Noteworthy

Oh no no no no no no! Oh, just wait a second. I'll be there in a minute. Hey, hey!

Oh my God, guys! Hey, how have you been?

Good!

Oh my God! I've been good, you know. Summer was nice. I went scuba diving with my family, hung out with some kangaroos. I actually had a life-changing— Bree, you talk so much. Not everything is about you. Anyways, so Jean, how have you and your boyfriend Emilio been over the summer? You know how it is with me and him, you know.

Hey, school! Hi, baby, it's Emilio. How are you? Um, I'm doing something right now, Emilio, so I guess I'll talk to you later. Damn, shut up, Michelle.

Look, your girlfriend, she's trash. You need to dump her.

Whatever, whatever. Hey, um, have you seen Jamie yet?

Jamie? No, he's probably around the corner though. He might be here soon.

He's definitely not gonna be here soon.

All right, ladies and gentlemen, welcome back from your summer break. Hope you all enjoyed yourselves and made plenty of memories. So are you guys as ready and excited as I am for the new school year?

Nope.

Wow. Okay, anyway, your guidance counselor Ms. Turner has something important she wants to speak to you guys about. Good morning, guys! I can tell you're all so ready to start the day. Yeah, I can really feel the energy in this classroom. I'll cut right to it. This is a box, but it's no ordinary box. In fact, this box right here is much more important than you may think. Now you might be thinking, Ms. Turner, why is this box so important? And to that I say, it's not the box that's important, it's what's inside of it. Or more specifically, what's going to be inside of it. Inside this box, I have about 30 sheets of paper, each of them blank. Before I tell you why I'm holding a cardboard box with 30 blank pieces of paper in it, I have to make you understand my mission here. I came to this school as a guidance counselor 4 years ago. And I've seen a variety of students, trophies, awards, and accomplishments. Now, along with these, I've seen stresses, problems, insecurities, and fear.

Is this a bad time?

Yeah.

Let me grab a chair, I'll be right back.

Quickly, please!

Yeah, sorry.

Where was I? Look, I know this place can sometimes be overwhelming, and you can lose sight of what you want to achieve. Now, this is why I'm here today. Your task today is to write down whatever problems, fears, insecurities, whatever it is that's bothering you as of right now. I want you to write it down on this sheet of paper. My task is to help you. Throughout the course of this year, I will do everything in my power— please continue passing this— everything in my power to help you overcome these things and achieve your goals.

Thank you.

Now, Jamie, can I speak to you in the hallway for a second?

Yeah, yeah, sure.

Really, Jamie? You're late again?

Okay, look, I'm sorry. It's not my fault. It's my alarm clock. It's always— it's wrong. It's in Japanese time. And then there's my dog. Oh no!

What about your dog?

My dog, he died.

Jamie, I know great facts absolutely have bad issues.

Yeah, that's right.

Jamie, come on. You're in grade 12, and on top of that, I'm I know you're a good kid. We can't keep this going. Last year you barely came to class. Please, Jamie, you're in grade 12 and you're coming to class late on the first day of school?

My bad?

Yeah, your bad. Look, you're just late, so it's all good this time. But come on, I know your potential. Let's do better, okay?

All right.

Okay, make sure you write it down, please. So has everybody written something down? Perfect, then my job here is done. Thank you and have a good day.

Thank you. Hi, uh, Miss Turner.

Hey, Emilio, what's up?

Hey, I was wondering if you could change my 3rd period spare into the music class.

Hmm, so let me do my thing. You want to change your 3rd period spare to music?

Yeah, if that's possible.

You killed the spring concert. I can't believe you're still drumming.

Thank you.

Yeah, it was really good stuff. Uh, okay, I have your timetable here and it looks Looks like there's an open spot.

All right, perfect.

No problem, see you around.

Thanks. Hey, Jean, how are you?

How's everything? Where were you? We're supposed to leave at 3:30. It's 30 seconds past 3:31. We're supposed to get milkshakes now.

I was, I was just over there. Um, I was—

no, I was just— me, Emilio. What were you doing there in the first place? And who were you talking to?

I was talking to Miss Turner. Uh, I'm changing my 3rd period There into music, so I can work on my drumming.

Oh, so you can work on your drumming because that's so important, right?

Right.

No, Emilio, I'm more important. You know we're supposed to have every third page fair together, so you better go tomorrow and fix this.

Jean, listen to me. This is my dream we're talking about. It's important. Emilio, look at him.

I thought I was your dream.

All right, I'll go change it tomorrow.

All right, let's go get milkshakes! Jamie! Jamie, you're late again!

Mom!

Why am I not surprised? It's been 3 months and you're still— You know what? Today you don't get detention.

Oh, really? Okay.

That's right, because today you're going to clean out the storage room as a consequence for your childish behavior. Everything good?

Yeah, everything's fine, sir.

Okay, get to work.

Yeah. No, I shouldn't. It's too personal. What kind of person would I Oh, I knew it. I knew that.

What?

Well, I, I knew today would be a horrible day, mister. It's only a bad day if that's what you make of it. Look outside. People are out and about and the sun is shining. But now the plants have water.

Isn't that nice?

Yeah, it really is. Uh, look, um, I just spoke to Miss Serpentine and she said you're free to go. Okay, see you Monday. All right, stalking time. Let's get into it. I want to be rich and famous. Well, health over wealth, Barbara. I want Mike to notice me. You know, I'm sure you do. I want to feel included.

Okay.

I want to feel included and belong here.

Yeah.

Yeah, that's interesting. Okay. I'm gay. Oh, is it heating up? I'm gay and I'm scared to come out. I don't know how people will react. There's this girl I have feelings for and I don't know if she feels Feels the same way. Yo, who wrote this? Michelle. Okay. I want to pursue drumming as a career, but I feel like there's too many things stopping me. Yeah, no, your girlfriend is atrocious. Miss Jones, that's kind of weird, but I'll hear it out. Miss Serpentine, please keep this between you and I, but I'm I'm sorry, Miss Turner. Please keep this between you and I. I'm tired of Miss Serpentine always stealing my spotlight at every look at that. Okay. At every dance, assembly, and event, she takes credit for my ideas. I would have told someone higher up by now, but she's threatened me with my job. Please help me. She's the worst. Damn. Okay. Can't say I'm surprised. So let's recap. We got we got lucky. Feels excluded. Uh, Michelle doesn't know how to come out. Emilio with the drumming, and Miss Jones has a beef with Miss Serpentine. Sounds like a plan.

Uh, Lucy, can you get a picture over there, please?

Sure.

Girls, can I get a photo from over here too? Who's the editor here again? Girls, make a cheer pose or something. Uh, okay girls, let's do the overhead clap and Ashley, please try to clap this time. Yeah, I got it. All right, 5, 6, 7, 8. 1, 2, 1, 2, 3, up. Ow! Ashley, you did it again! Sorry, sorry. I said hit the clap, not her face. You gotta do better, Ashley. Sorry about that, Mackenzie. Um, okay, let's get into the pyramid position. Okay guys, okay, let's go see— whoa, whoa, Ashley, Ashley! Oh my gosh, you can't even do the simplest thing. Julia, hurry up a bit, please. Yeah, I haven't had a bite of my sandwich. Christ, all right. We're just gonna do the bop pop cheer, and Ashley, try not to mess up this time. All right. 5, 6, 7, 8. We're banging, we're popping, there's literally no stopping. We're cute to boot, so boo, you better scoot. There's no chance, I swear, so get out of my hair. I'll crush you, no chance, just look at our sweet dance. You can't, you wish, you look just like a fish, give up, there there, you know that we don't care.

Ashley!

Damn it, Ashley! Why can't you ever do the bob pop cheer, Ashley?

Yeah, Ashley!

Why can't you ever do a cheerleading move, Ashley? Not one, Ashley! And why are you the worst cheerleader, Ashley? The worst!

Ashley!

Um, I'm gonna head out now. Uh, no, gotta look over these photos, but I'll see you later. All right, see ya.

Bye. Hey, um, what? So, Alice, did they come to fetch you for a second?

Uh, lunch is Almost over, so can you just tell me?

So, um, you want me to be a partner for the dance?

Wow, okay. Look, Lucky, Ashley would never date someone like you. Come on, guys, let's go.

What do you mean someone like me? Lucky, don't take it too seriously. You know, they're just, they're just full of themselves. She'll come around. You know, the key is confidence. Girls won't like you if you're not confident in yourself. Next time they try disrespecting you like that, just walk up to them, stand tall, and go, "Hey, you don't talk to me like that!" I'm telling you, once they see that, she'll want you.

That was a close one. Um, you have dinner? Yeah, how about you? We're taking a picture. That's impressive. Miss president, student council, and chief yearbook editor. Life must be busy.

Pretty busy.

So, uh, are you going to the dance? Definitely. Are you? Yeah, so I guess I'll see you there. See you there too.

Bye.

Ooh.

What? No, I, I didn't say anything.

Whatever.

You know, I'm just saying. You too?

No.

You don't know what I'm talking about? You know, you guys?

Look, Mackenzie and I are just friends. Could you elaborate?

Okay, well, I just feel like, you know, there's something in the air with you two.

There's nothing in the air, James.

Oh, come on, I see the way you guys talk. Wow, Miss President of Student Council, life must be busy. Are you going to the dance? Dance? Let's go to the dance!

You can tell?

I can tell.

How long have you known?

Oh, just figured it out.

Just kind of figured it out. How does that work?

Well, it's simple. I've known you for a long time. You remember back in middle school, me, you, and Emilio? You were like this.

Yeah, but now we're not.

Yeah, no, now we're not, but the point is I can tell when you like someone. I mean, the way you look and talk to Mackenzie's— there's something there.

Look, even if there is something there, how am I supposed to get with her? I haven't even come out yet.

Yeah, but she has, and once That's basically an open invitation for you to go and make your move.

Yeah, but what if she doesn't like me?

Michelle, please, she likes you, okay? Trust me.

Trust you?

Yes.

So you're the love expert?

Yes, and the expert has a plan.

A plan? A plan.

A plan for you to get with Mackenzie.

Okay, let's hear it.

Okay, so here it is. You're both going to the dance, right? At the dance, you will ask her to dance. You two will have a nice moment dancing, and then you'll be happy lovebirds. It couldn't be easier.

Right, so your plan is So your plan to get her to dance? is for me to abruptly come out of the closet by dancing with the president of student council in front of the whole school?

Bingo.

I don't think I like this plan.

Okay, look, I know it's not easy, but the longer you hold this off, the worse it'll get. Do you remember back in middle school, there was that kid Jasper Woods? He would put my hood over my eyes and he spun me around in circles until I, like, threw up all over myself. And I would cry and cry until one day you came and helped me up. I explained to you what he was I'll never forget, you walked right up to him and you looked him dead in his eyes. You kicked him right in the nuts. And I mean, you've got courage since the day I met you. And if you can kick Jasper Woods for me, you can make your move on Mackenzie. You got this.

Okay, okay, I'll do it. Okay, so we got the disco ball, speakers, lights, snacks, drinks, decorations. And I was thinking that we should put a photo booth where my doors can take photos on the room.

Oh, um, all that sounds great, but I have to go teach my class, so I will see you later.

You know, I was thinking that putting the photo booth next to the doors was probably the best idea I've had in a long time. Don't you agree? What are you talking about? That is my idea. As a matter of fact, the board would love to hear about yet another brilliant vision of mine. They might like it so much that they'll promote me. You can't keep doing this. It would be a shame if someone were to point fingers. They might end up losing something. Something important. Like their job.

Okay, okay.

It is yours. I'm glad we could cooperate on making this dance the best it could be. Goodbye, Miss Jones.

Damn it! Hey, Mr. Police, uh—

Oh, hi.

Where can I put this? Um, put it right in the bathroom sink. Thanks, sir. No hay motivos para decirnos adiós tan pronto. Sigo vivo. You know, you still got that voice. It's been a while since I heard it, but you still got it, man. Thanks, Jamie. I appreciate it. No problem. And you know, speaking of all this musical stuff, whatever happens. Your musical endeavors. The drums used to bang on the drums like crazy back in the day. Oh man, the good old times though. Yeah, yeah. So I mean, you still doing all that? No, really, actually. Oh well, why'd you stop? You know, my, my girlfriend Jean? Yeah, she thinks it's kind of stupid. She thinks it's stupid? Oh my God, Emilio, enough with this! Boys in the back, quiet down please. Sorry about this, please. Emilio, you You have to cut this girl off. She is ruining you. No, she is not. We're both very happy. Very happy? You literally just told me she made you stop doing music. So? I don't like doing music that much. What? That is a lie. We both know that. You literally, you literally brought your drum thing to class. Listen to me, Jake. Everything is fine. Yeah, everything is fine. If I have to tell you one more time, it's detention. And we all know that I hate it when students get detention. Especially with me. Sorry about that, Mr. Willis. Yeah, listen to me, Jamie. Everything is fine. Our relationship is completely fine. Is it really though? Yes, it is. She makes me happy. She's the best.

The best?

She's the worst. She's literally the worst person at the school. She's like a shark, Emilio, and she's swimming around. She's gonna bite you because that's what sharks do. Shut up, Jamie! Shut up! I'm tired of this! Emilio, that is it! You two are to stay after the bell for detention. Come on, you two, you shouldn't have to make me do this. I know that detention is a horrible punishment, but I have to discipline you. Sorry about that, Mr.

Yeah, okay.

Okay, I'll be stepping outside today. I'm gonna make some photocopies. I'll be back in a minute. Please don't flip the desk upside down if you can help it. You know it's all your fault, right? It's all your fault. It's all my fault?

Yes.

Because of you, we have detention with a stoner.

Yo, what up?

Wow, great, great. Yeah, yeah, I hope you're happy because I'm, I'm not.

Yo, you want to hear a joke?

No.

Okay, how do you know you're a true stoner?

How?

It's when you wash your bong more than you wash your dishes.

Wait, wow. Amazing.

Wow. Yeah.

Yo, what are you doing? Don't do it. You don't do anything.

Watch me.

Oh, don't do it. Don't do it.

Don't do it.

That was amazing!

You made my day.

You know what? You get to leave from detention early today.

All right!

But remember, what happens in detention stays in detention.

Right. Oh God, where is he? Why is he always so late? Does he not care anymore? Girl, you can do so much better than that. I mean, have you seen Todd from chemistry? On Wednesday, he looked at me, I looked at him, and there was instant chemistry. You make no sense whatsoever. Jean, what she meant to say was he's so rude standing you up. Like, all he's doing is dragging you down. As a lady, you gotta take charge. Guys, but he's my man. You don't care. Okay, bye.

Hey, Jean.

You're late again.

Yeah, sorry. I just had detention, you know.

Detention?

Yes, I had detention.

Why are you getting yourself into so much trouble? Why can't you just—

Enough! Okay, enough, Jean. I'm sick of be controlling my life. I want to do what I want. And you know what I want to do? I want to do music, hang out with my friends, live my own life. And you just keep dragging me down.

Okay, no.

You know, all this, you and me, it's over.

We're through. Okay, stop.

No, I'm being serious, okay? Go find someone else's life to ruin. You're not taking mine.

You can't do this to me. What are you doing? Stop! If you do this, I'll kill myself. Don't do this.

Whoa, what?

You heard me. You know we belong together. You know we can't.

Please, Jean, are you being serious right now? This is suicide we're talking about.

Well, no, I'm not being serious. You know, you know, you get emotional, you say stuff that don't make sense, and you just, just have to get it out. We're good, right? Okay, we're good.

No, no, we're not good. Okay, goodbye, Jean. You need help.

You can wait.

Don't touch me. Oh my God, what did I just do?

Oh my God.

Yeah, that's right, that's right, that's right! Woo!

Man, going to this dance, it's a nice day, I'm just—

I'm excited, dude. Yo, yo, Emilio, you good?

Me? Yeah.

Yeah, I'm good. Okay, sick. You ready for the dance though? Am I ready for the dance? I mean, you tell me. Okay, that's true.

So ladies, still very gay, Jamie. Very gay. Oh yikes.

All right guys, if we want to make it on time, we have to leave like right now. David, you coming? Yeah, I'll be there in a second. All right, Lucky, uh, we gotta do something real quick.

What's this?

Just come with me, okay? Yo, what are you doing, man? I'm serious, Lucky. Lucky, what are you doing here?

Huh?

What do you mean? You know what I mean. It's the suit. The suit? What's wrong with this suit? The suit looks horrible, Lucky. You look like a busker. My mom says I look handsome. Well, your mom's wrong, so, uh, I'm gonna give you one of my suits. Put it on, you'll look handsome, okay?

Okay. Okay.

So, can you leave now?

Yeah. Almost there.

Okay, everything good? Yep, just your pants are tied.

Sorry.

Okay, okay, I like it, I like it, I like it. Let's go.

Woo! Wow, Lucky, that's a cute suit. Yeah, I'm surprised you came, you know everything that happened. Guys, that's enough. Why do you always have to act like that?

No excuse.

Hey!

I don't know why you guys decided to speak for me, but I do know that you're some shitty people. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a dance to get to. Hey.

Hey.

Why are you sitting by yourself right now?

I'm just, I don't know, stressed, I guess.

Come on, what happened to that nice inspiring talking pad? Taking that shot?

No.

All right, well, I'm not gonna stand here and act like I know what it's like you're going through right now, but I can tell you What I've learned is, um, just go out there, you know? And look, I get this place can be negative, but I mean, I never focused on that. And how could I with people like Mackenzie, Lucky, even Emilio, right? You guys have always been there for me. We still are. I'm sorry that we drifted apart, but everything's coming back together.