At Sean’s house

(Sean is pouring a couple glasses of coke for him and Emma.)

Sean: So uh this is the palace.

Emma: I always wondered what it looks like in here.

Sean: Yeah. 

Emma: Okay so…chemistry!

Sean: I hate chemistry.

Emma: Right. Um periodic table. Who created…

(She starts to lean back in the chair.)

Sean: Careful! That chair’s broken. 

Emma: Oh.

Sean. Um you gotta lean forward.

Emma: Okay. Yeah so the periodic table.

Tracker: (On the phone) I don’t care! Look tell that knob that I don’t give a flying-

(Sean gives Tracker a look and he stops.)

Tracker: (On the phone) Look if he wants to talk to me that way then I quit and that’s it. 

(He gets off his phone.)

Tracker: Hey sorry.

Sean: Nice to see you.

Tracker: How’s it going Em?

Emma: Good.

Tracker: Welcome to our uh very, very humble abode. What you guys doing?

Sean: Oh we’re just doing some-

Tracker: Chemistry huh? That’s cool. Don’t go building no b*mb. So uh-

(Tracker makes a motion for them to leave.)

Sean: Yeah um I guess we’re just gonna go to the library then.

Tracker: That’s cool. Yeah. Hey Em, good to see you. Take care of yourself, alright? 

Emma: You too. 

In the gymnasium, the boys are playing basketball

Mr. Armstrong: Jimmy. Sean. Now that’s the kind of teamwork I want to see in the regionals gentleman.

Sean: No problem.

Jimmy: You got it coach. 

Mr. Armstrong: Good work. 

Spinner: Man! Man you guys, you really do play great together. Like Vince and JYB. 

(Nobody says anything.)

Spinner: Oh wait. Did I just break the don’t talk to Sean and Jimmy at the same time rule?

Sean: Shut up Spinner.

Spinner: No you shut up. I mean, okay you two. You had a fight a long, long time ago. Why don’t you just let it go? Ask him.

Jimmy: I’m having a party tonight to celebrate making the regionals and you can bring Emma if you want to. 

Sean: Cool. 

(They do a little fist pump action.)

Spinner: Aw you two. You make me very, very happy.

(Spinner puts his arms around Jimmy and Sean.)

Jimmy: Dude! Armpits near the face.

In the hallway

Manny: So is Sean excited about tonight? Em you didn’t tell him, did you?

Emma: If I told him last week he would have worried himself into a coma. 

Manny: Well enough’s enough. You have to tell him, like right now.

Emma: Sean!

Sean: Emma.

Emma: Hi um…are you busy tonight?

Sean: Why am I getting that weird, scary vibe?

Emma: Um because…I know this sounds awful, but my parents were wondering if maybe you wanted to come to dinner. 

Sean: No!

Emma: But you have to! I told them you’re coming.

Sean: Emma we have Jimmy’s party tonight. We were invited. 

Emma: Yeah I know, but I think my parents would be a little more disappointed if you don’t show up than Jimmy will. 

Mr. Simpson: Hey one word for you. Chutoro!

Sean: Chut-…Emma!

Emma: It’s a kind of sushi. You know, raw fish? 

Sean: Yeah I know. 

Emma: Anyway my mom makes it for special occasions so you have to come! We’ll go to Jimmy’s after. I promise. Please. Please!

In a classroom, Jimmy is staring at Ashley

Spinner: Checking out Ashley huh? Dude could you be any more predictable?

Jimmy: Okay Ash has changed. She’s not the same girl she was last year. 

Spinner: Oh yeah. Yeah I know. She’s become a vampire.

Jimmy: I’m not talking about her style. I mean she’s more down to earth. 

Spinner: Yeah. 

(Terri walks by.)

Jimmy: Oh Ter I’m having a party tonight at my house. Can you make it?

Terri: Totally.

Jimmy: Tell Ash she can come to if she wants. It’s no big deal. 

Spinner: (Mimicking Jimmy) Tell Ash she can come to. It’s no big deal. 

Jimmy: (Mimicking Spinner) My armpits smell!

In the hallway

Paige: A vote. Hands or feet?

Ellie: Are we supposed to understand what that means?

Paige: It means my weekend at the spa with mom includes either a free manicure or pedicure. My choice. 

Terri: You’re missing Jimmy’s party for a pedicure? 

Paige: No for a spa weekend. Look it’s more fun than a room full of Neanderthals. 

Ashley: So El, how about you?

Ellie: I’d have more fun sculpting my earwax. Why? Are you going?

Ashley: Nah. I don’t think so. 

Terri: Ash! You so want to go. 

Ashley: But he didn’t really invite me. He just sort of invited me. 

Terri: I see the way he looks at you. He still likes you. 

Ashley: I’m not sure I believe that Ter.

Terri: Well only one way to find out.

At Sean’s house

Tracker: Sean it’s just a job, okay? Everything’s gonna be alright. 

Sean: You know what? That’s what dad said and it never was!

Tracker: I know. I know, but me and you, we’re not mom and dad, right?

Sean: No? We live like them. You’re out of work!

Tracker: Yeah money’s important Sean, but so’s my pride.

Sean: You know what Tracker? You sound just like dad, whenever he lost his job or whenever he quit or whenever he got fired and he just…

Tracker: Yeah except then he’d go and take all our money and blow it on booze. Do you see me doing that?!

Sean: No. 

Tracker: That’s right. Look I got a job interview lined up for tomorrow. Does that sound like dad?

Sean: Aren’t you special.

Tracker: I’m trying. Where are you going with my pickled herring, punk?

Sean: Tonight I, I have dinner with Emma’s parents.

Tracker: Well isn’t that nice. Say hello to the family for me.

At Emma’s house

Spike: Em. Nervous?

Emma: Not for me. For Sean. You guys aren’t gonna grill him, right?

Spike: Just the octopus, but I, I hear you, okay?

(Emma sets out the napkins.)

Emma: Black. 

Spike: Just relax!

Outside

(Sean is walking towards Emma’s house.)

At Emma’s house, during dinner

Mr. Simpson: You know I was reading that uh the average sumo wrestler weighs around 400 pounds and one of the best tipped the scale at 700 pounds. Can you believe that? 

Spike: That’s because they eat like a ton of rice, morning, noon and night.

Mr. Simpson: Mm. Speaking of rice I think I’m going to have some more of the kamaboko. 

Spike: So Sean, I uh hear you’re quite the basketball star?

Sean: Uh I’m okay I guess.

Mr. Simpson: Don’t be modest. I saw you tearing up the court the other day. 

Spike: Your parents must be proud.

Mr. Simpson: Uh Emma can you pass the nigiri please?

Emma: Yeah sure. 

Sean: Uh they’re in Wasaga Beach. I live with my brother.

Spike: Oh right. 

Emma: Uh mom, um the California roll looks great.

Mr. Simpson: What does your brother do?

Sean: Well he’s…

Emma: Snake!

Sean: It’s alright. Emma it’s alright. He installs side view mirrors on minivans. 

Mr. Simpson: Oh he’s an auto worker. That’s a noble profession.

Sean: Yeah he quit yesterday.

Spike: Oh. I’m sorry to hear that.

Sean: Um do you guys mind if I get some water?

Spike: No not at all. Help yourself.

(Sean gets up and goes to the kitchen.)

Emma: You guys, I thought I asked you not to do this!

Spike: It’s just that children shouldn’t have to live with that kind of stress.

Sean: Does anybody else want any water?

Mr. Simpson: No I think we’re all fine. 

(Sean sees a bottle of alcohol on the counter, pours some into his glass and drinks it quickly before walking back to the table.)

Spike: So Sean? Have you uh seen any good movies lately?

Sean: No. 

Spike: Oh uh I really like them. Mr. Simpson, Snake and I, we like them. Going to them. Don’t we?

Mr. Simpson: Yeah. Yeah. A lot. Popcorn, soda, Godzilla…

Sean: Cool. Emma you want some more pie?

Emma: Yeah sure. 

(Sean starts to pass the pie and knocks over Emma’s plate onto her lap.)

Mr. Simpson: Oh, oh, oh!

Emma: Oh. 

Sean: I’m sorry! 

Emma: Oh. 

Sean: I’m sorry. Here let me, let me help you clean up. 

Emma: No it’s okay.

Sean: Here I’ll do it-

Emma: No. Really. I’ll just go change.

Mr. Simpson: You know I feel like some coffee. I’m gonna put a pot on. 

Spike: So uh Snake and I are really glad that you could come. It’s given us a chance to get to know each other a bit more. 

Sean: No problem.

Spike: Anytime. Hey why don’t I pack you up some leftovers?

Sean: You, you already made me dinner. 

Spike: Give you a nice home cooked meal.

Sean: Because I don’t get nice home cooked meals at home? 

Spike: Sean we just have extra.

Sean: For a welfare case!

Spike: That’s not what I was saying. Sean. Where are you going? Sean!

(Sean puts his jacket on and leaves quickly.)

At Jimmy’s party, Terri and Ashley walk in

Ashley: I shouldn’t be here.

Terri: Spinner!

Spinner: Hey. Uh Terri, Ash. Uh great you came. Uh where’s Paige?

Terri: At the spa, but we’re here.

Spinner: Oh yeah uh great. That’s-

(Someone sprays Spinner with whipped cream and Spinner chases after her.)

Terri: You should go find Jimmy.

Ashley: I already have.

Jimmy: So you came.

Ashley: I came.

Jimmy: Good.

Ashley: Good. 

Guest: Hey Jimmy!

Jimmy: Sorry I got guests to attend to. I’ll catch you later. 

Ashley: Wow. Guess he really didn’t want me to come after all. 

Terri: I know the feeling. 

At Emma’s, Emma comes downstairs wearing different clothes

Emma: Hey I- 

(Emma sees that Sean isn’t there.)

Emma: Where’s Sean?

Spike: He uh, he left.

Emma: What?! Why? What did you say?

Spike: Nothing. I, I offered him leftovers. He totally misunderstood and that’s all. Honest. 

Emma: Yeah really.

Mr. Simpson: Emma.

Spike: Where are you going?

Emma: To find him!

At Jimmy’s party, Sean walks in

Sean: Yo what’s going on? I heard there’s a party here!

Craig: I thought you weren’t coming man. 

Sean: No I am. This is a party. I love parties. Yeah!

Spinner: Yeah party. Woo hoo. Anyways you know, got to get my ladies, tend to them. See you later.

Sean: Sweet man. He’s got ladies. Yo what’s going on buddy? What do you say?

Craig: Yeah um, you been drinking?

Sean: No! Maybe a little. Come on man let’s go. Yo introduce me to some people. Jimmy. What’s going on man?

Jimmy: Hey you made it! What’s up?

Sean: Nothing. 

Craig: What’s up man?

Jimmy: Not much. Uh napkins. I need napkins. 

(He reaches under the counter for the napkins where his parents keep the booze.)

Jimmy: Catch you boys later?

Sean: Yeah. 

(Sean looks at the alcohol under the bar.)

Craig: So uh where’s Emma?

Sean: Emma? Uh she’s at home. We’re through.

Craig: What? You guys just got back together.

Sean: I know, alright? But her mom called me a total welfare case or something. So I told her off and I left. I totally freaked out and whatever, okay? It’s over and obviously Emma’s never gonna forgive me.

Craig: You don’t know that. Call her. 

Sean: No man. It’s over, alright?

Craig: Sean, just pick up the phone…

Sean: Okay?!

Craig: Okay. 

Sean: Okay. 

Craig: You coming?

Sean: Yeah just give me a minute. 

(He pours out some of his soft drink and pours the alcohol into his bottle. A random guy walks over to Ashley.)

Party guest: You plus me, destiny.

Terri: Okay, let’s go.

(Ashley and Terri start to leave.)

Jimmy: Ash! You can’t go.

Ashley: Uh yes I can.

Jimmy: No, no. We didn’t talk yet.

Ashley: You’ve got a lot of guests.

Jimmy: You’re the guest I want to be with.

Ashley: I can stick around for a bit.

Jimmy: That’s great. 

(Emma walks in looking for Sean.)

Emma: Sean! Sean! Here you are. I’m so sorry about my mom. What did she say exactly?

Sean: Exactly?

Emma: Yeah I want to call her on it. What did she say?

Sean: She said the truth, alright? She said the truth. 

Emma: Sean are you drunk? Where did you get that?

Sean: My host, Jimmy Brooks and it’s time for a refill. 

(He starts opening the bottle.)

Emma: Sean!

Sean: Yo Emma calm down. What are you gonna give me for it?

(He starts holding the bottle away from her as she tries to grab it.)

Emma: Sean! No!

Sean: What are you gonna give me for it? 

Emma: Sean!

(He drops the bottle and the music stops.)

Jimmy: So you, you come to my house to steal my parents booze? 

Sean: Jimmy come on man. Your parents are so rich they won’t even know. 

Jimmy: Just get out of here.

Sean: At least let me clean it up. 

Jimmy: Just get out!

(Emma grabs Sean and they leave, while Jimmy and Ashley start picking up the broken bottle pieces and Jimmy cuts his hand.)

Jimmy: Ah. 

Ashley: Here. 

(She puts a napkin on his hand and they’re about to kiss when Ashley pulls away.)

Ashley: You know what? Um Terri’s waiting. 

Outside Jimmy’s, Sean and Emma are sitting down

Sean: I don’t feel good. I have to go home. 

(He starts to stand up and Emma helps him sit back down.)

Sean: Why do you even bother?

Emma: What are you talking about?

Sean: I’m just a big, stupid loser. My parents are drunks, my, my brother’s out of work. I’m just a big, stupid loser like them.

Emma: Yeah so is that what you want me to say? Do you want me to call you a big, stupid loser Sean? Is that what you want?

(Emma takes out her cell phone.)

Sean: Who are you calling?

Emma: My mom.

Sean: What? No. Hang up. 

Emma: (On the phone) Mom you know you said if I ever needed you’d pick me up no questions asked? Great. We’re outside Jimmy’s.

In the hallway

Ashley: How’s your hand?

Jimmy: I’ll survive. 

Ashley: I’m sorry about the other night. 

Jimmy: Nah the party got out of hand. I got serious flack though.

Ashley: That’s not what I mean. I mean-

Jimmy: Oh. Uh look I guess it was kind of my fault ‘cause I weirded you-

(Ashley kisses him.)

Ashley: So now we’re even.

(Jimmy is about to lean in and kiss Ashley when Sean interrupts.)

Sean: Hey Jimmy. 

(Jimmy and Ashley ignore him and walk away.)

Emma: Sean! Sean. Sean why are you doing this?

Sean: Because I screwed up, alright Emma? 

Emma: Once! Everybody screws up once. 

Sean: Emma homeroom is about to start. 

Emma: I know, but this is more important, so stop!

(They sit down by the lockers.)

Sean: Things are always gonna be like this.

Emma: Like what?

Sean: Me screwing up. It’s in my blood. 

Emma: It’s in your head and that’s all.

Sean: Your mom and Simpson aren’t gonna be as forgiving. 

Emma: Did my mom give you the third degree? 

Sean: No.

Emma: I mean if she has to drive you home drunk a second time it might be a different story. 

Sean: You don’t have to worry about that, alright? Tracker gave me a lecture and I just don’t-

Emma: Okay, but this isn’t about Tracker or your parents or my parents. This is about you and me. Sean I like you.

Sean: I like you too.
{"type": "series", "show": "Degrassi Next Generation", "episode": "02x16 - Message in a Bottle"}