Scene 1

A large crowd waits on the right hand side of the stage. The are all talking and chatting about various things. It becomes clear that these are school pupils (6th year (or final year)). A boy walks on from the left hand side of the stage. The chatter stops instantly and the entire group turns and stares at the boy (who is called Alex). Alex walks forward however he is far more wary and nervous than before. As he gets nearer to the group, one of the group (Colin) steps forward.

COLIN :
What ye wantin'?

ALEX :
(Nervous but defiant) Only to get to class.

COLIN :
Trying to suck up to the teacher by getting there early, huh?

ALEX :
(denying it) No.

COLIN :
Don't deny it you fucking pouf.

ALEX :
(getting distressed) I'm not a pouf. Just let me by.

COLIN :
(Colin grabs Alex by the arm and turns to the rest of the group) Hear that, the pouf wants by. (pushes Alex forcibly away) Well you'll just have to find another way.

Alex turns and walks back off stage the way he came on. The group laugh after him.

Scene 2

Alex is walking home with Jane and Kyle. There are a few other groups walking home as well.

ALEX :
It's so annoying, they all seem to think I'm Gay.

JANE :
Look, Alex, I wouldn't let it get to you. They're just trying to get to you. They think it's funny to pin stupid labels on people who they hate in an attempt to disgrace you in the eyes of the school.

KYLE :
There goes Miss Psychologist again.

Alex stops and the other two stop.

ALEX :
The problem is it's working. They're getting to me and the rest of the school thinks there's something funny about me.

KYLE :
It's not working. Jane and I don't think you're gay and to be honest we're not the only ones.

JANE :
Kyle's right. What the real problem is, is that those shits are trying to get to you. That bastard Colin is making you think it's true by telling you day in and day out. Just shrug it off.

ALEX :
That's easier said than done.

KYLE :
Look, Alex, there's only 3 weeks left before the exams and then it's the summer holidays. You'll get away from them because none of them are even bright enough to get into uni.

JANE :
Bully mentality. They bully because they're trying to make up for something, in Colin's case it's his intelligence.

KYLE :
I bet that's not all he's trying to make up for.

ALEX :
(thinks for a moment) Do you think Colin could be gay?

JANE :
What makes you think that?

ALEX :
Well maybe Colin's gay but he's making all this fuss over me because he's trying to move the attention away from him.

JANE :
(surprised) I never thought of that.

KYLE :
Oh Jane, you're loosing your touch.

JANE :
I know, here Alex have you ever considered doing psychology as part of your course.

ALEX :
Nope, there's no way you can talk me into it.

JANE :
Ah pity. Anyway do you two want to go up town tonight?

KYLE :
To The Mirage?

ALEX :
Oh God that place is full of 15 and 16 year olds, from our school. It gets really embarrassing at times.

JANE :
Ah but the difference about tonight is there's school tomorrow. Those little 15 and 16 year olds wont be allowed to stay out late tonight. If they do their mummies will be very cross.

KYLE :
(to Jane) It never stopped you.

JANE :
That was different. (flicks hair with hand) I was mature for my age. In fact I still am.

ALEX :
I think I'll just stay home.

JANE :
(looks Alex in the face) Come on it'll do you some good to get out. Help cheer you up and hopefully you'll forget all about Colin.

ALEX :
(hesitantly) I don't know......maybe.

KYLE :
No maybe only yes.

ALEX :
OK. I give in. If it'll make you happy (pauses) Yes.

JANE :
Great, then it's decided meet you there about half eight.

ALEX :
Well if we've got to be there for half eight, make sure you're there on time as well.

JANE :
Don't worry I'll be there on time.

Scene 3

The Mirage is a night-club type thing. It has a bar up the left hand side of the stage where a few people are propped up against. There are quite a few people dancing in the middle of the stage to something which is dubiously passing for music. There are tables round the front of the stage with a four seats to each table. The entrance is on the right hand side of the stage. Alex and Kyle are already sitting at the middle table. There is no sign of Jane.

ALEX :
She's late.

KYLE :
(impersonating Jane) Don't worry I'll be there on time.

ALEX :
Yeah right.

Jane enters the room, Kyle and Alex have not noticed her yet.

KYLE :
Want a drink while we're waiting.

Jane walks up to the table.

JANE :
No need to wait for I'm here.

ALEX :
About time too. You said you'd be here on time this time. Kyle and I should've known better.

KYLE :
So what was it this time that kept you?

JANE :
(leans forward and whispers) Women's problems. (points down) Down stairs, you know.

Kyle and Alex's face look disgusted at the mental image conjured up in their minds.

KYLE :
Eugh, God. Did you have to. Now I've got a mental image of you...

ALEX :
(interrupting hastily) NO Kyle, don't even say it.

Jane sits down.

KYLE :
I was just away to get drinks. You just wanting the usual Jane?

JANE :
Yeh, but make it an orange one this time.

KYLE :
All right.

Kyle gets up and goes off. Jane and Alex have a look around at who is here.

ALEX :
Is that Miss Forbisher?

JANE :
(in horror) Our English teacher?

ALEX :
The one and only. (points at some older woman who is dancing some dance which went out with the dinosaurs) Look, she's over there.

JANE :
(bursts out laughing) Oh my God. Boy is she going to get slagged by us about this tomorrow.

ALEX :
You're so cruel.

A big, greasy bloke with a pint glass in his hand drunkenly stumbles over to the table and sits down.

GREASY BLOKE :
(slurring drunkenly) Hello doll, fancy some action.

JANE :
(recoils from the stench of alcohol) Too late I already got some.

Jane leans over the table and kisses Alex much to his surprise. The Greasy Bloke looks a bit surprised but then takes the hint and moves on.

JANE :
Sorry about that, but I had to get rid of him some how.

Kyle comes back with two glasses of stuff, a bottle and an empty glass and eyes up the two friends.

KYLE :
(jokingly) So is there something you two should tell me?

JANE :
Just getting rid of the local talent. Anyway, I've been meaning to ask you has Sara written recently.

KYLE :
She's coming back here to university.

ALEX :
Ah the pleasures of carrying on a long distance romance.

KYLE :
I wasn't to know she was going to move away after 5th year.

JANE :
But at least she's coming back and that's all that matters.

KYLE :
Exactly.

JANE :
Anyway remember the other day I was telling you all about Natalie and how she'd got together with this 23 year old.

ALEX :
I think the entire school knows. You're legendary for your abilities to gossip. You're name is feared by people across the globe with things to hide.

JANE :
I'm not that bad

KYLE :
Yes you are! I mean you're worse than Rachel Goodwin in 5th year.

JANE :
(shrieks in horror and clasps her hand across her mouth) You've got to be kidding that girl managed to spread round the entire school the happenings of the 5th years school trip in under 25 minutes.

ALEX :
We're not kidding.

JANE :
Why didn't you tell me.

KYLE :
(mock seriousness) Well we didn't want you to spread the truth around.

JANE :
Oh ha ha very funny. Anyway it turns out that that's her step brother.

ALEX :
(confused) Who? What?

JANE :
Natalie and the 23 year old. It's her step brother.

KYLE :
Oh. that's disappointing.

A youngish person walks up to Jane.

YOUNGISH PERSON :
I saw you from across the Room.

JANE :
Well I didn't see you. Perhaps you could stand back where you were and we can both see each other from across the room.

YOUNGISH PERSON :
Ah but you're so much more beautiful in person. Let me buy you a drink.

JANE :
(indicates her own drink) I already have one.

YOUNGISH PERSON :
Then in that case I'll wait till you're done. (notices empty chair) Is this seat taken?

JANE :
Yes.

YOUNGISH PERSON :
Then I'll keep it warm for them until they come back. (boy can this guy not take a hint) D'ya fancy a dance?

JANE :
Look mister I'll keep this short and simple. I'm a lesbian.

YOUNGISH PERSON :
(stands up looking horrified and as he runs away shouts back) Piss off ye fuckin' dyke.

KYLE :
Well that was...(searches for the correct word)...interesting.

JANE :
I always leave that excuse till last. I hate having to use it because after a while in here you start getting offers from women who you're just not interested in.

ALEX :
Look, instead of sitting around lets dance.

JANE :
I agree.

Scene 4

It's still The Mirage only a couple of hours later. Alex, Jane and Kyle are growing increasingly drunk. A bloke (who we shall call Matthew) walks up to our friends.

MATT :
I thought I'd come over and introduce myself.

JANE :
I'm not interested.

MATT :
(glancing at Jane) Neither am I. (Keeps walking onto Alex)

KYLE :
The ultimate of snubs.

MATT :
(to Alex) Hi, I thought I'd introduce myself. I'm Matt.

ALEX :
(getting drunk, not realising and mainly concentrating on dancing) I'm Alex.

MATT :
You wanna dance?

ALEX :
(still not cottoned on yet) I already am.

JANE :
(away to warn Alex) Ale....

KYLE :
(interrupting) Don't this could be fun. I think Alex is too far gone to even realise if someone's trying to chat him up.

JANE :
You're right this could be fun.

Scene 5

It's a class room setting. There is only Alex and Jane in the room.

ALEX :
Are you going again tonight?

JANE :
(looking annoyed that someone disturbed her) mm?

ALEX :
I know you're only putting on that hangover for sympathy. You're hoping that since Miss Forbisher was at The Mirage last night she saw you and that'll be a perfect excuse for you to get out of work.

JANE :
(brightening up instantly) Oh all right, you caught me.

ALEX :
So are you going up to The Mirage again tonight?

JANE :
God you're keen it was only yesterday that you were saying you didn't want to go.

ALEX :
Yeh well things change. I chatted with that Matthew person a lot last night. He seemed really friendly. He was telling me that he moved here a few months ago. He's going to be going to the same university as all of us. We could bring him into our group. When Sara gets back that'll be five good friends.

JANE :
Oh I thought...(see's the confusion in Alex's eyes and tails off)

ALEX :
You thought what?

JANE :
I thought that this Matthew person......well lets just say we don't know very much about him.

ALEX :
He seemed a decent sort of guy to me.

JANE :
Well don't get your hopes up if he turns out to be something different.

ALEX :
Well you can get to know him better tonight. If you're coming?

JANE :
All right I'll drag Kyle along as well.

The rest of the class starts filling in along with Miss Forbisher.

MISS FORBISHER :
(without even looking at anyone) And Jane just don't even start.

JANE :
(mischievously) Start what Miss?

Scene 6

It's The Mirage. Alex, Kyle, Jane and Matt are all sitting at a table laughing away, Alex is next to Matt.

JANE :
So then we proceeded to drop hints to the entire class much to the embarrassment of Miss Forbisher.

MATT :
I could imagine.

KYLE :
Oh I wish I'd been there.

MATT :
Did the class guess?

ALEX :
A few think they know what's going on but that's all.

JANE :
This'll provide weeks of entertainment. It'll probably last us for the next 3 weeks we're at school.

KYLE :
Now that's just being cruel.

ALEX :
D'you think she'll ever show her face around here again?

JANE :
Not after today.

KYLE :
Nah, Miss Forbisher's a pretty decent young teacher, she'll shrug it off, and then she'll be back.

JANE :
Sounds like Kyle's got a crush on Miss Forbisher.

KYLE :
I think everyone at the school does. I mean she is drop dead gorgeous, isn't she Alex?

ALEX :
(thinks for a bit) I suppose so (shrugs as if to say "I don't know")

KYLE :
Well I suppose after she's been your teacher for a while you would become immune to her charms.

MATT :
I think I've had enough to drink. I'm suitably drunk enough to get up and make an idiot of myself dancing.

ALEX :
(instantly leaping to Matt's defence) Well you didn't look stupid yesterday.

MATT :
Ah but you were drunk then, anything could've looked good.

The friends get up and begin to dance. Matt begins to dance beside Alex. The pair then look at each other for a second. A very long drawn out second. A second which feels like an eternity. Matt then steps forward and kisses Alex. Jane and Kyle are very surprised then Alex suddenly breaks away and runs out of The Mirage.

Scene 7

Alex's room. Alex, Kyle and Jane are here.

ALEX :
Oh God I'm so confused.

JANE :
So am I.

ALEX :
But you're not the person who just kissed a guy.

KYLE :
Well you were playing up to him a bit.

ALEX :
What's that supposed to mean?

JANE :
Well, after you met him you were kind of enthusiastic about seeing him again and then when we were all sitting talking to him and he mentioned what a rotten dancer he was you did leap to his defence almost instantly.

ALEX :
Oh God.

Jane and Kyle both go over and sit next to Alex who is on the floor leaning against something.

JANE :
Are you all right?

ALEX :
No, Look, you're my best friends and all but to be honest I'm not honest with you. I've been thinking for a while that I might be Gay.

KYLE :
That's just Colin getting to you.

ALEX :
(slightly annoyed but at the same time still understanding of his friends) No it's not.

JANE :
What do you mean?

ALEX :
For a while now I've realised that I'm not really attracted to women. It really hit me and finalised itself when last night Kyle was going on about Miss Forbisher. I'm not even in the least way attracted to her.

KYLE :
I was only exaggerating when I said everyone fancied her.

ALEX :
But that's the thing, I'm not even attracted to any women. Then when Matt kissed me it felt great. (pauses) It felt right.

JANE :
Alex, we're here for you, no matter what.

KYLE :
It doesn't bother either of us, all right it's a surprise.

JANE :
An unexpected surprise, because you did deny it so absolutely when Colin slagged you. But that doesn't matter, what matters is how you feel. Kyle and I are here to help you.

ALEX :
(suddenly realising what supportive friends he has) Thank you. The reason I denied it completely at school, is I thought everyone would never speak to me again. The people at school are so prejudiced. I just didn't think anyone could accept it.

KYLE :
Alex, the people at school are less prejudiced than you think.

ALEX :
But then there's Colin.

JANE :
You can handle him. You handled him in the past and in three weeks you'll never have to see him again.

ALEX :
What would I tell my parents?

KYLE :
Don't think about that at the moment. Just think about sorting out what you want first.

ALEX :
I'm going to have to think about this. It's so confusing for me. I..I just don't know.

KYLE :
Look, Jane and I will always be there for you.

ALEX :
I'm going to have to do a lot of thinking.

JANE :
Whatever you decide we'll be here for you and to be honest, if you did end up with Matt, well I'd be very jealous.

The three friends laugh as the tension is broken.

ALEX :
He is kinda nice.

JANE :
Kinda nice? Kinda Nice? He's absolutely gorgeous.

Scene 8

Alex is walking home from school alone when Kyle and Jane catch up with him.

KYLE :
Alex, hey, wait up.

ALEX :
Hi you two.

Alex stops and waits for Kyle and Jane to catch up then the three of them chat.

JANE :
We've not seen you all day where have you been?

ALEX :
Oh, just about, you know, different classes and all.

KYLE :
Don't you two have English together?

JANE :
Not today. (to Alex) So how are you? How's everything?

ALEX :
Actually I feel fine. In fact I feel a lot better than I have in ages as though a weight's been lifted. I mean this's been bothering me for ages and now I've finally confronted it, and although I was right and confronting it was scary, it's made me feel a lot better knowing I'm more comfortable with who I am.

KYLE :
So you decided what exactly?

ALEX :
I've decided that I'm gay.

JANE :
Totally?

ALEX :
One hundred percent.

JANE :
Damn, there goes my back up plan.

KYLE :
What are you on about?

JANE :
Well, if it came to the crunch and 20 years from now I was still lonely and desperate I was going to try and steal Alex away from whoever he was with.

ALEX :
Well you might have a hard time now. (all three laugh)

KYLE :
You've taken this really well

ALEX :
The thing was I basically knew I was all along the only thing I had to do was accept it for myself.

JANE :
By confronting your fears you have become one with your fears and they are no longer your fears but part of yourself and the truth.

KYLE :
That was quite a difference from your normal psychologist crap. In fact that was very Zen like.

JANE :
I aim to please.

Matt comes walking on from the opposite direction. All three of the friends notice who it is instantly.

KYLE :
Look who it is.

ALEX :
When he said he'd moved here I thought it was more up town, not here.

JANE :
Well are you going to speak to him or not?

ALEX :
Well....(tails off)

KYLE :
Look if you don't speak to him I'll call him over here.

ALEX :
Oh no don't do...

KYLE :
Hey Matt.

Matt looks up and sees the three friends there and begins to walk towards them.

MATT :
Hi, how are you all?

JANE :
Fine.

KYLE :
I think Alex has got something to say.

ALEX :
KYLE!

MATT :
Look, I'm sorry about the other night I miss read all the signals.

ALEX :
No Matt, I'm sorry about the other night. It was my fault. I've been keeping being Gay to myself and before I wasn't to comfortable but now I've had a good think about it I'm willing to have another go. If you want to.

MATT :
(looking and sounding really pleased) That'd be great.

Colin walks in with his gang any passers by clear away quick. Colin points at Matt.

COLIN :
Hey, you ya fucking gay pouf. We don't like your kind. We suggest you move away from here if you know what's good for you.

MATT :
(turns to face Colin) If I know what's good for me? And what could you do?

Colin motions to his group, he's got 5 people with him. 2 grab Kyle and Jane and the other three violently kick the crap out of Matt.

JANE :
Get your fucking hands off me.

ALEX :
(in a most commanding voice) STOP IT NOW!

COLIN :
If you want us to stop it come and get your boyfriend. Or if you're not gay as you're so keen to tell me, walk away now.

ALEX :
Just stop it.

COLIN :
I've told you, if you come and help him we'll let you both go. But if you're not gay then walk away.

ALEX :
But he's a friend.

KYLE :
Just ignore Colin, help Matt.

COLIN :
You've got a choice to make. I've laid down the rules, you've got to follow them.

MATT :
Alex? (they're still hurting him)

COLIN :
What's it gonna be Alex?

JANE :
Come on Alex. Just help him. Forget about Colin.

COLIN :
Come on Alex. What're you gonna do? Mmm? Alex?

ALEX :
(shouted with a strange mixture of pain, hated and sadness) I JUST CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!

Alex runs off stage right. Kyle and Jane stare after him in horror. Colin looks on triumphant.

MATT :
(after taking on final beating, said in a hoarse whisper of pain) Alex..... (his voice tails off into nothingness)

Scene 9

Kyle and Jane are sitting speaking.

KYLE :
I haven't see Alex for two days. I called round to his house but he was out.

JANE :
We can't do anything though. Until Alex comes to us to speak about it there's nothing we can do.

KYLE :
How's Matt?

JANE :
There was nothing too serious done to him. He was lucky, basically cuts and bruises were the worst of it. It could've been a lot worse.

KYLE :
I know. I'm amazed nothing was broken. Colin beat the crap out of him.

JANE :
I feel sorry for Alex. He was just beginning to feel happy and he was accepting who he was. He had even made a decision to go out with Matt.

KYLE :
And then this.

JANE :
Exactly. It's awful and I will hate Colin till the day I die for what he did.

KYLE :
Like you said though there's nothing we can do until Alex comes to us.

JANE :
D'you want to go out tonight? It might help us take our minds off of everything?

KYLE :
Yeh, you're right. I think it will help.

JANE :
D'you think we should invite Matt? It might help him get over what happened.

KYLE :
Could you phone him. I don't have his number.

JANE :
All right, I'll do it.

Scene 10

It's The Mirage again. There are not very many people here. Alex is sitting with a drink at one of the tables alone. Kyle walks in and sees Alex and goes over to him.

KYLE :
(concerned for his friend) Hi Alex. How are you? I haven't seen you in a few days.

ALEX :
(looks up to his friend) I'm fine. (pauses then thinks for a moment) No I'm not all right. It's my fault for what happened out there.

KYLE :
(sits down on Alex's left side) Look, Alex, it's useless to blame yourself for what happened.

ALEX :
But it's true it's my fault.

KYLE :
It's not your fault. You shouldn't blame yourself for what happened.

ALEX :
Why not I should've done something to help Matt. I should've tried to stop Colin. He always called me gay and he was certain I was so why didn't I just tell him. It wouldn't have made any difference.

KYLE :
Look, you shouldn't blame yourself. I reckon that even If you'd told Colin, Matt would still've been beaten up. In fact I've you'd told Colin that you were gay then you probably would've been beaten up yourself. I wouldn't worry about it because Matt's fine. In fact Jane and Matt are supposed to be meeting me here just now.

ALEX :
(in horror) What? NO!

Jane and Matt walk into the room. "Bitter Sweet Symphony" by "The Verve" starts playing. Kyle signals them over. Jane walks over but Matt falters when he sees Alex. Jane then walks Matt over to the table and sits him down, then Jane sits down herself.

JANE :
(surprised) Alex, I wasn't expecting to see you here tonight.

MATT :
This feels like a set-up.

KYLE :
It's not honestly. (pauses and thinks for a moment) We'll give you two a moment together.

Jane and Kyle get up and walk towards the bar. There is a moment of strained silence between Alex and Matt.

ALEX :
How are you?

MATT :
A little sore. But I'm fine.

ALEX :
(Alex breaks down into tears) Oh God I'm sorry. I should've done something. It's all my fault

Alex's head goes down to the table, he is visibly upset. Matt reaches out his right hand to Alex's face (he's sitting next to Alex on his Alex's right). Matt lifts Alex's face up to look at him.

MATT :
It's all right. Kyle and Jane explained everything, they even explained Colin. I understand.

ALEX :
But....(tails off)

MATT :
It's all right I'm here. I'm here now.

Matt and Alex hug and then they Matt moves away and takes Alex's hands in his. The two look at each other for a few moments and then kiss.