The lights come on and we see Luca, 17, loitering outside a convenient store. He wears a Cleveland Browns football jersey and khakis. He looks around cautiously as if he has something to hide.
Enter JC, a slightly older looking guy, wearing jeans and a t-shirt. He is a tall, and muscular. As he is about to open the door, Luca stops him.
Luca: Uh, excuse me? You think you could do me a favor?
JC looks puzzled.
JC: I don’t have any money. Sorry.
Luca: No, no. I don’t need any money. I was just wondering if, maybe you could buy me some beer? I have money for it.
JC laughs.
JC: Umm, dude. I’m not old enough to buy beer.
Luca: What? How old are you?
JC: 17.
Luca: Me, too. Wow, you totally look old enough.
JC: Well, thanks, I guess.
Luca: Have you ever tried?
JC: Tried what?
Luca: To buy beer. You could easily get away with it.
JC: You think?
Luca: Yeah, man.
JC: Guess I never even thought about it.
Luca: You want to try?
JC: I don’t know…
Luca: …what’s the worst that could happen? They say, ‘no’. Big deal. I bet if you go in there and just act all mature, you’d be fine.
JC contemplates this for a moment.
JC: Okay, what kind do you want?
Luca: I don’t care. Whatever’s cheapest.
JC: See, if I am going to do this for you, you have to buy something better than cheap beer. They will totally be on to you, otherwise.
Luca considers this for a moment.
Luca: Yeah, you’re right.
Luca pulls out a $20 from his pocket. JC stares at it.
JC: Hey man, it’s my butt on the line. I need at least $40 so they think I’m serious.
Luca reluctantly reaches into his pocket and pulls out another $20. He hands the $40 over to JC who grabs it and opens the door as Luca nervously looks on.
Luca: Good luck, man.
JC enters the store. Luca paces outside, occasionally peeks in to see what is going on. After a few moments JC comes running out. He takes off. A clerk comes running after him.
Luca (calling after him): What happened?
JC (shouting back at him): Could do it. And thanks for the money.
Luca is stunned for a moment.
Luca: Dammit.
The clerk goes back inside the store as Luca stands there depressed, then walks away.
By Devin Garza
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