The Meaning

8: Papercuts

Cain: Did you cut yourself now?
Bailey: Yeah... Don't judge me.
Cain: I'm not. You must have a reason. Let's sit down inside. Maybe you could talk to me about it.
Bailey: That might be a good idea.
Bailey sits down on her bed she's still crying. But she slowly begins to calm down. Cain gets her paper towels, so she can clean the cuts. Cain sits down next to her.
Bailey: This'll probaby be a lot. You're the first person I ever told intentionally except my parents. I hope you won't change your opinion of me. So...

Bailey's POV

It's a year ago. Back in California, Los Angeles. It's May. Bailey's getting ready for a house party. Her parents never really cared, what she was up to. So she got into partying at 14 years of age. In today's world it's not even that crazy. At this party there will be all kinds of age groups, from 14 to 18. Bailey has drunk alcohol, never did drugs and never had sex before. She wasn't a rebellious child. She wasn't the kind of girl who would be named as a slut. She knew who she was and where she fits in. Her parents were away on a business trip, so she basically could od what she wants. She was wearing a black cocktail dress. So she got ready and headed to the party. She went in and joined her friends, Julia and Britney. They were talking and having fun, when Julia spotted a guy looking at Bailey.
Julia: That guy, can you see him?
Bailey: Uh.. yeah.
Julia: He's been looking at you for the last 10 minutes.
Britney: Yeah, I noticed that too.
Bailey: Are you sure he's been looking at me? 
Julia: Preeetty suuure.
Bailey: Well, if he wants something he's gonna have to come here.
Britney: Playing the prey.
Bailey: Well, if you say it like that, it sounds like we're all just prey. 
Britney: I mean, I'm fine with that.
Julia: Of course you are. You're easy to hunt, you enjoy being hunted.
Britney: Is there something wrong with that?
Julia and Bailey both shake their heads. They keep talking and talking until the guy approaches them, mainly Bailey.
Rowan: Hey there... My name is Rowan. I can see 3 beautiful ladies in one place, so I take it as a choice. I choose you, red-haired damsel.
Bailey: *cringing* Um.. thank you, that's... really charming.
Rowan: Maybe if you'd like we could get a drink, preferably away from your friends, and get to know each other.
Bailey: You have nerves I give you that.
Rowan: I have more than nerves. *winks suggestively* So what do you say?
Bailey fake gags.
Julia: Are you alright?
Bailey: I think I just threw up in my mouth, sorry.
Julia and Britney: Woooow...
Rowan: Okay... fair enough, I guess. *scoffs with frustration*
As he's walking away he starts muttering.
Rowan: You won't have to fake gag later-
Britney: What did he say?
Bailey: I couldn't understand. Probably just called me a slut or something.
Britney: So when are you planning to do the dirty deed?
Bailey: Whenever the right guy comes.
Julia: Yeah, that's the end of the story isn't it? *laughs*
Bailey: Oh, shut up! *giggles*
Julia gets called away.
Britney: Is there a right guy? Like what is the "right guy"?
Bailey: Well, it's objective.
Britney: But does it exist?
Bailey: Of course. 
Britney: Okay. So what if... you meet that "right guy" then it turns out that he's a total nutjob.
Bailey: Then that's not the "right guy". It was only a facade.
Britney: Whatever... your hopeless.
Bailey: Why am I hopeless then?
Britney: You believe in a fairy tale darling. Every guy is just a simple, linear asshole.
Bailey: I would rather keep believing in my fairy tale, as you call it, than in your version.
Britney: I hope you don't have to learn the hard way.
Bailey: The hard way?
Britney: Well... you know. Getting-
Bailey: Oh... just stop. 
Britney: Alright. Look I'm rooting for you in your quest for finding the "right guy", but I'm also giving you the realistic approach.
Bailey: It sort of sounds like the pessimistic approach.
Britney: Let's just agree to disagree, alright?
Bailey: Fine by me.

Cain's POV

Bailey pauses. She's just staring at the ground. It's like she's afraid to look at Cain. She's scared about Cain's reaction to the story and she's not even at the bad part.
Cain: If you're not comfortable right now, there is always another day.
Bailey: Could you get me a glass of water and some tissues.
Cain: Of course.
He stands up, Bailey grabs his hand. They look at each other.
Bailey: I'm just scared.
Cain: About what? 
Bailey: I don't want you to hate me or something.
Cain: I won't, I promise. 
Bailey: You better keep it.
Cain smiles, then he goes and gets the glass of water and tissues. Bailey drinks the water.
Cain: Take your time. Make sure you're ready.
Bailey takes a big breath then continues.