Empty Handed

Scripted

Chapter Twenty-Two - Scripted

"No. That will be bad," Blake bluntly comments at my proposed storyline. Blake and I have decided to review everything we've written and try to make them better before introducing it to the class tomorrow. Right now, we're currently trying to revise the proposed Allison-Levi storyline. We're again here in my room right after school.

"Why will it be bad?" I ask, though I see his point. The Allison-Levi storyline will suck if not executed properly. Levi's character has a dream of being out there and exploring the world, setting aside college for now. However, Allison's character has a clear path illuminated by her parents, and she wants Levi to come along.

Honestly, I think it's a brilliant idea. The only problem is that the characters would not be given justice if they are anthologized; the storyline and the characters would have to be rushed, and that ruins it.

"It's right in front of you, Austin," Blake replies, and I roll my eyes. "Let's replace it with something... daring," he adds with a fire in his eyes, and it ignites mine as well.

"What storyline do mainstream movies around the world often dare not venture upon?" I question him, and a few answers pop up in my head, but there's one that stands out. "On three," I say. It's a thing we've developed when we brainstorm storylines: we say both of our ideas at the same time.

"Okay," Blake says, facing me properly instead of spinning himself in my office chair. "One... two... three!"

"Same-sex couples."

"Same-sex couples!"

We both cheer like frat boys and we high-five. "It's genius! It tackles a social issue and it'll get the attention of our potential viewers!" I state excitedly as I roll around my bed.

"And the guy that the girl hates is gay, right? We can just connect it! We have one problem, however," Blake points out, and I know what it is: who would play our same-sex couple? "And should it be two girls or two boys?" He adds, and I sigh.

"The idea's genius, but the resources are not allowing it to happen," I dramatically reply. "But I think two girls, like, the really close ones, would maybe make it happen for the team... or maybe not."

"Oh no, Austin. We need this to happen... for your Faye Eara," Blake says, and my ears perk up as I face away from him. "We need to get the attention of those scumbags who rejected you. We need to make them see how fearless you are," he adds, and I suddenly feel a rush of affection for Blake, and it makes me smile.

"Are you saying this just so I would study at New York?" I say sassily, masking up my happiness.

"Maybe," Blake answers slowly, sorta teasing me and all that.

"And if I need this to happen, then it would be fitting that I should play half of the couple, right?" I point out carefully, hoping that Blake wouldn't get the idea of-

"And Cole will play the other!"

That. Exactly that. Truthfully, I can't let Cole play the other. I just really don't want everyone to know that something is up between us, and I'm not even sure if there's really something between us. It's just really hard to do this... this thing with Cole, but how much more difficulty would be added once everyone from 4T would start putting their faces in our business.

"No. Absolutely not," I quickly reject, thankful that I'm facing away 'cause Blake won't see my blushing face.

"C'mon, Austin! If Cole played the other, you wouldn't have to act! It'll just go naturally," Blake declares, giddy and high-pitched. I try so hard to let the subject go, but I can't. It intrigues me too much.