Chapter 5 - Amy and Auggie
Auggie's Group - Night
They have just finished dinner. Having agreed earlier to leave Amy and Auggie alone together to hopefully talk, Ezra and Daisy go to bed early. Amy and Auggie sit at the dimming fire, not talking.
Auggie: Look Amy, I thought I'd better hurry up and say this. um. I really like you and I, yeah, that's it. (Auggie waits for a response)
Amy: I really like you too. (Auggie smiles relieved) but, (Auggie's smile disappears) I'm not ready for a relationship. (As soon as she says it she regrets it)
Auggie: (Looking away) Oh, ok. that's alright. (Amy notices how disappointed Auggie is and changes her mind; she decides not to be so cautious.)
Auggie: I'd better put out the fire. (He walks over to it and kneels down pouring sand over the flames to suffocate them. Amy kneels down besides him)
Amy: Auggie, (He looks at her; she tries to think of what to say, but just kisses him instead.) (Daisy and Ezra are watching for the tents)
Daisy: (as Amy and Auggie kiss) Yes!
Ezra: Shhhh! (putting his hand over her mouth) (Amy hears this and smiles still kissing Auggie)
Scott's Group - Midnight, Scott's tent.
Scott wakes up and gets out of his sleeping bag; he walks outside and sees Jason sitting in the dark at the cold fire. Jason doesn't have a torch so Scott gets his and joins Jason at the fire. Jason is looking at the scars on his wrists. Scott sits down, but Jason ignores him.
Scott: What are you thinking?
Jason: (Still looking down.) Nothing.
Scott: Don't kill yourself.
Jason: (Looking up surprised) Why not. (Jason looks at Scott in the eyes; it is the first time he has looked at anyone in the eyes since being at Horizon)
Scott: Cos people care about you.
Jason: (interrupting) What? Are you on drugs?
Scott: No, why? (Confused)
Jason: You're delusional then.
Scott: Why? Cos I said that people care about you? (He waits for an answer from Jason, but doesn't get one.) We all care, all us Cliff-hangers, even though we don't know you very well. (Jason looks away) Why do you want to kill yourself?
Jason: (looking down at his wrists) Cos I want it to stop.
Scott: (Worried) What to stop?
Jason: Everything.
Scott: What happened to you?
Jason: Why do you want to know so much? (Getting annoyed)
Scott: Why are you so suspicious? Is it just that you don't think anyone wants to help you? Well I've got new for you, I want to help you, I care! (Jason gets up to leave) You're at Horizon to get better, to learn to be happy, to put your past behind you.
Jason: No, I'm here cos it's slightly better than the fucking hospital where they watch me night and day and treat me like a fucking loony!
Scott: You tried to kill yourself! (Getting angry)
Jason: It's no big deal, why is everyone so worked up about it?
Scott: (yelling) Cos it's stupid! (Scott realizes that he shouldn't have said it)
Jason: So I'm a loony, and I'm stupid. Great. I'm going down to the garden to eat some worms, then I'm going to bed. (Jason goes into the tent and zips it up.) (Scott stands there, Juliette unzips her tent and she and Shelby pop their heads out.)
Shelby: Everything ok?
Scott: (looking worried) Yeah, it's just didn't go as planned.
Shelby: No one can't say you didn't try.
Scott: Yeah
Shelby: Good night.
Scott: Night. (Shelby zips up the tent. Scott goes into his tent, looks at Jason who has his eyes closed and gets into his sleeping bag.)
The next morning Auggie's Group
Daisy is waiting for Amy to wake up. Amy stirs and Daisy asks bluntly:
Daisy: So, how was it?
Amy: How was what? (Half asleep)
Daisy: The kiss!
Amy: Oh, it was good (smiling secretively)
Daisy: I'm sure it was! Come on, I'll make you breakfast. (Daisy and Amy walk over to the fire where Ezra and Auggie are already making breakfast. Ezra grins at Daisy and Daisy raises her eyebrows at him. Auggie smiles nervously at Amy, who goes and sits next to him. Daisy sits down. She and Ezra both look at Auggie and Amy.)
Auggie: What?
Daisy: Nothing.
Scott's Group
Everyone is packing up, Scott looks at Jason who is ignoring everyone. Scott takes one more look at the camp site and they all leave for the long trek back to Mt. Horizon.
Lunch time
Scott's Group have stopped for lunch and have just finished.
David: (Lying down staring at the lake) I'm going for a swim.
Scott: Ok, go (not believing him) (David gets up and wades in. Shelby hops up and pulls Scott up)
Shelby: Come on! (Scott follows her, he looks behind and sees Jason watching.)
Scott to Jason: You coming? (Jason reluctantly gets up and follows) (Jason is standing at the waters edge while everyone else swims. David sneaks up behind him and pushes him in. Jason stands up wet and turns round he pushes David back and Scott is forced to hold Jason back from killing David.) (Jason walks back to the bank and takes of his shirt to let it dry, he lies down and watches everyone else. After a while they all get out of the water and join Jason.) (Scott looks at Jason concerned and sees a large scar on his chest. Jason sees him looking at him and puts his still wet shirt on.)
Jason: Surgery (referring to the scar.)
Scott: Oh, ok. (Knowing he's lying.)
Afternoon - Mt Horizon
Scott's Group arrives half an hour before Auggie's Group. They go to their dorms and have showers. When everyone arrives back Peter gets them all together for Group.
Peter: Ok, how did you do? Did you all answer the questions?
Scott: Yeah. (Lying)
Peter: Ok, how about we go through the answers you gave. Jason, what did you say for the three words describing your family? (Everyone looks at Jason)
Jason: Um. (Thinking of how he can get out of answering.) (Just as Jason is about to say something, Sophie walks in, Jason is relieved)
Sophie: Peter, you're needed urgently!
Peter: (to the group) Ok, I'll be right back (Peter leaves.) (20 minutes later Peter comes back. He opens up the door and sees Jason is standing.)
Jason to David: What did you say? (Yelling)
David: I said you're a wimp! (Yelling back, the rest of the group are watching shocked. Jason walks over to David furious and pushes him off the chair; he then starts kicking him while David lies on the ground trying to protect himself. Scott runs up and grabs Jason off David while Peter runs over to David and helps him up. Peter leads David out who is holding his side. Jason sits back in his chair still angry. Peter opens up the door, and sees Sophie.)
Peter to Sophie: Can you take David to the nurse.
Sophie: Ok, what happened? (Concerned)
Peter: Jason.
Sophie: Oh. (Sophie helps David down the corridor.) (Peter walks back into the room and sighs, no one is talking, Jason looks annoyed)
Peter: Ok, you can go. (They all get up to leave, Jason stays knowing what's coming)
Peter: (disappointed) You're the last person I'd expect this from.
Jason: Shit happens. (Not caring what happens)
Peter: Why'd you do it?
Jason: He's an asshole. (Trying to explain)
Peter: That's just your opinion, how is this different to what your father did? At least he had an excuse! (Jason stands there speechless.)
Jason: (He seems calm) Fuck you. (He gets up and leaves, Peter sighs) (As Jason leaves Scott who was listening outside stops him.)
Scott: You right? (Putting his hand on Jason's shoulder)
Jason: Fine. (He shrugs off Scott's hand and walks off.)
Dining Hall - Dinner time
The Cliff-hangers are sitting at the table, no one is talking. David is absent. David walks up and sits as far away from Jason as he can without going to another table. They all look at David worried, all except Jason who is looking down at his food not eating.
Juliette: Are you ok?
Daisy: What did the nurse say?
David: (directing the answer to Jason) She said there's nothing broken but there's heavy bruising. (To Jason.) You're lucky I don't sue. (Jason looks up surprised)
Jason: (Getting up) God you're sad! (Then he leaves)
Chapter 6 - Answers
The next day - Peter's Office
Scott knocks on his door and enters without waiting for an answer.
Peter: Yes Scott, what is it? I'm busy.
Scott: (Shutting the door) This is important. Why did you send Jason on that camp?
Peter: He's in the group (Confused)
Scott: You made him answer questions that he isn't ready to answer! You think that helped him?
Peter: I did it so he could see other people talking about their pasts, so he could see it was alright to turn to people for help. I didn't expect him to answer the questions.
Scott: It put unnecessary stress on him and the rest of us!
Peter: It was the only way I could think of to help him.
Scott: Why don't you just talk to him? (Still annoyed)
Peter: I've tried that, I've tried everything. (Scott is silent for a minute)
Scott: What happened to him?
Peter: I'm sorry but I can't tell you.
Scott: (Annoyed) What? Why?
Peter: Patient confidentiality
Scott: Don't give me that crap! How is anyone supposed to help him if we don't know what's happened to him. We don't know anything about him!
Peter: I'm sorry, but there's nothing I can do about it. (Sophie walks in)
Sophie: We need you again Peter.
Peter to Scott: (Sighing) I'll be right back. (Sophie and Peter leave) (Scott stands there looking round the office. He sees a file on Peter's desk marked 'Jason Harding'. Scott picks it up and opens it; it contains papers and photos. He looks at the first photo and gasps. It is photo of Jason's wrists just after he attempted suicide. Scott looks at the next photo and is shocked. It is a photo of Jason without a shirt on. He has a large gash on his chest, heavy bruising on his ribs and face and several cuts on his face. It is dated one year ago. Scott is so shocked by the photos that he doesn't notice Peter is looking over his shoulder.)
Peter: Not pretty, huh. (Scott jumps guiltily)
Scott: Peter! I was, um.
Peter: I know what you were doing. (Taking the folder from Scott)
Scott: I know it's confidential, but it was just sitting there and.
Peter: (interrupting) Don't worry about it, just don't do it again and don't tell anyone about what was in it, ok? You can go now. (Scott turns and starts to leave, but he turns around to face Peter)
Peter: What is it?
Scott: Who did that to him?
Peter: (Sighing) I might as well tell you, but don't tell anyone else. Jason's father was an alcoholic, probably still is, anyway, he'd been beating Jason ever since Jason was small. One year ago, when Jason was 15, his father came home drunk and started hitting him, but that wasn't enough so his father stabbed him with a kitchen knife. The neighbours called the police and Jason was taken to hospital while his father was arrested. Jason barely survived.
Scott: So, his father's in gaol?
Peter: No, unfortunately. Jason told the police that it had been an accident. He said that he had been cutting vegetables and the knife slipped.
Scott: Why'd he lie?
Peter: He's terrified of what his father would do if he told anyone.
Scott: When he was getting beaten up before, didn't anyone know, it'd be hard to cover up.
Peter: Apparently everyone knew but no one could prove it and his mother would just make excuses.
Scott: That's stupid, someone should have done something!
Peter: (continuing) Anyway, his father who was still living with them appeared to have stopped hitting Jason, but his grades still dropped until he was failing everything. Even though Jason is smart his grades had ever been great before. About a month ago his mother came home and found Jason unconscious in the bathroom with his wrists slit, and you know the rest. (Scott is speechless)
Scott: (After a while) Thanks for telling me.
Peter: Just don't tell anyone else.
Scott: (Still in shock) Nuh, I won't. (Scott leaves.)
Guys' Dorm Room
Scott goes to the dorm to be alone, but Jason is there reading. Scott goes up to him concerned.
Scott: You alright?
Jason: Yeah, fine (Annoyed that Scott keeps asking him the same question)
Scott: (hesitantly) I know.
Jason: Good for you. (Not caring or knowing what he's talking about.)
Scott: (trying again) I know about your father. (Jason looks up terrified but trying not to show it.)
Jason: What are you talking about? (Hoping Scott will drop the subject)
Scott: I know that the scar isn't from surgery.
Jason: (panicking, still denying it) You caught me out, I did it while cutting vegetables, I'm so clumsy! (He laughs nervously)
Scott: Why do you keep lying about it?
Jason: I'm not! (Getting desperate)
Scott: You can keep denying it if you want, but I think you should tell someone. I just wanted to tell you that I understand about what happened and that if you need anyone to talk to I'm always here. (Jason looks at him speechless. Scott gets up and leaves.)
Jason: (putting his head in his hands) Shit!
That night - 2 am
Guys' dorm
Jason is asleep and is having a nightmare. He suddenly wakes up in a cold sweat.
Jason: (yelling) No! (Looks around and realizes where he is, he is panting.)
Ezra: (half asleep) You right man?
Jason: Yeah fine. (Looks worried, Ezra goes back to sleep. Jason looks at his clock and decides not to go back to sleep, he lies there hugging himself with his eyes wide open.)
Morning - 8 am
Jason is sitting up in bed reading, he has bags under his eyes. Ezra turns over and sees Jason already wake.
Ezra: (mumbling) You're up early.
Jason: Yeah, um, the sun was in my eyes.
Ezra: (not noticing that the curtains are closed) Sue it.
Jason: What?
Ezra: Never mind, what time is it?
Jason: 8
Ezra: Crap! (Getting out of bed and heading for the shower.) (Everyone else starts getting up, except David who is still asleep. Ezra gets out of the shower walks over to David who is still asleep)
Ezra: (Yelling in his ear) David! Get up! (David startled, wakes up)
David: What the hell? (Sees Ezra grinning) Go away. (He puts his head under the pillow)
Ezra: Come on! (Walking to the empty bathroom and filling a bucket with water, cold water. He walks back over to David and pulls the pillow off his head and pours the icy water on David's head!)
David: (Sitting up surprised.) Shit! What are you doing man, this is so not cool.
Ezra: Thought you were a good swimmer.
David: (Shivering, getting up) You suck man, that was low. (Ezra smiles as David walks to the bathroom)
Peter's office - Morning
Peter to Sophie: (About David) He's been here for five months and he hasn't opened up at all.
Sophie: Maybe he's got nothing to open up about; I don't think he needs to be here.
Peter: He was sent here cos he seriously beat up some kid apparently, but he hasn't done anything since, I think it was a one off.
Sophie: Are you going to send him home?
Peter: I might as well no use in keeping him here, I'll call his father.
Peter's office - Midday
David is waiting outside Peter's office waiting for Peter to get off the phone. Peter puts down the phone, but doesn't hang up and calls David in.
Peter: I've got your father on the phone, we've decided to let you go home.
David: (Doesn't seem too happy, but trying to hide it) Ok, cool! Can't wait. (David smiles fakely)
Peter: You can talk to him now. (Handing the phone to David, He takes it and Peter leaves the room to give them some privacy.)
David: Hi.
David's Father: I thought during the holidays you could go on a camping trip with some of my new recruits, you might learn something from them. What do you think?
David: I don't want to (tired of arguing)
David's Father: Why not? I've already organised it. You need to make some sensible friends that will knock some sense into you.
David: Yeah, cos you weren't strong enough to knock it into me yourself.
David's Father: I command you not to talk to me like that, what I did was for your own good and don't think I won't do it again!
David: I'm not your damn recruit, so don't talk to me like I am! I'm your son; get that into your fucking head! (Angry, Peter walks back in.) Gotta go.
David's Father: David I'm warning you, don't hang up. (David hangs up)
Peter: (Confused) Is it all organised?
David: Yeah (Fakely smiling, he leaves)
Auggie's Group - Night
They have just finished dinner. Having agreed earlier to leave Amy and Auggie alone together to hopefully talk, Ezra and Daisy go to bed early. Amy and Auggie sit at the dimming fire, not talking.
Auggie: Look Amy, I thought I'd better hurry up and say this. um. I really like you and I, yeah, that's it. (Auggie waits for a response)
Amy: I really like you too. (Auggie smiles relieved) but, (Auggie's smile disappears) I'm not ready for a relationship. (As soon as she says it she regrets it)
Auggie: (Looking away) Oh, ok. that's alright. (Amy notices how disappointed Auggie is and changes her mind; she decides not to be so cautious.)
Auggie: I'd better put out the fire. (He walks over to it and kneels down pouring sand over the flames to suffocate them. Amy kneels down besides him)
Amy: Auggie, (He looks at her; she tries to think of what to say, but just kisses him instead.) (Daisy and Ezra are watching for the tents)
Daisy: (as Amy and Auggie kiss) Yes!
Ezra: Shhhh! (putting his hand over her mouth) (Amy hears this and smiles still kissing Auggie)
Scott's Group - Midnight, Scott's tent.
Scott wakes up and gets out of his sleeping bag; he walks outside and sees Jason sitting in the dark at the cold fire. Jason doesn't have a torch so Scott gets his and joins Jason at the fire. Jason is looking at the scars on his wrists. Scott sits down, but Jason ignores him.
Scott: What are you thinking?
Jason: (Still looking down.) Nothing.
Scott: Don't kill yourself.
Jason: (Looking up surprised) Why not. (Jason looks at Scott in the eyes; it is the first time he has looked at anyone in the eyes since being at Horizon)
Scott: Cos people care about you.
Jason: (interrupting) What? Are you on drugs?
Scott: No, why? (Confused)
Jason: You're delusional then.
Scott: Why? Cos I said that people care about you? (He waits for an answer from Jason, but doesn't get one.) We all care, all us Cliff-hangers, even though we don't know you very well. (Jason looks away) Why do you want to kill yourself?
Jason: (looking down at his wrists) Cos I want it to stop.
Scott: (Worried) What to stop?
Jason: Everything.
Scott: What happened to you?
Jason: Why do you want to know so much? (Getting annoyed)
Scott: Why are you so suspicious? Is it just that you don't think anyone wants to help you? Well I've got new for you, I want to help you, I care! (Jason gets up to leave) You're at Horizon to get better, to learn to be happy, to put your past behind you.
Jason: No, I'm here cos it's slightly better than the fucking hospital where they watch me night and day and treat me like a fucking loony!
Scott: You tried to kill yourself! (Getting angry)
Jason: It's no big deal, why is everyone so worked up about it?
Scott: (yelling) Cos it's stupid! (Scott realizes that he shouldn't have said it)
Jason: So I'm a loony, and I'm stupid. Great. I'm going down to the garden to eat some worms, then I'm going to bed. (Jason goes into the tent and zips it up.) (Scott stands there, Juliette unzips her tent and she and Shelby pop their heads out.)
Shelby: Everything ok?
Scott: (looking worried) Yeah, it's just didn't go as planned.
Shelby: No one can't say you didn't try.
Scott: Yeah
Shelby: Good night.
Scott: Night. (Shelby zips up the tent. Scott goes into his tent, looks at Jason who has his eyes closed and gets into his sleeping bag.)
The next morning Auggie's Group
Daisy is waiting for Amy to wake up. Amy stirs and Daisy asks bluntly:
Daisy: So, how was it?
Amy: How was what? (Half asleep)
Daisy: The kiss!
Amy: Oh, it was good (smiling secretively)
Daisy: I'm sure it was! Come on, I'll make you breakfast. (Daisy and Amy walk over to the fire where Ezra and Auggie are already making breakfast. Ezra grins at Daisy and Daisy raises her eyebrows at him. Auggie smiles nervously at Amy, who goes and sits next to him. Daisy sits down. She and Ezra both look at Auggie and Amy.)
Auggie: What?
Daisy: Nothing.
Scott's Group
Everyone is packing up, Scott looks at Jason who is ignoring everyone. Scott takes one more look at the camp site and they all leave for the long trek back to Mt. Horizon.
Lunch time
Scott's Group have stopped for lunch and have just finished.
David: (Lying down staring at the lake) I'm going for a swim.
Scott: Ok, go (not believing him) (David gets up and wades in. Shelby hops up and pulls Scott up)
Shelby: Come on! (Scott follows her, he looks behind and sees Jason watching.)
Scott to Jason: You coming? (Jason reluctantly gets up and follows) (Jason is standing at the waters edge while everyone else swims. David sneaks up behind him and pushes him in. Jason stands up wet and turns round he pushes David back and Scott is forced to hold Jason back from killing David.) (Jason walks back to the bank and takes of his shirt to let it dry, he lies down and watches everyone else. After a while they all get out of the water and join Jason.) (Scott looks at Jason concerned and sees a large scar on his chest. Jason sees him looking at him and puts his still wet shirt on.)
Jason: Surgery (referring to the scar.)
Scott: Oh, ok. (Knowing he's lying.)
Afternoon - Mt Horizon
Scott's Group arrives half an hour before Auggie's Group. They go to their dorms and have showers. When everyone arrives back Peter gets them all together for Group.
Peter: Ok, how did you do? Did you all answer the questions?
Scott: Yeah. (Lying)
Peter: Ok, how about we go through the answers you gave. Jason, what did you say for the three words describing your family? (Everyone looks at Jason)
Jason: Um. (Thinking of how he can get out of answering.) (Just as Jason is about to say something, Sophie walks in, Jason is relieved)
Sophie: Peter, you're needed urgently!
Peter: (to the group) Ok, I'll be right back (Peter leaves.) (20 minutes later Peter comes back. He opens up the door and sees Jason is standing.)
Jason to David: What did you say? (Yelling)
David: I said you're a wimp! (Yelling back, the rest of the group are watching shocked. Jason walks over to David furious and pushes him off the chair; he then starts kicking him while David lies on the ground trying to protect himself. Scott runs up and grabs Jason off David while Peter runs over to David and helps him up. Peter leads David out who is holding his side. Jason sits back in his chair still angry. Peter opens up the door, and sees Sophie.)
Peter to Sophie: Can you take David to the nurse.
Sophie: Ok, what happened? (Concerned)
Peter: Jason.
Sophie: Oh. (Sophie helps David down the corridor.) (Peter walks back into the room and sighs, no one is talking, Jason looks annoyed)
Peter: Ok, you can go. (They all get up to leave, Jason stays knowing what's coming)
Peter: (disappointed) You're the last person I'd expect this from.
Jason: Shit happens. (Not caring what happens)
Peter: Why'd you do it?
Jason: He's an asshole. (Trying to explain)
Peter: That's just your opinion, how is this different to what your father did? At least he had an excuse! (Jason stands there speechless.)
Jason: (He seems calm) Fuck you. (He gets up and leaves, Peter sighs) (As Jason leaves Scott who was listening outside stops him.)
Scott: You right? (Putting his hand on Jason's shoulder)
Jason: Fine. (He shrugs off Scott's hand and walks off.)
Dining Hall - Dinner time
The Cliff-hangers are sitting at the table, no one is talking. David is absent. David walks up and sits as far away from Jason as he can without going to another table. They all look at David worried, all except Jason who is looking down at his food not eating.
Juliette: Are you ok?
Daisy: What did the nurse say?
David: (directing the answer to Jason) She said there's nothing broken but there's heavy bruising. (To Jason.) You're lucky I don't sue. (Jason looks up surprised)
Jason: (Getting up) God you're sad! (Then he leaves)
Chapter 6 - Answers
The next day - Peter's Office
Scott knocks on his door and enters without waiting for an answer.
Peter: Yes Scott, what is it? I'm busy.
Scott: (Shutting the door) This is important. Why did you send Jason on that camp?
Peter: He's in the group (Confused)
Scott: You made him answer questions that he isn't ready to answer! You think that helped him?
Peter: I did it so he could see other people talking about their pasts, so he could see it was alright to turn to people for help. I didn't expect him to answer the questions.
Scott: It put unnecessary stress on him and the rest of us!
Peter: It was the only way I could think of to help him.
Scott: Why don't you just talk to him? (Still annoyed)
Peter: I've tried that, I've tried everything. (Scott is silent for a minute)
Scott: What happened to him?
Peter: I'm sorry but I can't tell you.
Scott: (Annoyed) What? Why?
Peter: Patient confidentiality
Scott: Don't give me that crap! How is anyone supposed to help him if we don't know what's happened to him. We don't know anything about him!
Peter: I'm sorry, but there's nothing I can do about it. (Sophie walks in)
Sophie: We need you again Peter.
Peter to Scott: (Sighing) I'll be right back. (Sophie and Peter leave) (Scott stands there looking round the office. He sees a file on Peter's desk marked 'Jason Harding'. Scott picks it up and opens it; it contains papers and photos. He looks at the first photo and gasps. It is photo of Jason's wrists just after he attempted suicide. Scott looks at the next photo and is shocked. It is a photo of Jason without a shirt on. He has a large gash on his chest, heavy bruising on his ribs and face and several cuts on his face. It is dated one year ago. Scott is so shocked by the photos that he doesn't notice Peter is looking over his shoulder.)
Peter: Not pretty, huh. (Scott jumps guiltily)
Scott: Peter! I was, um.
Peter: I know what you were doing. (Taking the folder from Scott)
Scott: I know it's confidential, but it was just sitting there and.
Peter: (interrupting) Don't worry about it, just don't do it again and don't tell anyone about what was in it, ok? You can go now. (Scott turns and starts to leave, but he turns around to face Peter)
Peter: What is it?
Scott: Who did that to him?
Peter: (Sighing) I might as well tell you, but don't tell anyone else. Jason's father was an alcoholic, probably still is, anyway, he'd been beating Jason ever since Jason was small. One year ago, when Jason was 15, his father came home drunk and started hitting him, but that wasn't enough so his father stabbed him with a kitchen knife. The neighbours called the police and Jason was taken to hospital while his father was arrested. Jason barely survived.
Scott: So, his father's in gaol?
Peter: No, unfortunately. Jason told the police that it had been an accident. He said that he had been cutting vegetables and the knife slipped.
Scott: Why'd he lie?
Peter: He's terrified of what his father would do if he told anyone.
Scott: When he was getting beaten up before, didn't anyone know, it'd be hard to cover up.
Peter: Apparently everyone knew but no one could prove it and his mother would just make excuses.
Scott: That's stupid, someone should have done something!
Peter: (continuing) Anyway, his father who was still living with them appeared to have stopped hitting Jason, but his grades still dropped until he was failing everything. Even though Jason is smart his grades had ever been great before. About a month ago his mother came home and found Jason unconscious in the bathroom with his wrists slit, and you know the rest. (Scott is speechless)
Scott: (After a while) Thanks for telling me.
Peter: Just don't tell anyone else.
Scott: (Still in shock) Nuh, I won't. (Scott leaves.)
Guys' Dorm Room
Scott goes to the dorm to be alone, but Jason is there reading. Scott goes up to him concerned.
Scott: You alright?
Jason: Yeah, fine (Annoyed that Scott keeps asking him the same question)
Scott: (hesitantly) I know.
Jason: Good for you. (Not caring or knowing what he's talking about.)
Scott: (trying again) I know about your father. (Jason looks up terrified but trying not to show it.)
Jason: What are you talking about? (Hoping Scott will drop the subject)
Scott: I know that the scar isn't from surgery.
Jason: (panicking, still denying it) You caught me out, I did it while cutting vegetables, I'm so clumsy! (He laughs nervously)
Scott: Why do you keep lying about it?
Jason: I'm not! (Getting desperate)
Scott: You can keep denying it if you want, but I think you should tell someone. I just wanted to tell you that I understand about what happened and that if you need anyone to talk to I'm always here. (Jason looks at him speechless. Scott gets up and leaves.)
Jason: (putting his head in his hands) Shit!
That night - 2 am
Guys' dorm
Jason is asleep and is having a nightmare. He suddenly wakes up in a cold sweat.
Jason: (yelling) No! (Looks around and realizes where he is, he is panting.)
Ezra: (half asleep) You right man?
Jason: Yeah fine. (Looks worried, Ezra goes back to sleep. Jason looks at his clock and decides not to go back to sleep, he lies there hugging himself with his eyes wide open.)
Morning - 8 am
Jason is sitting up in bed reading, he has bags under his eyes. Ezra turns over and sees Jason already wake.
Ezra: (mumbling) You're up early.
Jason: Yeah, um, the sun was in my eyes.
Ezra: (not noticing that the curtains are closed) Sue it.
Jason: What?
Ezra: Never mind, what time is it?
Jason: 8
Ezra: Crap! (Getting out of bed and heading for the shower.) (Everyone else starts getting up, except David who is still asleep. Ezra gets out of the shower walks over to David who is still asleep)
Ezra: (Yelling in his ear) David! Get up! (David startled, wakes up)
David: What the hell? (Sees Ezra grinning) Go away. (He puts his head under the pillow)
Ezra: Come on! (Walking to the empty bathroom and filling a bucket with water, cold water. He walks back over to David and pulls the pillow off his head and pours the icy water on David's head!)
David: (Sitting up surprised.) Shit! What are you doing man, this is so not cool.
Ezra: Thought you were a good swimmer.
David: (Shivering, getting up) You suck man, that was low. (Ezra smiles as David walks to the bathroom)
Peter's office - Morning
Peter to Sophie: (About David) He's been here for five months and he hasn't opened up at all.
Sophie: Maybe he's got nothing to open up about; I don't think he needs to be here.
Peter: He was sent here cos he seriously beat up some kid apparently, but he hasn't done anything since, I think it was a one off.
Sophie: Are you going to send him home?
Peter: I might as well no use in keeping him here, I'll call his father.
Peter's office - Midday
David is waiting outside Peter's office waiting for Peter to get off the phone. Peter puts down the phone, but doesn't hang up and calls David in.
Peter: I've got your father on the phone, we've decided to let you go home.
David: (Doesn't seem too happy, but trying to hide it) Ok, cool! Can't wait. (David smiles fakely)
Peter: You can talk to him now. (Handing the phone to David, He takes it and Peter leaves the room to give them some privacy.)
David: Hi.
David's Father: I thought during the holidays you could go on a camping trip with some of my new recruits, you might learn something from them. What do you think?
David: I don't want to (tired of arguing)
David's Father: Why not? I've already organised it. You need to make some sensible friends that will knock some sense into you.
David: Yeah, cos you weren't strong enough to knock it into me yourself.
David's Father: I command you not to talk to me like that, what I did was for your own good and don't think I won't do it again!
David: I'm not your damn recruit, so don't talk to me like I am! I'm your son; get that into your fucking head! (Angry, Peter walks back in.) Gotta go.
David's Father: David I'm warning you, don't hang up. (David hangs up)
Peter: (Confused) Is it all organised?
David: Yeah (Fakely smiling, he leaves)