Ellis stands up

“Well, that's it, Charon. We're busted. Looks like Zeus was right.”

“Our school is so stupid. Healthy eating policy? As if anyone sticks to it anyway...”

“I wonder what she's saying to our fathers.”

“I wonder what our fathers are saying to each other...”

“I've called you in today-”

“I hope you're not going to keep me for long. I'm a very busy man, as I'm sure you're aware.”

“Mr Farrington and...erm... Mr Farrington. I've called you in today about your sons. It's come to my attention that they've been running an illegal food stand – one that violates our highly regarded healthy eating policy. As well as the fact that they've been making money off the other students.”

“Your point being?”

“Well, it's against our rules-”

“And that is your issue? What a bureaucratic decision there. It wouldn't be out of place in my field of work.”

“Nor mine, I have to say...”

“Why, you should be praising Tristan for his initiative. What a great business instinct he has! Yet you're choosing to punish him? I'm afraid I must object to that.”

“Sir, I'm asking you to respect my authority-”

“I'm the goddamn mayor of Sunset Valley. You should respect my authority. I don't care for your idiotic school rules. As far as I'm concerned, my son has done nothing wrong. The one in your care, not the useless waste of space sat next to me.”

“Excuse me?”

“You heard.”

“I heard, but I don't agree with what you're saying.”

“Quite frankly, Ellis, I don't give a shit.”

“So what do you think, then, Ellis?”

“I.. I don't really think you should punish Charon. Especially because he's only doing it because of Tristan.”

“Oh, so you're blaming him.”

“Yes, I am. Charon only gets into trouble because of Tristan! He goes along with whatever 'scheme' he's got going on next.”

“Your abomination blindly follows without thinking for himself. That's not my boy's fault.”

“Will you stop calling him that?!”

“No, I will not. That child is a crime against nature. I still haven't forgiven you for ruining my wedding, you alien-loving little freak.”

“Oh, I ruined your wedding? The wedding in which your 19 year old porn star wife also gave birth?! You have no right to insult my son. Your first grandchild, and that's how you treat him? I hope Saraya tells you to fuck off once she starts having them.”

“Her? Having children? That'll be the day! Who would be with her?”

“She already has a boyfriend, Dad, which shows just how much attention you've been paying. Although I'm not really surprised, since you've got that many kids now you probably can't keep track.”

“I'm doing a damn sight better than you. I bet you're still a virgin, aren't you? You're nearly 30. How pathetic.”

“Excuse me, sirs...”

“I have put up with your bullying for far too long. Well, I'm not a kid any more. I'm not going to let you be rude about me or my little family, which you have no part in-”

“Why the hell would I want any part in that? Oh god, you're not going to start going on about how terrible your childhood was and how I never loved you? Because you're right. I don't.”

“That's okay, because I hate you! I've never hated anyone more! You ruin everything you touch. You know what? I'm done talking to you. There's no getting through to someone as deliberately dense as you. Mrs... sorry, I forgot your name. Headteacher. I appreciate what you were trying to say, but I don't agree with it. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to take my child home, and be a real father.”

“What the hell is going on in there? It sounds bad.”

“I hope we don't get banned from seeing each other. Just because they don't get along, it doesn't mean we can't.”

“Who cares if they ban us. We're not going to listen to them, are we? They're not keeping me away from my own nephew!”

“No, we won't listen to them! I just wish I understood what's so wrong in this family...”

“Hi, you two. It's okay, they're not going to punish you.”

“What happened, Dad?”

“I'll explain later. I've just had enough of here for now, so I'm going to take you home. Or out, maybe. What do you want to do?”

“Can we go to the cinema?”

“Of course. I can arrange that. Come on.”

“Thanks, Dad!”

“Have fun, I guess. It's okay, I'm sure Father will take me somewhere if I ask him.”

“As long as it's not the same place as us. I'm sick of seeing him.”

“Jeez, Ellis. Fine.”

“See ya later, Tristan!”

“Bye, Charon.”