Bittersweet Candy Bowl

27. Flirting with Disaster, original chapter posted 11/3/06

Page 6 of 6

Transcript

[Paulo’s flashback continues.]
*Paulo trudges away, looking heartbroken.*
Paulo (narrating): It was a huge blow, no pun intended. My biggest fear was realized, and I felt like a goddamn fool..

*Still holding his face where he was hit, Paulo looks up as a girl with pigtails starts talking to him.*
Paulo (narrating): .. But the other girls still seemed to like the “new me”..

*They smile at each other.*
Paulo (narrating): And I was.. just kinda.. too proud to say anything more to you after that..

*Paulo scratches his head, continuing to talk to the girl. His face is still bruised.*
Paulo (narrating): So now you know what was going through my head, I guess. Makes me feel a little dumb explaining myself.

*Back in the present, Paulo looks down solemnly. Tess, Lucy, and Daisy look on with concern.*
Paulo: But it’s the truth. For better or worse.

*Lucy awkwardly approaches Paulo.*
Lucy: You didn’t have to feel so ashamed..
*Paulo frowns and looks away.*
Paulo: Well, I was.

*Paulo looks at Lucy, ashamed.*
Paulo: I became the kind of guy you hate, though.. how stupid is that?
Lucy: Nah, Paulo..

*Lucy smiles sweetly.*
Paulo: You are who you are.. and no matter how much you pretend to be someone else, the real you is always inside.

*Paulo looks touched.*
Paulo: Lucy..
*Lucy smiles up at him.*

*Paulo puts on a flirty grin and caresses Lucy’s cheek.*
Paulo: Lemme show you how real this Paulo can get~ ♥
*Lucy blushes, shocked.*

*Lucy instantly uppercuts Paulo. He goes down hard, his feet sticking up in the air.*
Lucy: I’ve seen enough of him.
*Lucy has a stern look on her face.*

*Mike looks down at Paulo, annoyed.*
Mike: I can’t believe you thought that’d work.
*Paulo sits up on the floor and glares.*
Paulo: Shut it, pansy.

*Paulo, still on the ground, grins teasingly at Mike.*
Mike: You’re just jealous it’s been confirmed Lucy would screw me before you.
*Mike shakes his fist, looking angry.*
Mike: That’s not tru-

*Tess and Daisy nod thoughtfully.*
Tess: Actually, it is.
Daisy: Surprisingly.
*David looks at Mike with a serious face.*
David: Owned, son.

*Paulo stands up again, beaming, with sparkles around him. Mike stands next to him, looking sullen.*
Mike: Thanks, everybody.

*Paulo looks down at Mike.*
Paulo: Keep dreamin’ of yer imaginary girlfriend, loser!
*Mike looks appalled.*

*Mike launches himself at Paulo, fur standing on end, and the two begin fighting.*
Mike: YOU LITTLE F@$#ing @%#@!!

*Tess looks on, amused.*
Tess: Well, that was educational.
*David clasps his hands to his cheeks and smiles, hearts floating around him.*
David: ♥ I always knew Lucy-baby had great taste! ♥
END

Author commentary

Veronica: Paulo is gonna be glowing for months after this, At least the group gets to see a more vulnerable side of him! Even though he’s back to his old ways.

Anyway, no need to get so jealous, Mike! You got a girlfriend a phone call away! Did you forget about her?

Oliver: Another standout line for me: Daisy’s “Surprisingly.”