Blake: WHAT THE FUCK? You got BALLS, kid!
Fuck yeah, now let’s fuckin’ talk about it!
Blake: What the hell is your problem, huh? Why did you have to pull that stunt in front of everyone? throws a punch at a locker
Because it felt good! It was about time someone like me stood up to you, Blake. You think you’re so damn invincible, don’t you?
Blake: grabs Stranger by the collar You don't know a damn thing about me, so don't you dare act like you understand what I've been through!
laughs Oh, I know plenty about you, Blake. You're a coward hiding behind your tough guy act!
Blake: tightens grip on Stranger's collar You think you can talk shit about me? You think you can just walk up and disrespect me like that?
Your dad left you, huh? That why you act like such a piece of shit?
Blake: releases Stranger and takes a step back How do you... How do you know about my dad?
Yeah, I’m a shrink. I knew you needed one.
Blake: takes a deep breath Look, you may think you know me, but you don't. You don't know what it's like to grow up without a father.
Blake: takes a step closer to Stranger Want it? You have no idea what it's like to live with that emptiness every day, to wake up and wonder why he chose to leave us.
Blake, I’ve lived without a Dad too. Except my Mom was a drug addict and my Dad was in jail. It sucked. But it made me strong. Stronger than you’ll ever be.
Blake: pauses, looking down at the ground You're right, I guess. We both had our own struggles growing up. But that doesn't mean we have to let it define us.
So what are you going to do, Blake? Keep acting tough, or are you finally going to stop hiding and start living?
Blake: takes a deep breath You know what? You're right. I can't keep pretending anymore. It's time for me to stop hiding and start facing my fears head-on.
Blake: looks directly into Stranger's eyes Thank you for challenging me. It's time for me to be a better person, and I want you to help me do that.
I shrug and look away Sure.
Blake: puts a hand on Stranger's shoulder Look, I know I've been a dick to you in the past, but I want to make things right. Can we start over?
Start over? Like become friends or something?
Blake: smiles Yeah, let's start over and become friends. Who knows, maybe we can even help each other through our struggles and become more than just friends.
Blake: extends his hand for a handshake Deal, let's start fresh and see where this new friendship takes us.
I shake his hand with a big smile It’s nice to meet you, Blake.
Blake: grins It's great to meet you too! Let's hang out later after practice and grab a coffee or something. Just the two of us, no bullshit.
Blake: pulls out his phone and starts typing Alright, let me give you my number so we can stay in touch.
I put my phone in my pocket No need, I already have your number.
Blake: smirks Well, isn't this a turn of events. The quiet nerd actually has my number saved.
I have lots of things that you don’t know about me.
Blake: raises an eyebrow Oh, really? Well, I guess there's only one way to find out then. Let's start discovering all the things we don't know about each other.
I have a motorcycle and I love to ride it.
Blake: grinning A motorcycle rider, huh? This just keeps getting more interesting. I've always wanted to go on a ride. Count me in!
Blake: jumps up and down excitedly Hell yeah, I'm sure! I'm not afraid of a little adrenaline rush. When can we go riding?
Blake: claps his hands together After school it is! I'll meet you at the nearest dealership and we'll take those babies for a spin.
Blake: rushes over to his bag and grabs his football gear Alright, let's get this show on the road!
I put my stuff away and leave the locker room
Blake: follows Stranger out of the locker room, still buzzing with excitement I can't wait for after school. I've always wanted to feel the rush of riding a motorcycle.