Dillon: Are you sure? I mean, wow, how? What happened?
Jenny: A car accident. He was rammed from behind by a speeding delivery truck. He...he flew through the windshield and died on the scene. Dillon I'm so sorry to be telling you this...
Dillon: Uh...no...I mean...I'm glad you did. When's...when's the funeral?
Lulu: Funeral? What happened? Who...
Dillon holds up his hand up for her to be quiet.
Jenny: Next week, but if you'd like to come sooner and help out with the arrangements...
Dillon: Are you sure? I didn't know him well...
Jenny: You were his son Dillon. I know for a fact that he would want you here. We all want you here.
Dillon: Let me just sort some things out and I'll get back to you. This is just so...
Jenny: I know. Please, take all the time you need.
Dillon: Thank you for telling me this. I'm so sorry...
Jenny: I'm sorry too. I'm so very sorry.
Dillon: Thank you. My heart goes out to you and you're family. Thank you for letting me know.
Dillon hangs up the phone and allows himself to fall back on the couch. There is an awkward silence in the room. Dillon is staring off into space, trying to process the news he's just received. Georgie comes to sit with him, but doesn't know if she should give him the space to feel or to talk. All and all, the room is filled to brim with confusion. Finally Dillon says something.
Dillon: There's been a change in plans. Maybe nightclub and rebellious craziness tonight.
Georgie: Do you wanna talk about it?
Lulu: You said something about a funeral, is everything okay?
Dillon: My Dad's dead.
Lulu: Oh my god! Dillon I'm so sorry...
Dillon: No need to be. I know I'm not.
Georgie: Dillon...
Dillon: No, really, it's okay. It's not like I knew him very well. It's not like he wanted anything to do with me...
Guy: Maybe we should give you two some time alone.
Lucas: Yeah, maybe we could hook up tomorrow or something.
Dillon: Hey! It's really all right. Don't let something like this ruin our plans.
Lulu: Something like this? Dillon your Dad just passed away! Look, this is a huge deal and partying all night isn't going to make your feelings disappear. I think you should process this.
Georgie: I agree. You can't keep all your feelings balled up inside.
Guy and Lucas move for the door. Lulu and Alice follow them.
Lucas: If you need to talk later...
Guy: We'll all be around.
Alice: All right kids let's give them some privacy.
When everybody leaves, Dillon's tough facade slowly fades.
Dillon: I just don't know what to feel, you know? Paul Hornsby was always a figment of my imagination. He was something to be desired, some big puzzle that my Mom never gave me all the pieces to. I feel bad that's he's gone, but I feel like I'm mourning a total stranger. I feel like I would feel if I'd heard a random person had died. Yeah, another life lost. How tragic, but on a personal level I don't feel anything.
Georgie: That's your anger talking. You've always felt abandoned by your Dad. All your pain has built a wall around your real feelings. It's okay to grieve for your Dad Dillon.
Dillon: I don't see any point in it. I mean I do, but I don't. All those years when I was looking for a father he was nowhere to be found. The only time I hear anything about him or from his family is when he dies. How screwed up is that?
Georgie: You're right. That's totally messed up and you have every right to be pissed and hurt, but he was your Dad...
Dillon: No! He wasn't my Dad. A Dad is there to support, guide, and nurture his child. Paul Hornsby was my father. He dumped me with my Mom and went along with his life. What's the point of mourning someone I never knew. He never gave me anything, never attempted to give a damn, therefore why should I?
Georgie: He did give you something Dillon... Life.
Dillon: And?
Georgie: If your Dad hadn't have left, you and I might not have meet. We might not have met when we did. You might not have the same appreciation for love that you do now. I know you feel like what he did was wrong, but his actions helped shaped your life. You can dwell on the negative things or you can be grateful for what he did do.
Dillon just stares at her, allowing her advice to sink in. He finally allows himself to cry.
Dillon: I just never got to know him and now I'll never get a chance to.
Georgie: Let it out, just get it all out.
About fifteen minutes later, Tracy storms in and goes straight for the alcohol. She pours herself a drink, sips it slowly, and watches the couple over the rim of her glass.
Tracy: What happened? You two have you first fight as a married couple?
Georgie: Now really isn't a good time for your negativity.
Tracy: If you don't like my timing, you can feel free to pack your bags.
Georgie: Fine! Dillon?
Dillon: You know, Mom. I think I have some news that'll make your day.
Tracy: You're getting your ridiculous marriage annulled?
Dillon: You wish! I would tell you to brace yourself, but I know you don't have the common courtesy to care about somebody else.
Tracy: What the hell are you talking about?
Dillon: You know Paul Hornsby? The father you kept me from my whole life?
Tracy: What...what about him?
Dillon jumps up from the couch and cloes the distance between them.
Dillon: He's dead.
A/N: Thanks a lot of checking this out. Feel free to let me know what you thought...
