GREG Well, that’s … very … honest. You should feel good about that.

KENT Thanks, Dr. Phil. (Beat.) Don’t be such a fag, ok? I was just asking … (Beat.) And keep this stuff to yourself.

GREG Of course. (Beat.) So, is that why you’re volunteering for crap like this, running over here and … so you can sneak home at odd hours … or …?

KENT Look at you! I knew all that reading was gonna pay off big for you one day!

GREG And …?/ Come on, man, what’s going on?

KENT Don’t worry about it./ I gotta go. (Looks at GREG’s book.) White Fang. Sounds gay.

GREG But, no, hey … seriously … Kent …

KENT What?

GREG If you … I dunno … if you need somebody to, like, you know …/ Something.

KENT What?/ Spy on her for me?

GREG Whatever. I’m not sure—to just help out.

KENT Nah, man, that’s okay … you’re kind of a girl when it comes to shit like that. The going gets tough and that sorta thing …

GREG Fine. I just thought I could … maybe if you needed a friend … or …

KENT I do. I absolutely do. I’m in real need of a fucking friend right about now …

GREG … ok …

KENT … but I do not need you. Sorry, dude.

GREG I understand.

KENT shrugs and heads out the door. GREG turns to look at a nearby clock. One of those buzzers breaks the silence.

Not much later CARLY enters out of uniform—lunch pail and purse in one hand. She moves to GREG and kisses him.

CARLY … ahhh, “freedom!”

GREG Ha! Couldn’t wait, huh? To get outta the uniform?/ (Kisses her.) Morning.

CARLY Nope!/ Good morning … thanks for coming again, I promise I’m gonna check on the car today. (Smiles.) Or tomorrow.

GREG Whenever is fine. It’s easy for me to get you so it’s not a problem …

CARLY Great. You ready?

GREG Sure. I’ve got a little time … you wanna go get breakfast at the IHOP … or …?

CARLY Ummmmm … I’m alright, unless you want to./ I can always eat pancakes, but … (Beat.) It’s up to you.

GREG I’m fine./ I was just … thought it’d be nice to have some food and just talk. It’s hard sometimes … with Jennifer and …/ Our … schedules, so, you know …

CARLY No, I agree …/ It’s a good idea. (Beat.) Lots to talk about?

GREG Ummmmm, no … just stuff, “us” stuff … I like being with you and I figured, since I have first period open today, why not?

CARLY Good. Let’s go for it. (Kisses him.) Maybe we can go back to the house for a little while after since Mom’s got Jennifer.

GREG … sure …

CARLY Don’t ya think? She usually lets me sleep for a few hours before she drops her off, so … let’s …

GREG Yeah, we can … do you wanna do that now? I mean, instead?