Bittersweet Candy Bowl

37. A Different Side, original chapter posted 7/4/07

Page 3 of 16

Transcript

*Paulo approaches Tess. He grins nervously, rubbing the back of his head.*
Paulo: Ahah.. uhh.. hi there..
*Tess smiles shyly.*
Tess: Hey, Paulo..

*Paulo and Tess look away from each other, anxious.*
Paulo and Tess: …

*Paulo turns away to cough into his fist.*
Paulo: (cough) (A-hem) H-hey, Tess..
*Tess looks at Paulo.*
Tess: ..?

*Tess listens to Paulo, looking pensive. Paulo speaks from off-panel.*
Paulo: Where were you during lunch? I was looking for you, but you weren’t at the table..

*Tess blushes and frowns uneasily.*
Tess: …

*Tess glances down.*
Tess: I.. didn’t wanna bother you today after what I told you.. I’m sorry..

*Tess looks away from Paulo, rubbing her arm.*
Tess: I thought you were gonna be really angry about it..
*Paulo looks concerned.*
Paulo: Tess..

*Paulo gets angry, surprising Tess.*
Paulo: WELL DUH!!

Paulo: No, seriously, What did you expect? For me to be happy you’re just letting yourself get bullied by some stupid kids?

*Paulo leans toward Tess.*
Paulo: And what REALLY gets me is that you didn’t tell me sooner! Seriously, what the hell?!
*Tess leans back, bringing her hand to her chest, flustered.*
Tess: P-Paulo..

*Paulo looks away, huffing and crossing his arms.*
Paulo: I kinda thought we were close, you know..?
*Tess gets upset.*
Tess: BUT WE ARE!!

*Tess squeezes her eyes shut and balls up her fists.*
Tess: IT’S NOT LIKE YOU’RE ANY BETTER, RUBBING UP TO LUCY OVER THERE!!
*Paulo blushes, startled.*
Paulo: !

*Tess, embarrassed, freezes and shuts her mouth, realizing what she just said. Paulo silently stares at Tess, blushing.*
Paulo and Tess: …

*Tess and Paulo stare into each other’s eyes, continuing to blush.*
Tess: Uhh..
Paulo: …

*The gym teacher, standing behind them, clears her throat.*
Gym teacher: (A-hem)
*Paulo and Tess, noticing she is there, look embarrassed.*

*The gym teacher looks bored.*
Gym teacher: While I DO enjoy watching Paulo ping-pong between love interests, and all we’re really doing is wasting twenty minutes before you’re due at the pep rally, I’d prefer you fat kids actually DID something. Like play kickball. In fact, that’s an idea.

*Paulo glances back over his shoulder at the gym teacher.*
Gym teacher: Gather ’round kids! Who’s up for a round of kickball!
Paulo: …
*Tess watches him, blushing.*
Tess: Ha ha..

*Tess smiles and scratches her head.*
Tess: That was embarrassing.
*Paulo blushes, scandalized.*
Paulo: What the HELL does she keep saying about me?!