Burnouts

All Else Is Failing

Scene 1: E 21st Street

Ethan Carey

"Aren't you going to be late for class, little one?" Elizabeth teased.

"That never gets old."

"Like you?" She asked, and I sarcastically smiled at her. "I'm sorry, sir, am I annoying you?"

"As per usual." I hand her the key to her new apartment.

"Thank you...for this."

"Don't thank me. Most of it was you."

"Not just for the apartment."

I glance around at the people bringing in furniture from off of a truck.

"Oh, the furniture? No problem, I hated your old stuff anyway."

"Not just for that, either."

"Then, what am I being thanked for?"

She wrapped her arms around my neck. "Everything. Coming into my life and changing everything."

I smirk. "For the better, I hope."

"Yes...I know it bothers you that I don't talk about my family or friends or anyone...but you should know that no one has ever made me feel like they cared about me. No one before you."

"I'm sorry that it took so long to find me."

"Well, I wasn't looking for love in an 18-year-old with control issues, so."

"Hm." Love, Elizabeth?

"I'm one of the things you changed."

"For the better?"

"Definitely not, but I don't care. It feels good not being how I was," she admitted.

"You're not supposed to let me change you."

"I don't care. I love you." So, you do.

What a turn-off.

I pressed my lips into a smile as I stepped back. "My car is here."

"Call me?"

I nodded at her. "Goodbye, Elizabeth."

She smiled and waved me off.

How suffocating.

The driver opens the door for me, and I let out a deep breath once it's shut.

"Dammit!" I shouted.

"Is there a problem, sir?" He asks.

"No, everything is great. Drive."

Scene 2: Danny's Van

Danny Cole

I pour a packet of sugar into the cup of hot coffee before stirring as I sip.

"You're like 40," Leo snickered.

"Shut up, I'm tired."

"What'd you get into last night?"

"I was on the phone with this girl for hours." I shook my head. "She's chatty."

"What girl?"

"Her name is Mary. She goes to an all-girls catholic school, she's got two sisters, a pet cat, and her favorite movie is Casper."

"You gonna hang out with her?"

"Yeah, I guess. We're going out Saturday."

"You don't seem all that happy about it."