EXT. HIGH SCHOOL – MONTHS LATER – APRIL 1ST
.FIN AND KYLER’S BIRTHDAY
FIN
18 dude!
KYLER
I thought this day would never come, hide your mom I’m coming.
FIN
There’s definitely a rule against that.
Cali walks up to the boys.
CALI
Happy Birthday Guys! I got you both something.
Cali hands both of the guys a gift.
Kyler opens first and receives a chain with his number 21 on it.
KYLER
Thank you.
They hug.
Fin now unwraps his.
FIN
A Harry Potter book?
CALI
Seemed like something you’d like.
KYLER
(Laughs)
Fin loves Harry Potter, He was Harry at a costume party last summer.
Cali looks at Fin.
CALI
I’m sure that was some chick magnet.
KYLER
Not strong enough, he still hasn’t found his mystery girl from that night. Don’t worry though Fin, I know someday you’ll find what I have.
Kyler smiles at Cali.
FIN
(Grips the)
(book tightly)
Thanks Kye, I’m gonna head to class. Thanks again for the gift Cali.
Fin walks away while Cali watches him leave.
KYLER
So, are you gonna come to my game today?
CALI
I wish I could, but I have an exam in my college class I can’t miss. I know you are gonna do great though, Kye.
Kyler gives a slight frowns and gives Cali a hug.
CUT TO:
Fin walks to class holding the gift and smiling.
Fin stops in front of the “Who do you want to be?” Board and picks up a flier that says DJ NEEDED (for prom)
BARTHOLOMEW
Hey Fin?
FIN
Yeah what’s up?
BARTHOLOMEW
Since we’re bros now, I figured I should let you know that Chase has been running his mouth about our football team, I know you are no longer on the team, but I would watch your back, you are the reason we won and I wouldn’t be surprised if he had it out for you.
FIN
Thanks Bart, but I think I’ll be fine.
CUT TO:
INT. MR BRADFORD’S CLASSROOM – AFTER CLASS
FIN
Hey Mr. Bradford?
MR. BRADFORD
What’s up Fin.
FIN
I don’t know, I just have been trying to decide whether I should or shouldn’t do something and I just wanted t-
MR. BRADFORD
Fin, I love you kid but I’m a teacher not a therapist, are you sure there isn’t anyone else you could talk to?
CUT TO:
INT. FINS DENTIST
Fin talks to his dentist while the dentist fixes a cavity.
FIN
(Gibberish)
DENTIST
Oh wow, the same girl you met at the party.
FIN
(barely understandable!)
Exactly!
CUT TO:
EXT. A DRIVE THRU
WORKER
Hi, welcome to Kings Korner would you like to try a shake today.
FIN
No thank you, do you um, have a best friend or a significant other?
WORKER
Silence.
CUT TO:
Fin sits at a waffle house when a waitress comes up to him.
WAITRESS
What would you like?
FIN
(pauses)
Got anything that’ll take the pain away?
CUT TO:
Fin sips on a milkshake.
CUT TO:
INT. MR BRADFORD’S CLASSROOM – MOMENTS LATER
FIN
I really don’t
MR. BRADFORD
Alright Fin, you’ve got 1 minute.
FIN
What’s so bad about keeping your feelings to yourself, that way, no one gets hurt.
MR. BRADFORD
Hmm, is this about a girl?
FIN
What gave it away.
Mr. Bradford pauses and thinks about the previous question.
MR. BRADFORD
Keeping your feelings to yourself will, yes, keep others from getting hurt, but life is about letting people in, letting them understand you and how you work. If you want a strong, genuine relationship, it starts with being real with someone, not fake.
FIN
Thank you, I learned a lot in your class this year. I’m sad that it’s almost over.
MR. BRADFORD
Me too Fin.
Fin walks out of the classroom and lets the door shut behind him.
CUT TO:
Kyler pitches in his baseball game, the chain around his neck visible.
ANNOUNCER
Kyler is one batter away from throwing his 4th no hitter of the season, this kid has some serious potential.
Kyler looks toward the bleachers looking for Cali or Fin
A figure walks by and sits down in an empty spot on the bleachers.
KYLER
(whispers)
Dad?
Kyler winds up and throws a fast ball
UMPIRE
Strike 1!
Kyler locks eyes with his dad who gives him a smile and a thumbs up.
UMPIRE (CONT’D)
Strike 2!
Kyler’s dad stands up and claps
KYLER’S DAD
THAT’S MY BOY!
Kyler winds up to throw his next pitch
The batter sends it over the fence, it’s a home run.
CUT TO:
After the game Kyler talks to his dad.
KYLER’S DAD (CONT’D)
You did great Kye, it was just one pitch.
KYLER
Yeah, thanks dad.
KYLER’S DAD
Your mom told me you were quite the pitcher, it’s something else to see it with my own eyes.
KYLER
No thanks to you.
KYLER’S DAD
I- I’m sorry I haven’t been there Kye I’m just not in a good place right now.
KYLER
I couldn’t agree more, being next to you is the last place I wanted to be today.
KYLER’S DAD
What’s today?
KYLER
You need to go.
Kyler’s dad frowns and looks at the ground as he walks away.
Kyler Pukes.
CUT TO:
Fin knocks on Kyler’s door and goes into his room.
FIN
Kye, there’s something I need to talk to you about.
KYLER
I saw my dad today.
Fin looks shocked.
FIN
Oh, did he come see you for your birthday?
KYLER
He doesn’t even know my birthday.
FIN
Shit dude. I’m so sorry.
KYLER
I’m done drinking, for good. I’m not gonna be anything like him. He’s shown me what not to be, and because of him I know exactly what I will never become.
FIN
So that’s it you’re done, you’re serious?
KYLER
(Exhales)
I’ve never been more serious. I swear on the code, on our friendship, all of it, if I touch another drop I want you to hold me accountable.
FIN
Okay Kye, but… I think you need to tell Cali the truth, that you haven’t been honest with her, she deserves that much.
KYLER
You’re a good guy Fin, much better than me. If Cali breaks up with me will you at least put in a good word for me with your mom?
FIN
(Laughs)
Not a chance.
KYLER
(laughs)
Dibs.
FIN
(Laughs)
Fuck off. Moms are off limits and you know it Rule #5
KYLER
Yes of course, without a bros consent… so?
FIN
No.
KYLER
Damn it.