Connections - Episode 11

Hey. Hey. Sorry about yesterday. Yeah, we know. Sarah's really immature. Not all girls are like that. Why are you being so nice to us? Cause I'm nice. So you be out here with the outcasts? I mean, when you get kicked out, you quit? Probably, but I need new friends anyway. Well, I've heard good things about the fashionistas.

Yeah, we have to rack up at least $2,000 in shopping bills to get their respect. What about the hip hoppers? The hip hoppers? Maybe. Can you flow? Not really. The best thing for you then is to hang out with the Mikester and the Edster. Yeah, you just need a cool nickname like... Towster. You guys are a trip.

You're not so bad yourself. So, what did Sarah do to you anyways? She made someone I really care about do something really stupid.

I know the feeling. You smoke?

No, I don't touch this stuff. You date Larry, you don't smoke pot? That's like dating Rafael Palmeiro and not doing steroids. Or dating Pamela Anderson and not getting hepatitis. Or dating Larry and not smoking pot. Exactly. I guess, but it's date Ted. Past tense. What happened? I tried to make him change. Big mistake. Stupid girl drama.

It's the worst kind. He's a good guy. I know. I really should talk to him about it.

Well, I hope it all works out.

Me too. I'll see you all around. Well, if you need us, we'll be there. It's not so bad, being an outcast. Your friends are better. I'll keep that in mind.

I am a bitch. You're supposed to disagree.

Can't.

Oh.

I told you, I don't know you enough.

Maybe we can change that.

Maybe.

So what are you reading?

Hey. Hi. Mind if I sit? No one's stopping you.

Was that Alex?

Yep. So the date went well? Actually, it never happened. Why? I kept hearing your voice. It was pretty damn annoying. You had me in your head. Nice. Hey, don't get any ideas.

You're safe, sweetheart. I'm over you.

You were right, you know.

That sounds like something I'd be.

I don't really know what it's like to be alone. Frankly, I don't want to know. But... I guess I can't love anyone until I can love myself. As corny as that sounds. And gay. Very gay. And I should know. But I couldn't say it better myself.

So what about Alex?

We're taking it slow. See if he's a creep. Nopple. Yeah, I know. It only took like 20 years. Better late than never. You're a good friend. I know. And so modest. How'd you know I'd be here? This is our spot. Was our spot. I'm sorry. I just want to let you know I'm heading back.

It's for the best. I hope you can move on. How can you do that? I mean, just turn off your feelings. I have to. Why? What do you want? Remorse. Regret. And an effort to change. For me. And for yourself. I tried that. I got nothing but disappointment. I want to be a better man. With you.

But not for you. Can you be a better man? I hope so. Do you love me? Yes.

Then you should go.

Alice Marie. I don't see things the same way I used to. I know that we're not in high school anymore. That things change. People change.

I can change. I hope you do. Someday.

I know.

Hear the words that I say to you Living as she walks down, it's an ordinary day. Ring around the clock, I count, it's an ordinary day. All our dreams are falling down, we're dealing with the pain. Shuffling on, I hit the ground. Russell Nohelty, The Author