Coming Out of My Cage (Script)

To read the description for this episode, go to Coming Out of My Cage.

Script
Pre-intro scene, at BETH's house, BETH walks downstairs, humming an unidentifiable song.

BETH: Morning!

SHELBY: Morning. Here, honey, breakfast.

BETH: [Grinning] Pancakes? Mom, you spoil me.

SHELBY: Well, you deserve it. You've been working hard lately. Speaking of, how's Glee Club going?

BETH: It's going! No, really, it's great!

SHELBY: Yeah? Tell me everything.

BETH: Well, we fight SO much. You wouldn't believe how much. Especially last week.

SHELBY: What happened last week?

BETH: Well, everyone was sick of my song choices.

SHELBY: Never! What's wrong with musical theatre?

BETH: Not edgy enough.

SHELBY: ...Okay, that's fair.

BETH: And, they wanted songs that weren't led by me and Quen.

SHELBY: Ophelia?

BETH: Everyone. Especially Mags.

SHELBY: Of course...

BETH laughs.

BETH: And, there's this girl. A freshman.

SHELBY: Uh-huh?

BETH: She's amazing. And, last week, she wanted to sing male songs, and fought everyone who wouldn't let her. And, she did it so well that she actually convinced them!

SHELBY: Oh, wow. Sounds like you really admire this girl.

BETH: Oh, I do. So much.

SHELBY: Well, then I can't wait to see her, at the first show.

BETH: God, I'm so excited!

SHELBY: Believe me, I know. You've been talking about it a lot. I'm glad you love it so much!

BETH: I do!

SHELBY chuckles.

SHELBY: So, this amazingly talented freshman... What's her name?

BETH: September. September Puckerman.

SHELBY: Puckerman?

BETH: Yeah, why?

SHELBY: Oh, it doesn't matter... I should really start doing the dishes.

'''SHE gets up, quickly. BETH watches, bemused.'''

BETH: Mom! Scene 1, in SHAWN's class, HE's explaining a complicated subject to a class of completely clueless sophomores.

'''Zoom in on SKY, clearly trying to fix a problem with HIS hearing aid. All noise is replaced by static. Zoom out, the sound returning to normal.'''

LIAM: [Softly, to AUBRI] Do YOU get this?

AUBRI: Uh... Nah. You?

LIAM: Not at all.

AUBRI: Then, I guess we're fucked.

LIAM: Uh-huh.

LIAM groans, and rests HIS head in HIS hands.

AUBRI: No, give me your hand.

'''LIAM obeys. AUBRI takes out a pen, and draws a heart on HIS arm.'''

LIAM: [Laughing] Hey...

AUBRI: You're not gonna die of ink poisoning, babe.

LIAM: If I do, I'm coming back to haunt you.

AUBRI messes with HIS hair, before turning HER attention back to SHAWN.

LIAM: Scratch that, you're going to hell with me.

AUBRI: I'd follow you anywhere.

LIAM: Is that romantic, or just ominous?

AUBRI rolls HER eyes, grinning.

AUBRI: Don't ruin it!

LIAM: [Laughing] Answer the question.

AUBRI: Okay, little bit of both?

LIAM: Yeah, that makes sense.

Across the room, QUENTIN's looking at LYRA, smiling dreamily.

LYRA: [Quietly] Where it began, I can't begin to knowing

But then I know it's growing strong

Was in the spring

And spring became the summer

Who'd have believed you'd come along

Hands, touching hands

Reaching out, touching me, touching you

Sweet Caroline

Good times never seemed so good

I've been inclined

To believe they never would

But now I

Look at the night and it don't seem so lonely

We filled it up with only two

And when I hurt

Hurting runs off my shoulders

How can I hurt when holding you

One, touching one

Reaching out, touching me, touching you

Sweet Caroline

Good times never seemed so good

I've been inclined

To believe they never would

Oh no, no

Sweet Caroline

Good times never seemed so good

Sweet Caroline

I believe they never could

Sweet Caroline

Good times never seemed so--

SKY: [Hissed] Lyra? Hearing aid shit, I didn't hear what we were doing.

'''LYRA starts explaining. QUENTIN sighs, returning to reality.'''

LYRA: --So, it's, uh... Trigonometry.

SKY: Okay... What the fuck is trigonometry?

LYRA: Like, triangles and shit? I dunno, Sky. Larson's the first good Math teacher we've had. The last one was fired because he was so terrible. None of us know anything.

SKY: Okay, true.

LYRA: And, honestly? I wasn't paying attention.

SKY: What were you doing?

LYRA: Just singing.

SKY: And I didn't get to hear! Ugh, betrayed by my own robot.

LYRA: It's no great loss, or betrayal, I'm not THAT great.

SKY: Yes, you are! Quentin, tell them.

QUENTIN glances up, startled.

QUENTIN: Huh?

SKY: You heard them singing, right? I mean, you're right behind us.

QUENTIN: Uh, yeah, I think I heard...

LYRA: I can only apologise.

QUENTIN: Why? You're so good!

LYRA: Sky, I think he needs to borrow your hearing aids.

SKY snorts, amused, and pushes THEM, lightly.

SKY: Shut up.

QUENTIN: You two are fun.

LYRA: Well, thank you.

QUENTIN: Hey, would you--

SHAWN: Guys, uh... Is everyone listening?

SKY: Not really, I'm deaf.

SHAWN: I know, I know. Do you all get what you're supposed to be doing?

SKY: Nope.

QUENTIN: Not really.

LYRA: Sorry, Mr. L.

SHAWN: Alright, how many of you don't know what you're doing? Show of hands.

Immediately, all hands go up.

SHAWN: ...Ah. Well, okay! I can explain it again!

The bell rings.

SHAWN: Tomorrow. You're free to go, guys!

LYRA: Oh, thank god.

The class quickly start packing up.

LYRA: Quentin, were you saying something?

QUENTIN: Oh, yeah! I was gonna ask if you'd audition for the Glee Club.

LYRA: Me?

QUENTIN: Uh-huh.

LYRA: Can I bring this guy?

THEY wrap an arm around SKY.

QUENTIN: Of course!

SKY: Real funny, Lyra. I can't sing! I can barely hear. Talking, sure, I can do that. Signing, absolutely. But, singing's a whole other kettle of worms.

LYRA: Then, take the worms out of the kettle, and come and audition. Singing and signing are similar words, so, surely they can't be that different.

SKY rolls HIS eyes, smiling.

LYRA: C'mon, I've heard you sing.

SKY: Well, that makes one of us.

LYRA: Sky, you're great.

SKY laughs, and picks up HIS bag.

SKY: I'll see you third period.

HE exits.

LYRA: I'll see what I can do, okay?

'''THEY wink at QUENTIN, and follow SKY. QUENTIN grins, HIS face bright red.''' Scene 2, in Celibacy Club.

VALERIE: Is this all we have? 1, 2, 3, 4, 5... Just 5?

'''Pan to the current club. Two nerdy looking girls and one cheerleader, who watch VALERIE in awe, plus LOGAN, who looks downright terrified, and MAGS, who's unimpressed.'''

MAGS: I'm only here for something to do, okay? I can't stand you.

VALERIE: The feeling's mutual, I assure you. Now, girls, I know Logan shouldn't be here, no offense, but, he's the only boy we have.

LOGAN: None taken.

VALERIE: Now, remember, if the balloon pops, the noise makes the angels cry.

MAGS: Can we all take turns with Abrams? I'm no lesbian.

VALERIE flinches.

VALERIE: Alright, you're with Logan. Just... Enough about lesbians.

'''SHE pairs up with the cheerleader, eagerly. LOGAN hesitantly puts the balloon between HIMSELF and MAGS.'''

MAGS: Hey, you... Yeah, I guess it's safer to keep the balloon between us.

'''SHE growls, animalistically. LOGAN stares, like a deer in the headlights.'''

LOGAN: Uh, what... What do you mean?

MAGS: You're the only guy here, and I'm almost willing to settle for you, 'cause I haven't had any in weeks.

LOGAN: Isn't that kind of the point in this?

MAGS: Yeah, but, face it. Are any of us actually celibate apart from Valerie? Chelsea over there, in the Cheerios uniform? She had sex in the showers, just yesterday. Even those nerds who I don't know the names of are getting some. [Seductively] Don't you want the same, Lo-Lo?

LOGAN: Uh, I... I guess I--

'''The balloon pops. MAGS laughs.'''

MAGS: I guess you do... Dork.

LOGAN: I thought you--

MAGS: You thought wrong!

VALERIE: Magnolia!

MAGS: What? This is stupid anyway! We're teenagers. We're GONNA have sex.

VALERIE: You speak for yourself!

MAGS: Well, obviously you're not.

VALERIE: Thank y--

MAGS: I mean, who'd want you anyway?

LOGAN: Hey...

MAGS: And, why DID you leave your last school?

The club turn to VALERIE.

VALERIE: It wasn't right for me. The other girls and I had a difference in opinion.

MAGS: Which was...?

LOGAN: Magnolia, stop.

'''VALERIE's about to speak, when she sees VIOLA, in the doorway, watching HER, before quickly rushing off. SHE sighs, dreamily.'''

VALERIE: Life is a mystery

Everyone must stand alone

I hear you call my name

And it feels like home

When you call my name it's like a little prayer

I'm down on my knees, I wanna take you there

In the midnight hour I can feel your power

Just like a prayer, you know I'll take you there

I hear your voice

It's like an angel sighing

I have no choice, I hear your voice

Feels like flying

I close my eyes

Oh God, I think I'm falling

Out of the sky, I close my eyes

Heaven help me

When you call my name it's like a little prayer

I'm down on my knees, I wanna take you there

In the midnight hour I can feel your power

Just like a prayer, you know I'll take you there

Like a child

You whisper softly to me

You're in control just like a child

Now I'm dancing

It's like a dream

No end and no beginning

You're here with me, it's like a dream

Let the choir sing

When you call my name it's like a little prayer

I'm down on my knees, I wanna take you there

In the midnight hour I can feel your power

Just like a prayer, you know I'll take you there

When you call my name it's like a little prayer

I'm down on my knees, I wanna take you there

In the midnight hour I can feel a power

Just like a prayer you know I'll take you there

Life is a mystery

Everyone must stand alone

I hear you call my name

And it feels like home

Just like a prayer

Your voice can take me there

Just like a muse to me

You are a mystery

Just like a dream

You are not what you seem

Just like a prayer

No choice, your voice can take me there

Just like a prayer, I'll take you there

It's like a dream to me

Just like a prayer, I'll take you there.

CELIBACY CLUB GIRLS: I'll take you there

VALERIE: It's like a dream to me.

CELIBACY CLUB GIRLS: Oh.

VALERIE: Just like a prayer, I'll take you there.

CELIBACY CLUB GIRLS: I'll take you there.

VALERIE: It's like a dream to me.

CELIBACY CLUB GIRLS: Y eah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

VALERIE: Just like a prayer, I'll take you there.

CELIBACY CLUB GIRLS: Oh.

VALERIE: It's like a dream to me

Just like a prayer

Your voice can take me there

Just like a muse to me

You are a mystery

Just like a dream

You are not what you seem

Just like a prayer

No choice, your voice can take me there

Just like a prayer

Your voice can take me there

Just like a muse to me

You are a mystery

Just like a dream

You are not what you seem

Just like a prayer

No choice, your voice can take me there

Your voice can take me there

Like a prayer.

MAGS: Well?

VALERIE: [Distractedly] Club dismissed.

MAGS: Thank god for that!

LOGAN: Let's go, Magnolia.

MAGS: But, she didn't answer my question!

LOGAN rolls HIS eyes, and drags HER out of the room.

MAGS: Unhand me, freshman fiend! '''Scene 3, in a practice room. SKY is alone. HE takes out HIS hearing aids, puts in earphones, turns HIS phone's volume up nearly as far as it'll go, and starts dancing. A strange combination of ballet and modern, but it works. Eventually HE stops, visibly frustrated, and puts HIS hearing aids back in. HE sits on the floor.'''

SKY: [Hesitantly] It's a little bit funny, this feelin' inside

I'm not one of those who can easily hide

I don't have much money, but boy, if I did

I'd buy a big house where we both could live

If I was a sculptor, but then again, no

Or a man who makes potions in a travelin' show

Oh, I know it's not much, but it's the best I can do

My gift is my song and this one's for you

And you can tell everybody this is your song

It may be quite simple but now that it's done

I hope you don't mind

I hope you don't mind

That I put down in words

How wonderful life is while you're in the world

I sat on the roof and kicked off the moss

Well, a few of the verses, well, they've got me quite cross

But the sun's been quite kind while I wrote this song

It's for people like you that keep it turned on

So excuse me forgettin', but these things I do

You see, I've forgotten if they're green or they're blue

Anyway, the thing is, what I really mean

Yours are the sweetest eyes I've ever seen

And you can tell everybody this is your song

It may be quite simple but now that it's done

I hope you don't mind

I hope you don't mind

That I put down in words

How wonderful life is while you're in the world

I hope you don't mind

I hope you don't mind

That I put down in words

How wonderful life is while you're in the world...

SKY: No, fuck this, fuck that, fuck me, fuck everything.

LYRA laughs, from the doorway.

LYRA: Now, that's just my idea of a fun Tuesday night. Well, except for fucking you.

SKY: Jesus, Lyra, don't sneak up on deaf people!

LYRA: I'm in front of you, bro.

SKY: Still!

LYRA: Alright, alright. You sounded really good!

SKY: I'll take your word for it.

LYRA: Good. You should. Come on, get off the floor.

SKY: Why? The floor is my friend. It knows me. And, I'm hoping that if I try hard enough, it might just swallow me up.

LYRA: Ooh, kinky.

SKY: I know, right? Now, that's MY idea of a fun Tuesday night.

HE stands up.

SKY: Where are you taking me?

LYRA: I'm about to change your life.

SKY: Alright, you dramatic bitch. Was that a Hamilton reference?

LYRA: Always.

SKY: Seriously, though. Where are we going?

LYRA: You'll find out when we get there.

SKY: Okay, weirdly ominous. Can you ever stop being spontaneous and vague?

LYRA: No, I'd combust, immediately.

SKY: I'd love to see that.

LYRA: Thank you, dear best friend in all the world.

SKY: You're welcome, acquaintance.

LYRA rolls THEIR eyes, and takes off running, dragging SKY behind THEM.

SKY: Is this...?

LYRA: The Glee Club room? Yep.

SKY: I hate you so much...

LYRA: Love you too. Come on.

SKY: No, Lyra, I can't...

LYRA: Yes, you can. And, you're gonna.

SKY: Oh, really?

LYRA pushes HIM into the club room.

SHAWN: Hi.

LYRA: Hi. He's auditioning. And, so am I.

QUENTIN grins.

QUENTIN: Go ahead!

LYRA hands HIM some sheet music.

LYRA: Can you play it?

QUENTIN: Is the Pope a Catholic?

RICKY: I thought the Pope was a myth...

JUDE: What?

RICKY: Yeah, y'know... Like unicorns, and vampires, and... Mooses.

JUDE: Bro, moose are real.

RICKY: What? No they're not, man.

SKY looks over HIS shoulder, to find out what song HE's actually meant to be singing.

LYRA: Don't worry, you know it. Hi, I'm Lyra Harper, they/them pronouns, and this is Sky Duffy, who doesn't always look this terrfied. He/him. We'll be singing Seventeen, from Heathers.

Fine, we're damaged

Really damaged

But that does not make us wise

We're not special, we're not different

We don't choose who lives or dies

Let's be normal, see bad movies

Sneak a beer and watch TV

We'll bake brownies or go bowling

Don't you want a life with me?

Can't we be seventeen?

That's all I want to do

If you could let me in

I could be good with you

People hurt us,

SKY: [Clearly uncomfortable,and hesitant] Or they vanish.

LYRA: And you're right, that really blows

But, we let go...

SKY: Take a deep breath,

LYRA: Then go buy some summer clothes

We'll go camping,

SKY: Play some poker,

LYRA: And we'll eat some chili fries

Maybe prom night.

SKY: [Growing more confident] Maybe dancing.

LYRA: Don't stop looking in my eyes!

SKY: Your eyes!

BOTH: Can't we be seventeen

Is that so hard to do?

If you could let me in

I could be good with you

Let us be seventeen

If we've still got the right!

LYRA: So, what's it gonna be?

I wanna be with you!

SKY: I wanna be with you!

LYRA: Wanna be with you!

BOTH: Tonight!

LYRA: Yeah, we're damaged.

SKY: Badly damaged.

BOTH: But your love's too good to lose.

LYRA: Hold me tighter,

SKY: Even closer,

LYRA: I'll stay if I'm what you choose.

SKY: Can we be seventeen?

LYRA: If I am what you choose,

SKY: If we've still got the right,

LYRA: 'Cause you're the one I choose.

SKY: You're the one I choose...

BOTH: You're the one I choose...

Most of the club give a standing ovation.

RICKY: Sky, I thought you were deaf...

SKY: What?

LYRA: He really is, believe me. But, he can sing as well as he can talk.

SKY: So, not particularly well.

LYRA: Lies and slander.

SHAWN: Well, welcome to the club! '''Scene 4, in the halls. LIAM's texting, though HE looks up just enough to avoid bumping into anyone.'''

MAGS throws a slushy at HIM, while HE isn't looking, and sprints off.

LIAM: Jesus Christ... Cold, cold, cold.

AUBRI rushes to HIM.

AUBRI: Oh, babe. Here, let me--

LIAM: Don't do anything. It's fine.

HE quickly checks HIS phone still works.

LIAM: Thank god.

AUBRI: I'll kill whoever did that. Did you see who it was?

LIAM: No... Too cold to care. Uh, gotta... I... Hair. Bye.

AUBRI: Okay, baby. Kiss?

LIAM: Not now.

'''AUBRI nods, and blows a kiss, making LIAM almost smile. HE walks to the bathroom, and sighs, looking in the mirror.'''

LIAM: No...

HE starts attempting to wash the slushy from HIS hair.

LIAM: I float in a boat

In a raging black ocean

Low in the water

With no where to go

The tiniest lifeboat

With people I know

Cold, clammy, and crowded

The people smell desperate

We'll sink any minute

So someone must go

The tiniest lifeboat

With the people I know

Everyone's pushing

Everyone's fighting

Storms are approaching

There's nowhere to hide

If I say the wrong thing

Or I wear the wrong outfit

They'll throw me right over the side

I'm hugging my knees

And the captain is pointing

Well who made her captain?

Still, the weakest must go

The tiniest lifeboat

Full of people I know

The tiniest lifeboat

Full of people I know...

DAMIEN enters, whistling.

DAMIEN: Liam? Oh, shit. You okay, honey?

LIAM: Do I look it?

DAMIEN: Point taken. Do you need some help?

LIAM: Do you know how to get slushy out of my hair?

DAMIEN: Of course. When you go to McKinley, and have as much hair as I do, you kind of have to know. Are you okay with me touching you?

LIAM: Well, I'll have to be, won't I? Yeah, it's fine.

DAMIEN nods, and starts helping HIM.

DAMIEN: You're shivering.

LIAM: No shit. Who wouldn't be?

DAMIEN: Take your shirt off.

LIAM: Excuse me?

DAMIEN: Just do it, sweetie.

LIAM obeys, and DAMIEN hands HIM a hoodie.

LIAM: No, I can't take this.

DAMIEN: Why not?

LIAM: Well, it's yours.

DAMIEN: You're too pretty to freeze. Just give it back to me tomorrow, or something, okay?

LIAM: Okay...

HE pulls the hoodie on.

DAMIEN: I've nearly got all of it out, now...

LIAM: Thank you.

DAMIEN: No problem.

LIAM looks at DAMIEN in the mirror.

LIAM: You do have a lot of hair. It's... Nice.

DAMIEN: [Amused] Well, thank you.

LIAM: I wanna touch it... Sorry, I don't know why I said that.

DAMIEN: I'm not stopping you, babe.

LIAM laughs.

LIAM: No, that would be--

HE turns, and finds HIMSELF nearly nose to nose with DAMIEN.

LIAM: Weird...

DAMIEN: I guess so... I like weird.

LIAM: Clearly, or you wouldn't choose to spend time with me.

DAMIEN smiles, and leans in closer.

DAMIEN: I've gotta go... Are you gonna be okay?

LIAM: Yeah, I'm... Yeah.

DAMIEN runs a hand through LIAM's hair.

DAMIEN: It should dry off pretty soon... Well, I'll see you later, Liam.

LIAM: Yeah...

'''DAMIEN exits. LIAM looks down.'''

LIAM: [Breathlessly] Oh, shit...

HE turns to look at HIMSELF in the mirror.

LIAM: There's a moment you know

You're fucked

Not an inch more room

To self-destruct

No more moves, oh yeah

The dead end zone

Man, you just can't call

Your soul your own.

Cut to the club room.

LOGAN: But the thing that makes you really jump

Is that the weirdest shit is still to come

You can ask yourself 'Hey, what have I done?'

You're just a fly, the little guys they kill for fun.

JUDE: Man, you're fucked if you just freeze up

Can't do that thing, that keeping still.

QUENTIN: But you're fucked if you speak your mind,

ALL BOYS: And you know, uh-huh, you will

Yeah, you're fucked alright

And all for spite

You can kiss your sorry ass goodbye

Totally fucked, will they mess you up?

Well, you know they're gonna try.

LIAM stands on top of the piano.

LIAM: Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah!

ALL: Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah!

LIAM: Disappear yeah, well, you wanna try

Wanna bundle up into some big ass lie

Long enough for them to all just quit

Long enough for you to get out of it.

ALL: Yeah, you're fucked all right and all for spite

You can kiss your sorry ass goodbye

Totally fucked, will they mess you up?

Well, you know they're gonna try

Yeah, you're fucked all right and all for spite

You can kiss your sorry ass goodbye

Totally fucked, will they mess you up?

Well, you know they're gonna try

Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah

Blah blah blah blah blah

Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah

Blah blah blah blah blah

Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah

Blah blah blah blah blah

Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah

Blah blah blah blah blah

Totally fucked!

SHAWN: That was great!

DANNY: Can we do THAT for Invitationals?

JAMES: Absolutely not. Alright, take five, get some water. Especially you, Liam. Aren't you a little warm in that hoodie?

LIAM: No, no, I'm-- I'm fine...

JAMES: If you say so.

AUBRI walks over to LIAM.

AUBRI: That was great, babe. Are you okay?

LIAM: Huh? Yeah, I'm good.

AUBRI: If you're sure. Isn't that Damien's hoodie?

LIAM: Uh, yeah...

AUBRI: Huh...

LIAM glances to DAMIEN, who's watching them.

LIAM: I love you so much, you know that?

AUBRI: Of course, silly. I love you too.

LIAM: I love you, and only you, and nothing and no one will ever change that.

AUBRI smiles, and kisses HIM.

AUBRI: I know...

LIAM: Well, good.

DAMIEN shakes HIS head, and walks away, with OPHELIA. '''Scene 5, still in the club room. BETH and QUENTIN are alone, at the piano.'''

BETH: You must be so thrilled.

QUENTIN: Why's that?

BETH: Lyra joining the club.

SHE nudges QUENTIN, gently.

QUENTIN: Yeah, I'm happy, so what?

BETH: [Liltingly] Quentin has a crush!

QUENTIN: Oh, shut up. Like you've never had a crush in your life.

BETH: Alright, true... Oh, god, I'm so single! And, so...

QUENTIN: In love?

BETH: I think so...

'''Cut to the halls. BETH blatantly watches RICKY.'''

BETH: In the midst of this nothing, this miss of a life,

Still there's this wanting just to see you go by...

Pan to LYRA, watching QUENTIN from a distance, behind THEIR locker.

LYRA: It's almost like loving, sad as that is.

SEPTEMBER walks past, hanging on BLUE's every word.

SEPTEMBER: May not be cool, but it's so where I live.

'''Cut to the sophomores' Math class. VIOLA plays with HER hair, staring at the back of VALERIE's head.'''

VIOLA: It's like I'm your lover or more like your ghost

I spend the day wondering what you do, where you go.

VALERIE briefly glances back, and smiles.

VALERIE: I try and just kick it but then what can I do?

We've all got our junk, and my junk is you.

'''Cut to a dream sequence, outside, on campus. The girls and LYRA dance with their respective crushes. (BETH with RICKY, LYRA with QUENTIN, SEPTEMBER with BLUE, and VIOLA with VALERIE.)'''

ALL GIRLS: See us, winter walking after a storm

It's chill in the wind but it's warm in your arms

We stop all snow blind, may not be true

We've all got our junk, and my junk is you...

'''Fade back to reality. TOBIAS is watching OPHELIA, at cheer practice.'''

TOBIAS: Well, you'll have to excuse me, I know it's so off

I love when you do stuff that's rude and so wrong.

DAMIEN sees LIAM watching HIM, and winks.

DAMIEN: I go up to my room, turn the stereo on

Shoot up some you, and the you is some song.

'''In the club room, MISTY looks to JUDE, as SHE dances. HE fixes HER with an intense gaze.'''

MISTY: I lie back just drifting, and play out these scenes

I ride on the rush of all the hopes, all the dreams.

BETH sits at the piano, not paying the slightest bit of attention to anything except RICKY.

BETH: I may be neglecting the things I should do

But we've all got our junk, and my junk is you!

'''A similar dream sequence to before, but in the club room, with the whole club. (TOBIAS with OPHELIA, MISTY with JUDE. MAGS and LOGAN are partnered, though SHE's uninterested, and HE's nervous. SKY dances with DANNY, but ends up dancing alone, when DANNY's attention is caught by JAMES. LIAM is caught between DAMIEN and AUBRI, constantly being spun around.)'''

ALL CLUB MEMBERS: See we still keep talking after you're gone

You're still with me then, feel so good in my arms

They say you go blind, maybe it's true

We've all got our junk, and my junk is you

Oh, it's like we stop time, what can I do?

We've all got our junk, and my junk is you

My junk is you

You, you, you!

Fade back to reality, with the club in their ending positions for Holiday.

QUENTIN: That was perfect! I think we've got Holiday in the bag. Lyra, you're doing great! Sky, where the hell did you learn to dance like that?

SKY: I'm the son of a former ballet dancer, and a former pole dancer.

The club whistle.

DANNY: The pretty boy can dance, huh?

SKY chuckles, nervously.

JAMES: Danny, that's enough.

DANNY: I never said a word.

QUENTIN: Sky, can you teach us some of the ASL for that song? I'd love to put some in the choreo.

SKY: Really?

QUENTIN: Yeah! I'll defer to Misty, since she thought of half of it, but I'm sure she's with me on this.

MISTY: Of course! That would be amazing.

MAGS: [Groaning] More work?

OPHELIA: Aren't you a performer? You must be a delightful castmate.

BETH giggles, until MAGNOLIA glares at HER.

BETH: Alright, Sky, you have the floor.

SKY: Well, thank you! Should I start with the chorus?

QUENTIN: That's up to you.

SKY: Okay, I'll start there.

MAGS: [Muttered] Christ, just do it already...

SKY: Alright, first of all... A reminder. Magnolia, I'm not entirely deaf, I can lipread out of the corner of my eye, and you're right next to Lyra, who tells me everything.

A chorus of 'ooh' fills the room.

SKY: Sorry, uh, where was I?

DANNY: The chorus.

SKY: Thank you... '''Scene 6, QUENTIN's house. On the wall, by the door, there's a picture of Jesus. QUENTIN waves to it, half-sarcastically, and takes HIS coat off.'''

QUENTIN: I'm home!

Enter DELILAH TALLEY, QUENTIN's mother.

DELILAH: Hello, darling. Kiss?

QUENTIN kisses HER cheek.

QUENTIN: Hey, Mom.

DELILAH: How was school?

QUENTIN: It was fine. Great, even.

DELILAH: I'm very glad to hear it. You know Mrs. Williams, from church?

QUENTIN: Yeah?

DELILAH: Well, her son's gay!

QUENTIN: Huh. Good for him.

DELILAH: Mrs. Williams isn't so sure. She thinks our lord would not approve.

QUENTIN: And, what do you think?

DELILAH: He loves everyone, of course. You know, Mrs. Williams' son is around your age, darling...

QUENTIN: [Laughing] Mom, you're not setting me up with anyone. I'm fine.

DELILAH: Is your heart set on someone else?

QUENTIN: Maybe...

DELILAH: I see. Now, how's that club of yours?

QUENTIN: It's going really well.

DELILAH: Good! Now, I get the feeling I know what your answer will be, but, will you consider--

QUENTIN: Sorry, Mom, we're not singing at church. I don't think they'd like the kind of stuff we sing.

DELILAH: I understand. What do you sing?

QUENTIN: Well, today, it was Green Day. There was a lot of climbing on chairs involved.

DELILAH: I can see why the church wouldn't like that. I'd love to see it. When's your first performance?

QUENTIN: Invitationals, I guess. That's pretty soon. Until then, I have rehearsal footage. I got Mr. Larson to film it on my phone.

'''HE gets HIS phone out, and shows it to DELILAH. In the video, QUENTIN can't take HIS eyes off LYRA, or stop smiling. DELILAH clearly notices.'''

DELILAH: You're all very talented.

QUENTIN: Thanks. I'll be upstairs. I need to write notes on the choreo, for the club. Beth's handling the vocals.

DELILAH: You're quite a team.

QUENTIN: The dream team. Love you, Mom!

DELILAH: Love you too.

'''QUENTIN walks to HIS room. This is where all the Jesus imagery stops. On one wall hangs a pansexual pride flag. On another, an abundance of playbills, and a picture of a young QUENTIN, at a piano recital. HE sits at HIS desk, and starts to watch the video again. Eventually, HE gives up on trying to make notes, and flops onto HIS bed.'''

Cut to BETH's room, where SHE's in a similar situation.

BETH: Yeah, when I get chills at night

I feel it deep inside without you, yeah

Know how to satisfy

Keeping that tempo right without you, yeah.

MISTY & LYRA: Pictures in my mind on replay

I'm gonna touch the pain away

I know how to scream my own name

Scream my name.

As BETH's hand slowly moves down HER Cheerio uniform, pan to the ceiling.

GIRLS: Gonna love myself, no, I don't need anybody else

(Hey!)

Gonna love myself, no, I don't need anybody else

(I love me!)

Can't help myself, no, I don't need anybody else

Anytime, day or night

(I love me!)

Gonna love myself, no, I don't need anybody else

(Hey!)

Gonna love myself, no, I don't need anybody else

(I love me!)

Can't help myself, no, I don't need anybody else

Anytime that I like.

(I love me!)

'''Cut to VALERIE's room. A picture of Jesus watches over HER.'''

VALERIE: I'll take it nice and slow

Feeling good on my own without you, yeah

Got me speaking in tongues

The beautiful, it comes without you, yeah.

SHE looks to the picture, and crosses HERSELF with one hand, the other hand clearly preoccupied.

SEPTEMBER & OPHELIA: I'm gonna put my body first

And love me so hard 'til it hurts

I know how to scream out the words

Scream the words.

GIRLS: Gonna love myself, no, I don't need anybody else

(Hey!)

Gonna love myself, no, I don't need anybody else

(I love me!)

Can't help myself, no, I don't need anybody else

Anytime, day or night

(I love me!)

Gonna love myself, no, I don't need anybody else

(Hey!)

Gonna love myself, no, I don't need anybody else

(I love me!)

Can't help myself, no, I don't need anybody else

Anytime that I like.

(I love me!)

'''Cut to VIOLA's room. SHE's unenthused. Eventually, SHE just gets up, and goes to wash HER hands.'''

GIRLS: Ah, la la la, la la la la la

Ah, la la la, la la la la la

Ah, la la la, la la la la la

Anytime that I like!

(I love!)

AUBRI: I know how to scream my own name

Scream my name, oh...

'''VIOLA sits on HER bed, on HER phone. SHE starts texting VALERIE, but stops HERSELF.'''

GIRLS: Gonna love myself, no, I don't need anybody else

(Hey!)

Gonna love myself, no, I don't need anybody else

(I love me!)

Can't help myself, no, I don't need anybody else

Anytime, day or night

(I love me!)

Gonna love myself, no, I don't need anybody else

(Hey!)

Gonna love myself, no, I don't need anybody else

Can't help myself, no, I don't need anybody else

Anytime that I like

(I love me!)

Ah, la la la, la la la la la

Ah, la la la, la la la la la

Ah, la la la, la la la la la

Anytime that I like!

(I love me!)

'''Cut back to QUENTIN's room. HE lies back, completely out of breath.'''

QUENTIN: I'll do the notes tomorrow... '''Scene 7, the next day. VIOLA opens HER door, and sees MISTY.'''

MISTY: Hey, you! I brought cookies. And alcohol, for later, if you're down for that.

VIOLA: Definitely. Come in.

MISTY does as SHE's told, and starts walking upstairs.

MISTY: [Called over HER shoulder] Hi, Mr. and Mrs. James!

VIOLA: They're out.

MISTY: Thank god. For how long?

VIOLA: Long enough.

MISTY laughs, and flings HERSELF onto VIOLA's bed.

MISTY: I've missed you.

VIOLA: You saw me yesterday.

MISTY: Not you, your bed. It's so much better than mine.

VIOLA: [Laughing] You're such a bitch! You don't deserve my bed, get off.

MISTY: Make me.

VIOLA pushes HER.

VIOLA: Off, off, off!

MISTY: Never!

VIOLA rolls HER eyes, and lies across MISTY.

VIOLA: Fine.

MISTY: I can live with this.

SHE plays with VIOLA's hair.

VIOLA: I can't stay mad at you.

MISTY: Of course you can't, I'm a delight.

VIOLA: Oh, I stand corrected.

MISTY kisses HER forehead.

VIOLA: God, I'm conflicted now. Why must you do this to me?

MISTY peppers HER face with kisses.

VIOLA: How can you sit up so easily, with me lying on top of you? You must have the core strength of a god!

MISTY: I have to, I'm a dancer. How are you, sweetie?

VIOLA: I'm good...

MISTY: You're not a good liar, hon.

VIOLA: I'm not lying!

MISTY: Sure. Look, I'm not gonna make you tell me anything, but, I'm here for you, okay?

VIOLA: I know. But, I'm fine.

MISTY: Really?

VIOLA: No. I don't know how to tell you...

MISTY: You can tell me anything, okay? You're my best friend, and I love you.

VIOLA: No matter what?

MISTY: Yeah... Viola, did you kill a man?

VIOLA: No, not yet. I... Well, what would you say if...

MISTY: If...?

VIOLA: You can't tell anyone, okay? No one at all.

MISTY: Okay. Tell me, honey.

VIOLA: What would you say if I told you that I'm almost definitely asexual, and maybe bi?

MISTY: Oh... Well, I love you, and support you, of course, silly...

VIOLA: Really?

MISTY: Well, yeah... C'mere.

SHE hugs VIOLA, tightly.

MISTY: How long have you known?

VIOLA: Well, I still don't know. But... Since freshman year.

MISTY: That long?

VIOLA: Yeah... I wanted to tell you, but...

MISTY: I know. It's okay. So, is there someone?

VIOLA: Yeah... A girl. But, I don't have a chance.

MISTY: Well, why not?

VIOLA: If I tell you, it'll give away who it is. Also, she's almost definitely straight.

MISTY: You never know.

VIOLA: I think I do, but, thanks.

MISTY: You think you know, or you know you know?

VIOLA: Uh... I think I know I know.

MISTY: Okay, I'm confused now.

VIOLA: You and me both... Scene 8, meanwhile, at LIAM's.

LIAM: I'm going out, Mom.

NORA: Out? Where?

LIAM: For a walk?

NORA: Alone?

LIAM: Yes. I'm not a kid.

PETER: But, still...

LIAM: Dad!

NORA: Look both ways when you're crossing the street, and remember to take your headphones off. But, if a stranger tries to talk to you, put them on, and run--

LIAM: I'm not stupid either, thanks.

PETER: Your mother's trying to help, Liam.

LIAM: I'm aware of that, but I don't need it. Don't wait up.

NORA: Take a coat.

LIAM: It's hot outside!

NORA: The weather can change.

LIAM: It's been the same for three days. I'll be fine. If it rains, it rains, and you can be free of guilt.

NORA sighs, as LIAM exits.

LIAM: Say hello to the guy that I am

You're going to have to see through my perspective

I need to make mistakes just to learn who I am

And I don't want to be so damn protected

There must be another way

Cause I believe in taking chances

But who am I to say

What a guy is to do?

God, I need some answers

What am I to do with my life?

How am I supposed to know what's right?

I can't help the way I feel

But my life has been so overprotected

I'll tell them what I like, what I want, what I don't

But every time I do I stand corrected

Things that I've been told

I can't believe what I hear about the world, I realize

I'm overprotected

There must be another way

 'Cause I believe in taking chances

But who am I to say

What a guy is to do?

God, I need some answers

What am I to do with my life?

How am I supposed to know what's right?

I can't help the way I feel

But my life has been so overprotected

I need time

I need space

I don't need nobody telling me just what I wanna

What I, what, what, what I'm going to

Do about my destiny

I say no, no, nobody's telling me just

What, what, what I wanna do, do

I'm so fed up with people telling me to be

Someone else but me

What am I to do with my life?

How am I supposed to know what's right?

I can't help the way I feel

But my life has been so overprotected

I don't need nobody telling me just what I wanna

What I, what, what, what I'm going to

Do about my destiny

I say no, no, nobody's telling me just

What, what, what I wanna do, do

I'm so fed up with people telling me to be

Someone else but me

What am I to do with my life?

How am I supposed to know what's right?

I can't help the way I feel

But my life has been so overprotected.

'''Cut to LIAM knocking on a door, in a depressing apartment building. DAMIEN answers, and grins.'''

DAMIEN: Hey, you.

LIAM: Hey. Can I...?

DAMIEN: Of course.

HE steps aside, to let LIAM in, but looks somewhat uncertain, as LIAM surveys the room.

LIAM: Uh, nice place...

DAMIEN: No, it's awful, I know. You don't have to lie, but you're sweet.

LIAM: Sorry.

DAMIEN: No need. So, what brings you to my very humble apartment? Take a seat. Oh, and, can I get you anything?

LIAM: Just water. Thanks.

DAMIEN: You sure?

LIAM: Yeah.

DAMIEN pours HIM a glass of water.

LIAM: Thanks. I just, uh, brought your hoodie back. So, here.

DAMIEN: Oh! Thank you, hon.

HE glances to LIAM, who's fidgeting with HIS headphone cable.

DAMIEN: Hey... You okay? You look stressed.

LIAM: Ah, it's nothing really. Just my parents.

DAMIEN sits on the arm of the couch.

DAMIEN: Uh-huh? Tell me everything. Well, if you want to.

LIAM: Really?

DAMIEN: Yeah.

HE slides down to sit on the couch.

LIAM: They're just so... They don't get it. I'm not five anymore, but, just because I'm autistic, they treat me like it. I'm sick of being infantilised. I'm in high school, not kindergarten, shouldn't I be treated like it?

DAMIEN: Of course you should. That sucks...

LIAM: Big-time. And, I know they love me, and they mean well, and all the other stuff Mr. Benson says, but they don't listen.

DAMIEN: Yeah... That's really shitty. But, that's parents for you, right?

LIAM: [Smiling] Yep. Where are yours, by the way?

DAMIEN: I have no idea.

LIAM: What?

DAMIEN: Liam, do you think three people would fit in this shithole? I live alone, babe.

LIAM: Are you serious?

DAMIEN: Yep.

LIAM: Oh my god, Damien...

DAMIEN: It's fine. It just means I get to bring boys home...

LIAM: No. No, that isn't right. Does anyone know?

DAMIEN: Just Ophelia. And you, obviously.

LIAM: Ophelia? Really? Okay, that doesn't matter. How do you pay rent?

DAMIEN: Uh... You probably don't wanna know.

LIAM: Jesus...

DAMIEN: I'm kidding, it's okay. Please don't worry, I've got jobs.

LIAM: Plural? How many?

DAMIEN: Oh, just the two.

LIAM: Two jobs, and high school, including Glee Club, and cheerleading? No, that's too much...

DAMIEN: Hey, hey, Liam? Seriously, don't worry. I'm alright.

LIAM: But--

DAMIEN gently puts a finger to LIAM's lips.

DAMIEN: Really. You're so sweet, but, I've survived for this long on my own, haven't I?

LIAM: Have you? Do you have enough money for food?

DAMIEN: The lady downstairs feeds me, because I promised not to tell the landlord that she has 4 cats.

LIAM: You've got it all worked out, huh? What's that like?

DAMIEN: Not everything... There's just one more thing.

LIAM: [Softly] And, what's that?

DAMIEN: I think you know...

'''HE kisses LIAM, gently, until LIAM looks down at the fading heart, on HIS arm. HE pulls away.'''

LIAM: No, no, I can't. Aubri...

DAMIEN: What about her?

LIAM: I love her.

DAMIEN: Of course you do. You're right, this isn't fair.

HE takes a step back, leaving LIAM watching HIM, longingly.

LIAM: Maybe I should go.

DAMIEN: You don't have to. I won't do it again, I promise. I'm so sorry. What a horrible position to put you in.

LIAM: No, it's okay. Really okay... Uh...

HE stands up, and walks to the window.

LIAM: Hey, it may be a shitty apartment, but the view's nice!

DAMIEN: You think so? Maybe I'm too used to it.

LIAM: Lucky bastard.

DAMIEN: You wanna go out onto the fire escape? It's better from there.

LIAM: You'd come too, right?

DAMIEN: Nah, I don't like heights too much.

LIAM: Aren't you near the top of the pyramid?

DAMIEN: It's different there. I've got my girls to hold me up. Well, I promise you this. One day, I'll get over it, and take you out there.

LIAM: You sure that's a good idea?

DAMIEN: What's the harm? Scared you won't be able to resist me?

LIAM: Oh, yeah, the mere sight of you drives me crazy with desire(!) No, I just don't want you to do something that scares you. Not for me.

DAMIEN: Hey, you're worth it. Anyway, what's life without a little risk?

LIAM: Easier? But, boring as shit, admittedly.

DAMIEN: Exactly! So, I'm doing it.

LIAM: And, that's a promise?

DAMIEN: Uh-huh. Cross my heart. I was gonna order takeout, you wanna stick around, and have some? It'll keep you away from your parents.

LIAM: Then, yes please. Are you sure that's okay?

DAMIEN: Of course, hon. What do you like?

LIAM: Oh, uh, anything.

DAMIEN: Pizza?

LIAM: Yeah!

DAMIEN: Alright, perfect. I've gotta find my phone first.

HE gets up, and starts looking around.

DAMIEN: So, you liking Glee Club?

LIAM: Yeah, I love it!

DAMIEN: That's great! Any new musicals I should know about?

Fade out, as they talk.

Roll credits.