GOOD GUY
HENRY is a sweet, geeky kind of guy who, over the summer, got very cute and good-looking. He’s not sure how to handle the attention he’s getting from girls now because it’s very new to him.
Um, can I talk to you about something? Get your opinion about something? Well, I guess it’s no secret that I’ve never exactly been popular. But the thing is, this year I started getting popular for some reason. I guess since I got taller or something? I don’t know. Anyhow, this girl in my class, this really popular girl, decided I was cute or something. I don’t know. I’m the same person, basically, so I don’t know what that’s about. So, anyway, now she thinks I’m cute. And since she thinks it, a lot of other girls do, too. It’s kind of overwhelming. Do I need to pick just one? I’m not sure I want to pick one at all. I kind of like the attention, but the idea of getting serious with someone—Well, I don’t know if I want that just now. And I kind of wonder sometimes if this is some kind of joke.
I was just thinking you’re older and maybe you know more about this. I mean, I’ve never been, like, a stud or something. It’s kind of weird. I mean, it’s good, but it’s weird. Because I’m the same person I always was. Know what I mean?
CHARLIE has unassuming, loving parents who don’t see the point of gadgets like cell phones and MP3 players. He commiserates with a friend.
I am the only kid in America without a cell phone and an iPod, aren’t I? My parents are so harsh. They say I don’t need it! Of course I need it. Even if I never use them, I need them. It’s just sad being the only kid in America without them!
Know what, though? I have to say, maybe because I’ve never had a cell phone, that I don’t know who I’d call and text all the time. I really don’t have that much to say. You know those kids who are texting all the time? I wonder what they’re saying. Their lives must be so much more interesting or active than mine. I mean, I guess this is what I’d end up writing, “In math class. Learning about cosigns.” How boring is that? Plus, who would I send it to after I wrote it? Probably you or one of the other guys who are probably sitting next to me in class. Maybe we need to get out more, broaden our circle. Just in case I do ever enter the twentieth century someday. Then I’ll have people to communicate with and I won’t just be carrying around all these useless devises.
SAM is a top student and the class vice-president. He never dreamed that he wouldn’t get into the one college he applied to.
I didn’t get in. Oh my god. I didn’t get in. This doesn’t make any sense. What am I going to do? I can’t tell my parents. You don’t understand. I did something—
I didn’t apply anywhere else. I took the money they gave me for application fees and spent it. And I just applied to UCLA because I was sure I’d get in. Why wouldn’t they accept me? I get good grades. I got good scores on my SAT’s. Oh my god, I am so screwed!
What am I going to do, Rob? My parents are going to kill me. And I never wanted to spend a year at home with them doing some lame-ass job. This has got to be a mistake.
Everyone else is going to be having fun going to parties and classes and meeting new people, and I’m going to be here with my parents working at the grocery store. Oh my god, my life is over, Rob. I am dead!
GARRETT is a really nice guy and every girl’s best friend. He’s trying to talk some sense into a friend in a bad relationship.
I don’t understand you. He’s no good for you. Why do you want to go back to him? I don’t want to make you mad at me, but … He says terrible things to you. Every time you want to eat something, he says, “Are you sure you want that?” like you’re built like a truck or something. Even if you were, he shouldn’t talk to you like that. If he wants a skinny girl, he should just get one instead of making you feel bad all the time. You look good, and he makes you feel bad about yourself. You know it’s true.
I know you love him, but … why? What did he do to deserve you? He doesn’t love you. If he loved you, he wouldn’t tell you you’re fat. He wouldn’t talk about other girls and their bodies in front of you. He’s a jerk. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I just don’t understand you right now. I’m trying to be a friend.
Fine. Fine. Never mind. Forget I said anything. Really. I’m sorry.