A simple dressing area. A coat rack with various colored ties stand next to
a mirror. NICK is getting ready for a suited event, buttoning his shirt, when
his son AIDAN, in his full suit with a pink carnation on the lapel, enters
AIDAN
I’d go with the light blue tie.
NICK
That wouldn’t be appropriate.
AIDAN
Oh, come on—
NICK
I’m going with the black tie.
AIDAN
It has a Darth Vader Jolly Roger at the bottom.
NICK
I’ll keep the blazer buttoned.
AIDAN
Dad—
NICK
Aidan…not now.
AIDAN
It’s not like I can change your mind tomorrow. At such a once-in-a-lifetime event, you should wear the light blue.
NICK
Once-in-a-lifetime…
AIDAN
Yeah. It’s not like this’ll ever happen again.
NICK
I’m not appreciating this humor right now.
AIDAN
I’m just trying to lighten the mood, old man.
NICK
Something you always sucked at.
AIDAN
Burn.
NICK
{reaching for the black tie} You shouldn’t be here anyway.
AIDAN
Someone has to make sure you were putting on the correct tie! Light blue, dude!
NICK
I’m not wearing the light blue!
AIDAN
Why? It’s not like it’s the color of boogers or blood—
NICK
Don’t.
AIDAN
Dad—
NICK
Just don’t!
AIDAN
Dad!
NICK
You shouldn’t be here anyway!
AIDAN
…I didn’t want to leave you alone today.
NICK
I won’t be alone—
AIDAN
Fine! I didn’t want to be alone today!
Nick stumbles as he looks at his son
AIDAN
I don’t want to be alone. I’m going to be alone up there, I know it. I just wanted some comfort before I’m up there, displayed before God and everyone. Alone.
Aidan starts to cry, though still trying to be manly and hide it from his
father. Nick pulls him into a hug
NICK
Yes. You’re going to be alone up there. But if you want, I’ll stand right next to you.
AIDAN
I’m scared…
NICK
We both are.
AIDAN
This’ll be it.
NICK
Yeah, it will.
They pull away from each other
NICK
I’ll miss you.
AIDAN
Me too.
NICK
{straightening Aidan’s lapel} You look as sharp as you did when you left for prom.
AIDAN
Mom changed the color of the flower, though.
NICK
The boutonnière.
AIDAN
Whatever, it’s a flower.
NICK
Yeah, she did…
AIDAN
Does she still have the original flower?
NICK
{sighs} I don’t think she’ll ever let it go.
AIDAN
That’s pretty gross.
NICK
It’s the last essence of you she can keep.
AIDAN
I get it; still gross. The blood is just gonna…rust or something, I don’t know.
NICK
I’m not gonna make her get rid of it, if that’s what you’re asking.
AIDAN
Nah. She doesn’t need to get rid of it. I just think it’s gross.
NICK
…just answer me one thing.
AIDAN
Sure.
NICK
Did you feel anything? Any pain?
AIDAN
…only for a moment. Just a quick moment. It was like being scared? When your heart jumps? Like that. And that was it.
NICK
Promise?
AIDAN
Yeah.
NICK
{sighs} I need to finish.
AIDAN
And I should go.
NICK
Meet you there.
AIDAN
Funny.
NICK
Aidan?
AIDAN
Hm?
NICK
Light blue?
AIDAN
It was my favorite tie on you.
Nick puts on the tie as Aidan lingers
AIDAN
Dad?
NICK
Aidan.
AIDAN
I’m sorry.
NICK
I forgive you. Love you, son.
AIDAN
Love you too, old man.
Aidan exits. Nick looks at an empty room. He finishes putting on the light
blue tie with a sad chuckle.
Alexandra TG 