fractured and dazed

INT. ALEX'S LIVING ROOM- DAY

An overstuffed living room. Telephone books, paper, empty mugs from weeks earlier. The works. In the centre, there is a small square television. It buzzes into static, flicking through the channels. A dull news presenter starts explaining the science behind Dolly the Sheep. It is 1996.

ALEX WATTS (ENGLISH ACCENT) (O.S.) Goddamit! Where are my bloody keys?

ALEX WATTS appears in front of the television, only half watching. He is taller than your average teenager, 19, very easily stressed. He pushes the clutter off of the table. Searching. The television starts to play 'Wannabe' by the Spice Girls.

ALEX'S MUM (O.S.)
Alex! You're going to be late!

ALEX
Coming!

He hums along to 'Wannabe',snatching up his keys from the table and runs out the door.

EXT. ALEX'S STREET- DAY

The street outside looks almost identical to the streets that intersect it. Thatched roofs and brick houses blended in with newer more modern buildings. Brighton Pier is visible over the hill. A rust-bucket of a car is parked outside of Alex's house. It doesn't fit into the lines of the space. GREY (18) a head shorter than your average teenager, his mop of black hair flicking in front of his face hulls a suitcase into the boot of the car. ALEX's MUM hoovers next to him, chewing nervously on her painted nails. Alex jumps down the front steps of his house to join them.

ALEX
You know Grey, the lines are there for a reason

GREY flashes Alex a mischievous grin.

GREY
Hey! My parking is beautiful, thank you very much!

ALEX
I'm surprised you didn't scratch it.

GREY
Scratches add to its aesthetic. It looks artsy.

Alex shrugs, making a face at his friend. His Mum wipes her eyes.

ALEX
(horrified yet soothing)
Hey Mum, don't be like that. I'll come visit I promise.

Alex's Mum buries her head into her son's shoulder, not wanting him to go.

ALEX'S MUM
If your Dad gives you any trouble-

ALEX
-I know Mum.

Grey lurks by the boot of the car, shoving his hands in his jacket pockets. The banter is gone. The mood is heavier. Heartbreaking.

Alex glances at Grey then hesitates. They hug like they haven't seen each other in years.

GREY
Alex--I'll-

Alex nods into Grey's shoulder. They break apart and share a meaningful look. Awkward but in a good way.Grey looks at the floor. Alex sighs. Alex's Mum not so subtly wipes her eyes again, sniffing. Alex says his final goodbyes and drives off. Alex's Mum returns to her now empty house. Grey stays in the middle of the road. He stays until the car is long gone.

INT. ALEX'S CAR- DAY

Alex taps on the steering wheel. His nails are bitten within an inch of their life, a nervous habit he can't seem to shake. He sighs and rolls down the window. Distracted.

INT. GREY'S BATHROOM- MORNING
Grey stands by the sink, the LED light making his face look skeletal and sunken. He blinks a couple of times and rubs his nose. He stands up straight, giving his reflection a fake grin. It's terrifying.