazine and watches the screen.

[Dizzy]

I kick this faggot's ass like every day.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Blaze wins. Ash lies on the ground, then sits up, sobbing. Outside, a car starts and drives off. P pauses the game, freezing Ash on the ground, mid cry.

[Pete (P)]

Your mom's leaving this late?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Dizzy stares at the window even after the curtain goes dark.

[Dizzy]

My dad would have gotten a kick out of him. He hates homos.

[Pete (P)]

You can fight him now if you want.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P stands, puts the purple grape Tootsie Pop in his mouth. Dizzy raises the magazine.

[Dizzy]

Maybe later. If the mood hits. Give me a Coke too. Not Coke.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

INTERIOR HALLWAY Moments later P closes Dizzy's door. The bathroom door opens. Kev pulls him inside. INTERIOR BATHROOM continuous. P. Surprised it doesn't smell bad?

[Pete (P)]

Thought your stomach was fucked up.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Kev hands P A Penthouse Magazine, August 1994. A black and white photo of a beautiful dark haired woman on the COVID.

[Pete (P)]

You did take it.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Kev, angry, takes a breath to calm himself.

[Kevin (Kev)]

This is a peace offering. I was gonna show it to you anyway, but I'm showing you now.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

So listen.

[Kevin (Kev)]

You wanna look at this?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P shakes his head. Kev takes the magazine. Kev listens at the door. No, Dizzy. He removes a box of Q tips and a large bottle of hand soap from under the sink.

[Kevin (Kev)]

Hold this.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

He hands P a white first aid kit with a big red cross. He pushes the magazine deep in the cabinet, replaces the other items and shuts the door.

[Kevin (Kev)]

Coming back.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P shakes his head.

[Pete (P)]

Grab Dizzy a drink.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Kev leaves. P assesses his purple beanied reflection in the mirror, pulls his shirt taut. He twists his arm, looking for definition. He examines his lone whisker. It's starting to sprout. Minutes later P's eyes peer out from behind the Penthouse first aid kit and other items on the counter. He idly rubs his lone chin hair and examines the magazine. Flips through, stops at a pictorial with a man and a woman. P examines the images almost scientifically Almost confused. Quickly flipping through, he suddenly stops, captivated by two women kissing Debbie and Drahixa. His face changes. He crunches through the last bit of purple shell on the grape Tootsie Pop. Finally reaching the center. He gazes at the two women kissing his face soft. His eyes intense, searching, no lust. He shakes his arm, extending and curling his fingers. He turns the page delicately. Attention wrapped, his world existing only within the two women's glossy paged fantasy. Interior, Dizzy's room. Short while later, P returns to find Dizzy and Kev wrestling on the floor. Kev locks in a sleeper hold on Dizzy. Dizzy's face reddens as he struggles. Finally, he taps Kev.

[Dizzy]

Mate. Mate. Oh, fuck.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Kev releases. He opens a sweating Sprite. Drinks start.

[Kevin (Kev)]

Son in law bitch.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Dizzy reluctantly opens the Coke that Kev brought him.

[Kevin (Kev)]

No wrestling for it was your suggestion. You're gonna welch now?

[Dizzy]

I don't want to see that stupid movie again. Back to the Future fucking please. In less than 10 hours, I get to ride in a DeLorean. Of all the cool cars in the world, I'd pick the DeLorean to ride in first. And for once, I'm gonna get what I want. And I wanna be hyped as fuck.

[Kevin (Kev)]

Bro, no one cares about that busted ass car outside of you and pee. It looks like an industrial fridge with a windshield. It sucks, bro. I won. I wanna watch. Son in law. I don't get to marry Carla in 10 hours. You know how much I care about her. Let me have this. She's the girl of my dreams. The person I'd do anything to spend my life with. No one else comes close. She'll be an amazing mother, you know.

[Pete's Dad]

When we get married.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Wake up.

[Dizzy]

She's famous. She's a fucking movie star. And you're nobody. You never will be. Damn it. Get over it. Fuck you. I'm so fucking sick and tired of hearing you complain all the time like a bitch. I slipped at the game. I slipped, bitch. At least I wasn't playing cheerleader on the sidelines. Fuck you and fuck Carla. You can't always get what you want.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Dizzy crashes out of the room with the door slamming behind him.

[Kevin (Kev)]

Fuck.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Dude, what the f. The door flies open.

[Dizzy]

Why the fuck am I leaving? This is my fucking room. Y' all motherfuckers leave. Get the fuck out now.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Dizzy storms over, kicking the ground under their legs.

[Dizzy]

Get the fuck out.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Dizzy turns the TV back to Bareknuckle 3. The game still paused, the effeminate ash frozen mid sob. Dizzy snatches the controller as P and Kev shuffle out, he kicks the door shut. Interior dizzies garage. Moments later P and Kev enter the air's heavy. P sits with his guitar. He idly plays it as is no amp.

[Pete (P)]

Dizzy should focus on his love life, not yours.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Kev slowly slides down the wall until he reaches the floor.

[Kevin (Kev)]

Play something.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P flips the amp on Clean Channel Neck pickup. He plays a melancholic, somewhat bluesy lick. Kev closes his eyes. Guitar fills the room with a shared pain. Kev flips off the ceiling light, toggles the string lights lining the room. The warm glow offers barely more light than candles or a Christmas tree. Kev picks up his bass, turns on his amp. He plucks a single rumbling, sustained note. He plays off P, driving the rhythm and weaving a harmony around P's notes. Kev's groove in place. P plays a slow, sorrowful lead line. Kev adds chords as P moves in and out of rhythm and lead. Their eyes connect the way that only can happen with music. P nods slowly at Kev, whose mouth twists slightly. P kicks to the distortion channel. They play charged, more complex than during practice, the sound intricate, thoughtful, and their own building to a furiously beautiful climax. They hit their final notes in unison. Kev leans back, shadows covering part of his face.

[Kevin (Kev)]

Dad took my CDs.

[Pete (P)]

You hung up at nine.

[Kevin (Kev)]

Same difference. @ least he only got the wallet.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Back on Clean Channel. P plays softly.

[Pete (P)]

You're not Dave Mustaine, you know.

[Kevin (Kev)]

No, Bex was. I'm Kirk.

[Pete (P)]

Well, he's still a Metallica. Yeah.

[Kevin (Kev)]

You like Megadeth more than Metallica. Look, I get it. I overreacted. My bad, bro. Just no more Becks tonight. Kay.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P nods, few moments later.

[Pete (P)]

How did you know Yentl?

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Kev chuckles quietly.

[Kevin (Kev)]

My aunt told me that one of my parents last attempts at patching things up was weekly date nights. This was when I was almost 2. So they went to Yentl because my dad's an idiot and doesn't know shit about movies. Midway through, my mom turns to my dad and tells him she wants to divorce. He stands up in the middle of the theater yelling like an asshole. You've heard him. People are screaming at him to shut the fuck up. They had to stop the movie. Now they're on their way back to the car. My mom hasn't said anything since she said she wanted to get divorced. He finally asks her why and she says, I can't be myself with you.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P studies Kev's face as he plays.

[Kevin (Kev)]

I wish I knew what she meant. What she wanted to be, but she died the next year. I watch Yento a lot.

[Pete (P)]

Never asked your aunt.

[Kevin (Kev)]

She moved back to Japan. Dad won't give me her number.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Kev leans into the light.

[Kevin (Kev)]

Shadow King could be great. You know that shit just now? People would die for us. We'd be all over the radio.

[Pete (P)]

Imagine looking out from the stage, knowing every single person there is with you, feeling what you feel, thinking we're gods.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Kev's bass line sounds similar to Nirvana after a moment.

[Kevin (Kev)]

Craig fucked me up, man. How can you give that shit up? The adoration, the recognition he had, everything.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Still.

[Kevin (Kev)]

Like you said in Senless Apprentice, you can't fight me because I quit. They could fight him.

[Dizzy]

If he walked out.

[Kevin (Kev)]

They could still go beat him up. Kerr fucked me up, man. How can you give that shit up? The adoration, the recognition he had, everything.

[Bex]

Still.

[Kevin (Kev)]

Like he said in Scentless Apprentice, you can't fire me because I quit. Fucking rock star. Move.

[Dizzy]

Now.

[Kevin (Kev)]

They talk about his genius more than when he was alive.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P stops playing. He tugs at his purple beanie. Kev's bass provides a dark minor key warmth.

[Pete (P)]

He hurt, man. I mean, you can laugh with your friends or play music, tour the world, anything. Everything's good. Then in those moments, the good moments, the pain goes away until you remember it. And then in the moments between the laughs, you remember it. And then you can't remember how to forget it. You can wish you were someone else, anywhere else, but that's not possible. So you push it back inside and keep it there. And eventually that's all that's left. There was something beautiful once, but now it doesn't exist because there's no more space to hold it.

[Kevin (Kev)]

Welcome to every night at my house.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Ps soft chords ring out as he speaks.

[Pete (P)]

When I was four, I wanted a Cabbage Patch Kid more than anything. So Christmas morning I'm tweaking, not knowing which one I'll get because I've seen neighborhood kids with all these cool ones, like different hair, different clothes, all these colors and hairstyles. My friend Sarah had this girl with an orange jacket and sneakers and my next door neighbor Emily had one with like big red hair. All of them were so bright and exciting and wonderful. So I'm eye fucking this big wrapped box under the tree while my parents make coffee. Then my grandparents had to have breakfast is killing me. I don't think we got to presents until like 10:30.

[Kevin (Kev)]

Dude.

[Pete (P)]

No, I know. Finally I unwrap it and there it is. Brown hair, blue overalls, blue checkered shirt. I think he had a red hat. Maybe. But I lost it. I hated him. Why would anyone choose him? He was boring, ugly. But I didn't want to be ungrateful. Because I wanted a Cabbage Patch Kid so bad. And I got one. My mom said my dad had gone all around town and found the last boy doll in town. So I pretended I loved it. But every time I looked at it I knew it could have been better. But that's not what I was given. That was the first time I remember feeling the gray. It was like I didn't know if the sun still existed. Even though it was out. Everything was just cold. Like I'd forgotten what warmth was. And I didn't know how to remember the sun. Maybe Kurt couldn't remember either. Maybe all he knew was cold. You gotta know warmth to feel the sun.

[Kevin (Kev)]

Write that down. The last thing, right now. Sick fucking lyric.

[Pete (P)]

The folder's in the room.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Kev looks around. Nothing. P sees a notebook by the drum.

[Pete (P)]

KID oh, Dizzy's notebook.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

Kev rips out a sheet of paper, hands it to P. INTERIOR dizzy's ROOM Short time later, P returns with a glass of water. Dizzy and Kev begrudgingly coexist. They're on the floor, not close but not separate, partially eaten bontet on plates almost like a burrito. The tube of rice rests on the banana leaves. The pork is in the middle, surrounded by a layer of beans and then of rice. They watch Naked Gun 33 and a third. Kev's eyes stay on the screen. Every so often Dizzy's eyes drift to Kev. P gets a CD wallet and a yellow sports discman from his bag on the bunk. He removes a disc with a white skeletal spiral. He adjusts headphones around his purple beanie Nine Inch Nails eraser starts insects or aliens playing instruments made of straws until the drums start pounding. P gazes at Anna Nicole Smith on the tv. Curvy, beautiful. He carefully takes out Dad's gift. Two sealed envelopes tied with a bizarre ribbon. Guitars alternating with the classic Groucho Marx. Black glasses, big nose, mustache, disguise. First letter is from Green Tree Prep. Second is St. John's Green Tree first we regret to inform. P exhales in relief. Jagged guitars crashing. The song's vocals start. Need you dream you find you taste you fuck you use you scar you break you. P quietly and meticulously peels open the St. John's letter. Trembling, he unfolds the paper and reads Congratulations. He closes his eyes slowly. Deep breath. Scans further. The panel was particularly impressed by your distinct candor and courage that confirmed you are St. John's material above 18. Any other factor? The song continues. Lose me, Hate me. Smash me. Erase me. P's eyes dart above the letter to his friends. Kev and Dizzy both laugh at the movie. Resentment fades. Smiles turn real. The song echoes P's thoughts. Kill me, Kill me, Kill me. Kev blissfully eats the von Tet motions SP P to push his headphones back.

[Kevin (Kev)]

We'll have them at our feet, dude.

[Narrator/Stage Directions]

P weakly smiles. He puts the headphones on the racer continues. Kill me. Kill me, Kill me. End Act 2 yeah.