2.9 Itinerary

[Cece and Ben are cuddled up on the couch]

Cece: I really need to study, but I’m so comfy right now.

Ben: Yeah, me, too. It’s hard enough getting up the motivation to do anything for school as it is, much less when it means I have to stop snuggling with you.

Cece: Wait, do you have senioritis already? The semester just started!

Ben: I don’t think it’s that. All my classes are so boring. I really thought I wanted to work on the technical side of the music industry, but lately all that’s been on my mind is being onstage.

Cece: This is a hell of a time to come to that realization! I know what you mean, though. I’m glad I’ve gotten to work on my songwriting skills, but now that I’ve been performing more that’s all I want to do. What do you think you’ll do after graduation?

Ben: Well, there’s what I think I’ll do and what I want to do, and those are two different things.

Cece: Now I’m curious.

Ben: What I think I’ll do is stay in Del Sol Valley, try to get in with one of the record companies to do some sound engineering, and do that 5 days a week for the rest of my life. What I want to do is travel the world, perform in different cities, and snuggle with my girl on the tour bus every night.

Cece: Hmm, you’ve been bringing that up a lot.

Ben: A guy can dream, can’t he?

Cece: Well, since you’re soooo sure we’re going to have this fantastic life together, there’s something I should probably tell you.

Ben: Uh oh. Nothing good has ever followed those words.

Cece: It’s not that bad. I think. It’s just…I’m on the asexuality spectrum. And while I do find you attractive, I’m not sure that our sex life is going to be as active as you might expect.

Ben: [laughing] Are you for real?

Cece: Yeah, I am. You don’t have to laugh about it. If you’re not interested in me anymore, just say so–

Ben: No! Cecelia, I’m so sorry! I wasn’t laughing at you, I’m laughing because I’m greysexual and I’ve been too scared to tell you. An active sex life is pretty low on my list of priorities.

Cece: Wow. I feel like I shouldn’t be this happy to hear that the guy I like doesn’t want to have sex with me! How do you feel about kids?

Ben: Oh, now you’re all about the future talk. If I’m being honest, parenthood isn’t really my gig. I’m more of the uncle type.

Cece: Yeah, I don’t want kids, either. The thought of having a baby doesn’t appeal to me at all.

Johnny: What are you two talking about? Nobody in here better be having any babies any time soon.

Cece: Uh, definitely not. Ben and I were just talking about how we don’t want to have kids.

Lexie: Wow, you’re having those kinds of discussions already? 

Ben: See, Lexie, when you have such a strong and undeniable connection like Cecelia and I do, your future becomes clear as day. Yes, I can see it now…Cecelia is about to give me an exasperated look and swat me on the arm–Ow!

Cece: I barely touched you! Anyway, we’re just making sure our expectations match up. Don’t you and Johnny talk about stuff like this?

Lexie: We haven’t, no. I’m just saying, there’s no point in rushing things.

Cece: Nobody’s rushing anything, not even this doofus. There’s no harm in making sure you’re on the same page about the big stuff before you get too invested. What if Johnny really wants kids and you don’t? Wouldn’t you rather know that now instead of later?

Lexie: I don’t know, I just turned 19. I don’t even know if I want kids or marriage yet. I just want to pass my test on Thursday and plan something fun for Spring Break.

Johnny: Yeah, I’m not trying to think about any of that stuff yet, either.

Ben: Lexie’s right, the only thing we should be thinking about right now is Spring Break. I have the itch to travel. How does everyone feel about taking a few days to unwind in Granite Falls?

Cece: I’ve always wanted to go! And since we have a few weeks, that gives me plenty of time to plan. I can get started on an itinerary so we can make sure we don’t miss out on anything.

Lexie: I’ve been there a few times with my family. I can help you out with planning! There are some really great hiking trails we should check out, and you just have to see the falls. This is going to be a blast.

Johnny: I’m totally down to get away, but I’m telling you right now, I’m not following any damn itinerary. You said "unwind" and that's what I'm gonna do.

Ben: Awesome! I'm glad everyone's on board. Cecelia and I can bring our guitars and serenade each other by the campfire.

Johnny: On second thought, maybe I'll just stay home.

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2.7 Opening Up

Lexie: It’s too bad we got assigned to set design for the first production, but at least we’ll be able to hang out together. 

Johnny: Yeah, it looks like most of the acting roles went to the juniors and seniors. Maybe next year we’ll have better luck.

Lexie: Well, the semester’s just getting started. Who knows what will happen. We could impress them with our sick acting skills and get the leads next time. 

Johnny: [laughing] I support your delusional optimism! Oh, I almost forgot…my mom wanted me to tell you hi and that she enjoyed meeting you.

Lexie: Hmm, that’s nice of her. I guess let her know I said hi as well.

Johnny: [teasingly] You’re not going to say it was nice to meet her too?

Lexie: No comment.

Johnny: I don’t blame you! Honestly, it went better than I was expecting.

Lexie: Really? That's kind of sad.

Johnny: Yeah, unfortunately, that was just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to my mom. 

Lexie: Well, it really bothered me how she was speaking about you. I kept trying to change the subject, but she’d always end up making some snarky little comment. 

Johnny: I’m used to it, I guess. The thing is, if I’d called her out she’d say I was overreacting. In the past, I would’ve believed her, but now…not so much.

Lexie: Good, because she’s wrong about you. I can’t imagine how it affected you to hear that as a child, or even now.

Johnny: [sighs] I wish I could say that was the worst thing I had to deal with as a kid, but it wasn’t by a long shot. If you don’t mind, I think I’m ready to talk to you about it.

Lexie: Of course. You can tell me anything. Let's go somewhere more private.

TW: The dialogue below includes discussion of child abuse and drug abuse (not graphic but please use your own discretion if this topic is triggering to you).

Johnny: It wasn’t just my mom who treated me badly. It was also her husband, Jimmy. I refuse to call him my stepdad because he wasn’t any kind of parent to me. He was way worse, though. With my mom it’s this kind of passive aggressive backhanded shit, but Jimmy? He was full-on aggressive. Not just with his words, either. 

Lexie: Oh my God, he hurt you? Johnny, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know it was that bad.

Johnny: Yeah, it was pretty awful. I started having nightmares and I was anxious all the time. I tried to talk to my mom about it, but I was too scared to tell her what was really going on so she thought I was just being dramatic. 

Lexie: Geez, I can’t imagine my parents just brushing me off like that. You must have been terrified.

Johnny: I was. It only got worse when my mom started doing drugs. By that time I was old enough to start fighting back and all the blame fell on me. Jimmy almost convinced mom to send me to military school but then my dads got custody of me and Chantal.

Lexie: Thank God for your dads! 

Johnny: For real, I’m so grateful for them. It’s weird, though…whenever a kid gets away from their abusive family, everyone expects them to be happy about it. No one ever talks about all the mixed emotions. I knew I was better off with my dads, but I still thought about the good times I had with my mom. It was hard to leave her.

Lexie: I think I understand more why you’re still trying to work things out with her. It sounds like the whole situation was really traumatic for you.

Johnny: Yeah, even when I wasn’t talking to her I always had this feeling of “what if?” Like maybe there is a way to fix everything and make it go away.

Lexie: Some things can’t be fixed, no matter how hard you try. I don’t know if your relationship with your mom is one of them, but I hope you’ll recognize when it’s time to let go if it comes to that.

Johnny: I think I will. I’m going to give it more time, but I’m starting to feel like…like I deserve better. I didn’t feel that way before.

Lexie: You deserve so much better, Johnny. You’re so much more than what your mom sees you as. And Jimmy. He better hope I never see him ‘cause I’ll kick him right in the balls!

Johnny: [laughing] Lexie! I’ve never heard you so angry before. I can’t see you doing something like that, you’re too sweet.

Lexie: I’d do it to him! And I’d enjoy watching him suffer. Oh, sorry, I probably shouldn’t be so violent about it. It just really got me worked up. 

Johnny: It’s ok. You’re cute when you’re protective.

Lexie: Well, consider me your bodyguard, then.

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2.6 Stoking the Flames

Nico: Thanks for offering to stay late and help out, Chantal. We need all the help we can get right now but unfortunately, some of the people on my team aren’t what you’d call team players.

Chantal: No problem! Thanks again for helping calm me down earlier. You were right, I was blowing things out of proportion. The nasty comments have already died down a lot.

Nico: What did I tell you? Trust me, I do know what I’m doing. I wouldn’t lead you astray, would I?

Chantal: Of course not. I guess I just have a lot to learn about how all of this works. 

Nico: It’s not intuitive, that’s for sure. You’re quite intelligent; I’m sure in time you’ll become more savvy to the ins and outs of the business world.

Chantal: I’ll definitely try! I’m glad to have the opportunity to work on something besides the reviews and broaden my skill set.

Nico: Well, I appreciate it. I know Ambrose does, too. She has her hands full with trying to stop production on the lubes that have been causing the reactions, as well as finding out what caused the reactions in the first place. As for me, I’m trying to shift the focus off of the lubes and onto some of our tried and true products. I’d like to take a more subtle approach than what the reviews were doing. Do you have any suggestions?

Chantal: Hmm, maybe you could write some articles that highlight some of the ingredients you use and how they’re sourced so you can show people that they’re trustworthy? 

Nico: I like that idea. It could show that the lube issue is just an isolated incident. I’ll gather a list of ingredients I’d like to highlight and we can start by researching potential benefits. If all goes well, you can get started with the articles tonight.

Chantal: You want me to write them? Really?

Nico: Sure, it was your idea! Of course, they’ll need to be approved like the reviews were, but I think you can handle it. Well, let’s get started. I’m sure neither of us want to be here all night. 

[A couple of hours later]

Nico: Great work so far! I think we might be able to pull this off.

Chantal: Thanks again for giving me the opportunity. I’m really learning a lot here. I’m really glad I took this job.

Nico: I’m glad you took this job, too. [Nico pauses] Damn. I wish I could get you out of my head. I’m going to get myself into trouble.

Chantal: I can’t get you out of my head, either.

Nico: God, you’re gorgeous. You better stop me before I make a mistake here.

Chantal: I don’t want you to stop.

[Nico and Chantal start kissing, and it appears that an unidentified person who's on their way downstairs may have caught a glimpse of the pair in action. Unaware of the prying eyes, Nico and Chantal continue, and end up having s*x a good time on Nico's desk.]

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2.5 Putting Out Fires

[Chantal is looking at her phone]

Chantal: Oh, shit!

Chantal: Hey, Nico, I’m glad I caught you before you left for the day. 

Nico: Hi, Chantal. Is everything ok?

Chantal: Um, no, actually. My review got published.

Nico: Oh no! That should’ve been handled. How long has it been up?

Chantal: Hours, I think.

Nico: God. Well, I think if we delete it now, we should get ahead of any potential downfall. After all, the product has been out for months now and not much has come of it. Maybe there was just a bad batch.

Chantal: Actually, I have some bad news. Someone took a screenshot of the review and has been posting it all over social media. They’re calling Ambrose a grifter.

Nico: Shit. Well that’s going to be a lot harder to mitigate. We can’t delete someone else’s posts. I’ll have to see if anyone on my team can stay late and help me come up with a distraction.

Chantal: I’m sorry, I feel like this is my fault. I knew I shouldn’t have written that review without trying the product myself. I–

Nico: Hey, hey, hey. None of this is your fault. You did what was asked of you, and you came to me as soon as you realized there was a problem. Someone else dropped the ball here, not you.

Chantal: Yeah, but it’s my name on the article. I’m getting comments on my social media calling me a corporate shill. What am I gonna do?

Nico: That’s for me to worry about. Look, I know this seems like a big deal to you, but I promise it’s nothing I can’t handle. That’s part of my job, putting out small fires before they get out of control. 

Chantal: You’re right, I should trust that you know what you’re doing. Thanks for all of your encouragement.

Nico: [laughing] You do! You’re smarter than I was in college, that’s for sure. 

Chantal: Thanks! Maybe I could stay and help out, if you want.

Nico: I'd like that.

[Nico gazes at Chantal for a few seconds, looking like he wants to say something]

Chantal: What is it?

Nico: It's just…every time I look at you, I just start thinking about our kiss. I guess some fires are a little harder to control. [clearing his throat] Well, I'll see who else is available for a late shift and check in with you later.

Chantal: Sure. See you later.

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2.4 Drama Lessons

Lexie: I couldn't believe he found another Snowflake for me. It was the sweetest gift anyone's ever given me.

Bonnie: That's such a cute story! Johnny had a little stuffed cat that he used to drag around everywhere when he was little. What was his name again? Jackie? Jerky?

Johnny: Jinkies. I was really into Scooby Doo at the time.

Bonnie: That's right! Well, it seems like you two are birds of a feather. I'm so glad Johnny found such a sweet girl. And so pretty, too.

Lexie: Thanks, Ms. Ayers!

Bonnie: It’s Messer, actually. I never bothered to change my last name after my divorce. I'm glad we finally got to meet. I was beginning to think Johnny was trying to keep us apart.

Johnny: Mom, I told you I’d introduce you to her. I just wanted to wait a little while.

Bonnie: I know, I know. But it all turned out fine. I swear sometimes you make things so much harder than they have to be. Everything’s always gotta be a big thing. Lexie, I’m sure you know what I mean.

Lexie: Um, actually, Johnny is pretty easy going most of the time.

Bonnie: Yeah, that’s because you’re a girl that he wants to impress. Give it a few months and you’ll see. I love him to death, but he can really be a drama queen when he wants to be.

Johnny: Gee, thanks Mom.

Bonnie: Oh, come, Johnny. I’m just teasing you. I thought you were all about the jokes.

Lexie: Ms. Messer, I don’t know if Johnny mentioned this, but we’re going to be involved in some theater productions with the Drama department this year. Right, Johnny?

Johnny: Yeah, I think it will be fun. Hopefully we’ll be able to get some onstage experience. It’ll probably be a lot of behind the scenes stuff.

Bonnie: Oh, that’s nice! Do you want to be an actress, Lexie?

Lexie: I do, but I’d like to do a little bit of everything. Writing, directing, producing…it all seems exciting to me.

Johnny: We’re friends with a lot of other drama students and we’ve been talking about creating some content together to post it online.

Bonnie: What kind of content?

Lexie: Right now there’s a lot of competing ideas. Everyone has something different they want to try. I guess that’s what happens when a bunch of creatives try to collaborate!

Bonnie: I’m sure you’ll figure something out. That sounds really cool. You know, you’ve been such a good influence on Johnny. He’s been doing so much better since he met you. 

Lexie: Well, I can’t really take credit for that. Johnny is really determined. Once he decides to do something, he’s going to see it through. I’m really proud of him.

Johnny: Thanks, Lex. That’s nice to hear.

Bonnie: I’m proud of you, too, son. I guess all your stubbornness is finally paying off!

Johnny: Yeah, sure.

Lexie: Well, it was really nice to meet you, but Johnny and I have an assignment we need to work on. I don’t want to fall behind so early in the semester.

Bonnie: Oh, I hate for you to leave so soon, but I guess schoolwork is important. It was nice meeting you, Lexie. Johnny, don’t be such a stranger.

Johnny: See you later, Mom. I love you.

Bonnie: Love you too! Bye!

Johnny and Lexie: Bye!

Johnny: [whispering as they walk away] Thank you.

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2.3 Just Go For It

Cece: This was a nice idea. It’s so peaceful out here.

Ben: I figured it would be a nice change of pace for our first official date since we’re usually hanging out somewhere loud and crowded.

Cece: Yeah, it’s nice that we’ve had more chances to have actual conversations lately. I feel like there’s still so much we don’t know about each other.

Ben: That’s true. And whenever I do learn something new about you, it always manages to surprise me.

Cece: Really? Why’s that?

Ben: Well, you seem to have these really particular ideas about how self-conscious and cautious you are, but when it comes down to it, you never back down from a challenge.

Cece: Hmm, it’s weird, but I never really saw myself as shy when I was a kid. I loved being on stage and I never really cared what other people thought about me. For the most part, both of those things are still true. But I actually feel more comfortable being in front of a large crowd behind a piano than I do when I’m singing a song I wrote in front of a few people.

Ben: Yeah, it’s more intimate. I get it. Like, I’m a pretty personable guy and I’ll strike up a conversation with anyone, but talking one on one with someone about my feelings hasn’t always been easy.

Cece: Exactly! I’m not a very emotional person, but I’m not cold and unfeeling, either. But sharing my vulnerabilities with someone seems really intimidating.

Ben: Oh, totally! But y'know, nothing else beats that moment when you open up to someone and they accept you, flaws and all.

Cece: I think I just got it in my head that I need to be the strong one. My siblings have been through so much, and they needed a lot of extra support from our dads. My brother in particular had a really hard time, so I didn’t want to burden our parents with my feelings.

Ben: What about your mom? Could you talk to her?

Cece: My mom and stepmom are great, but they keep themselves busy. I think I get my need for order from my mom and my expressive side from my dad. The thing is, any of my parents would have been there for me. I just hold myself up to a really high standard.

Ben: I can see that. You do put a lot of pressure on yourself. But you’re also creative and passionate. I’m really looking forward to seeing what you’re capable of when you really let go.

Cece: Hmm, and you think you’ll be around to see that?

Ben: I wasn’t planning on going anywhere. Well, maybe on tour once I make it big. But in that case, you’d probably be with me.

Cece: That’s quite an assumption!

Ben: What, can’t you see us traveling the world with our band? Selling out arenas, hearing the crowd singing along…

Cece: Don’t get too ahead of yourself. We haven’t even kissed yet.

Ben: Is that a hint? You know, if you want something, Cecelia, you should just go for–

[Cece grabs Ben and kisses him] 

Cece: How’s that? 

Ben: Perfect. See, you’re full of surprises.

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2.2 Cool Girl

Johnny: What’s going on? You seem a little stressed.

Chantal: I’m itching. It’s that stupid lube.

Johnny: Uh, ok, that’s a little more information than I needed.

Chantal: I didn’t put it there. I had to write some reviews for some of SNOOT’s sexual health products, so I tested one of the lubes on my wrist to see if it seemed ok. But now my skin is all inflamed.

Johnny: Gross, are you allergic to it or something?

Chantal: I don’t know. I don’t usually have sensitive skin, and this seems different somehow. It’s almost like a burn.

Johnny: Weird! What’s in that stuff anyway?

Chantal: Here’s the bottle. I should’ve known Ambrose would be putting weird shit in her products.

Johnny: [reading on his phone] Uh oh. Looks like you’re not the only one having this problem. Listen to this review: “They should call this Satan’s Lube because my cooch is burning like hellfire.”

Chantal: Are you serious? Let me see! Oh, God. [reading] “This stuff gave me a bad chemical burn. My sex life is ruined!” What the hell? This is terrible! I can’t put my name on a positive review of something like this. I’ve gotta call my boss.

Johnny: Did they post your review already? 

Chantal: No, I sent it in for approval a little bit ago. Hopefully he sees where I’m coming from.

Johnny: Writing reviews for the company you work for seems sketchy anyhow. Have you asked your boss about doing something different?

Chantal: Not yet. He’s been pretty receptive to my ideas so far, but I don’t want to be too pushy.

Johnny: You don’t want to be pushy? You spent our entire childhood telling all of our teachers that their classroom management skills sucked and explaining how to run their classrooms for maximum efficiency.

Chantal: Well, this is different. If I play my cards right, I could be at this company for a long time. I want to make an impression, but I also have to know my place.

Johnny: Wait, your boss isn’t the guy that you have a thing with, right?

Chantal: I don't have a thing with him. We’re keeping it professional. Why does that matter anyway?

Johnny: I don’t know. I just hope you’re not doing the “cool girl” thing where you’re being overly agreeable so a guy will like you. That’s some dumb shit that Mom would tell you to do.

Chantal: That’s not what I’m doing. I just want to be a good employee. Besides, I don’t think being agreeable is a bad thing. A lot of guys get intimidated when they see how driven I am. Maybe I need a softer approach.

Johnny: That’s because those guys think they’re “alphas” and can’t stand the idea of a woman being independent and successful. You don't want that type of guy anyway.

Chantal: Oh, I didn’t realize I was talking to the World’s Best Male Feminist. You’re reading way too much into this. All I’m saying is it’s good to have a little balance. Why don't you go hang out with your girlfriend or something?

Johnny: Ok, I’ll go see my girlfriend that I respect as my equal. I hope playing it cool with your very professional boss works out for you.

Chantal: Oh, don’t worry, it will. Jackass!

Johnny: Love you, sis!

Chantal: Love you more, bubs!

[Chantal calls Nico]

Chantal: Hi Nico, I’m sorry to bother you, but I need to talk about my latest review.

Nico: Sure, Chantal. I just got it approved for publishing. What’s up?

Chantal: Well, I and a lot of other people experienced some unpleasant skin issues after using the Come Together couples lube set. I just figured Ambrose would want to look into the issue before any positive reviews are published. It wouldn’t be a good look for the company if something turns out to be wrong with the product, you know?

Nico: You’re right about that! Thanks for letting me know, Chantal. I’ll reach out to Ambrose so she can find out what’s going on and I’ll make sure the review doesn’t get published. Good looking out!

Chantal: Anytime!

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