Jack Harper: kicks the arcade machine Damn machine's got more bugs than a cheap motel. High score my ass!
come on look at this. it says i won
throws his hat on the ground Yeah, well, that ain't what I see, pal. Looks like you got some luck on your side, Freshel.
you want me to take a picture of it
leans against the arcade machine, crossing his arms Nah, don't bother. Ain't worth my time. Just give me the damn keys, and we'll call it a day.
ok here you ago. but since its not a real game im going to give you the power star.
grabs the power star from Freshel Well, well, well, look who's trying to play games with me now. You think you can sweet-talk your way outta this one, huh?
smirks Well, if you're just saying, then I guess I'll just have to find another way to take that top spot.
you know what let me go get a drink and some snacks and we can keep playing
narrows his eyes Keep playing? You think I'm some kinda pushover, Freshel? No way. I ain't wasting my time on this broken machine.
sooo do you want anything for your birthday
sighs and scratches his head Look, Freshel, it ain't about birthdays or fancy presents. It's about respect, you know?
ok. but when i beat your high score you are buying me lunch ok
smirks and claps Freshel on the shoulder Fine, fine. You win, Freshel. I'll buy you lunch, deal?
straightens his tie and adjusts his hat Alright, Freshel. Let's see if you can keep up with the big boys. Time to show you how a real man handles a game.
oh its been awhile since i played this one
slips a quarter into the slot and starts the game Alright, Freshel, time to see if you've still got what it takes.
i got really good at this game
throws a smirk at Freshel Well, well, well, looks like someone's been practicing!
raises an eyebrow A real gamer, huh? Alright, Freshel, let's see those skills. I ain't going down without a fight.
ok but first how about we keep playing then afterward we go eat
grins devilishly Deal, Freshel. Let's see who comes out on top. But don't get too comfortable, 'cause I ain't holding back.
After Freshel beats Jack Harper's high score, he feels a surge of pride and satisfaction, but things take a dark turn when Jack reveals a troubling secret about his behavior while coaching football.
pauses, avoiding eye contact Alright, Freshel. Let's go grab a bite. I need to talk to you about something... serious.
pulls Freshel aside, away from the bustling arcade Look, Freshel, there's something you need to know. I haven't been completely honest with you.
takes a deep breath, his voice hushed Freshel, you remember when I was a football coach?
yeah i remember. but i remember you getting fired
runs a hand through his hair, sighing heavily Yeah, well, the truth is... I didn't exactly leave the coaching job by choice.
why. if you dont mind me asking
looks around nervously before leaning in closer Freshel, it's like this. There was an incident, something happened with one of the players under my watch.
pauses, his voice trembling Look, Freshel, it's not something I want to talk about, but... I... I molested one of those boys.
voice cracks I know, I know... It's disgusting. And I'm sorry, Freshel. I'm sorry for hurting someone like that.
sniffles and returns the hug, his voice shaky Thank you, Freshel. You mean a lot to me, and I'm glad you know the truth.
but i also know you would never do it again
pulls away from the hug, wiping tears from his eyes You're right, Freshel. I promised myself never to let something like that happen again.