Malory and Kyle must participate in the annual April Fest production as the leading co-stars. If they can cooperate by the end of the production, their long records of uncivilized behaviour towards each other will be forgotten. 
Malory and Kyle attempt to cooperate, grabbing the opportunity to make a positive impact on their own future. In the process, they become entangled in the chaos of the other’s personal life. Malory learns of Kyle’s disturbing reality, and Kyle learns of Malory’s scarring past. Can these two brilliant but messy teens learn to rely on each other in the face of their silent battles?

Between The Lines

 “That was hurtful, Lloyd. You really put a load on my pride!” I say in mock hurt. 


 Malory and I have been sitting on the floor for the past half hour talking about our various episodes of duo hell. 


 “It was the least I could do when you became a stubborn splinter in my life!” she yells, laughing. 


 I laugh along. I’m glad she’s okay. 


 I sigh and stretch. “We were so immature and stupid. Look at all the shit we’ve done to each other. It amazes me that we haven’t made it into a history book breaking the record for the most pathetic, petty world conflicts to take place between two people.” 


 “We’re capable of turning the conspiracy of World War Three into a teen drama novel.” 


 “Well, that’s my cue,” she says, standing. “I’m gonna go get some food. What do you want? Come to the kitchen –there’s all sorts of junk there.” 


 But I’m not ready for Malory’s grumbling belly to end our greatest interaction. 


 I never thought I’d be angrier at Malory’s stomach than I would be at her. 


 “I... think I should probably head home now, actually. I should be fine til’ I get there,” I say, reluctantly. 


 She scoffs, baffled. “Don’t be ridiculous, Davidson. Look at the time! Look outside! It’s dark and you are not walking all the way to Millennium Lane from here. That’s at least an hour and a half of walking because you’re not going to get a taxi any time soon.” 


 “What are you talking about? I’ve been doing that since I was-” 


 I shoot Malory a look of anxiety for one quick moment before realising I shouldn’t panic in front of her. 


 I think I’ll just do myself a favour and cut my tongue off. 


 Malory folds her arms. “Since you were what?” 


 “What I mean is... you really shouldn’t be the one to talk!” I say, quickly. “You live here all alone, come home in darkness after work, wake up early and travel in darkness... It’s a wonder you’ve never been preyed upon by a paedophile.” 


 “What?” She asks, triggered. “I know how to fight, Kyle!” She says defensively. “Do you think I would’ve known if I never had to!?” 


 Her eyes go wide and she stands firmly on her two feet, inhaling deeply to process what she’d just said. She opens her mouth to say something but changes the topic instead. 


 “I... I’m going -food. To get some food.” 


 “You... know what? On second thought, you’re right.” 


 She eyes me suspiciously. “Ah...bout?” 


 I make it easy for her. I change the topic willingly. “What can you cook?” 


 Her suspicion doesn’t fade. “...All...sorts of things. Rice... Chicken...” then suddenly it’s as if she’s really thinking about it, and she loses the tension in her face. “I can do pizza and fries, too... lots of other stuff...” 


 “I... guess so...” she says, eyeing me suspiciously once more. I grin at her. She turns on her toes and walks out of the room while continuing to speak. “But you’ll have to ignore the lack of ingredients. I didn’t buy a lot of things to put on a pizza… the last time I went to the grocery. I probably have enough for a cheese and pepperoni pizza. Or, if you want, we can just stick to the cheese, whatcha think?” 


Because They Care [1]