Fanfiction

Episode No. 21 - Breathing Room

written by Brianne

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based on stories and characters created by Winnie Holzman

JORDAN’S HOUSE

Close on Jordan. He’s in his garage working on his car. He’s wearing his gas station attendant shirt and has his baseball cap on.

JORDAN’S DAD: (OS) Jordan! Where the hell are you?

JORDAN: (Narrowing his eyes) I’m out here! I’m – in the garage!

JORDAN’S DAD: Well get in here, will ya?

JORDAN: I’m – (sigh) Fine. (Entering the house)

He walks into the living room. It’s the typical male run household – dishes and glasses strewn about from an evening meal in front of the TV; Jordan’s jacket laying on top of a lay-z-boy recliner; the room is conspicuously free of any decoration including photos. We see Jordan’s dad sitting on the sofa. He looks older than Graham and Patty, thinning hair, some graying around the temples, small pot belly. He looks as though he may have been goodlooking in his youth, but has really let himself go.

JORDAN: (annoyed) Yeah? What did you want?

JORDAN’S DAD: Phone. (He shrugs and grabs the remote)

JORDAN: Tino?

JORDAN’S DAD: Some girl.

JORDAN: Oh- Who? Is it… Angela?

JORDAN’S DAD: How am I supposed to know?

JORDAN: Just- just…nevermind.

He walks into the kitchen and picks up the receiver which is laying on the counter.

JORDAN: (Into the phone) Yeah?

ANGELA: (Through the receiver) Jordan?

JORDAN: (Softer, slight smile) Oh. Hey. (He leans against the wall)

 

ANGELA’S ROOM- phone conversation

We see Angela laying on her stomach across her bed.

ANGELA: This is the first time I’ve ever called you.

JORDAN: (Through the receiver) Yeah.

ANGELA: Was that your dad? Who answered the phone?

 

JORDAN’S KITCHEN- phone conversation

(We see Jordan looking out into the living room at his father in disgust)

JORDAN: Yeah…that was….him.

 

ANGELA’S ROOM- phone conversation

We see Angela rolling on her back; her red hair hangs off her bed.

ANGELA: (pointedly) I’ve never met him. Or your mom.

JORDAN: (Evasively) Yeah, you haven’t.

ANGELA: I mean, I’ve subjected you to the embarrassment that is Patty and Graham…so…

JORDAN: (Slightly defensive) So?

ANGELA: (uncomfortably) Nothing. I just mean—

We see Jordan’s father chugging a bottle of beer. Close on Jordan’s face, he looks annoyed.

JORDAN: (Interrupting) Angela, you just like….wouldn’t want to. Like, meet him—them. Whatever.

ANGELA: (sounding hurt) Okay.

JORDAN: So…whatever. (Trying to change the subject) Why’d you call? Anything like, wrong?

ANGELA: No. I just wanted to see what was up. Like, how you were? And like, ask if you could give me a ride to school tomorrow.

JORDAN: I’m—I’m fine. Yeah. Sure. Of course. Yeah.

ANGELA: Thanks.

JORDAN’S DAD (OS): Dammit kid! How many times do I gotta tell you not to leave your freakin guitar laying out here?

JORDAN: (Rubs his eyes.) So, listen…I’m sorry. I gotta go, ok? I’ll see you tomorrow.

ANGELA: (Hesitant) Yeah. Okay.

JORDAN: Later.

ANGELA: Bye.

We see her hang up the phone looking confused.

Cut to Jordan as he hangs up the phone.

JORDAN VO: It wasn’t fair that I just like, basically hung up on her or whatever. But when she gets like that…all interested…it like sucks up my air or something. But it wasn’t her fault. She has like, an actual family with actual parents or something…they probably talk about stuff. Emotions or whatever… She just wouldn’t….understand.

JORDAN: I was just practicing before, that’s all. I’ll get rid of it. Keep your shirt on.

JORDAN’S DAD: (OS) So, was that one of your girls?

JORDAN: One of my--? No, that was like…the only one. Her name is Angela.

JORDAN’S DAD: (Appearing in the doorway) The only one, huh? (Laughs) Sure, kid, sure. Tall? Leggy? Blonde?

JORDAN: Listen Hank, just like…stay out of my business.

JORDAN’S DAD: No you listen kid – I’m your father and you sure as hell aren’t gonna talk to me like—

JORDAN: (Interrupting) Whatever. (He starts toward the front door)

JORDAN’S DAD: Where are you going? You don’t walk out on me!

JORDAN: I’m going…out. (He picks his guitar up off the floor)

JORDAN’S DAD: Out? Out where?

JORDAN: (angry) Just out, ok? (He grabs his jacket off the chair)

JORDAN’S DAD: Listen kid, I’m doing the best I can, ok?

JORDAN: (Standing in the doorway.) Yeah, you did one hell of a job raising me Hank. (Turns to leave)

JORDAN’S DAD: Oh no you don’t! (Goes to grab Jordan’s arm.)

JORDAN: (Yanking his arm free.) Watch me.

Hank opens his mouth to say something but Jordan’s already halfway down the walkway. He goes into the garage, and gets into his car.

JORDAN VO: Sometimes I wish that Red had wings. I just can’t drive fast enough.

He peels out of the driveway.

 

ANGELA’S ROOM- later that evening

Sharon and Angela are sitting crosslegged on the bed.

SHARON: So he just like, hung up on you?

ANGELA: (Hair tuck) Well not like exactly. He said goodbye. But he just like, rushed me off the phone. Like he had a hundred better things to be doing. (Pause) He was acting so weird.

SHARON: (Raising her eyebrows) No offense or anything Angela, but we’re talking about Jordan Catalano here. He like, always acts weird.

ANGELA: I don’t know… I kinda hinted that I wanted to meet his parents. I think I like, scared him or something. (Sigh) I mean is that…is it a huge deal? I’m just like, you know, curious. Like in some ways I feel like…like I know everything about him. And then sometimes…nothing at all. (Pause) How long was it before you met Kyle’s parents?

SHARON: Like, I don’t know…a week? He invited me over for dinner. It wasn’t like, this huge deal or anything. But anyway… I’m dumping him tomorrow. Like, for good this time.

ANGELA: (Smiling) You’ve been saying that for weeks. (Pause) Jordan is definitely not inviting me over for dinner like, anytime in the foreseeable future. Do you think that maybe he’s like…oh I don’t know…

SHARON: What?

ANGELA: (softly) Embarrassed of me?

SHARON: I thought you like, had gotten passed all that with him.

ANGELA: Yeah, like I did. I thought I did. Didn’t I?

SHARON: (Giving Angela a quick hug) Listen Chase Face, try not to like, stress out ok? You have this tendency to like…overanalyze things? And you just drive yourself crazy. It’s not pretty.

ANGELA: (Groaning) I know, I know. (She sprawls out on her back.) I can’t help myself. It’s like, this sick compulsion to torture myself or something.

SHARON: Anyway, not to like, totally drag you down…but have you spoken to Brian Krakow lately?

ANGELA: (Rolling her eyes) No. I like tried once, but he was totally obnoxious. I couldn’t like, deal with it. So I haven’t tried since. I guess we’ve just been like, avoiding each other.

SHARON: He told me he wasn’t going to tutor Jordan anymore.

ANGELA: (Sitting up) Yeah. That was kinda like, my idea.

SHARON: Really?

ANGELA: It just didn’t seem right for some reason. I don’t know.

SHARON: (Looking at the alarm clock next to Angela’s bed.) Oh my God! I can’t believe it’s 5:30 already. (Apologetic) I don’t mean to leave you mid-crisis but I told my mom I’d be home by 5.

ANGELA: No, that’s ok. Don’t worry about it.

SHARON: I’ll see you tomorrow, okay? And like… I mean it this time. Kyle and I are total and complete history.

ANGELA: (smiling) Sure.

Sharon leaves the room. Angela sits silently for a moment and the rolls her eyes.

ANGELA: (Groaning) Boys! (She collapses exhaustedly on her bed.)

 

THE LOFT

Jordan is sitting alone in the loft, strumming chords on his guitar absentmindedly. He closes his eyes- as if it hurts to look at things.

JORDAN: (Singing softly, almost under his breath) I was going nowhere, going nowhere fast. Drowning in my memories….living in the past. Everything looked black ‘til I found her…

Jordan stops singing and puts his guitar down. He then leans forward and holds his head in his hands, tired.

JORDAN VO: The thing is? Like sometimes, you can be so used to like, keeping stuff to yourself…that you forget how like…good? It can be. To like…not have to do that. To actually have someone who like….cares…or something. Because that’s like…never happened to me before.

 

CHASE KITCHEN- the next morning

Angela is standing in the doorway, her backpack on. Patty and Graham are bustling around the kitchen, making coffee, etc.

ANGELA: I really don’t know where he could be.

PATTY: Maybe he’s just running late.

ANGELA: (Upset) I’ve like, missed the bus already. I don’t understand. He said he’d give me a ride.

GRAHAM: (Helpfully) I could give you a ride.

ANGELA: I’m just gonna wait….like…5 more minutes? He should definitely be here.

PATTY: Angela, sweetheart, why don’t you let your father give you a ride, ok? I don’t want you to be late. When Jordan gets here I’ll let him know you left already.

GRAHAM: It’s not a problem. It’s on the way to the restaurant.

ANGELA: (Hesitantly) Ok…I mean, I guess.

ANGELA VO: There’s something so….degrading about having your parent drop you off at school. Like, it exposes you or something.

 

GRAHAM’S CAR

GRAHAM: So…you and Jordan are…going together?

ANGELA: (Rolling her eyes) Going together?

GRAHAM: Oh, I’m sorry. Is that…unhip?

ANGELA: (Groaning) God, dad…it’s not like…defined. We’re just…I’m sorry. I can’t like…have this conversation with my father.

GRAHAM: (Slightly hurt but trying not to show it.) Oh, of course not.

ANGELA: You know, it’s just like—whatever happens…happens.

GRAHAM: Ah, I see. (Pause) Just don’t let too much happen.

ANGELA: (Embarrassed) Dad!

GRAHAM: Just not yet, anyway.

ANGELA: (Wincing) Can we like…stop talking. Please. Just…stop.

GRAHAM: Sweetheart, I’m just looking out for you, that’s all. Jordan just seems more…

ANGELA: Dad, stop.

GRAHAM: …mature.

ANGELA: (Pleadingly) Please, I’m begging you.

GRAHAM: Okay, okay.

 

HALLWAY

Sharon and Kyle are at her locker. Sharon grabs a book and slowly turns to face him. She takes a deep breath.

SHARON: Kyle, I like, need to tell you something.

KLYE: If it’s about Friday night, don’t worry about it. I already made a reservation at that Italian restaurant you like so much. And then we could (lowers his voice) rent that Brad Pitt movie you love so much and--

SHARON: (Interrupting) Kyle…I can’t like…we can’t do this anymore.

KYLE: (confused) Do what?

SHARON: (Emphatically) Go one with this charade.

KYLE: Charade?

SHARON: Listen Kyle, you’re like a really nice guy …and totally cute…but this just isn’t working for me.

KYLE: You’re kidding, right? We belong together Sharon.

SHARON: And you deserve someone who’s gonna feel the same way—

KYLE: (Interrupting) And you don’t? I thought—I thought we were getting serious, Sharon. I told you I loved you. I meant that.

SHARON: (Quietly) I’m sorry. But it’s over.

KYLE: (Flabbergasted) But I told you that I love you! You don’t—you don’t love me?

SHARON: (Deep breath) No, Kyle.

KYLE: I can’t believe you! I can’t believe…this!

 

 

Scene cuts to:

Rayanne and Rickie are at Rickie’s locker.

RICKIE: So like, I’m moving to Pride House on Friday.

RAYANNE: Great.

RICKIE: (Shrugging) I guess.

RAYANNE: (Not picking up on his reluctance) Vasquez, have you seen Angellica this fine morning?

RICKIE: You’re quite chipper.

RAYANNE: Why shouldn’t I be? Amber is finally Dusty-free, I have the lead in the school play and Angela has forgiven me! (Beaming) All is right with the world! (She spins in a little circle and does a curtsey) So? Have you?

RICKIE: Have I what?

RAYANNE: (Impatiently) Seen Angela? Pay attention! (She taps him on the forehead.)

RICKIE: Oh…No I haven’t.

Brian starts down the hall.

RAYANNE: (Yelling, and waving her hand in his face) Hey Krakow! Have you seen Angela?

BRIAN: (Not stopping as he passes her) Just like, leave me alone.

RAYANNE: (To Rickie) Someone must have shrunk his tightie whities! (Yelling after Brian) Thanks a bunch Krakow!

RICKIE: Rayanne, you should like…ease up on Brian sometimes. You can be pretty harsh.

RAYANNE: (Defensively) Harsh? I asked him a simple question. He was the one who got all snippy over it.

RICKIE: Just like… in general. He’s got like, feelings.

RAYANNE: (Hands on hips) Did I say he didn’t?

RICKIE: (Sighing) No….just like, forget it.

RAYANNE: Rickie? What’s like, going on here? (Narrowing her eyes) I feel like you’re talking in code or something.

RICKIE: It’s just that…(he closes his locker and leans against it) Things are like, a lot more complicated than you realize.

RAYANNE: (Rolling her eyes) And the green duck quacks at midnight. (Directly) Vasquez – what are you talking about?

RICKIE: It’s just that… Brian and Angela are like, in the middle of this, like… thing.

RAYANNE: Thing? (Skeptically) Angela and….Brian? What thing?

RICKIE: Where Brian like….loves her or something.

RAYANNE: (Surprised, loudly) Brian loves Angela? Brian Krakow?

RICKIE: Shhh! Rayanne! Could you not like, announce it? I don’t think they heard you in the locker room.

RAYANNE: (Unable to hide a laugh) Does she know?

RICKIE: Well that’s the thing. She kinda does. Brian like…wrote her this letter. A love letter. But not from him.

RAYANNE: What?

RICKIE: He wrote it for Jordan. To help him like, apologize for…well, it’s obvious.

RAYANNE: (Getting a kick out of this information.) He wrote it for Jordan? This is so messed up. (Dramatically) Our fragile little worlds are crumbling. The dynamic has totally shifted! The sky is falling!

RICKIE: (Concerned) But Rayanne? Just like, don’t say anything, ok? To Brian? Like, don’t let him know…that you know? Ok? Because..he wouldn’t like…appreciate the fact I told you.

RAYANNE: (Southern accent) My purty little lips are sealed, baby doll. Don’t worry your little head about it. (Normal voice) Besides, I’m sure Angela would tell me herself but we’ve only like…just gotten back on speaking terms. Well, I’m gonna get going. I wanted to talk to Tino about getting a ride after school. (She starts to walk away.)

RICKIE: (Pleadingly) Rayanne…I mean it.

He turns and walks down the hall in the other direction.

Angela approaches

RICKIE: Oh, hey.

ANGELA: Hi. (Pause) You haven’t like, seen Jordan around, have you?

RICKIE: I must be like, the human directory today.

ANGELA: Huh?

RICKIE: Rayanne just asked me if I had seen you like, thirty seconds ago.

ANGELA: Oh…yeah. I just got here. I haven’t even been to my locker yet. It’s just that….Jordan was supposed to come get me this morning and he like, didn’t. And I didn’t see is car in the parking lot. I’m kinda like…worried.

RICKIE: I’m sure he’s fine.

ANGELA: (Unconvinced) Yeah, probably.

RICKIE: Well, okay. If I see him, I’ll like…tell him you were looking for him, ok?

ANGELA: Okay, yeah. (Pause) No, wait. Don’t.

RICKIE: (confused) Don’t?

ANGELA: Don’t tell him I was looking for him. I don’t want him to feel like… he has to like, answer to me or whatever. Like, I’m his mother or something. I’ll just like, talk to him later. I’m sure he has a good reason.

RICKIE: (Uncertain) Yeah, probably. (Beat) So did you know I’m moving to Pride House on Friday?

ANGELA: (Absentmindedly) Yeah. That’s great. (Snapping out of it) Okay, so anyway…I’ll see you later, ok?

RICKIE: (small fake smile) Yeah, sure. Bye.

The bell rings.

 

HALLWAY

Angela is in a deserted hallway shoving some books into her locker. She is running late.

Slamming her locker closed, she turns to run. Brian is coming out of the bathroom and the two collide. Brian’s hallpass falls to the floor

ANGELA: (In a low voice) Oh. Um, sorry.

BRIAN: I knew I was invisible. Just like, not that invisible.

ANGELA: (Sigh) Krakow, God. I said I was sorry.

BRIAN: So, like, did you …did you oversleep? Because you weren’t on the bus. Not that I was like, looking for you or anything. Because I wasn’t. You know, looking- looking for you. It’s just that I like, realized you weren’t at the bus stop. Since…you know. We’re at the same bus stop. And have been basically since like…kindergarten.

ANGELA: (Defensive) Do I need to explain myself to you?

BRIAN: I didn’t say that you did. It was just a simple question, Chase! You could at least be like, civil, or whatever.

ANGELA: Civil? (Annoyed) Brian, I tried to talk to you. Remember? You’re the one who wasn’t civil!

BRIAN: Whatever Chase. You just wanted to like, ease your guilty conscience.

ANGELA: (Angry) What? What could I possibly be guilty of? Really, tell me because I would absolutely love to hear it. (She stares at him, expectantly)

BRIAN: (At a loss) Just like, forget it. I don’t want to fight with you, ok?

ANGELA: (Upset) I like, never asked you to write that letter Brian! You did that on your own, ok? I don’t like, owe you something.

BRIAN: But you’re glad I did, right? Because it got you with Catalano, right? That should like, count for something.

ANGELA: (Her voice rising) Jordan and I and our relationship have like, nothing to do with you, ok Brian? You aren’t even his tutor anymore! So just stay out of my life.

BRIAN: (Sarcastic) Am I like…allowed to breathe your air? Or should I ask you first?

ANGELA: (Angrily) I’m late for class.

She turns and runs down the hall in the opposite direction.

BRIAN: (Calling after her.) Chase! We have English now. It’s in the other direction!

She doesn’t hear him. He stands in the hall for a moment, and bends down to pick up the hallpass and then slowly turns and walks in the other direction.

 

GIRL’S BATHROOM

Angela is standing in front of a mirror, splashing water onto her face. She looks at her watch. It reads 8:15. She closes her eyes for a moment and rubs her temples. She looks at her watch again. Time has passed… It’s 8:27 She takes a deep breath, looks herself in the eye in the mirror and turns to go to class.

 

KATIMSKI’S CLASS

Brian has returned from the bathroom and is sitting in the front row. Katimski is handing back some papers. Angela appears in the doorway.

KATIMSKI: Angela!

ANGELA: (apologetic, to Katimski) I’m sorry I’m late. I like… missed the bus.

KATIMSKI: Not a problem. (Pause) Just take your seat.

Brian looks up at Angela as she passes by his desk. She ignores him and sits several rows back. Sharon looks over at her and mouths "I did it!" . Angela smiles weakly

KATIMSKI: In general, the grades on this last Scarlet Letter quiz were rather (pause) disappointing. You need to keep up with the (pause) reading. These questions were simple people! (Reading from a sheet in his hand.) What is Hester’s daughter’s name? Gee, whiz! You should know this! (pause) Does anyone know this?

BRIAN: Pearl. I mean, that’s her daughter’s name.

Jordan appears in the doorway. He’s still wearing his gas station attendant’s shirt.

KATIMSKI: Mr. Catalano. So glad you could (pause) join us. Gee whiz, a lot of johnny come lately’s today!

JORDAN: Huh?

KATIMSKI: Angela (pause) was late today as well.

JORDAN VO: The thing I hate? Is like, when people use these expressions that like, make no sense. And you’re supposed to understand them or something. Like, to sound smarter. Like…when people say ‘I have a bone to pick with you’ and like, it really means ‘You pissed me off’ Why can’t people just like…say that? Just like….say what you mean.

JORDAN: Oh.

KATIMSKI: You did rather well on the most recent quiz Jordan. (pause) Gee whiz, 82.

The bell rings. The class rises from their seats and shuffles out. Angela approaches Jordan who is still standing in the front of the class. Brian passes by and gives Angela a longing look, which she doesn’t notice.

JORDAN: Hey.

ANGELA: Hi.

JORDAN: So, um, I’m sorry for like…not coming this morning.

ANGELA: No. It’s okay…just like…why?

JORDAN: I wasn’t sure if I was like, gonna come. To school. Because…I like, overslept or whatever. You know, otherwise I would have…called. (pause) I hate Monday.

ANGELA: Oh. Don’t worry about it. My dad gave me a ride.

JORDAN: Oh. Good.(pause) So like, I don’t really want to be here right now.

ANGELA: (Smiling) Like I do?

JORDAN: (Mischievous) So maybe we could like…go somewhere. You know, since neither one of actually wants to like… be here.

JORDAN VO: I couldn’t like, help it. Knowing that she was into me and that we could…y’know…mess around whenever… That part of my brain just like, takes over or something.

ANGELA: (Incredulously) It’s school…we can just like…leave?

JORDAN: (Stepping closer) Yeah.

ANGELA: (laughing) Just walk right out? Just like that?

JORDAN: (Inching closer.) Yeah.

ANGELA: I don’t know… (weakening) I mean, I like…want to. Like, really want to…

JORDAN: (Softly) Yeah?

ANGELA: (relenting) God! You are such a bad influence on me! (Smiles broadly)

JORDAN: (Smiling back) Okay, well let’s get outta here. (He grabs her hand)

 

HALLWAY-same time

Brian is walking down the hallway and Rayanne sneaks up behind him.

RAYANNE: Hey Krakow, you stud you!

BRIAN: (sigh, turning around) Rayanne, I’m like…not in the mood for you today, ok?

RAYANNE: (purrs) Mmm. Well maybe I could…get you in the mood, huh Krakow? (She runs her hand down his chest.)

BRIAN: You like, need help. Like, majorly.

RAYANNE: (Seductively) Maybe you could help me. (Licks her lips)

BRIAN: (Flustered) Just like…what do you…what’s your problem?

RAYANNE: (Carefree) No problems! Maybe you haven’t like, heard the good news.

BRIAN: What news?

RAYANNE: Me and Angela. She forgave me.

BRIAN: (Feigning disinterest) Stranger things have happened.

RAYANNE: (Shrewdly) Yeah, so I’ve heard. Cyreno DeBergerac.

BRIAN: (alarmed) What? What do you mean?

RAYANNE: You know what I mean. (smile, seductively) How about aiming some of that hot Krakow loving in my direction? (Pouts) I’m feeling neglected. You know, you’ve been so distant ever since that time we slept together…don’t I turn you on anymore?

BRIAN: (Flustered) No…I mean, yeah. I mean…no. I mean…this like, has like…absolutely nothing to do with you. Ok? So just like, don’t get involved, ok? Because you like…don’t even know what you’re talking about.

He walks away quickly

RAYANNE: (Calling after him) I’m just teasing Krakow! Don’t get your panties in a knot!

RANDOM KID: Krakow wears panties?

Jordan and Angela are walking down the hallway. Rayanne notices Angela.

RAYANNE: (Brightly) Angelika! (Noticing Jordan is there, subdued) Catalano.

JORDAN: (Uncomfortably) Graf. (He looks away)

JORDAN VO: I can’t even like, look ….at Rayanne Graf …without completely hating myself.

ANGELA: (Clears her throat, small very uncomfortable smile) Hi, Rayanne.

RAYANNE: I was, uh, looking for you… this- this morning.

JORDAN VO: And I guess I don’t have the right to totally hate her…but the thing is… I do. You know, hate Rayanne Graf.

Jordan looks at Angela impatiently.

ANGELA: (Glancing at Jordan and then looking back to Rayanne.) Yeah, Rickie told me. Anything like, important?

RAYANNE: (Uncomfortable with Jordan there) No…I just like, wanted to say hi. So, hi.

ANGELA: (Small smile) Hi. (Pause) Well, I like…gotta go.

RAYANNE: Oh! Yeah, sure. I’ll like…see you later.

She hurries off

JORDAN’S CAR.

Jordan is driving.

JORDAN: (Awkwardly) So um…you and…(clears throat) are like—friends or whatever?

ANGELA: Yeah. (Slowly, choosing her words) We…she- she…we’re just like…getting past- past…whatever. Why?

JORDAN: (Shrugs) No reason. I just like…didn’t know.

ANGELA: Oh. (Pause) So…where are we going?

JORDAN: Wherever. Where do you wanna go?

ANGELA: There’s this little park…like, by my house. I thought maybe we could like…

JORDAN: You wanna go there?

ANGELA: Yeah. I mean, if you want to. It’s like…private.

JORDAN: Okay.

 

HALLWAY

Rickie is walking down the hallway, Brian is rushing to catch up with him.

BRIAN: Rickie!

RICKIE: Oh, hi.

BRIAN: Hey. (Slightly out of breath) I like, have to ask…did you like, tell Rayanne Graf about me and…you know…Angela? Like, about the letter or something?

RICKIE: (Sighs) What did she say to you?

BRIAN: Like, nothing specifically. She just like, hinted that she knew something. And like, gave me a hard time. Like, as per usual.

RICKIE: (Defeatedly) Brian, listen, I’m sorry.

BRIAN: So like, you did?

RICKIE: Yeah. She just has this way of like…extracting the truth out of people or something.

BRIAN: (Upset) Rickie, that was like…private information. There was like, no reason that Rayanne Graf of all people has to know how I feel about Angela Chase!

RICKIE: Well have you thought of maybe like, telling Angela Chase how you feel about Angela Chase?

BRIAN: She like, knows. (Laughs) Besides, like it would really make a difference. Like, she would dump Catalano for me. (Sarcastic) Super cool Jordan Catalano with his super cool car, and his super cool hair and his super--

RICKIE: (Interrupting) Brian! (Serious) It’s just like…unhealthy. It’s like eating you up or something. If you don’t at least get it off your chest you’re gonna be sick or whatever. Because like…I know what it’s like to carry this like…secret or something…around with you. It like…wears you out. You know? And if you don’t like…admit it? You’ll just carry it for the rest of your life. And it like, becomes part of you and it just suffocates you and takes up all your breathing room.

BRIAN: (Confused) Like…huh? What are you talking about?

RICKIE: Just…I’m sorry I told Rayanne, ok? I had like, no right to do that.

BRIAN: Okay. That’s just like… don’t tell anyone else. (Beat) So…um…when are you moving to that Pride House thing? That’s like…soon…right?

RICKIE: You know that you’re like…the first person to like, show an interest all day? No one else like even…asked. But yeah. On Friday.

BRIAN: Well, if there’s anything I can do. To like…help…you know, move you in or whatever. Just like, let me know.

RICKIE: I just might take you up on that! (Pause) Anyway, I have to get to class. So like, I’ll talk to you later?

BRIAN: Sure. Later.

Outside view of Jordan’s car as it pulls up to the park. It’s small, with a swingset and a see-saw and not much else. Jordan and Angela get out of the car and walk over to the swingset and sit down in the swings.

ANGELA: When I was little…my dad would bring me and Danielle here. (Shyly) He used to call it…Princess Park…we were the princesses. (She points to a tree) That was our castle.

JORDAN: That’s nice.

ANGELA: Yeah, it was. (Pause) So…um, do you have any special place or something? (Trying to be nonchalant but failing) You know that maybe your parents brought you to…like when you were little?

JORDAN VO: The thing about Angela is that she has this need, to like…talk. About everything. If you took away her words it’s like…she would die or something. It’s annoying but…endearing.

JORDAN: (Shrugs) No where.

ANGELA: Oh. (She bites her lip, unsure what to say.) What are they like? I mean…your parents. You don’t like…mention them ever.

JORDAN VO: For a reason.

JORDAN: (Tersely) They’re just like…you know…whatever. Parents.

ANGELA: (A bit hurt) Oh.

JORDAN: (Sighing) Listen, don’t like…get upset.

ANGELA: Why would I be upset?

JORDAN: I don’t know.

ANGELA: Ok, then. (Pause) Well no…it’s not okay.

JORDAN: Huh?

ANGELA: Jordan…what- what are we, exactly?

JORDAN: What?

ANGELA: (Embarrassed) Are you like—I mean, am I your…?

JORDAN: (Shrugs) Let’s not label it.

ANGEL: Label it?

JORDAN: When you put a label on it? It’s like…I dunno…not yours anymore. There’s all these expectations… like how to act? Where to be? And then it just like…controls you.

ANGELA: It’s just that (pause) I don’t know… how to like be around you. (Rushing on before she can stop herself) Like, how you expect me to act? Or like, want me to be? Like how sometimes I…I don’t know…like, run into this wall? With you. (She looks down) You just like…I don’t know? Shut down? Or something.

JORDAN: I’m- I mean…I don’t like…do that.

ANGELA: (Quietly) You’re doing now.

JORDAN: (Defensively) So then…go. No one’s…stopping you.

JORDAN VO: Stay.

ANGELA: (In disbelief) God! Can’t you see?

JORDAN: What?

ANGELA: That I don’t want to! Go, I mean. I don’t want to. If we’re gonna be…whatever it is we’re gonna be…you can’t just…forget it.

JORDAN: (Looks like he’s thinking, trying to decide whether to speak or not.) I haven’t like, seen my mom in like…well since I was eight. This one time? She and my old man like…had a fight. (Pause, he looks pensive) And she…you know.

ANGELA: Oh, Jordan…I didn’t--

JORDAN: (Shrugs) Yeah.

ANGELA: (Surprised) Jordan, that’s terrible! I’m so…sorry.

JORDAN: (Gruffly) Don’t be. It’s like…not a big deal.

ANGELA VO: That little piece of information just explained so much. About why it was so hard to get close to Jordan Catalano.

JORDAN: I lied.

ANGELA: You lied? What about?

JORDAN: This morning? I like didn’t oversleep. Well I did. But that’s not like, the whole truth.

ANGELA: (confused) Then why--?

JORDAN: (Interrupting) I slept in the loft.

ANGELA: Why?

JORDAN: Because. My dad. He just…pisses me—I have a bone to pick with him. And sometimes it’s just like, easier to…you know…

ANGELA: Not to deal with it?

JORDAN: Exactly. He like… suffocates me.

ANGELA: So like, I guess you don’t like see your--

JORDAN: (Interrupting) Let’s not talk anymore. Okay? (Softer) I just don’t like…to talk all the time.

ANGELA: (Reassuring) No. That’s okay. I didn’t want to like…pressure you to talk about it or anything. But like…you should know that if you want to- I mean if you feel like it- you can always talk…to me. If you want to.

JORDAN: (Pulling her swing closer to his) Talking is…overrated. Besides…there’s like…better things we can do…with our mouths…than talking.

ANGELA: (Smiling) Oh really?

JORDAN: Yes, really.

He leans in and kisses her. After a moment she breaks away smiling.

ANGELA: (Flirtatiously) I don’t know if I ever mentioned it before…

JORDAN: What?

ANGELA: …but you’re a really good kisser.

JORDAN: (Smiles) Hey. I have a question…this has been like…bugging me…

ANGELA: (Concerned) What?

JORDAN: If your mom has blonde hair, right? And your dad has brown? Where did this red come from?

ANGELA: (Bursting out laughing) A bottle!

JORDAN: (Small smile) Really? I didn’t—

ANGELA: (Still laughing) You didn’t know? I can’t believe you didn’t know!

JORDAN: So what are you? Like…a blonde or something?

ANGELA: Yeah.

JORDAN: (Mock seriousness) I’m sorry, I can’t be with you. Our whole relationship is like, based on a lie.

ANGELA: Oh, shut up!

JORDAN: I’m serious.

ANGELA: Oh yeah? (She playfully punches him)

JORDAN: Nah.

 

GIRL’S BATHROOM

Girls are crowded around the mirror. Rayanne shoves between two of them and ends up next to Sharon. Sharon is applying lipstick.

RAYANNE: So word on the street has it that you finally dumped that boytoy of yours.

SHARON: (Shocked) You know, like…already? I only did it this morning!

RAYANNE: (Smirking) I’m way in the know. You know that guy? With the sort of spiky hair? It’s not really blonde and it’s not really brown? And the mole on his cheek? He used to go out with that girl with the really bad perm—I think her name is Sheila something with a D? Matt? Mitch? Whatever…you know the one…Well he, told me. Sounds like Vinovich is pretty devastated.

SHARON: I feel bad. Like, I do. Really. But you can’t just like force yourself to have feelings for someone so they’ll feel better.

RAYANNE: There’s a lot of that one way lovin’ going around nowadays, ain’t there? (To Random Girl) Could you like, give me an iota of breathing space?

Random Girl shoots Rayanne an annoyed look.

RANDOM GIRL: (Obnoxiously) I’m sorry, I didn’t realize that you owned this bathroom.

RAYANNE: (Blasé) Just don’t let it happen again.

SHARON: What do you mean? One way loving? Going around?

RAYANNE: You and Vinovich. That friend of yours? Dellica or whatever? And Rickie. Angela and Krakow—

SHARON: (Interrupting) That’s like, a very delicate situation.

RAYANNE: Krakow just needs to face reality.

SHARON: Which is?

RAYANNE: (Obviously) That he needs to get over it. Because nothing is gonna happen between him and Angela. She’s like, completely and totally on Planet Jordan right now anyway.

SHARON: I guess you’re right.

RAYANNE: Of course, I’m right. What self respecting girl would want Krakow anyway? Besides like…your friend ‘The Farmer and the Della’ or whatever. (Pause) And now Rickie. Wow…that girl really can pick them, huh?

SHARON: (Defensively) Brian’s not like…all bad.

RAYANNE: And the titanic just hit an ice cube.

SHARON: I have this feeling he just might surprise us one of these days. Like, come into his own or something.

RAYANNE: Definitely "or something."

SHARON: Anyway, have you seen Angela? She was in Katimski’s but then she like…disappeared or something.

RAYANNE: As I said, Planet Jordan. Population…one.

SHARON: (concerned) Do you think…he’s like… gonna treat her right this time. He’s goodlooking…like duh…but it’s like she’s blinded by it? Or something. (pause) I still haven’t forgiven him for the totally obnoxious way he acted at Buffalo Tom. She was so hurt.

RAYANNE: (Pensive) It’s hard to say. But if he doesn’t…well he’ll just have us to deal with now, won’t he? (Pause) Um, well maybe he shouldn’t really…deal…with me.

SHARON: You know, we make a pretty good team.

RAYANNE: (rolling her eyes) Don’t get all Kodak moment on me Cherski, ok? (She smiles) It makes me want to barf.

SHARON: (Smiling) Okay, okay.

Rickie enters.

RAYANNE: Enrique!

RICKIE: Hey. Hey Sharon.

SHARON: Hi. I gotta go. Some of us actually go to class, you know.

RAYANNE: Yeah, you’re weird like that.

SHARON: Very funny.

Sharon exits

RICKIE: Rayanne…didn’t I like, specifically tell you not to say anything to Brian? About him and Angela?

RAYANNE: Don’t worry. I like, didn’t do him any harm. No need to get worked up.

RICKIE: (Shaking his head) I don’t believe you.

RAYANNE: (Smiling) I am pretty unbelievable, huh?

RICKIE: Don’t you have any- feelings? Emotions?

RAYANNE: What do you—

RICKIE: (Interrupting) How can you be so heartless?

RAYANNE: (Surprised) You’re calling me heartless?

RICKIE: And completely self absorbed!

RAYANNE: Rickie? Where is this coming from?

RICKIE: Do you care about me at all, Rayanne?

RAYANNE: What does this have to do with you? I thought we were talking about Krakow.

RICKIE: (Angrily) Answer the question.

RAYANNE: (Taken aback) Of course I care about you. God. You’re like my best friend.

RICKIE: Then why is it always about you?

RAYANNE: (Loudly) What? What is?

RICKIE: (Almost yelling) Do you know how major this move on Friday is for me? Do you have any idea how stressed out and nervous I am? I mean…God. Did you ever stop thinking about yourself for one measly minute to ever begin to consider how life altering this is for me?

RAYANNE: Rickie, I—

RICKIE: No! You didn’t! You couldn’t care less!

RAYANNE: Shut up! That isn’t true. (Pause) I’m sorry.

RICKIE: (Deep breath) Ok.

RAYANNE: No, it isn’t ok… I should be…you know…

RICKIE: (regretful) I shouldn’t have blow up like that. I don’t know what got into—

RAYANNE: No. You’re right. I’m a terrible friend. Angela found out. Now you did too.

RICKIE: But Angela forgave you.

RAYANNE: Yeah? Still doesn’t change the fact that I’m a terrible person. Someone should really let Sharon know before I drag her down too… (Pause) Now, if you’ll excuse me—

She starts to leave

RICKIE: Rayanne? Where are you going?

RAYANNE: To class. There’s a first for everything.

She leaves.

 

THE PARK

Arial view of Jordan and Angela on the swings. She’s twirling around and spinning. He’s laughing. Camera slowly comes closer and closer until it rests only on Jordan’s face. He’s smiling.

 

JORDAN’S HOUSE- later that evening

Jordan comes in through the front door. Hank is sitting in the living room.

HANK: So you decided to come home after all?

JORDAN: Apparently.

HANK: You know… I was worried.

JORDAN: (Shrugging his jacket off his shoulders) I’m sure.

HANK: (Standing up) I just…I don’t know what to do with you. You don’t make it easy for me, kid.

JORDAN: (Sarcastically) Sorry. God forbid you should like… be a parent or something.

HANK: (Taking a few steps toward Jordan, who is still in the doorway) What’s that supposed to mean?

JORDAN: (Voice rising) What’s it mean? I’m the dumb one, remember? Why don’t you figure it out?

HANK: I never said you were--

JORDAN: (Taking a step forward, bitterly in Hank’s face.) Don’t you…God, don’t you even try that! You did. ‘Why are you such a disappointment?’ ‘Why can’t you make something of yourself?’ ‘Got left back again, huh, kid? Way to go dumbass!’ (pause) I guess I should just be grateful, huh? That you don’t hit me anymore? Is that why mom left, Hank? Huh? Did you hit her too?

HANK: We are not talking about your mother! She left, ok? I didn’t! I’m still here! (Defensively) I’m concerned about you! Okay? You…you’re wasting your life—I don’t want to see that--

JORDAN: It’s mine, ok? It’s my life. One more year. One more year…and then…I’m 18. And I’m out of here. (He turns and walks up the stairs leaving Hank speechless below.)

 

JORDAN’S ROOM

Jordan is lying flat on his back on his bed. Close up his face.

JORDAN VO: My mother used to have this thing she always said to me before I went to sleep. "Tomorrow is a question. Go to sleep so you can get the answers." (pause) The thing I got outta that…like about life is… you just never know when something is actually gonna like…happen. Like, something meaningful. What I mean is- when you wake up in the morning you really have like, no idea how that day is gonna end. You might think you know. But you don’t. Something terrible might happen. Or like….something completely amazing. Like maybe you get like…a reason? To actually get out of bed. Like, Angela or something. And that’s how I feel. But like…not just about a day. About my life. I guess that made absolutely no sense. But I’m okay with that.

He closes his eyes.

THE END