Small Block - Act Three - podcast episode cover

Small Block - Act Three

Nov 25, 202537 minEp. 38
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Summary

Following a series of disappointments and escalating conflicts among friends, P experiences a day of profound revelations. He confronts the hidden insecurities of his best friend, Kev, and grapples with Bex's unexpected confession. A pivotal encounter with Miss World unveils a deeper truth about identity, pushing P to reconcile his own desires and fears, ultimately leading to a transformative moment of self-acceptance.

Episode description

The countdown to eleven builds like a pressure valve. Dizzy waits in the driveway holding on to hope. Kev hides nerves behind jokes. P keeps tugging at a shirt that has never felt right on his body. Everyone is pretending this morning will fix something they are too scared to name.

A car turns the corner and it is the wrong one. Dizzy breaks. Kev fires the blame at P. The friendship between them starts to shake. P disappears inside and comes back with a Sprite because it is the only comfort he knows how to offer at fourteen.

Then the sound hits. Guitar blasting out of an engine that should not exist in a town this small. The DeLorean pulls in for real. Dizzy lifts his head. Kev goes silent. P feels the world shift. Miss World steps out with a sunflower in her hair and for a moment everything feels possible.

She takes them on the ride they have been imagining all week. Kev laughs in the back. Dizzy shouts for more speed. P sits in the front seat trying to hold himself together. Miss World asks what they want from the future. Dizzy talks about cars. Kev talks about family. P cannot answer. Miss World waits. P finally admits he is afraid to look ahead. Kev jokes that P might not make it to adulthood. Miss World hears something deeper than the joke. She sees him.

When they return, nothing is magically fixed. But something inside P cracks open. He cannot keep disappearing into other people’s expectations. Not after being seen this clearly, even for a moment. Act Three is the ride, the break, and the first honest step toward who P is becoming.


SMALL BLOCK is a feature screenplay by Ashley Lauren, performed live and mixed like a feature film for your ears. From the award-winning team at TABLE READ / Manifest Media Productions.

Content Advisory: This episode contains suicidal ideation, transphobic and homophobic language, and minor fatphobic language, used intentionally to serve the story and its period portrayal.

New episodes drop Tuesdays. Subscribe now.

Cast (Full Feature):

P – Levi Dafferner

Kev – Kosi Eguchi

Bex – Piper Kingston

Dizzy – Deryck Hak

Miss World – Lydia Tinsley

Dad – Adam Pilver

Mrs. D – Gemma Kyle

Mom – Leah Zhang

Britt – Eric Miller

Tiff / Martha – Avery Norris

Mr. Welch / Kev’s Dad – Eddie Aguirre

Dan / Zach – Aidan Dick

Jack – Kellen Rose

James – Michael Amir Nash

Rob – Jack Murphy

Janet / Video Store Clerk – Sabrina Ariss

Narrator – Paula Tiso

Written by Ashley Lauren

Produced by Jack Levy, Mark Knell, and Shaan Sharma for TABLE READ / Manifest Media

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcript

Content Advisory and Introduction

Small Block, 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 fat phobic 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, on to the show.

P's Dilemmas and Early Disappointments

Everybody got enough to eat? Yeah. Did everybody have ice cream? Yeah, not yet. If you didn't have an ice cream, are you sad because everybody else had one? Yes. Use that in the script. Use that. 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. Woo in her DeLorean. Also I asked Bex to the homecoming dance, and she said yes, here's the problem. I love her. 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 gonna 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 patched all and about the gray and well I've never really talked to anyone about that.

Oh yeah, I got into Saint John's, which first of all, gross, and second, means this is my last year at Pondhill 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. Fuck yes, finally! I need something fun and uncomplicated. Act three. 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. P 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. He exits the house with a Dr. Pepper. Dizzy, shirtless. Tosses Kev the basketball. Kev misses. That's Kay, your cock, mother.

Got a sec? After I exact my revenge, bring it. I ain't leaving this driveway until I'm in a DeLorean. Dizzy swishes a three. Looks to the road, checks his watch. Four minutes. I love those doors, the weird ass taillights. The frame was actually inspired by Lotus Espirit. 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.

He shakes his arm, extending and curling his fingers. Why is silence a lambs on? Kevin dizzy laugh. You kissed the part in Naked Gun last night where Anna Nicole Smith had. The fuck? You fell asleep. Full on gonzo nose cock. Should've rented the crying game. Would've had the trifecta. Einhorn or Anna. Anna. Got those thighs and those boobs? Thick ass.

Dick or no dick, whatever. Of course if she had a dick, y'all would never hear about it. I want to stop hearing about all the dudes pretending to be wolf. Eleven oh two, this is crap. Dizzy checks his watch, then the road. Still no middle.

But you didn't see anything like that in the penthouse. P glares at Kev as Dizzy wheels on Pete, angry and pleading. Dude, please, my dad will beat my ass. 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. Mom, thank God you're here. Geden, I need your help. The color drains from Dizzy's face.

Won't take long, I promise. 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. Uncle Chris. Mom, Mom, for real, not now. You have no idea. Please, just stay for a bit. It's important. 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.

Dizzy knows he's lost. He snatches his shirt off the ground, mutters to P and Kev. Please keep the DeLorean here as long as possible. He turns away as a tear rolls down the room. He pulls the Judas Priest shirt on. They leave.

Kev's Schemes, Insecurities, and Secrets

Can we talk about Bex? Inside. Miss World will blast something heavy. We'll hear it. Kev walks inside. P watches misses 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 Rahigsa. You like the Lesbos kissing, huh? It's soft somehow. Intimate. Not like a guy kissing a girl.

Kev finds a picture of a guy sitting, legs spread, while a girl kneels almost in praise, her head in his crotch. Kissing? How about some girls straight up worshipping your cock? Listen, about Bex, I I want you to be happy. I want nothing more for everyone in the class to see you like I do, but I just Kev juggles the magazine in his hands, feeling its weight.

I'm gonna bring this to school. Blow everyone's minds. James, Rob, Zach, all those fucks. They'll be eating out of the palm of my hand. Britt might even give Ken a high five, that stupid bitch. You'll know my name, asshole. You gonna ask Dizzy? His dad will kill him. My dad says asking forgiveness is better than asking permission. P stands in the open bathroom door, craning his neck to hear. Don't take it. Izzy over me, huh? Imagine if you caught shit from your dad because of your friends.

Kev looks P straight in the eye. That's every day of my life. Kev shuts the magazine. I'm sick of being invisible. Why doesn't everyone see that I'm cool? What's wrong with them? You've only been here one year. It takes time. But listen, me and Bex You think less of me, huh? For liking Bex? No, I d 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.

P leans on the counter to stabilize himself, but something pokes him. He moves the white first aid kit out of the way. You really never knew? P shakes his head. Thought you were all about Carla. You heard Tiz. Caller Luguchino's famous, I'm nobody. She's that's for you guys. When I'm alone. About pecs. Can't stop thinking about pecs. 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 fun.

She doesn't take shit from anyone, ain't afraid of anyone, I mean fuck! That's so hard. 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 That's hell of an endorsement. I thought maybe you two could be a good one.

Be friends again if we weren't together. Kev paces nervously. Fuck it. I'm gonna ask her to dance. You think it's too late? She she probably hates me. D y you think she hates me? She probably hates me. Maybe I should just ask her to dance when we're there, so Uh yeah. Yeah. Thank God you fucked up your interviews, man. High school without you would be I'm glad I can be myself with you, man. Kev grabs the penthouse. Ihr mind? 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. Something, something. I gotta know the warmth to feel the sun. Covert love covert love covert love pumps blood through chambers. My heart's a concealed gut. Fuck, that's terrif. Fucking awful. 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. 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? 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 dizzies driveway few moments later.

Friendship Under Strain and DeLorean Thrills

Mrs. D pulls into the driveway. Dizzy hops out before the car's fully stopped. He rushes to P, trying to remain calm. So? Kev exits the house. As Mrs. D pulls away, dizzy wheels. Mom, wait! Mrs. D is already down the street. She can't. It was awesome! P watches Dizzy's face suddenly contort with emotion. She didn't come yet, man. You didn't you didn't miss it. Dizzy drops to his knees overcome. Bro, you ruined it! Dizzy looks up at Kev absolutely wrecked, quietly. Why'd you fuck with me, prick?

P's eyes move slowly from Dizzy to Kev. He runs into the house. Come on, you still love me. Friends? 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.

P exits with a sprite for Dizzy. Which this bitch would get here. He throws his Judas Priest T down, grabs the basketball. I wish you'd stop being a bitch. Eddie Van Halen's out the window cuts the thick air as the growling tandem of guitar and DeLorean turns. He grabs the Pulling it on as he runs. The DeLorean Miss World steps out, a large yellow sunflower clip in her hair. Please? Miss World Labs. Let me meet your parents. Dizzy's face falls.

He 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. Yeah! The boys scream excitedly. P sits in front. Kev and Dizzy kneel in the small rear bulkhead. Missworld eyes them. P You wanna see the future boys? My calculations are correct. Miles per hour, you're gonna see some serious The DeLorean tears down the wide street. Perfect runway.

P watches the speedometer. 45, 50, 57. What do you want to see, Dizzy? My car collection. Kev? Booth my son. Faster. P P doesn't answer. 75 P. P braces tense and nervous. I don't like to think about the future. Worried about what you'd see? Holly worried. P and Miss World's eyes fly to Kev. The car decelerates sharply. Buffalo Bill is gonna murder him and turn him into a dress. P laughs like, you idiot. He only kills women. You're gonna rub that lotion all over your skin.

You're the one that wants to fuck Einhorn. Missworld's brows furrow. Boys. Buffalo Bill is a dude that sews skin clothing. Einhorn is a chick with a dick. Big difference. Still a man. Really, let's not. Don't know, bro. It's in the name. Chicks with dick. Sticks, chicks, women. You wouldn't feel that way if you pulled off some girl's panties and boom, massive dong in your face. What's your dream car collection? Dizzy lights up. I'll have one of these.

Sure. P looks at his reflection in the side mirror.

Miss World's Revealed Truth and Empathy

Exterior dizes driveway later. The DeLorean returns. Miss World parks at the edge of the driveway. The smiling boys exit the car. Time? 206. P shakes his arm, extending and curling his fingers. He tries to get Kev's attention. Miss World's still in the DeLorean. She thinks.

She fidgets back and forth, chewing her lip with a conflicted look. You want a drink or anything? She starts, jarred from her thoughts by Dizzy at the window. Where's the nearest gas station? About ten minutes from here? Miss World looks pained. She fidgets more and more.

her seat you gotta pee I can make it ten minutes she puts the car in gear dizzy's eyes widen wait don't leave please I want to get a picture with it I really have to go I have a Polaroid it'll be super quick you can pee here it's no problem No problem, please. My dad will think it's the coolest thing. 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. Guest bathrooms right there. Lots of different Cokes in the fridge. Dr. Pepper, Sprite, actual Coke, if you want. Missworld enters. Dizzy strips as Judas Pre's tea, throws it on the driveway, it lands on the small rock from before.

Take my picture, P. P turns about to talk to Kev. Give me a second. He's about to leave, now or never. P reluctantly leaves Kev. He snaps a couple picks of dizzy. Get one with me and Kev. Kev joins Dizzy at the car. P snaps one. Hold on. 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 checks, a couple other drawers, nothing. He remembers. For state 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 flood. Dizzy's parents' bathroom continuous. Inside the bathroom, the door opens quickly. P steps in, stops dead. His face contorts in shock and embarrassment. I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. He quickly shuts the door. 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. I didn't know you were in that bathroom, I swear. No answer. After a few moments. Did you call the cops? What? The door cracks open. Are you trying to keep me here until they come? P looks genuinely confused. Why would I call the cops? Come on, the crying game yesterday, and then all that stuff in the car about Silence of the Lambs and Chicks with Dick.

That wasn't a casual conversation you just have in front of someone you've just met. P laughs momentarily, but stops himself. No, that was just my my friends are idiots. He pauses, smile dropping. If you thought that we knew about you, why did you use the bathroom? The door opens more. I pee a lot now. Side effect. Why didn't you use the other one? It's smelled. P hovers near the door. Miss World looks embarrassed and scared. Her voice is quiet.

He Yeah May I please leave? P's 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. Honestly, even in eighty one there were faster and better cars, but the cool thing with the DMC-12 is The front door opens. Miss World walks directly toward the cart 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. Damn, my stomach again. Kev exits. Miss World stiffens as Dizzy approaches, quickly wiping her wet eyes. He stands next to her, they face the car. You never see these cards outside of the movies.

They were only made for a couple years. There were three model years, eighty-one, eighty three, 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. Dizzy gazes into Miss World's red ringed eyes. Thank you. This was a really incredible day. Missworld 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 P exits the house. P hands Miss World a Dr. Pepper and a Kleenex. For the road. I didn't mess with them or anything. She dabs her eyes with the Kleenex then turns her gaze to the window. What's the hardest thing you've ever had to do, Pete?

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. Her eyes remained fixed on the cloudless grey expanse. But here I am. P nods clearly affected as Miss World opens the DeLorean and steps mostly inside. You met the girl I like at the video store, Beck?

She said yes. 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 you say to her before? The DeLorean drives away. Yo, P, can we talk for a sec?

Betrayal, Violence, and Parental Hypocrisy

Kev's in the doorway, P runs over. Kev speaks quietly. Where's the penthouse? I don't know. Kev's still quiet but louder than before. Dude. Where's the fucking penthouse? You showed it to him? Dizzy's behind them trapping P between him and Kev. I told you to put it back. Why didn't you do it yet? P stares at Kev. Hey! I did. You put it back to God. Let it be, man. I thought you took it. I took it.

But you knew how important my dad, man. Kev turns to P. And you know how important it is to me. His dad, dude. What about my fucking dad? I just Listen, we'll come up with another plan for school. School? We saw how well your plan worked last time, so You don't know, man. What does school have to do with the penthouse?

What don't I know? P looks at Dizzy. What don't I know? What the fuck does school have to do with the penhouse? I was gonna show the guys. You were going to take my dad's shit to school without asking? Sorry, dude. Nice. I was trying to throw you a bone. Kev pushes P. Throw me a bone? Don't touch me, dude!

I need you to throw me a bone? When's the last time you saw his dad, man? Not everything is about you. P tries to push past Kev, but Kev blocks him. It is for me! Let me through! P tries to brush past again, but Kev pushes him back. Let me through, bitch! P pushes faster this time, but Kev shoves him back. P stumbles backwards. He trips down the steps, smacking face first on the concrete. Fuck!

P lies motionless. P moans. Ugh. Dizzy helps him roll into a seated position. P feels his forehead. Blood trickles out under the beanie. Dude. I'm so sorry. 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. P goes into the

Bathroom. The cabinet's wide open. The contents on the floor. Pete unclasps the first aid kid. He dabs at his face with gauze as Dizzy enters. Kev watches from the doorway. Wanna go to the dance, Dizzy? With you? I don't sing that way. P laughs painfully. I already have a date. You have a date? He looks into the reflection of his bleeding face. A dark spot has formed on the purple beanie.

I was gonna ask her. Bex? I asked her at the game. She wouldn't have said yes to you anyway. Fuck you, dude! You wanted to go with Bex? She doesn't like you. Yeah? How do you know? She doesn't. All I wanted was a nudie mag 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! Dizzy stares at Kev breaking. He rushes out of the cramped bathroom and into his room. I love her too. Isn't that convenient? Noises through the walls, shit being thrown. It sounds like Dizzy's crying among all the crashes. You should apologize, sir. Don't tell me who to apologize to! 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! God, my fucking dad! If you knew, man! If you knew He doesn't hate you, you know? What? Dizzy bursts from the room crying audibly past the bathroom. That asshole loves you every day. Why can't you be like P? P'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. P looks toward the open door, then back at Kev. I got into St. John's. Sounds of a knob jiggling down the hall. You leaving? P nods, a trickle of blood running from his temple. I I can't make it through high school alone. You gotta stay. Dizzy cares about you, man.

Yeah, well Izzy's never gonna be you. Dizzy's sobs turn both P and Kev's heads. He stands in the doorway, a bundle of penthouses in his arms. He heard. 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. Dizzy holds the magazines out, sniffling. Kev laughs quietly. Maybe this is why my mom killed her. P stares at Kev while Dizzy quietly cries. Interior Dad's car evening.

P 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 brideshirt pokes through from underneath. He clutches a small yellow rose. After the dance, I'd love your opinion on the Wellington. Tester came out perfect, if I do say so. He nods. Do you think I should have brought a piece for

Mm name again? Bex, Dad. Bex. We were super close for like six years. Bex McDonald? 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. They stop at a red light. P spins the flower, examining it. Oh, look at this. Look at this. P looks up. A slightly plump woman walks in the crosswalk. Bet I know where that cow is going. Disgusting.

Dad motions to the other side. A pizza hut in a strip mall. Peace size. Shrinks into his seat. Dad turns to him, smiling. 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. He pats P on the leg. The light turns green. Remember what the man said. Be a mensch. Respect and dignity. Every woman deserves both. P scratches his chin here. He looks out the window as they pass a red light.

Bex's Confession and P's Retreat

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. 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're starting? Oh sorry. I'll do that again. The door opens, Bex is radiant, she looks him over, smiles.

Nice shirt. For you? P extends the yellow rose. She takes it, admiring it. He smiles at her. She notices the bandage. The fuck happened to your face? Always wanted to hear you say that to me. You look beautiful. She gazes down. 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.

P smile falls. He glances at the car. Dad isn't looking. He pulls his shirt, jacket, taut. Bex puts her hand on his arm. I know it wasn't cool that I kinda 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? Bex laughs loudly. Kev? I'd rather eat a bag of dicks. Then who? Bex searches in his eyes, finally. I don't like guys.

P's blank, then puts it together in a rush. You can't tell anyone. You're a lesbo, and? A lesbo Anne? Really? At least I didn't shit my pants. Dex giggles. You're an idiot. Uh don't tell anyone, please? Swear. Wow, that feels good. Okay, you want to do this? P studies Bex's happy relationship. He gently rubs the purple bandage and smiles, but Not out of happiness. I think I might actually stay in.

Do again. Do it again, I can just one last time, just um Correct lines. Yeah, we just come back come to grips with that. This is this is the end. I think I might stay in, actually. You sure? I'm still gonna go. So if you change your mind 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.

Contemplation and Embracing Identity

Bye Bex. Interior dad's car moments later. P enters the car. Bex still stands in the doorway. She gained weight. 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 collar ID, pon tiles. Peaklicks talk, loud music and teenage voices blast out. Yeah. A pause then. Thanks, bro. It takes a real man to step aside like this. P doesn't answer. I'm sorry for how today was it.

Let's make the rest of this year the best we can before you head to St. John's. Cool? I'm gonna go find Wish me luck. up. He writes a final line in the notepad, puts down the pen. P pulls his tea and jacket taut, eyes himself in the mirror, he shakes his arm, extending and curling his fingers. He picks up the knife.

He pulls open the longest blade, rotating the knife in his hands. Ring the phone rings again. Caller ID Pontill School. We're cool, Kev. Bro, thanks, bro. I like totally deserve your best friendship and stuff. You okay? Yeah. Bex waits. I'm okay. Hey, this might seem silly, but uh... Who is that lady? Beck sounds somewhat coy and unsure for the first time. Who? The tall one you talked to. With the curls and the VCR? The pretty one? P's face shifts. He meets his reflection's eyes. P? A friend.

Bex sighs wistfully. She was cool. 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. P'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 two short singlet, his exposed abdomen trembles in the soft light. He unfolds the paper. Debbie and Rahiksa gently kiss. He studies them quietly, assesses himself. He slowly shakes his arm, extending and curling his fingers.

Fluid Graceful. He looks like As his arm moves with new life, he watches his arm lightly glide to his razor. 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, data 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 peck. It takes form under the thin shirt, the echo of a female breast. He presses play on the CD player, skips to track two. Hull's Miss World starts to play.

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

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