Movieland

Chapter 10

"You know this is the first time we've talked on the phone," I said.

"We've talked on the phone before," she said.

"Not about homework. Just to talk. About stuff. Other stuff. Like, not movies, and not homework."

"Maybe I'm seeing why we didn't talk before."

"You know what I mean. Sorry, this is crazy. Sometimes I have the right words and sometimes I have not the right words. Do you believe that I didn't enter?"

"I didn't, but the more you say it, it doesn't make any sense for you to lie. Unless you're that clever, which, no offense, I don't think you are."

"I thought about entering. You almost convinced me. I refreshed the contest page for hours. It wasn't even about Mandy then, either. Part of me believed that -- and boy was that wrong."

"Give her some credit. She's not a dumb jock. She's a jock, yes. But she's no worse than if you asked me what team Michael Jordan played for."

"I didn't enter because at first I was busy and then too lazy and then people started talking about me not entering. And they talked more. And more. It feels good when people pay attention to you."

"You know that's normal, right?"

"I don't know. It doesn't feel normal, especially now. Seriously. How did I win?"

"Someone did it for you. Not me. Maybe your dad. Or Frankie."

"They had some major multifaceted authentication. That's one dedicated someone."

...

"Max, what took you so long to realize you liked me."

"I-- I don't know."

"You are the dumbest smart person I know."

"Thanks?"

"Do you remember Ms. Genero's 9th grade science class? We did that project together on soil types. My mom wouldn't let us meet at my house, so we had to do work at the library. And Mrs. Peacock saw us laughing."

"And she said, 'Oh, young love, isn't it beautiful.'"

"Isn't it beautiful."

"You're not going to believe me."

"I might."

"You won't. And it doesn't matter if you do, because I'm mad I had my blinders up. I'm mad that I could've been talking to you like this when instead Frankie and I were overanalyzing movies. But it was movies. It's always been movies. Part of me always will be. I'm tired. I can't explain it."

"Then don't."

"You asked why I didn't realize how much I liked you. I always looked forward to seeing you at school. I may be smart, but I didn't enjoy doing homework until I met you. And then in 9th grade I went home and watched Revenge of the Nerds for the first time. And I get it. My life is fine. I'm not really a loner. I have friends. But sometimes I feel alone. And that movie made me feel different. So I researched it. And listened to 'We are the Champions' on repeat. And I asked Frankie about Booger the next day. And Frankie burped on command like you know he does. And he told me it was because of Booger. And that was the first time I remember a movie actively changing someone. And the next thing I know four years went by."

"You're right. I don't believe you."

...

"Remember how I acted after the first time I watched The Breakfast Club? Here was a girl I identified with. My parents have money. I know it. It doesn't define me, although some people will try. Boy, I wanted to be her. Dress like her. Talk like her. Be her. And here I am, still trying."