ELLIOT (voice)

I wanted to apologize for the other day. Not for what I told you because what I told you is true. I want to apologize for the way I acted. It wasn’t right of me to lash out at you so abruptly when I should’ve gradually let my feelings be known. I haven’t been having a good past few days.

SCENE 1: Book store

MANAGER

Randal, this is our new employee Riley. She’s with us for the summer but I know she’ll be an asset to the team. Riley, Randal is going to be your mentor for the next few weeks.

RILEY
Yes, sir.

RANDAL

I’ll take it from here.

Manager nods and walks off.

RILEY

You know, I’m not objecting to being shown any kinds of ropes.

RANDAL

Good for you. I’ll assign you to our Sadomasochism section.

RILEY

That’s a great shirt. You like the Ramones?

RANDAL

Yes.

RILEY

I do too.

RANDAL

Oh, your hair is adorable. Is your hair naturally blue and black? Judging by your eyebrows it’s not. I’d be able to tell by your lashes too but they’re so caked with mascara I don’t know what to think.

RILEY

It’s called punk.

RANDAL

Middle class life must be so difficult.

RILEY

It is.

RANDAL
What’s your name again?

RILEY

Riley.

RANDAL

Oh, you have a boy’s name! How cute!

RILEY

I’ll take you out, asshole.

RANDAL

You think I want you because you’re tough? Tell you what: Even if I did want to fuck you and, I assure you, I don’t, I wouldn’t buy into a tough girl.

RILEY

Why not? Afraid I could kick your ass?

RANDAL

No, I’m actually afraid that you’d make me become more of a fucking misogynist than I already am.

RILEY

You’ll never get a girl like that.

RANDAL

Don’t get my hopes up.

RILEY

You’ll spend the rest of your life alone.

RANDAL

If only.

Brandon walks by with a stack of books and throws a wink at Randal. Randal winks back before turning his gaze back to Riley.

RANDAL

Since my future alone looks rather bleak I’ll thank you never to talk to me again.

Randal walks away. Mary joins him

MARY

You know, you don’t have to be so nasty to everyone all the time.

RANDAL

Mary, it’s not that I like being nasty. That girl is the worst kind of girl.

MARY

You didn’t have to go so far as to say that you’re a misogynist.

RANDAL

She came on to me without my permission. As far as she’s concerned I am the biggest misogynist you know.

MARY

Whatever you say.

RANDAL

I’m heading out for lunch soon.

MARY

Yes, sir.

SCENE 2: Green Aura Markets

Elliot is stocking a shelf. Jake bounces down the aisle and grabs a bouquet of flowers. He links his arm in Elliot’s and smiles. Elliot rolls his eyes and smiles slightly.

ELLIOT

Didn’t I just marry you last week?

Jake leans over and kisses him on the cheek

JAKE

I can marry you as many times as I want.

ELLIOT

Don’t let my mother hear you say that.

JAKE

I’ll say what I want around your mother. Have you told her yet?

ELLIOT

Have I told an Evangelical Christian woman that her son fucks guys? Christ, she already knows you’re Jewish.

JAKE

That’s why she hates me?

ELLIOT

Basically.

JAKE

I thought she hated me because I groped you while you were restocking the other day.

ELLIOT

Thanks for leaving me with that explanation. I had to tell her you have Tourette Syndrome.

JAKE

You wanna save me?

ELLIOT

Depends on what you mean by save.

Jake smiles and pulls Elliot into a kiss. Elliot checks the aisle nervously before relaxing into the kiss. Randal walks down the aisle and smiles before clearing his throat.

RANDAL

impersonating Elliot’s mother

Elliot Roberts, what are you doing?

Elliot pulls away quickly before realizing that it is only Randal. He sighs and wraps his arms around Jake’s waist.

ELLIOT

Crawled back up out of Hell I see?

RANDAL

I got out for good behavior.

ELLIOT

What, you give Satan a blowjob?

RANDAL

Fond of oral sex, that one.

ELLIOT

What do you want, Randal?

RANDAL

Food.

ELLIOT

You’re in an organic market and you came for food?

RANDAL

That and you know I can’t resist the sight of you two sucking face.

ELLIOT

Nice.

RANDAL

So, you guys wanna ring me up?

ELLIOT

I will.

Randal and Elliot head to the front. Jake sighs and puts the bouquet back. Elliot walks to the front with Randal and rings him up at the register. Randal runs his fingers through his hair.

RANDAL

Jake driving you crazy yet?

ELLIOT

Fuck you.

RANDAL

He’s so… Happy.

ELLIOT

It’s refreshing after being around you for so long. Anyway, isn’t Brandon a relatively happy person?

RANDAL

He’s relaxed.

ELLIOT

He’s stoned half the time.

RANDAL

Don’t judge me.

ELLIOT
I’m not judging anyone. I’m just saying.

Riley enters the market. Randal ducks behind the counter and crawls behind Elliot’s legs

RANDAL

Don’t let her see me.

ELLIOT

What?

Riley approaches the counter and tosses her hair.

RILEY

Seen a guy named Randal?

ELLIOT

Who’s asking?

RILEY

I work with him upstairs. I was hoping if you saw him that you’d let him know I’m looking for him.

Jake walks by and catches Riley’s attention even though Elliot is speaking.

ELLIOT

Hey!

RILEY

Oh, I’m sorry?

ELLIOT

Listen to me, you twat, lay off Randal and lay off Jake. For Christ’s sake, neither are interested in you.

RILEY

And why not?

ELLIOT

Because you’re annoying, you don’t listen, and you’re about as mature as a thirteen year old girl. No one here wants to fuck you. For that you can go down to a frat house. Make sure they’ve had plenty of booze before hand though so they can at least have the illusion that you’re even the slightest bit attractive. Stop coming on to people like you’re a fucking middle schooler who lost her virginity at age eleven and stop trying to be punk. You’re not cool.

RILEY

Why’s everyone being so mean to me?

ELLIOT
You’re annoying as hell now leave me the fuck alone.

Jake walks up to the counter and gives Riley a smile.

JAKE

Hi!

Elliot rolls his eyes and leaves the counter. Riley pouts.

RILEY

Why’s everyone so mean here?

JAKE

You’ve met Randal and Elliot I presume?

RILEY

starting to tear

Everyone hates me!

JAKE

You’re trying to hard.

RILEY

What?

JAKE

Walk with me.

They walk to some other part of the store. Jake starts inspecting the produce

RILEY
I’m trying too hard? I’m being myself. If people can’t accept the fact that I’m hardcore—

JAKE

Hardcore?

RILEY

I got expelled for getting in a fight with another girl.

JAKE

What were you fighting about?

RILEY

I can’t remember.

JAKE

Nice.

RILEY

Look, I’m not weak like other girls. Why should I give in to that stereotype?

JAKE

You seem to think that guys want bad girls. Girls want bad boys. Guys want—Well, I know they don’t want bad girls.

RILEY

What do you want?

JAKE

Someone with big, strong arms to protect me. Someone who’ll take me on long walks on sandy beaches.

RILEY

Christ, is everyone gay here?

JAKE

Mary and Jeanne aren’t. You work with them, right?

RILEY

I guess.

JAKE

Randal? He’s bi, so he says. Brandon is out. I’m out. Elliot is gay but in.

RILEY

Out of what?

JAKE

The closet?

RILEY

Oh. So I could sway Randal?

JAKE

I don’t recommend it.

RILEY

Why not?

JAKE

Randal is the biggest asshole you’ll ever meet.

RILEY

Why are you friends with him?

JAKE

I’m not. Elliot is.

RILEY

They’re both dicks.

JAKE

Elliot is a nice guy. He’s just very introverted. Randal is just an asshole.

RILEY

Why are you friends with either?

JAKE

Elliot gives me sex. Randal is, God knows why, Elliot’s best friend.

RILEY

Elliot gives you sex?

JAKE

Not only sex, hell, I could give myself that, Elliot gives me mad, hot, passionate monkey sex.

ELLIOT

from a few aisles over

Jake, shut the hell up!

Jake smiles, Riley laughs slightly

RILEY

So, he’s your boyfriend?

JAKE

Yep.

RANDAL

from the same place as Elliot

Brilliant deduction, Sherlock!

RILEY

How long have you two been together?

Jake smiles

JAKE

Almost two years.

RILEY

And Brandon and Randal?

JAKE

They’re coming up on their third year. They’ve been at it on and off though.

RILEY

So Randal’s not committed?

JAKE

He is now. Don’t get any ideas.

RILEY

Damn.

JAKE

Calm yourself.

SCENE 3: Jake’s Bedroom

Jake and Elliot are on Jake’s bed. Elliot is on top of Jake. They are kissing very sloppily and very slowly. Elliot slips a hand up Jake’s shirt. Jake smiles slightly and pins Elliot to the bed. Elliot grins and smoothes Jake’s hair out of his eyes.

ELLIOT

Do I tell you that you’re beautiful?

JAKE

What?

ELLIOT

You’re beautiful.

JAKE

Well, thank you.

they come together in a kiss again. Jake pulls back and hangs over the edge of his bed. He digs under the bed and pulls out a condom from a box. He tosses it beside Elliot’s head and goes back to kissing. The door opens. Danny steps in. Elliot rolls his eyes while Jake simply rolls over and smiles.

JAKE
No knocking?

DANNY

You seen my game boy?

JAKE

Why would I have your game boy?

DANNY

I don’t know.

JAKE

Do you mind?

DANNY

Yeah.

JAKE

Will you get out of here before we fuck in front of you?

DANNY

Gross…

Danny leaves and shuts the door. Jake puts his arm over his eyes.

JAKE
I hate my life.

ELLIOT

I’d offer up my place but my mom isn’t as naïve as I would’ve hoped.

JAKE

Two hours of peace is all I ask!

Elliot rolls over and snuggles into Jake’s side.

ELLIOT
Let’s go away this weekend. Last weekend before school starts.

JAKE
You’re the one who’s home schooled—Not me.

ELLIOT

Think: We could go up to… Lompoc? Buellton? Templeton?

JAKE
Places that no one has heard of but us?

ELLIOT

Get a motel room for the weekend and fuck as loud and as long as we want?

JAKE

Oh, let’s go to Pismo!

ELLIOT

Yes! We’ll fuck on the beach.

JAKE

Somehow I don’t think they’d appreciate that.

ELLIOT

You told me once that you want to fuck on a beach.

JAKE
I said I wanted to make love on a beach.

ELLIOT

We’ll make love on a beach then.

JAKE
Can we right now?

ELLIOT

On a beach?

JAKE

In the bed, smart one.

ELLIOT

Even if your mom will hear my mad, hot, passionate cries of pleasure?

JAKE
What’s got you waxing romantic this evening?

ELLIOT

I love you.

JAKE

I know.

ELLIOT

Let’s get married.

JAKE
We can’t, thank you very much.

ELLIOT

I’m talking out of my ass. I’m sorry.

JAKE

No, I don’t mind. What’s got your knickers in a twist?

ELLIOT

That Riley twat was checking you out.

JAKE

Really?

ELLIOT

I wanted to kill her.

JAKE

She’s not so bad.

ELLIOT

Your ass is mine, no one else’s.

JAKE

Aww.

ELLIOT
That’s more than I’ve spoken in a long time.

JAKE
I didn’t mean to burden you.

ELLIOT

Never.

SCENE 4: Elliot’s Kitchen

KIM

You’re not going away this weekend, Elliot.

ELLIOT

Mom, please?

KIM

You’re going away with that boy?

ELLIOT
That boy has a name.

KIM

I don’t want you hanging around him. It’s already bad enough that you work with him at that ridiculous store.

ELLIOT

It pays well.

KIM

He’s a Jew and you shouldn’t be around him if you’re not trying to help him see the light.

ELLIOT

I happen to like him, mother. He’s a good person.

KIM

If you don’t know Christ you’re not a good person.

ELLIOT

He’s the epitome of pure benevolence and all you can think about is the fact that he doesn’t believe that Jesus died for his sins.

KIM

You shouldn’t be hanging out with someone like that.

ELLIOT

If you got to know him—What am I saying? You’d probably try to convert him.

KIM

Better to save a soul than to have friendship in God’s eyes. I know you want to save him. You were drawn to him for a reason. Jesus wants you to save him.

ELLIOT

No one is saving anybody.

KIM

When you accepted Christ into your heart—

ELLIOT

I accepted his teachings. I accepted the beliefs he had.

KIM

Share your wealth with the world.

ELLIOT

If Jake was alive in Christ’s time, Christ would’ve sat with Jake and shared a meal with him.

KIM

Bullroar.

ELLIOT

Know what else?

KIM
What?

ELLIOT

If Christ were alive today he’d smack you upside the fucking head and say “That’s not what I meant!”

Kim slaps him across the face. Elliot touches his cheek and sighs.

KIM

You will not speak to me like that and you will not use such foul language!

ELLIOT

Forgive me. Christ wouldn’t smack you upside the head because that’s not like him. Even though you’re a misguided cunt he would still make nice with you and accept you for being who you are because that’s what Christ did.

Kim slaps him once again. Elliot merely smiles

ELLIOT

It doesn’t matter how many times you slap me. My opinions won’t change.

KIM

Go to your room!

Elliot turns to walk down to the basement before turning around

ELLIOT

Oh, mother?

Kim glares at him

ELLIOT

I’m gay.

SCENE 5: Randal’s

Randal is in his boxers when he answers the door. Elliot has a suitcase in hand and is looking down.

ELLIOT

I came out to my mom.

Randal gives a sympathetic smile and pulls him into a hug. Randal leads him into his room. Brandon is naked on the bed. He jumps and covers himself with a blanket.

RANDAL

You caught us in a pickle but you can go fix yourself a sandwich and come back in when we’re done.

BRANDON

Forget it.

Brandon pulls on his pants and t-shirt. Randal sighs and pulls on a pair of pajama pants

ELLIOT

Hi, Brandon.

BRANDON

Hey, Elliot. Skipping out on the logical explanation of going to your boyfriend’s house, I see.

ELLIOT

Nice to see you too.

Brandon stands and pulls Randal into a kiss.

BRANDON

I have to go to my grandma’s anyway.

RANDAL

All right.

BRANDON

Call you tonight?

Randal nods and kisses him again. Brandon smiles and looks over at Elliot.

BRANDON

Later.

ELLIOT
Later.

Brandon leaves the room. Randal is still watching as he leaves the trailer. Elliot smiles and tosses his bag on the floor.

RANDAL

I love that boy.

ELLIOT
It shows.

RANDAL

So why didn’t you go to your darling Jacob’s house?

ELLIOT

I don’t know.

RANDAL

I thought he was the love of your life.

ELLIOT
He is.

RANDAL

So?

ELLIOT
I don’t want to live with him!

RANDAL

Why not?

ELLIOT

What’s with the inquisition?

RANDAL

Nothing. I’m hungry. You hungry?

Elliot nods. They head out to the kitchen. Randal starts making a sandwich

ELLIOT

Where’s your mom?

RANDAL

Who fucking knows?

ELLIOT

And Rob?

RANDAL

Why would I care where the fuck that asshole is?

ELLIOT
I know he’s just your stepdad and everything…

RANDAL

Fuck him.

ELLIOT

No thanks. I’ve seen what that guy looks like.

RANDAL

He decided to take my mom to Rome! Isn’t that nice? I’m stuck in a fucking trailer in the middle of the goddamned San Fernando Valley and they’re in Rome.

ELLIOT

Assholes!

RANDAL

I want to kill them.

ELLIOT

You won’t.

RANDAL

They deserve it.

ELLIOT
They don’t deserve your second thought.

Randal smiles and hugs him.

SCENE 6: Jake’s Bathroom

Brandon is sitting against the wall. Jake’s head is just barely visible above the suds in the bathtub.

BRANDON

I can’t believe this, you know?

JAKE

We should kill them.

BRANDON
We were right about to fuck and as soon as Elliot comes in Randal just drops me like I’m some sort of diseased armadillo carcass.

JAKE

I love the comparison.

BRANDON

Thank you.

JAKE
At least you don’t have to live with the fact that you’re so wretched your own boyfriend doesn’t want to live with you. I feel like a cesspool.

BRANDON

Cliché, but nice.

JAKE
Thanks.

Jake drops underneath the surface. Mary and Riley come in the room and shut the door

BRANDON

to Riley

What are you doing here?

RILEY

My presence was requested.

MARY

No it wasn’t.

RILEY

Naked gay boy always calls to me.

BRANDON

Jesus…

Mary leans down next to the tub

MARY

Jake, honey?

Jake surfaces and takes a breath

JAKE
Mary, thank God.

MARY

Honey, what happened?

JAKE

Elliot came out to his mom and instead of coming to me he went to Randal.

RILEY

Want me to TP his house for you?

Brandon points at Riley

BRANDON
That’s not a bad idea. We’ll pitch in for an economy size from Price Club.

JAKE
Brandon, Costco bought out Price Club, like, ten years ago. Get over it.

BRANDON

Hush, you.

MARY

Nobody’s TPing anyone.

BRANDON

I wouldn’t mind slitting their throats but not only is it messy but inconvenient.

RILEY

How is that inconvenient?

BRANDON

No more sex is a tremendous inconvenience.

RILEY

Oh.

JAKE

I’m so sick of this-- Elliot’s lack of commitment.

RILEY

Haven’t you two been together for, like, two years?

JAKE

Your logic has no place here.

RILEY

Hey!

MARY

You don’t think they’re having an affair with each other, do you?

Jake and Brandon look at each other.

RILEY

I thought that they were committed, though.

BRANDON

So did we.

MARY

Don’t jump to conclusions…

JAKE
It makes sense. Too much sense.

Jake sinks back under water

RILEY

Is that healthy?

BRANDON

It’s his way of dealing with his depression.

RILEY

Soaking in his own filth?

BRANDON

A man can’t take a bath now?

RILEY

… No?

Jake surfaces and wipes off his face.

JAKE

I’ll have you know it’s very therapeutic.

RILEY

I hate baths.

JAKE

Do you use bath salts?

RILEY

No, I’m not a fag.

JAKE

Touché.

SCENE 7: Green Aura Markets

Jake is stocking some produce. Elliot comes up behind him and grabs him around the waist. Jake tenses but eventually leans back. Elliot starts rubbing his shoulders.

ELLIOT

You’re tense.

JAKE

Sorry.

ELLIOT
S’all right.

JAKE

So, what did your mom say about going away this weekend?

ELLIOT
She’s fine with it.

JAKE
Anything you want to tell me?

ELLIOT

Nope.

JAKE

Not even about how you came out to your mother and she kicked you out of the house?

Elliot moves back. Jake does not turn but keeps stocking.

ELLIOT

How did you know about that?

JAKE

What does it matter how I know?

ELLIOT

Jake—

JAKE
Why didn’t you come to me?

ELLIOT

What?

JAKE

You could’ve come to me but you didn’t.

ELLIOT
I didn’t want to burden you?

JAKE
You’re not a burden, Elliot. You’re my boyfriend.

ELLIOT
I was under the impression that they were the same thing.

JAKE

Glad you can joke about this.

ELLIOT

Why are you being such a girl?

JAKE

I’m not being a girl.

ELLIOT

So I went to Randal instead of you. What’s the big deal?

JAKE

You didn’t even tell me and I have that feeling that if I didn’t bring it up you wouldn’t have said anything to me at all.

ELLIOT
I didn’t want to make you worry.

JAKE

You’re my boyfriend. I’m Jewish. It’s in my contract to worry about you provoked or not.

ELLIOT

You’re not my mother. I don’t have to tell you anything.

Jake turns around and stares at Elliot in shock. The manager walks by.

MANAGER2

How is everything, boys?

JAKE

Fuck this. I quit.

Jake takes off his apron and throws it on the floor before storming out.

MANAGER2

Have I said something?

Elliot follows Jake out of the store and through the plaza

ELLIOT

Jake, wait.

JAKE
Don’t start with me, Elliot. You’ll get a Tony Award Winning scene.

ELLIOT

Where the hell are you going?

JAKE
I’m going home.

ELLIOT

Will you let me talk to you?

JAKE
I am so mad at you right now I wouldn’t be able to formulate words to even respond to any form of rationalization you could worm your way into.

ELLIOT

Fine! Walk away. See if I fucking care!

Jake flips him the bird and walks into the parking structure.

SCENE 8: Randal’s

Elliot has his head down on the table. Randal sets a bowl of soup in front of him and sits.

RANDAL

He’s not worth mourning.

ELLIOT
I want to kill something.

RANDAL

You don’t want to kill anything.

ELLIOT

I want to destroy something.

RANDAL
You can smash that vase that my mom loves.

ELLIOT
Won’t she get mad?

RANDAL

Someone should smash the fucker. I’ll tell her I did it. This way I get to piss her off and you get to unleash your anger.

Randal pushes the vase across the table. Elliot takes it in his hand before setting it down on the table again.

ELLIOT
It’s too nice.

RANDAL

Then what do you propose?

ELLIOT

Wanna fight?

RANDAL

Eh.

ELLIOT

It’s either that or sex.

RANDAL

Can’t you go over to Jake’s and have fight-sex?

ELLIOT

That’s an idea.

There’s a knock on the door. Randal opens the door. Brandon is standing there looking rather peeved. Randal turns to Elliot and smiles.

RANDAL

Go apologize.

ELLIOT

But I—

RANDAL
Out before I have to throw you out myself.

Elliot rolls his eyes and exits the trailer. Brandon steps over the threshold and shuts the door.

RANDAL

Hey.

Brandon backs him into a chair and stands assertively. Randal smiles

RANDAL

Bossy, aren’t we?

BRANDON

I’m not bossy.

RANDAL

Not normally.

BRANDON

We’re not going to fuck. You’re going to listen for once in your life.

RANDAL

We’re not going to fuck?

BRANDON

No.

RANDAL

You’re not breaking up with me, are you?

Brandon deflates

BRANDON

I—I don’t know.

RANDAL

What did I do?

BRANDON

Nothing. We’re not breaking up.

RANDAL

Thank God. I can only deal with one break up right now and I’m already bearing the brunt of Elliot’s.

BRANDON

You’re right…

RANDAL

See? This is what’s so infuriating about you.

BRANDON

What?

RANDAL

You probably have every right to be irritated with me but you don’t say anything. Why?

BRANDON

Because you’re an asshole! Forgive me for not wanting to point out your flaws because you hate it when I do! Christ, we’ve been together for almost three years and I feel so cut off from you.

RANDAL

Then tell me why. For God’s sake, have some balls.

BRANDON

Elliot.

RANDAL

Oh, fuck. This is all because you’re being a jealous prick? Christ, I thought I was doing something wrong!

BRANDON

I am so sick of you putting all your problems on everyone else! I’m so sick of you being a complete asshole to everyone you come into contact with! That Riley girl at work was just trying to be friendly and you have to go and put all your shit on her. You know why you’re so mean to her?

RANDAL

Why?

BRANDON

You’re attracted to her. I know you are.

RANDAL
That is such bullshit!

BRANDON

You still like girls! I know that! I don’t care that you like girls still, I really don’t. But if you’re going to go Hyde on me just because you want to fuck a girl then I don’t want to be anywhere near you--

RANDAL

This is such bullshit.

BRANDON

Wait until I finish talking! God, that’s so like you! You don’t fucking listen to anything I say!

RANDAL

You don’t say anything! You’re stoned out of your mind half the time!

BRANDON

You’re less of a jerk when I’m stoned!

RANDAL

Yeah, I’m still attracted to girls but I have remained completely faithful since we got back together. I don’t want girls. I want you.

BRANDON

You do a hell of a job showing it…

RANDAL

If that’s the way you feel then maybe we should break up.

BRANDON

It wouldn’t be the first time, would it?

RANDAL

Well?

BRANDON

Oh, asking my opinion? That’s a first.

RANDAL

Whatever.

BRANDON

I’ll show myself out.

RANDAL

No, no. It’s the least I can do. I wouldn’t want you to think I’m rude.

Randal opens the door for Brandon and gestures for him to leave. Brandon is walking down the stairs when Randal speaks again.

RANDAL

Watch out for traffic. People are crazy up here this time of day.

BRANDON

I’ve left here before.

RANDAL

Be safe.

BRANDON

Whatever.

RANDAL

I love you.

Brandon stops and looks back up at Randal.

BRANDON

You can’t take anything I say seriously, can you? It’s over.

RANDAL

No it’s not.

BRANDON

I don’t want to be with you anymore.

RANDAL

Yeah you do.

BRANDON

Stop being so conceited.

RANDAL

While this may be true it’s not my conceit that made me say that. I can see it in your eyes. You don’t want to break up. You love me just as much as I love you.

BRANDON

I want to break up, Randal.

RANDAL

Look me in the eyes and tell me you do.

Brandon stalks back up the stairs and looks him in the eyes but finds he can’t say it and instead kisses him before he turns and walks down the stairs and to his car. Randal smiles and leans on the railing of the steps.

RANDAL

I’ll call you tonight!

BRANDON

with a smile

Fuck yourself!

SCENE 9: Jake’s House

Elliot bangs on the door to Jake’s room. Jake opens the door and rolls his eyes. Elliot dives forward and kisses him. Jake struggles but it is to no avail. He concedes and lets Elliot kiss him. Elliot pulls back and frowns.

ELLIOT

Goddammit, fight me.

JAKE

No, Elliot.

ELLIOT

What the hell is your problem?

JAKE
My problem? I’m the last person to know anything that goes on in your life and you’re asking me what my problem is? You’re so blinded by the fact that you think you’re the only one with problems. Boo hoo! My mommy and daddy are Jesus freaks! Boo hoo, they don’t love me because I’m gay! Join the fucking club!

ELLIOT

Your mom—

JAKE

My mother accepts it because she doesn’t want to lose another person! She already lost my dad. She hates the fact that I’m gay. She hates the fact that we fuck here and she hates you. You think I like knowing that my mother would rather see me unhappy than see me with you? No. But I put on a bright, smiling face because a smile is sometimes all that can get you through the day. I had you to make me feel like I was doing something right.

ELLIOT
You can still have me.

JAKE
No, I can’t. You may not have lied to me but you did something just as deceitful.

ELLIOT

Jake, I’m sorry.

JAKE

It doesn’t matter that you’re sorry. How do I know you won’t do it again?

ELLIOT

I won’t!

JAKE

Go back to Randal.

ELLIOT

Jake—

JAKE

Just go, please.

Elliot purses his lips and tackles Jake to the ground. The start fighting, Elliot with the upper hand most of the time. Jake finally pins him to the floor by the wrists. Jake smiles right before Elliot flips him over and kisses him hard. Jake throws him off.

JAKE

outraged
You think it’ll all be all right after we fuck?

Elliot smirks and crawls back on top of Jake. Jake tries to act unfazed.

JAKE
I’ll yell rape.

ELLIOT

No you won’t.

JAKE

You’re infuriating.

ELLIOT

It’s why you love me.

Jake brings his knee up to Elliot’s crotch. Elliot flinches.

JAKE

Don’t cross me, Elliot. I’m sick of your shit. Don’t think I’m going to suffer with a smile anymore.

ELLIOT
I don’t expect you to.

JAKE
Good.

Jake brings Elliot down into a kiss before putting slight but unexpected pressure on his crotch. Elliot collapses on him out of fear rather than pain. Jake throws him off and brushes himself off.

JAKE

Go back and cry to Randal.

Jake is about to take a step when Elliot grabs his ankle and makes him trip. They end up having fight sex. cut to: Elliot and Jake sitting against the bed post. Elliot is sitting up against the post, Jake is in between his knees.

JAKE

Is it bad that we solve everything with sex?

ELLIOT

I don’t see why it would be.

JAKE

I just get so mad at you sometimes.

ELLIOT

Why?

JAKE

How do you think it makes me feel to know I’m last in your life? You prioritize everyone over me. It fucking sucks to watch your life from afar when it’s me who’s supposed to be the most influential person you’re with. I can’t help that I’m jealous.

Elliot tightens his grip on Elliot and kisses him on the shoulder. Jake smiles and leans back.

JAKE
I love you too.

SCENE 10: Elliot’s House

Elliot is sitting at a table across from Kim.

DARK SCREEN

ELLIOT

Everything’s fine between us now but I still feel that I need to apologize to you.

SCREEN LIGHTENS

ELLIOT

I’m sorry, mom.

KIM

I appreciate your apology.

ELLIOT

And I’m really sorry I called you the C word. That was uncalled for.

KIM

I accept your apology.

ELLIOT

I’d apologize for my views and my sexuality but I don’t feel that they need to be apologized for. It’s who I am.

KIM

Is it who Jesus wants you to be?

ELLIOT

I figure if God wanted me to be different he would’ve made me so.

KIM

Very well.

Elliot stands and moves to hug Kim but she puts up an arm.

KIM

I accepted your apology, not your lifestyle.

ELLIOT

Mom—

KIM

You’re, of course, invited back here for Christmas and Easter.

ELLIOT

Mom—

KIM

Jake is invited as well.

ELLIOT
Thank you, mom.

KIM

You’re still my son.

Elliot smiles. cut to: Jake’s bedroom. Jake is relaxing on his bed. Elliot is placing the last of his clothes into Jake’s dresser. Elliot smiles and flops onto the bed next to Jake and kisses him on the cheek.

ELLIOT

You’re stuck with me.

JAKE
It’s not as bad as you think.

ELLIOT

I hope not.

JAKE

How’d your mom take your apology?

ELLIOT

How do you feel about your very first Christmas?

Jake looks at Elliot in confusion. Elliot smiles and kisses him.

FIN

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