• Scene setting – a conference room. Given the presence of a copier, a fridge, computers, a sink, a water cooler, and some yearbooks, it becomes clear that this is a teachers’ lounge. Two young men – high school juniors – are seated at one of the tables, across from each other. An older male figure is seated at the end of the table. One of the students, blonde, is covered with bandages and stitching – likely from being beat up by the student across from him, but, given the arm cast, he may only be one of the attackers. Both students have soccer builds. The other student has brown hair and, though seated, has an easy 3 inches on the blonde student. The mood in the room is tense. The blonde student speaks first.

    Blonde (Alex) – Sam, I can’t apologize enough for having said what I did in front of her …

    (Sam) – Well, now MY reputation is screwed up as well as yours and Mike’s. All the girls give me death stares! (He strikes the table with his fist) What is wrong with you!?

    Alex – Again, I can’t stop apologizing for when I said it, but that doesn’t excuse your reaction. Hell, that doesn’t excuse you and your friends beating the crap outta me and (a groan of pain as he tries to move) giving me a broken arm. … (a pause) I mean, come on, your ‘friends’ gave me a verbal workover as well …

    Sam – Alex, don’t …

    Alex – (an angry expression, shouting) f**. COCKSUCKER. TRANNY. COLA. SISSY. You like what people you associate with? People who say that s**t?

    Sam is silent, his head turned away in shame and disgust. He mutters something.

    Alex – WHAT was that? … No, go ahead and repeat that, so Mr. Jackson (the older man, likely a principal) and I can hear that.

    Sam - … Why couldn’t you be normal … (he motions for Alex to stop) I know. What you do is normal for you. I don’t need to hear that again. But you never did anything that would make people get used to you. (Alex calms down, though visibly disturbed by the statement) You’ve always done strange things, but dating MIKE of all people … (Sam bears an embarrassed expression) I always kinda thought you would be gay or something. But this … This is new. It’s freaking me out.

    Alex – Boyo, you realize that I actually brought you here so to apologize about causing the break-up AND to hopefully get an apology from you about getting me put into a hospital.

    Sam – And what if I don’t?

    Alex – Let’s say jail time is the least of your problems.