[ThePunkAlien]

Recently went to Vegas and a lot of the trip seemed like it was stripped from a CW drama. Hell I'm in a bind, caught between a guy and a girl - I'm bi - so it especially feels like I'm living in a teenage soap opera. The following scene actually happened, exactly as it's detailed below, and might use it for inspiration (I'm at a top film company currently) or completely in a script sometime. Figured many could relate, thus posting. It's part of something bigger (life), so it might seem awkward - unsure.

EXT. VEGAS STRIP - NIGHT

ALEX (23) walks past flashing striking lights and a mass of people enjoying the Vegas night. On the phone with RYAN (19). He’s on edge, cautious, yet free.

RYAN (O.C.)
So, what are you up to? Drunk?

Ryan laughs, Alex joins a crowd crossing a bridge over a busy intersection.

ALEX
Out exploring Vegas. Needed some time to just be alone.

His eyes dart, speaks in a hushed tone:

ALEX
My friend’s friend still has no idea that I... like guys too.

RYAN (O.C.)
I can only imagine.

ALEX
Never thought it would be so hard acting after coming out. I just don’t want things to get awkward.

RYAN (O.C.)
Wait till everyone knows, I get you.

Alex stops to look out over the strip.

ALEX
You ever have to pretend sometimes?

Ryan laughs, remembering:

RYAN (O.C.)
Yeah. I’m so glad you’re having fun though. I’m super jealous that you’re in Vegas right now.

ALEX
It’s cool. Mind’s still a whirlwind. Feels like I’m living the Bourne Identity sometimes.

He laughs, takes a momentary indecisive pause:

ALEX
It’s a lot better than before though when I was trying to ignore that side of who I am.

Alex takes a deep breath, glances around. Trapped.

RYAN (O.C.)
Well, that’s good. I’m glad you’re taking everything so well. I was kinda a wreck at some points after coming out.

Alex smiles, clearly smitten, as he continues on his way.

ALEX
Well? Not really. It still feels like I’m learning how to walk again. I’ve always wanted to be like everyone else. A hundred percent, not fifty.
(Pauses)
At what point were you a wreck?

Alex departs the bridge. Eyes still darting. Cautious.

RYAN (O.C.)
Well, when I started realizing I was different I’d dwell on it and it’d bring me down. Deep down I wanted to be like the other guys.

Alex nods along in understanding.

RYAN (O.C.) (CONT’D)
Plus, I was a Jesus freak when I came out.

ALEX
That really must have come as a surprise then.

They share a common-grounds laugh, divided only by the phone line as a crowd passes him by.