A ribbon of sweat runs between his shoulder blades and down his muscled back as he does chin-ups with the determination of a Marine.

INT. FLASHBACK—JUNIOR HIGH DANCE—NIGHT

Alex stands by the punch bowl, watching ROCHELLE (his junior-high crush) and a group of girlfriends laugh and gossip.

Alex is obsessively eating from a bowl of Doritos. He looks from Rochelle to his hand full of Doritos and his self-disgust becomes apparent. He drops the chips, wiping his hands on his jeans.

He takes a deep breath and then walks over to the group of girls. He stands there, awkwardly, just outside the circle until a few of the girls notice him watching Rochelle and give her a nudge.

GIRL 1

Rochelle, you’ve got company.

ALEX

I was wondering… I wanted to ask if… if you wanted to.…

James walks up and grabs Rochelle by the arm.

JAMES

Come on, babe, let’s dance.

James leads Rochelle off.

ROCHELLE

Thank God, I think Pig Boy was going to ask me. Gross.

Alex deflates as the girls snicker and turn their backs on him.

INT. ALEX’S PRIVATE GYM—NIGHT

From standing, Alex free-falls to the ground and knocks out a score of push-ups.

INTERCUT:

EXT. FLASHBACK—MAKE-OUT POINT—EVENING

Alex rides his bike past a few cars with steamed-up windows. Continuing on, he comes across a secluded spot and skids to a stop, his eyes locked on a red Mustang.

He pushes his bike into the trees and pulls off his backpack. Reaching inside, he pulls out a ski mask and gloves, which he pulls on.

His eyes scan the area before reaching into his backpack for another, unseen item.

Crossing the distance between the woods and the car, he walks with a soldier’s intent.

INTERCUT:

INT. ALEX’S PRIVATE GYM—NIGHT

Alex rises, strides purposefully to the mirror, and strokes his image. Keeping his eyes fixed on his own, he licks at his mouth.

INTERCUT:

EXT. FLASHBACK—MAKE-OUT POINT—EVENING

Alex jerks open the car door and raises a butcher knife before jumping inside. There are muffled screams.

A spray of blood paints the passenger window.

INTERCUT:

INT. ALEX’S PRIVATE GYM—NIGHT

Watching himself in the mirror, he starts to jack off.

A KNOCK on the door.

DREW (O.S.)

Sir, there’s something that needs your immediate attention.

ALEX

I’m busy.

INTERCUT:

EXT. FLASHBACK—MAKE-OUT POINT—EVENING

James kicks open the passenger door and stumbles out, naked. He runs for the woods.

Alex chases after him. James trips on a log and topples over backward.

Alex approaches slowly as James crawls backward through the woods, terrified.

INTERCUT:

INT. ALEX’S PRIVATE GYM—NIGHT

Another KNOCK, more urgent.

DREW (O.S.)

Sir, there’s someone out by the pool who’s refusing to leave without seeing you.

ALEX

I said I’m busy!