MICK, A KID WHO FOUGHT

by

Steve Weissman

Copyright © 2020 Steve Weissman

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-0-6488482-3-3

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 - Mick

Chapter 2 - Pop

Chapter 3 - Mom

Chapter 4 - Thomaz

Chapter 5 - Burly

Chapter 6 - Stars

Chapter 7 - Mr. Stewart

Chapter 8 - English grade?

Chapter 9 - Awesome

Chapter 10 - More

Chapter 11 - Fourth grade

Chapter 12 - Death

Chapter 13 - Not worth it

Chapter 14 - Should have

Chapter 15 - Billy

Chapter 16 - Grandpa

Chapter 17 - Change

Chapter 18 - Again

Chapter 19 - Alphabetically

Chapter 20 - What a shit

Chapter 21 - Homework

Chapter 22 - Three Y plus C squared

Chapter 23 - Tutoring

Chapter 24 - Chill

Chapter 25 - The Principal

Chapter 26 - Burly's envy

Chapter 27 - College

Chapter 28 - Hiccups

Chapter 29 - Sorry

Chapter 30 - Poppa?

Chapter 31 - UVA

Chapter 32 - Frisbee

Chapter 33 - The Awards Ceremony

Chapter 34 - Disappointments

Chapter 35 - Ever been kicked?

Chapter 36 - This time

Chapter 37 - Why?

Chapter 38 - Boycott

Chapter 39 - History

Chapter 40 - Brownies

Chapter 41 - The function of Z

Chapter 42 - Arms wide

Chapter 43 - Something else

Chapter 44 - Rules

Chapter 45 - Justice

Chapter 46 - Cloud 9

Chapter 47 - Surprise

Chapter 48 - Hiding

Chapter 49 - The Bracelet

Chapter 50 - This time

Chapter 51 - Swan

Chapter 52 - The push

Chapter 53 - If

Chapter 54 - Pop's challenge

Chapter 55 - Yeah

Chapter 56 - Smug

Chapter 57 - First attempt

Chapter 58 - Well done

Chapter 59 - Another go

Chapter 60 - Express

Chapter 61 - Show me

Chapter 62 - Weird One

Chapter 63 - Talk?

Chapter 64 - We fight

Chapter 65 - Impressive

Chapter 66 - To Grandpa

Chapter 67 - A fighter!

Chapter 68 - Smaller

Chapter 69 - The game of life

Chapter 70 - Bigger

Chapter 71 - The Apology

Chapter 72 - Growing up

Chapter 73 - The Award

Chapter 74 - Transfer

Chapter 75 - Which college?

Chapter 76 - A victor of the people

About the Author

Steve's 13 stories

* * * * *

Chapter 1 - Mick

* * * * *

Hollins Elementary School.

Blossoming Spring trees.

Third grade Math class.

Twenty-nine third-graders pay attention to the Math teacher, Mr. Charles Burly (47) large and strong, a bitter, failed scientist, as he writes on the board.

Burly, "Okay class, adding four four-digit numbers: 1,264 plus 2,438 plus 9,631 plus 6,499."

All the kids watch intently except for one boy, Mikolaj (Mick) Wieczorek (9) lanky, excess energy, bouncing his knee.

He sits halfway along the windows, speeds his pen across his paper.

He writes the same four four-digit numbers.

Burly, "Now watch. Always start with the right column, 4 plus 8 plus 1 plus 9."

Mick's pen zips down the left digits touching each number lightly, he taps above the hundred's column, writes below the thousands, "19".

His pen zips down the hundreds, he taps the ten's column, writes "8" under the hundred's.

Burly, "22, right? So we put "2" and carry the twenty."

Burly puts a "2" above the twenty's digits.

Mick's pen zips down the tens, he taps the right column, writes "3" below the ten's and a "2" below the right column.

He gazes at the numbers, shrugs, looks out the window.

An eagle soars.

Burly, "Now 2 plus 3 plus 3 plus 6 plus 9. Okay, 23. So we put "3" and carry the two hundred."

Burly notices Mick.

Burly, "Uh-hum!"

Mick doesn't turn.

Burly, "Mick!"

Timidly, Mick looks at Burly.

Burly, "Mick, this lesson is for you, also."

Mick holds up his paper, "19,832, Sir."

Many kids snicker.

Burly frowns, his cheek twitches.

Embarrassed, Mick looks down.

Mick, "I, I'm sorry, Mr. Burly."

Burly, "Mikolaj Wieczorek, you will stay after school today."

Mick bites his bottom lip, fighting back a tear in one eye.

He wipes it.

A girl sitting next to him, Holly Melton (9) thick glasses, long braided pony tail, frumpy clothes, puts a tissue on Mick's desk.

He looks the other way.

* * * * *

Chapter 2 - Pop

* * * * *

Road works.

A flagman waves cars around machines and men working on a stretch of highway.

A sign reads, "Virginia State Road Works, City of Alexandria," followed by cost details.

Mick's father, Pop (45) rugged, Polish, thick accent, slight broken English, short and stocky, drives a Roller machine, flattening newly leveled dirt.

He arrives at the end of the stretch, stops prior to reversing back over the road.

The Foreman (35), big arrogant S.O.B., struts along the newly dumped soil.

He yells at a limping older man, Baker (55), who pulls sticks out of the pile, "Hurry up, Baker, get those sticks."

Baker hustles, as quickly as he can.

Foreman, "Faster, Baker, we ain't got all day."

The Foreman approaches Baker, shoves him so he falls in the dirt.

The Foreman laughs, "Where you belong, old man, ha!"

The Foreman looks up to see Pop watching, "And what's your problem, Pole man!"

Pop shakes his head, no, reverses the Roller machine, looks backward and drives off.

* * * * *

Chapter 3 - Mom

* * * * *

Mick's dining/living room.

One large room.

A photo on a sideboard shows Lech Walesa (Poland's famous freedom leader) shaking hands with an elderly man, who looks like an older version of Pop.

Above the photo are three round award plaques:

"THOMAZ WIECZOREK, BEST MATH STUDENT, FORD HIGH SCHOOL."

"THOMAZ WIECZOREK, BEST SCIENCE STUDENT, FORD HIGH SCHOOL."

"THOMAZ WIECZOREK, VALEDICTORIAN, FORD HIGH SCHOOL."

Mick’s Mom (40), Polish, small, slight accent, Pop and Thomaz (18), Mick's studious, straight "A" brother, eat dinner.

Pop, "So, Mikolaj, you do bad in school again?"

Mick, "Poppa, I wasn't--"

Thomaz, "So why'd you have to stay after?"

Mick, "Poppa, the teacher, he--"

Pop, "Now, you do not blame teacher. His job to help you."

Mick, "But--"

Pop, "Enough! Do not stir a tiger."

Mom, "Maybe we should talk to the teacher."

Pop ignores her, eats.

Mom, "Poppa, maybe we should talk to the teacher. Your father would have--"

Pop throws his napkin on his plate, stands, "Father's dead. Maybe you talk to Mikolaj. Thomaz never bad student."

Pop points over at Thomaz's plaques, "Mikolaj, you can do better."

Pop stomps away.

Mom, "Mikolaj, the school year is almost finished. Next year you might get a better teacher."

Mick nods, thankfully.

Thomaz, "Momma, I never had any trouble--"

Mom, "Thomaz, Mikolaj is not you."

Mom reaches over and pats Mick's arm.

* * * * *

Chapter 4 - Thomaz

* * * * *

Mick enters the bathroom as Thomaz finishes brushing his teeth, rinsing from a glass.

Thomaz, "If you were born in Poland, you'd understand and try harder."

Mick, "You were only three when you came here."

Thomaz, "Micky, I was born... in... Poland."

Thomaz puts his glass down.

* * * * *

Chapter 5 - Burly

* * * * *

Bar.

Burly slams his glass down, as he drinks with two friends, Ted and Bob (45ish).

He's had too many.

Burly, "Polish... a 9 year old, little wise ass."

Ted, "Ha, you wouldn't be a bit jealous?"

Bob, "Had a gifted rival beat you in school, eh, Burly?"

Burly, "The bastard got my science job, got the prettiest girl, too."

Burly downs another, "Not jealous, not me. Kids like him are... shits."

Burly passes out, falling face down on the table.

His friends shake their heads.

Ted, "Pretty sad to be jealous of a 9 year old.”

Bob, "Poor Burly."

Ted, "Poor kid."

* * * * *

Chapter 6 - Stars

* * * * *

Lower income suburbs.

Mick's second story bedroom window juts out of the roof.

Mick opens it, looks out.

Super careful, obviously scared of heights, he climbs out onto the slanted roof.

He clings on tightly, crawls up over the window.

His hands clasp firmly on an exhaust pipe, he lies back, gazes at the stars.

* * * * *

Chapter 7 - Mr. Stewart

* * * * *

Elementary school playground.

Kids play.

Mick lies on a table top, gazing at the clouds.

Robert Boren (9), chubby, brainy in all subjects, comes over.

Robert, "Hey."

Mick sits up.

They shake hands in a "personalized" give-me-five handshake.

Mick, "What's up, Rob?"

Robert pulls out some chewing gum, offers a stick to Mick, who takes it.

Robert, "New sub Math teacher."

Mick, "Triple awesome. Can't be worse than Burly."

They race to the school, with Robert puffing heavily and straining to keep up.

* * * * *

Mick and Robert enter the classroom, head to their seats.

Robert sits in front of Mick.

Mr. Stewart (40), pleasant looking and temperament, stands in front as all the kids come in.

Robert, "Y'know, Mick my dude, one of these days, I'm going to top you in Math."

Mick, "Hey, you get A's in everything, don't be greedy."

Mr. Stewart stands.

Mr. Stewart, "Good morning, My name's Mr. Stewart. Mr. Burly has an urgent family matter, so I'll be your Math teacher for the rest of the year."

Happy smiles break out on all the kids.

Mick whispers to Robert, "Triple awesome times ten."

Mr. Stewart, "So first we have a test."

Shock.

The kids murmur.

Mr. Stewart, "I know it's my first day, so don't worry. This won't count for your grades. I'm just interested to see how much you know without warning."

Mick, "Race you. Fifty cents for the winner."

Robert, "You're on."

Mr. Stewart hands out the test papers, "Okay, you have one hour. If you can't finish them all, that's fine, be sure to do your work next to the question. Always show your work because on real tests, that can give you extra points."

The classroom clock shows 1:00.

All the kids busily answer the questions.

Mick's hand moves down the paper faster than anyone's.

* * * * *

Mick's watch displays 1:20.

He stands, "Uh-hum."

Rob glances, gives Mick a thumbs up and an envious frown.

Holly looks up, sighs.

He walks to Mr. Stewart, hands over his paper.

Mr. Stewart appears stunned.

He glances at the paper, there are only answers, no work, "Uh, Mick, perhaps you should check you work."

Mick, "I did, Sir."

Mr. Stewart's eyes squint at Mick, "Perhaps a second time would be good."

Mick, "I checked it three times, Sir. They're all correct."

Mick turns, walks back to his seat.

Mr. Stewart compares Mick's paper to his answer paper.

All answers are correct.

He shakes his head in astonishment, marks the paper "100".

He looks up at Mick.

Mick stares out the window, tapping his pen on his knee as if listening to music.

* * * * *

Chapter 8 - English grade?

* * * * *

Mick races in the kitchen, gives Mom a big hug, "Momma, I got a hundred on my Math test today!"

Mom, "That's nice, dear. Here's your favorite brownies. Just one before dinner."

Mick carefully picks a corner one from the edge of the plate, which has the most crust.

He hugs Mom again, "I love you, Mom!"

He dances out of the kitchen into the living room.

Pop reads on the sofa.

Mick looks over at Thomaz's Math award, takes a big breath and nods.

He clenches his fist and mouths the words, "One day, mine."

He hiccups.

Again.

Again.

He giggles.

Pop, "Come."

Mick comes close, turns around.

Pop puts his hands over Mick's ears.

Mick squeezes his nose shut, takes a big breath and holds it.

Hiccups stop.

He smiles.

Pop lets go, Mick hugs him.

Mick, "Thanks, Poppa. I got a hundred on my Math test today!"

Pop, "Yeah. And how goes your English grade?"

Mick looks down, shuffles.

Pop, "Thomaz does A's in English, too. "

Mick bites his bottom lip.

* * * * *

Chapter 9 - Awesome

* * * * *

Mr. Stewart stands in front of the class.

He finishes explaining how to multiply 9 times 4,952 the standard way, "So, that's how to multiply 9 times 4,952. It equals 44,568."

Mick raises his hand.

Mr. Stewart, "Yes, Mick."

Mr. Stewart, "Sir, I can do that faster with subtraction."

Mr. Stewart, "Really? Come up and show us."

Mick comes to the front.

Mick, "Sir, nine equals ten minus one."

He writes 49,520 minus 4,952.

Mick, "So subtracting 49,520 minus 4,952. Zero becomes ten minus two is eight. Two becomes one becomes eleven minus five is six. Five becomes four becomes fourteen minus nine is five. Forty-nine becomes forty-eight minus four is forty-four. Answer, 44,568."

Mr. Stewart smiles in awe.

* * * * *

Teachers' lounge.

Relaxed.

Mr. Stewart talks with the English teacher, Sam (40) about Mick.

Sam, "Well, Burly reckoned Mick's a wise ass. 'Irritated by the kid' is a huge understatement."

Mr. Stewart, “Feels a bit threatened?”

Sam, "Maybe, but Mick's just scratching to get a "D" in English."

Mr. Stewart looks out the window, nods, "He'll be fine."

* * * * *

Chapter 10 - More

* * * * *

Mr. Stewart stands in front, "Well, it's been rewarding for me. You’re a fine bunch of kids with a lot of potential. I hope you’ve enjoyed our time together. Good luck next year in Fourth grade. I'll see you all around the school."

The bell rings.

Mick hangs back as all the other kids charge out, some saying thanks and good-bye to Mr. Stewart.

Mick approaches Mr. Stewart, "You've been my greatest teacher."

Mr. Stewart, "Thank you, Mick. And you've been my most outstanding Math student. But keep in mind that life has more than just Math. Good luck to you in all of life."

Mick beams.

They shake hands.

Mick bounces out of the room.

* * * * *

Chapter 11 - Fourth grade

* * * * *

Mick's street.

Autumn leaves.

Mick and Robert ride their bikes.

Mick, "Sure miss Mr. Stewart."

Robert, "Yeah, but we're Fourth graders now. Mrs. Caron ain't too bad. Might have gotten Burly again."

Mick, "Thank the cosmos."

Mick turns off into his home.

Robert, "Catch you tomorrow."

Mick, "If you can."

Mick speeds up his driveway, parks his bike against the house, dashes inside.

* * * * *

Chapter 12 - Death

* * * * *

Mick races in the front door, "Momma, I'm home."

He darts in the kitchen, "Momma?"

An open flour canister, bowl and square tin.

A knocked over chair lies on the floor next to spilled flour.

He looks around at the mess, "Momma!"

He runs up the stairs into his parent's room.

Mom lies on the floor.

Mick races to her, "Momma! Momma!"

Mom slowly opens her eyes, "Mikolaj, I'm tired. Give me a hug."

Tears in his eyes, Mick hugs Mom.

* * * * *

Cemetery.

Mick, Pop and Thomaz stand close to an open grave.

Forty friends surround them.

The Minister finishes the service, "May Mrs. Rose Wieczorek rest in peace."

Everyone, "Amen."

Pop steps forward, grabs some dirt and drops it in the grave.

He looks to Thomaz and Mick.

Thomaz does similar, turns to Mick.

Mick stands still, stares.

* * * * *

Mick's bedroom.

Mick opens his bedroom window, climbs out onto the slanted roof.

Crawls up over the window.

He curls himself around the exhaust pipe.

* * * * *

Early morning, outside the home.

Pop places a beat up small suitcase in the trunk of a second hand sedan.

Thomaz approaches with another .

Pop, “Where’s Mick? Uncle Joe's expecting us for lunch.”

Thomaz, “He’s coming.”

Mick hurries out of the house with his small bag, “Pop, we need to stop at Holly’s house. She picked up the work I need to do for school.”

Pop, “No, have time. You catch up when go back next week.”

* * * * *

Chapter 13 - Not worth it

* * * * *

Elementary school playground.

Kids play before school begins.

Holly runs up to Robert, "Seen Micky yet?"

Robert, "Holly hot on Micky?"

She blushes.

Robert offers her a stick of chewing gum, she refuses.

Holly, "I... I... I'm just a concerned friend. It's been a week."

Robert checks his iPhone, "Eight days, sixteen hours, thirty-two min--"

He points, "Checkmate."

Silence.

All the kids stop playing and watch Mick approach.

* * * * *

Mick enters the Math class.

The teacher, Mrs. Caron (55), pleasant, matronly, stops him, "Mick, how are you?"

Mick, "Fine, Ma'am."

Mrs. Caron, "I'm very sorry about your mother."

Mick, "Thank you."

Mrs. Caron, "Did you keep up with your homework?"

Mick hesitates, "Yes, Ma'am."

Mrs. Caron, "Very good."

Mick sits behind Robert and next to Holly.

Robert, "You kidding? Since when do you do Math homework?"

Mick shrugs.

Mrs. Caron, "Okay, pop test today."

Robert, "Cool."

Mick stares blankly.

Holly whispers, “Mick, tell her you were away, what your Pop said, that you didn’t get it. It’s new stuff. You won't have to do the test."

Robert, "Afraid I'll finally top you."

Mick frowns at Robert who drops his expression.

Robert, "Hey, sorry, I'm a shit, wrong day."

Mick, "I'll do it."

Holly, "But Mick, it was new stuff."

Mick, "I'll figure it out."

The clock reads 9:00.

Mrs. Caron hands out the tests, "You have forty-five minutes."

Robert zooms into it.

Mick reads the questions slowly.

The clock reads 9:25.

Mick's paper is half done.

He watches Robert stand, take his paper to the teacher.

The clock reads 9:45.

Mrs. Caron, "Okay, kids, hand in your papers."

Holly looks at Mick's unfinished paper as he hands his test forward.

Holly, "Mick, tell her."

Mick looks away, "It's just a pop test. I'll get hundreds on the real tests."

* * * * *

Playground.

Lunch break, kids play everywhere.

Mick and Robert throw Frisbee, not great, but not too bad for their age.

Mick's face is stoic.

Robert, "You should tell her you went to your Uncle's.”

Mick throws the Frisbee down, "Look, knock it off. I said, it doesn't matter. A pop test is nothing. It's not worth stirring--"

Robert, "That's what your dad says."

Mick's bottom lip quivers.

He fights back the emotions.

Robert, "Hey, I'm sorry, I'm sorry."

Robert races to Mick, puts his arm over Mick's shoulders, "Mick, I'm sorry. I'll buy you an ice cream."

They walk to the cafeteria.

* * * * *

Chapter 14 - Should have

* * * * *

Math class - one month later.

Mick walks in, greets Robert who sits at his desk.

Robert, "Report card day."

Mick, "Another "A", eh?"

Mick and Robert give each other their personalized "give me five" handshake.

Mick, "Hundreds on every test, no sweat."

Mick plunks down behind Robert.

Holly sits next to Mick, "hiding" behind her thick glasses.

She timidly opens her notebook, guarding it from Mick's view.

It shows, "Mick & Holly" written inside many hearts.

Mrs. Caron hands out the Math report cards, "So here's your report cards."

Robert receives his, "B", "What!?"

Mick gets an "A", "As always."

Mick glances at Robert's "B".

Mick, "How'd you get that?"

They both stare incredulous at Robert's card.

Their eyes go to three 100s for the regular tests and one D for the pop test.

Robert, "This... this ain't--"

Mick spots his name on the report card Robert holds.

Mick, "Shit!"

They slowly swap cards.

Almost a whisper as Mick stares at the "B", "What... the..."

Robert stands up, faces the teacher, "Ma'am."

Mrs. Caron, "Yes, Robert."

Robert, "I don't deserve this 'A'. If Mick gets a 'B', then I should, also."

Mrs. Caron, "Robert, you earned your 'A' and everyone else earned what they received."

Robert, "But Ma'am--"

Mrs. Caron, "That's enough."

Robert, "But Ma'am, Mick's smarter than me!"

Holly stands, "Mrs. Caron--"

Mrs. Caron, "I said, that's enough. Holly and Robert, both of you sit down or leave this room and visit the principal."

Holly sits.

Mick taps Robert, "Rob, it isn't worth it."

Robert sits, "You should have told her."

Mick picks up his pencil.

Holds it hard against his paper.

Harder.

Harder.

It breaks.

Holly puts another pencil on Mick's desk.

He looks the other way.

* * * * *

Chapter 15 - Billy

* * * * *

Playground.

Lunch break.

Mick strolls aimlessly, talking to himself, "Should have, should have told, no, don't stir anything, not worth it, worth it, yes, no."

Holly sits with her best girl friend, Betsy (10) redhead.

Mick stops, watches a bully, Billy (10) butch haircut, biggest kid in Fourth grade, with two butch cropped buddies, Jake (10) and Ted (9) approach Holly.

Billy, "Hey frumpy, what's it like to be an Alien?"

He forms his hands to pretend he has on glasses.

Holly tries to stay calm.

Betsy, "Billy, you stop that."

Billy, "You stop that, you stop that."

He puts his face near Holly's, "Who's going to make me?"

Mick stands fifteen feet away.

Holly races away.

Betsy follows, "I'm going to tell on you."

Billy, "Ugly bug-eyes Alien, frumpy sweater, ha, ha, ha."

Mick clenches both fists.

Billy spots Mick, strides over.

His buddies surround Mick.

Billy, "Got a problem?"

Mick looks down.

Billy, "Maybe you like Alien, ha."

Billy shoves Mick hard, laughs.

He and his buddies run off, push some other kids.

Mick bites his bottom lip.

* * * * *

Chapter 16 - Grandpa

* * * * *

Pop reads in the living room.

Mick moseys in, heads to the sideboard, grabs the photo of Lech Walesa shaking hands with an older man.

He sits next to Pop, "Poppa, tell me a story about Grandpa."

Pop grabs the photo, puts his finger on the man shaking hands with Lech Walesa, "Your Grandpa, my father was very good, strong man. A lawyer. You want be a lawyer?"

Mick, "No, never."

Pop, "Good, never be lawyer. Lawyer job too dangerous. Your Grandpa, he helped many, many people, but also stirred too many tigers..."

Mick's eyes glaze over.

* * * * *

Chapter 17 - Change

* * * * *

Martial Arts school.

Mick stares at the window display, including a video with black belts sparing.

A sign reads, "NEW CLASSES, EIGHT WEEKS $400." He frowns.

* * * * *

Library.

Mick browses the boxing, martial art section.

He takes three books.

* * * * *

Mick's bedroom.

Mick reads a Kung Fu book.

He bounces up, attempts the Horse Stance.

He glances at the book, makes a hit move.

Checks the book, makes a dodge.

Again the book, he tries a kick.

* * * * *

Eight years later.

Mick's bedroom.

Mick, now 17, average build, kicks a stuffed bag on the end of a rope hanging from the ceiling.

An advanced Kung Fu book rests on his desk.

Quite skilled, he knocks two tennis balls hanging on strings next to the bag.

As they swing, he dodges them with hits and kicks at the bag.

* * * * *

Chapter 18 - Again

* * * * *

High School hallway.

Mick, regular clothes, bustles with other students checking their new schedules, heading to their rooms.

Mick checks his list, CALCULUS - 10:00 - Mr. Burly - room 201.

He looks at the door number, 205.

He walks, 203.

He approaches the Calculus room, 201.

Robert, slimmed down, now 17, black turtle neck sweater, the "brain" of the school - except for Mick in Math, strides from the other direction, with Betsy, now 17, who wears hip clothes and hair.

They give each other a quick kiss, she heads to a different room.

Mick, "Hey, senior Robert."

Robert, "Senior Mick."

The handshake.

Robert hands Mick a stick of chewing gum.

Mick, "Big time. But what's this?"

Mick points at his schedule "CALCULUS - 10:00 - Mr. Burly".

Robert, "Watch out, it's third grade all over again."

Mick, "No!"

Robert waves his schedule paper at Mick, "It's on my form, too, dude."

Mick, "This... this really ain't the same Burly?"

Robert, "Transferred over from Grove High."

Mick, "C'mon, not for Calculus?"

Robert shrugs, enters the room.

Mick stands, dazed.

* * * * *

Chapter 19 - Alphabetically

* * * * *

Twelfth Grade Calculus class.

Mick enters, heads to a front seat next to Holly, now 17 and a hidden beauty behind her thick glasses, long braided pony tail and frumpy clothes.

Robert sits behind Holly.

Burly, eight years older, graying, stands arrogantly in front.

He holds a clipboard and writes his name on the whiteboard, "My name is Mr. Burly. In order for me to learn your names, you will sit in alphabetical order."

The students groan.

Burly stares at them angrily.

Quiet.

Burly, "Chris Andrews, sit up front, here."

Chris, a boy from the back stands.

Mick raises his hand, "Excuse me, Sir."

Burly, "I am not taking questions now. Chris, come forward."

The student in the first front seat gets out for Chris.

Mick, "Sir."

Burly, "What is your name?"

Mick, "It's me, Mick, Mikolaj Wieczorek, you taught me in third grade, Sir."

Burly stares at Mick, "Um, yes, so it is."

Mick, "Sir, if you make us sit alphabetically then I have to sit in the back."

Burly, "Then you will sit in the back. Robert Boren, next."

Mick, "Mr. Burly, I really love Math, can I sit up front, Sir."

Burly walks over to Mick, peers down at him sternly, "You will sit alphabetically."

Mick shuts his eyes, his fists clench.

* * * * *

Calculus class - later.

Mick sits in the back corner, solemn, looks out the window.

Holly's in the middle of the room.

Robert's up front.

Burly, "Homework is essential - to learn your lessons well. I expect all of you to do homework and I will check on you periodically."

* * * * *

Chapter 20 - What a shit

* * * * *

High School driveway.

Mick, head down, walks along a sidewalk, which runs down the middle of a long grassy island in between the entrance and exit driveways.

He passes by a Cannon statue on a large platform.

Robert runs up, "Nice first day, eh?"

Mick, "What a shit."

Robert, "Warned you."

Mick, "What a shit."

Robert, "You said that."

Mick, "What... a... shit. Calculus! For crying out loud."

Robert, "That's not all. He's the new head of the Math department."

Mick, "And the rain in Spain falls gently on my ass."

* * * * *

Chapter 21 - Homework

* * * * *

Calculus class.

Mick sits at his desk.

Burly approaches, "Show me your homework."

Mick, "I don't have any, Sir."

Burly's eyes go wide.

Mick, "I... I've never done Math homework, Sir. But I'll get A's on all the tests. Just like third grade, Sir.

Burly turns, heads back to the front of the room, "In third grade it was not required. In this classroom your grade includes how well you do your homework."

Mick mouths, "Shit".

* * * * *

Mick sits at his bedroom desk, doing Math homework.

Thomaz, now 26, appears at Mick's door, "Hey, Mick, seen my old gloves?"

Mick, "You already took them to your apartment."

Thomaz, "Not the brown ones. I also had a black pair-- Hey..."

He walks over to see what Mick's doing, "Math? Homework? You?"

Mick frowns.

* * * * *

Chapter 22 - Three Y plus C squared

* * * * *

Calculus class.

Burly writes an equation on the board, "Here you will see that the function of X equals two Y plus C squared."

Mick, "Excuse me, Sir, but that's three Y plus C squared."

Burly stops writing, stares at the equation.

Frowns.

He quickly acts as if nothing is wrong, "Yes, I did that on purpose to see if any of you were paying attention."

Mick jots on his paper, "4", scribbles out a "3".

He looks out the window.

Autumn leaves.

* * * * *

Chapter 23 - Tutoring

* * * * *

Mick tutors Chris, 15, at his dining room table.

Another young boy sits in the living room, reading an Algebra book.

Mick draws a right angle triangle, "So, side A squared plus side B squared equals side C squared."

Chris, "You're so smart, Mick. You should be the math teacher."

Mick semi-grins and shakes his head, "Yeah."

He checks his watch, "Time to stop."

Chris picks up his book and papers, "Thanks very much, Mick."

He leaves.

Mick turns to the other student, "Okay, Mark."

* * * * *

Chapter 24 - Chill

* * * * *

Teachers' lounge.

Face hard, Burly stares at his coffee.

Two teachers, Ben and Steve (30ish) enter.

Ben smiles, points at Burly, "What's up, Burly?"

Burly says nothing.

Steve, "Whiz kid caught you again?"

Burly looks up, frowns.

Ben, "Why don't you just let him teach the class?"

Ben and Steve laugh.

Burly stands, his cheek twitches, he stomps out.

Steve shakes his head, "That guy needs to chill."

* * * * *

Chapter 25 - The Principal

* * * * *

High School outdoor social area.

Many students relax during lunch break.

Normal teenage activity, flirting, texting.

A chill in the air, many wear sweaters.

An uptight Mick and consoling Robert toss a Frisbee.

Both are now extremely good, underarm, over the head, side arm, every move including catching behind their backs.

Robert, "Relax."

Mick, "Relax, relax, sure."

Mick throws a sidearm at lightning speed.

It stings Robert's hand.

Robert, "Hey!"

Mick, "I corrected him four times today. A record. That makes thirty-two times in two months!"

Robert, "You know that irrates him – just let him make the mistake.

Mick, “That’s okay for you and me, who know he's wrong. But what about the others who need to get a good grade for college?

Robert, “Worrying about everyone else always got you into trouble. If you care as much as you say you do, go see Mr. Stewart.”

Mick evades, “Wish he was teaching the Calculus class.

Robert takes a moment, looks around, "He sure was an awesome third grade teacher."

Mick, "Awesome guy. No wonder they they made him Principal."

* * * * *

Chapter 26 - Burly's envy

* * * * *

Burly's study.

Burly rubs his cheek, writes the report cards.

He checks his ledger listing test scores:

Holly Melton, 87, 90, 82, he writes "B".

Don Harper, 83, 82, 78, writes, "C".

Robert Boran, 97, 100, 96, writes, "A".

Mick Wieczorek, 100, 100, 100, writes, "B, did not complete all homework".

* * * * *

High School football stadium.

Empty field.

Grey skies.

The wind blows.

Mick Kung Fu kicks the football block dummies.

Whack.

Whack.

He slams with his hands.

Spins.

Again his feet.

Again his hands.

Tired.

Super down, he sits on the dirt.

Robert approaches, "Which team you cheering for?"

Mick frowns.

Robert sits next to him, "So he gave you a "B" for those first three weeks of no homework?"

Mick looks off, shakes his head.

Robert, "He's just jealous that you're so smart. I told Principal Stewart."

Mick, "Shit, you shouldn't have."

Robert, "It didn't help. He said teachers can make their own rules for how much homework counts."

Mick rises, walks off.

Robert yells, "Mick!"

Mick stops, but doesn't turn around.

Robert, "You're still the smartest Math whiz no matter what Burly does."

Rain falls.

Mick holds out his hands.

* * * * *

Chapter 27 - College

* * * * *

Library.

Snow falls outside the window.

Mick and Robert fill out college applications.

Mick writes on Stanford's scholarship application form.

Mick, "Stanford."

Robert, "Harvard."

Mick, "MIT."

Robert, "Harvard."

Mick, "Yale."

Robert, "Harvard."

Mick, "Are you kidding? Only Harvard?"

Robert, "Gotta think positive."

Mick, "Alright for you with straight "A"s. The scholarship will be a breeze."

Robert, "Don't worry, you'll get the High School Math scholarship, too. You know they've increased it to $60,000?"

Mick, "Rob, I... I just don't trust Burly will let me have it, and if I don't get it, I'll be joining my dad."

Robert stands, pats Mick on the back, "You'll get it."

* * * * *

Chapter 28 - Hiccups

* * * * *

High School outdoor social area.

Spring trees blooming.

Lunch break in the warm sun.

Robert eats at a table with Betsy and Holly.

Mick approaches with a Frisbee, "Hey."

Holly hiccups.

Again.

Again.

Robert, "Mick, do your trick."

Mick shies away.

Holly hiccups.

Robert, "Come on, the girls have never seen your magic."

Betsy, "Do it, Mick, Robert's told us."

Mick, "Okay."

Mick walks behind Holly, whispers in her ear, "Hold your nose."

Startled, Holly hiccups, "Huh?"

She looks at him, questioningly, hiccups.

He nods, "Hold your nose."

She hiccups, squeezes her nose.

Mick, "Take a big breath and keep it in."

She does.

He puts his hands over her ears.

Moments pass, no more hiccups.

She turns to him, smiles lovingly.

He looks down.

Holly, "Thanks."

Mick, "Uh, right."

He dashes off, waves the Frisbee, "Coming, Rob?"

Robert, "Sure."

Robert winks at Betsy, "Five minutes, max."

He joins Mick.

Holly alternates eating with gazing over at Mick.

Betsy, "So how long, long, long, long?"

Holly, "Huh?"

Betsy, "How long are you going to dream he's your boyfriend, when he only treats you as platonic as Saturn and Jupiter."

Holly, "Saturn and Jupiter are platonic?"

Betsy, "Yeah, they never touch."

Holly looks at Mick.

She sighs, "But we just touched. He held my head. He does love me."

Betsy, "Aggggh!"

Holly's face brightens, "He just doesn't know it yet."

Betsy, "Nine years, he doesn't know anything yet. He's never had a girlfriend and you've only dreamed of him as your boyfriend. Enough, enough, come on."

Betsy pulls Holly away from their food.

Holly, "Hey, the food."

Betsy, "Try the entrée."

Betsy leads Holly to Mick and Robert.

Robert tosses the Frisbee softly to Holly, who fumbles it.

He runs to Betsy, "Betsy, honey, I just remembered, I have the book you wanted."

He hands Holly a stick of gum.

She refuses.

Robert, "Juicy Fruit, no?"

Betsy giggles as Robert kisses her on the cheek.

She pulls him away.

Mick and Holly look at each other.

Holly smiles, picks up the Frisbee, throws, but it splices off to the side.

Mick runs to it, picks it up.

Shy.

Mick, "Really want to learn?"

Holly nods, yes.

Mick, "Okay, first, your wrist wasn't correct."

Mick comes close and shows Holly a wrist action.

* * * * *

Chapter 29 - Sorry

* * * * *

Mick's home.

Mick's hand pulls letters out of the mail box, flips through them.

One from Stanford.

He rips it open, reads, "We are pleased to accept you..."

His eyes light up. He smiles. He glances further down the page, "We are sorry that we cannot offer you a scholarship..."

His face drops.

* * * * *

Mick's bedroom.

Mick drags himself in, sits.

His bulletin board has three headings pinned: "Rejected", "Accepted no scholarship", and "Scholarship."

A Yale rejection sits on top of four other university letters.

Nothing is pinned below the other two.

He pins the Stanford letter under the "Accepted no scholarship" sign.

He knocks the tennis balls hanging on strings next to the bag.

As they swing, he dodges them and takes his frustration out with hits and kicks at the bag.

* * * * *

Chapter 30 - Poppa?

* * * * *

Roadworks depot.

Pop arrives for work.

He spots the Foreman striding toward Baker.

Pop lowers his eyes, turns away.

He hears Mom's voice, "Poppa, maybe we should talk to the teacher."

Pop looks up at the passing clouds.

A vision of Mom.

In the background, the Foreman shoves Baker.

Mom, "Poppa?"

* * * * *

Chapter 31 - UVA

* * * * *

High School Art room.

Alone, Holly paints clouds.

Mick walks past the Art Room.

He stops, spots Holly painting.

He hesitates, walks five more feet, stops.

Takes a big breath, he heads to the Art Room.

Mick pops his head in, "Lunch?"

Holly shakes her head, no.

Mick strolls in, past a spectacular painting.

Above it states, ARTIST OF THE MONTH - MOLLY MELTON.

He looks over her current painting, "Nice."

Holly, "I got the Art scholarship to UVA."

Mick, "They told you early? Awesome. That's great!"

Holly, "They have a good Math department."

Mick looks away.

Holly, "Any write you back yet?"

Mick, "Harvard, Yale, MIT, Stanford."

Holly, "And?"

Mick, "Robert got into Harvard, full scholarship."

Holly, "Harvard wrote you that Robert got in?"

Mick fondles some art supplies, "I got accepted by Stanford, but no scholarship. They have enough Einsteins for next year."

Holly, "Do something for me?"

Mick, "What?"

Holly, "Apply to UVA, just in case?"

Mick looks down, "They're great for Law school, not Math."

Holly grabs a UVA application form from her bag, sticks it in Mick's hands, "It's instate, won't cost so much."

* * * * *

Chapter 32 - Frisbee

* * * * *

High School outdoor social area.

Mick catches a Frisbee from Holly.

She throws it fairly well.

Mick flips it back but Holly obviously can't see it coming and drops it.

Again, she throws it well.

Again she drops the catch.

The bell rings.

Mick dashes close and picks up the Frisbee, "Maybe your glasses just need an adjustment."

Holly smiles, coyly, "Maybe."

* * * * *

Chapter 33 - The Awards Ceremony

* * * * *

Mick's dining/living room.

Mick and Pop eat breakfast.

Pop adjusts his glasses as he reads the sports on a tablet, "Wizards win first round. Hey, upset Magic, not bad for crummy team."

Mick, "Yeah, big surprise. Two o'clock, remember, Poppa?"

Pop continues to read without looking up, "The boss already know I leave early today, Mikolaj. Thomaz come, too."

Mick looks over at Thomaz's awards.

His eyes zoom in on the Math award, "I get my award today..."

He hesitates long, "and the scholarship."

* * * * *

High School bastketball gym.

A packed gym full of students and parents, including Pop, sit on chairs on the court and in the bleachers.

Pop rests his hand on an empty seat next to him.

On stage the principal, Mr. Stewart sits near a podium.

Behind him are the head teachers of each department, including Burly.

The seniors are all in one bleacher under a big banner, GRADULATING CLASS OF 2020.

Mick sits three rows in front of Holly.

Robert a few seats away.

Mr. Stewart steps toward the podium.

Applause.

Mr. Stewart, "Thank you, one and all. Welcome to Ford High School's award ceremonies. As many of you know, I've been ill this last month and just back to work today. So I haven't seen the list of award winners yet and I'm just as excited as all of you to see the results. So without much ado, the first award is for Art and this year's gifted senior student is..."

He picks up the Art award, a round, ten inch diameter, wooden board with an engraved metal plague on the front, "Miss Holly Melton."

Cheers.

Holly's big moment.

She jumps with joy, hops down the bleachers.

She stops at the bottom, looks up at Mick.

He smiles, "That's yours. Mine's soon."

She hurries to the stage.

Mr. Stewart, "Well done, Holly."

He hands her the award.

Applause.

He grabs an oversized check for $60,000.

Mr. Stewart, "And by the gracious and wonderful Ford Foundation..."

He points toward Mr. & Mrs. Ford, 60's, seated at the end of the stage.

They acknowledge more applause.

Mr. Stewart, "Following the tradition started by their grandfather, Mr. Louis Ford, a scholarship of $60,000."

More applause.

Holly takes the check, waves to everyone.

Returns to her seat.

Thomaz enters the gym, stands near the doors.

Mr. Stewart, "And the award for Science goes to Robert Boren."

Robert jumps down.

Mick, "Go for it, well done, Robert. Your Valedictorian comes at the end."

Robert, "Yours is next."

Applause as Robert goes to the stage.

Mr. Stewart, "Well done, Robert."

Mr. Stewart gives him the award and check.

He returns to his seat.

Mr. Stewart, "And the award for Mathematics goes to..."

He picks up the Math plaque, stares at it.

Mr. Stewart, "To..."

He shakes his head, looks over at Burly, who nods curtly.

Mr. Stewart, "To... Robert Boren."

Light applause.

None of the twelfth graders clap.

Pop's eyes drop downward.

Thomaz is stunned.

Many students look to where Robert and Mick sit.

Robert's shakes his head, "No", in utter disbelief.

He looks over at Mick.

Mick's face shows no emotion.

Shocked.

A mirage of thoughts speed through his mind.

-- FANTASY VISION ONE

Mick breaks down and cries, pulls his hair, beats his chest, falls on the seats.

Mick, "No, no, no, no..."

* * * * *

BACK TO THE PRESENT

Mick shakes his head.

* * * * *

--FANTASY VISION TWO

Mick races down the stands, up onto the stage, straight at Burly, "You bastard!"

He knocks Burly down.

Burly rises.

Mick pounds Burly with all his martial art skill.

Screams.

The other teachers race away.

* * * * *

BACK TO THE PRESENT

Mick shakes his head.

* * * * *

FANTASY VISION THREE

The students erupt, stomping and clapping, "Mick's award! Mick's award!"

Mick walks toward the doors of the auditorium, "And the rain in Spain falls gently on my ass."

He reaches the doors, turns, looks long at the stage.

Students, "Mick! Mick! Mick!"

He drops his head and walks out.

* * * * *

BACK TO THE PRESENT

Mick shakes his head.

Mr. Stewart, "Robert Boren, please come and get your award."

Robert stands, then sits, no, "Not mine, Sir."

Burly frowns, cheek twitching, marches to the podium, grabs the mic, "Robert, you deserve this award! Now come and get it."

Holly stands, "Mick!"

Everyone looks at her except stunned Mick.

Holly, "Mick! It's your award."

Mick's eyes take on a dazed look.

Holly turns to Burly and Mr. Stewart.

She screams, "HOW DARE YOU!"

Burly, "Miss Melton, you sit down, right now!"

Mr. Stewart puts his hand on Burly's shoulder, "Burly, I'll take care of this, thank you."

Burly acknowledges, but is clearly angry.

He returns to his seat.

Holly, "Principal Stewart, you know Mick's the smartest Math student--"

Mick, "Holly--"

Mr. Stewart, "Holly, I believe things will be okay. Robert, please come forward."

Mick, "Rob, go get it, congratulations."

Robert, "If it was mine."

Mick looks at Pop, whose eyes remain downcast.

Mick shrugs, rises, walks toward the exit doors.

Holly, "Mick! Wait!"

He walks out past Thomaz, without seeing him.

Mr. Stewart, "Holly, please."

Holly watches Mick leave.

She looks at her Art award

She grabs it like a Frisbee, "Go to hell, you Burly asshole."

She hurls the award, as hard as she can.

It zooms straight toward Burly.

He puts up his hands but it hits him in the head.

Some students cheer.

Burly, "You little bitch!"

Mr. Stewart holds back a smile.

Burly stomps off the stage.

Mr. Stewart picks up Holly's award, turns to the audience, "Now that we've had some fireworks, let's get on with the awards. Robert and Holly, I'll just keep yours for now. Next, the History award."

Holly fumes, races out of the auditorium.

* * * * *

Chapter 34 - Disappointments

* * * * *

Mick, Thomaz and Pop eat in silence.

Mick bites his bottom lip, looks over at Thomaz's awards.

Pop, "Life has disappointments, Mikolaj. No need to worry or stir tigers. We accept... move on."

Mick looks at Pop.

Then to Grandpa's photo.

* * * * *

Mick enters his bedroom.

Stoic, he looks at his stuffed bag and tennis balls.

* * * * *

Chapter 35 - Ever been kicked?

* * * * *

Mick walks to school.

He turns off a sidewalk, enters the school's long driveway with parking.

Robert, Holly and all the other Calculus students hang out together halfway down the drive near the school's Cannon statue.

Holly sits on the base of the statue.

Mick hesitantly approaches.

He eyes everyone over.

Robert puts out his hand, "Hey."

Mick shakes his head, walks by them.

Robert, "We're going to boycott Calculus."

Mick stops.

Holly, "Mick."

Mick turns, "Ever been kicked out of school?"

Robert, "Everyone's agreed. You in?"

Mick, "I said, ever been kicked out of school?"

Holly, "Ever been kicked in your head?"

Robert, "Shit, Mick, we're trying to help you and you--"

Mick, "Look, great, I appreciate it, but it just doesn't matter, okay, get it? I don't care, so don't get into trouble for me."

Mick walks off toward the school, his free hand clenches into a fist.

Holly hops off the base with a determined look.

* * * * *

Chapter 36 - This time

* * * * *

Holly walks down the school hallway.

Burly, approaching from the other direction, comes around a corner.

He has a large Band-Aid on his forehead.

They stop, ten feet away from each other.

Both with stern faces.

Burly, "Miss Melton."

He pauses long, "I forgive you... this time."

He walks off.

Holly shakes her head.

* * * * *

Chapter 37 - Why?

* * * * *

Principal's office.

A photo of Nelson Mandela shaking hands with Lech Walesa graces one wall.

Mr. Stewart talks with four other Math teachers and the Assistant Principal.

Burly is not present.

Mr. Stewart, "I'd like to know what happened when you all approved Robert Boren as recipient of the award."

Ben, "Burly showed us Robert's Math grades, straight A's."

Steve, "He even showed us Middle and Elementary school records, all A's."

Mr. Stewart, "Did any of you ask about Mick Wieczorek?"

Ben, "Yes, but it seems I'm the only other teacher here who has taught Mick. Ninth grade, Algebra II. Super gifted student."

Mr. Stewart, "And Burly said what?"

Ben, "He showed us that Mick got one B in Calculus and also a B in Fourth grade."

Assistant Principal, "Seemed fine, so I approved it."

Mr. Stewart looks out the window, "Thank you."

They leave.

* * * * *

Chapter 38 - Boycott

* * * * *

The school hallway is empty.

The bell rings.

Students race out of every room, heading toward their next class.

Robert sits down in front of the Calculus room.

Another student sits.

Holly sits.

More sit.

Others heading toward their rooms stare at the Calculus students nearly blocking the hallway.

Billy, now 18, the same school bully from elementary school, now four inches taller than Mick, thirty pounds heavier, and his buddies, Jake and Ted, now both 17, walk by, laughing.

Jake, "Wow, looky here, rebellion."

Billy, "Naughty, naughty, where's their hero?"

Ted spots Mick approaching, "There's loser."

They laugh, walk off towards Mick.

Billy, "Lose your pretty plaque, eh?"

Billy bumps Mick hard as they pass.

Mick stops, empty stare, hands open, close, open, close.

He continues to the classroom.

The other Calculus students block his path to the door.

Mick, "Let me in."

The students closest to Mick turn to Robert and Holly.

Holly nods.

They part and Mick opens the door, walks into the room.

* * * * *

Classroom.

Burly sits in front as Mick walks in, shuts the door.

Burly bounces his knee at a super fast rate.

Mick sits at his desk as if nothing has happened.

Burly frowns, "Okay, where are they?"

Mick does nothing.

Burly, "Listen, you. You didn't deserve the award and you didn't get it. Is that clear?"

Mick looks out the window.

Burly fumes, rises, marches to the door.

He opens it violently, starts to leave, stops.

He stares at the students, all with their backs to him, "What the hell is this?"

No one moves.

He yells, "I SAID, WHAT THE HELL IS THIS!"

Robert rises, looks straight at Burly.

Holly rises, does similar.

Each student, one by one, does the same.

They turn and all walk away.

Burly, "You come back here! You come back, damn it!"

They disappear down the hall.

Furious, Burly heads up the hall, only to see Mr. Stewart standing at the end.

* * * * *

Chapter 39 - History

* * * * *

Principal's office.

A seething Burly makes his demands.

Mr. Stewart sits calmly.

Burly, "I'm not taking this. There's two weeks left in school. If those students don't come back to class, I'll fail them all."

Mr. Stewart, "Burly, you can't do that."

Burly, "I can give them "F's" for the last term."

Mr. Stewart, "Maybe."

Burly, "Are you going to support this... this... mutiny!"

Mr. Stewart raises his eyebrows.

Burly storms out.

Mr. Stewart hits his intercom.

* * * * *

Hallway.

Students walk to class.

Over the intercom comes Mr. Stewart's voice, "Attention."

Many students pause, cock their ears.

Mr. Stewart, "Holly Melton and Robert Boren. Meet me at the Cannon."

* * * * *

High School driveway.

Holly and Robert sit on the base of the Cannon.

Mr. Stewart approaches.

They hop off to greet him.

Mr. Stewart, "I assume you two organized today's show.

Holly and Robert, both speak at once, "It was my--"

Holly, "It was my idea."

Mr. Stewart, "Very noble, Robert."

Robert, "Sir, you know as much as we do, Mick deserves that award. I don't."

Mr. Stewart, "You've made your point."

Robert, "So--"

Mr. Stewart, "But it's not good enough... yet."

Robert, "Huh?"

Mr. Stewart, "Look at this Cannon. What do you see?"

Holly, "History."

Mr. Stewart, "History based on battles and protests."

He walks away.

Robert, "So we fight more, right?"

Mr. Stewart glances back, "But you must be unified."

Holly and Robert look at each other and nod.

* * * * *

Chapter 40 - Brownies

* * * * *

School football stadium.

Mick sits in the otherwise deserted bleachers.

Holly approaches, carrying a large plastic container, "Hey."

She sits next to Mick, taps her container, "Your favorite."

Mick, "You're nuts."

Holly, "Only in the Brownies."

She opens the container.

Fresh cooked Brownies.

Holly, "Eenie, meenie, minee..."

Her fingers touch the Brownies from the middle outward.

She stops on a outer corner one.

Holly, "Mo."

She pulls it out, offers it to Mick.

Stunned, he takes it, eats.

Mick, "How'd you know?"

Holly, "It's your mother's recipe."

Mick, "Really?"

Holly smiles, takes a Brownie from the center, without crust.

She bites it sensuously.

Holly, "Ummm."

Mick's eyes widen.

Holly, "There's a dance tomorrow night."

Mick, "I, uh, I don't dance."

Holly rises, "I'll teach you."

She walks away, leaving the Brownies.

Mick watches her leave.

He takes another Brownie from a corner.

Stops.

He puts it back.

He takes one from the center, looks long at it.

Bites.

* * * * *

Chapter 41 - The function of Z

* * * * *

School dance.

The music rocks.

Hundreds dance.

Robert and Betsy amongst them.

Holly wears a new sweater, stands along the side of the hall.

She looks left, right, sighs.

Billy, Jake and Ted strut close.

Billy, "Hey, guys, get a load of Alien and her new frump."

Jake, "Give her a swing, Billy boy."

Billy whacks Jake, "Give her a mop. Ha."

They pass by.

Holly frowns.

Mick appears at the door.

Holly lights up, she waves to him.

He mosies over.

Awkward.

Mick, "Uh, I don't really dance. I, I don't know..."

He looks at everyone gyrating.

Holly, "Just think of the function of X."

Mick, "Huh?"

Holly, "Come on."

Holly pulls Mick onto the dance area.

The music changes to a slow dance.

Holly guides Mick's hands as they embrace.

Mick steps on her foot, "Sorry, I--"

Holly snuggles her head against his, "The function of Y."

Mick, "You said X."

Holly, "The function of Z."

* * * * *

Holly's home.

Holly leads Mick up to her front door.

Hesitant.

Holly, "Thanks, I had fun."

For both, their first real kiss.

Short but sweet.

She goes inside.

The door shuts.

Mick stands motionless with a silly smile on his face.

* * * * *

Chapter 42 - Arms wide

* * * * *

Mick opens his bedroom window, climbs out onto the roof over the window.

He looks around.

He slowly stands.

Still for a moment.

He slips, falls, almost off the roof, but grabs the exhaust pipe.

He bites his bottom lip.

Determined.

He pulls himself up, stands.

Spreads his arms wide.

Smiles.

* * * * *

Chapter 43 - Something else

* * * * *

Mick approaches the Calculus students sitting in front of the classroom.

They move for him to walk through.

He passes by some, gets close to Holly.

Mick, "Holly, please don't do this. You're going to get into trouble."

Holly gives him a stern, "never give in" look.

He shakes his head, enters the room.

Burly struts down the hall.

The students move a bit for him to enter.

He stops, "Okay, students, you had your two days of fun last week. If you continue with this childish behavior, I will give each one of you an "F" for the last term."

He strides toward the door, stops.

Burly, "Furthermore, should any of you continue to refuse to come to class, I will personally report these actions to each college to which you have been accepted."

He disappears inside.

The students murmur amongst themselves.

Many look toward Robert and Holly.

Don, chubby, takes the lead, "Robert, Holly?"

Robert, "Okay, anyone who wants to, can go in. No hard feelings. It's fine. We tried, it didn't work."

One by one, the students get up, enter the room.

Robert and Holly stay in the hall.

Holly, "Robert, you better go inside."

Robert pulls out some chewing gum, offers a stick to Holly, "I was thinking the same for you."

He rises, offers her his hand.

She grabs it, stands, "We have to think of--"

Robert, "Something else."

They enter the room.

* * * * *

Chapter 44 - Rules

* * * * *

Principal's office.

Mick looks around the room.

His eyes rest on the photo of Nelson Mandela shaking hands with Lech Walesa.

A vision of his grandfather appears instead of Nelson Mandela.

Mick sits with Mr. Stewart.

Mr. Stewart, "Mick?"

Mick returns from being distracted by the photo, "Sorry, Mr. Stewart, uh, nice photo... So I'm worried, Sir. If the other guys try something else, then Burly's probably going to tell every college. They'll be screwed, Sir."

Mr. Stewart, "Remember Fourth grade?"

Mick, "When you gave me the Fifth grade Math book?"

Mr. Stewart, "I was thinking more of your first test. I remember how surprised I was when you handed in your paper."

Mick fidgets.

Mr. Stewart, "I've never known such a gifted Math student as you."

Mick, "What about Rob?"

Mr. Stewart, "Robert's very smart, but you know better than anyone, he works for it. You have it in your blood."

Mick, "So do I get the Math award? That would solve everything, Sir."

Mr. Stewart, "I can't do that."

Mick, "Shit, Mr. Stewart! I'm sorry. But-- oh, forget it."

Mick jumps up, heads to the door.

Mr. Stewart, "Mick."

Mick stops as he grabs the door handle.

Mr. Stewart, "In this world, there are rules already made. And there are rules being made."

* * * * *

Chapter 45 - Justice

* * * * *

High School outdoor social area.

Robert pulls out some gum, offers it to Holly, Betsy, Don and Don's girlfriend, Pam as they sit at a table.

Betsy, "I don't even have Burly as a teacher and I hate him."

Pam, "Me, too."

Don, "Let's petition the whole school to kick him out. Everyone will sign--"

Robert, "Don, I--"

Holly, "Nothing's going to work unless Mick does it."

Betsy, "And Mick won't do it."

Holly frowns.

They spot Mick.

Holly races to him.

He tosses her the Frisbee.

She fumbles it, picks it up, "Mick, we have to talk."

Mick glances up at the sky, "Nice day."

Holly, "Mick, I don't--"

Mick, "Let's throw some, okay?"

Holly backs away, throws the Frisbee hard, spot on.

Mick, "Nice one."

Holly, "You don't have to take what's not deserving, you can fight for justice, fight against oppression."

Mick, "Hey, government class."

Holly, "Mick! We're going to petition the whole school."

Mick shakes his head, "Go out with me Friday night?"

* * * * *

Chapter 46 - Cloud 9

* * * * *

School driveway.

Holly and Betsy stroll to school.

Holly, "Yes, of course."

Betsy, "Awesome, he finally, finally, finally asked you out."

Holly spins around, on "Cloud 9", "Yes, yes, yes."

Betsy laughs, "So which frumpy sweater are you going to wear?"

Holly smiles coyly, shakes her head, no.

Betsy, "Huh?"

Holly grabs Betsy's shoulders, "Betsy, the most super awesome thing is soon to arrive!"

Betsy, "You're going to Jupiter?"

Holly, "Jupiter/Mick, yes. But something else. Last night, I'm helping Mom with dinner and Dad pops in. He says, 'Holly, honey, what do you want for graduation? You name it.'"

Betsy, "Awesome."

Holly, "So I look at Mom. She laughs. I take off my glasses."

Holly takes her thick glasses off, squints at Betsy, "I look at Dad and I say, I want to see you better."

Betsy, "Triple awesome. You going to tell Mick?"

Holly shakes her head, no, "Surprise."

* * * * *

Chapter 47 - Surprise

* * * * *

Holly wears very dark full sunglasses and walks arm-in-arm with Betsy, as they and Holly's mother, Mrs. Melton, 45, stylish, walk towards an Eye laser clinic.

* * * * *

School hallway.

Mick and Robert bump into each other on way to class.

Mick, "Seen Holly yet?"

Robert, "Seen Betsy yet?"

Mick, "You think they are--"

Robert, "Up to something."

Robert holds up his cell phone, "Betsy won't answer."

* * * * *

Inside the eye clinic, an optometrist looks into Holly’s eyes.

Doctor, “Very good, Holly, yesterday went well and you can get lead a fairly normal day. But no going to school or reading until tomorrow. And when outside, you can wear your regular sunglasses.”

Holly, “Thank you so much, Doctor.”

* * * * *

Mrs. Melton, Holly and Betsy exit the Clinic.

They head down the street a few doors.

Mrs. Melton leads Holly to a beauty parlor, "New eyes, new hair. You sure, honey?"

Holly strokes her three foot long braided pony tail.

Betsy, "This is so super awesome."

Holly, "And overdue."

* * * * *

Holly sits in a parlor chair, as the hairdresser puts a cloth over her, unbraids and combs Holly's long hair.

Hairdresser, "Such beautiful hair. Many, many years--"

Holly scrunches her face, "Of braiding. Please save what you cut off. I want to donate it the Cancer Foundation.“

Hairdresser, “It will make a stunning wig.”

* * * * *

High School outdoor social area.

Many students relaxing.

Mick and Robert throw Frisbee in between looking all around for Holly and Betsy.

* * * * *

Betsy leads Holly out of the beauty parlor with a gorgeous yet natural looking, sexy hairdo.

The long braid is gone, soft curls adorn to her shoulders.

Mrs. Melton trails.

Betsy, "Okay, one more."

Betsy waves her credit card, points next door, "My present."

They look left, a hip clothing store.

Betsy, "New eyes, new hair, new clothes!"

* * * * *

Hip clothing store.

Holly tries on many outfits.

Mrs. Melton and Betsy approve and disapprove.

Betsy grabs a silver bracelet, "This?"

Holly, "Nope. I've never worn jewelry and I'm not going to start now."

She tries on more clothes.

* * * * *

School driveway.

School's done, everyone leaves.

Robert glances over at a down Mick as they pass the Cannon, "Okay, I wasn't supposed to tell you."

Mick, "Tell me what?"

Robert, "You get a surprise tomorrow."

Mick, "Huh?"

Robert, "Duh. Look, I couldn't have you go home down in the shits. But I can say no more..."

Robert smiles wide., "Except, think 'awesome'."

* * * * *

Hip clothing store.

Betsy exits.

She pretends to do a drum roll and hold a mic, "Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls! All beings in the Universe! May I present, Awesome Girl!"

She waves her arms.

Bashful, Holly steps out.

Absolutely stunning.

* * * * *

Next day.

Mrs. Melton drives Holly to school.

Holly fidgets as if ants crawl all over her body.

Mrs. Melton, "You're be fine, trust me."

Holly, "I, I'm so different."

She looks in the visor mirror.

Mrs. Melton, "Just remember, inside you're still you. Outside, you're now a beauty."

They turn into the school driveway.

Don and Pam walk along, hold hands.

Don points at Holly's car.

Pam, "Looked like Holly's mother, didn't it?"

Don, "But who was the cute girl?"

Pam whacks him, "Hey, watch your eyes."

The car pulls up in front of school.

Holly steps out.

Boys sit on a wall, stare in awe.

Girls look on in jealousy.

Billy hangs out with Ted.

Billy, "Who's the new hottie?"

Ted, "You kidding? It's Alien in disguise."

Billy, "Shit."

* * * * *

School hallway.

Holly walks down the hall.

Mick comes from the other way.

She stops, watches him walk right by, "Mick."

Mick turns, looks up the hall past Holly, shakes his head, looks into the closest classroom, "Holly?"

Holly laughs, "Mick."

He turns, looks straight at her, his eyes go wide.

* * * * *

Chapter 48 - Hiding

* * * * *

High School outdoor social area.

Mick and Holly eat, sitting opposite each other.

Many students look over at Holly, point and talk amongst themselves.

Mick eats unmindfully as he stares at Holly.

Holly, "It's still me."

Mick smiles wide.

Holly giggles., "Come on, stop."

Mick laughs, "Yes, but..."

Holly, "But?"

Mick, "You were hiding."

Holly blushes.

Mick, "The most beautiful girl in the universe."

Holly smiles lovingly, "Throw some."

She grabs his Frisbee.

They dash to an open area.

She flings a nice sweeper.

Mick sends it back underhand.

Holly catches it, bounces with glee, "I caught it! I saw it! I caught it!"

She races to Mick, jumps into his open arms.

He swings her around.

They kiss.

* * * * *

Chapter 49 - The Bracelet

* * * * *

Mick and Holly exit a movie theatre, arm in arm.

Mick, "I, uh--"

Holly, "Yes?"

Mick bites his bottom lip, high speed, "I, I know you don't usually wear this stuff, but I wanted to give you, I mean, I wanted you to have, I mean--"

Holly puts her fingers to his mouth.

She kisses him, "Yes?"

Mick smiles wide, "I hope you like it."

He pulls out a little gift-wrapped box, hands it to her.

Holly, "It's lovely."

Holly admires the ribbon, twirls her finger in it, smiles coyly, "I love the curls, and the color."

Mick, "There's something inside."

Holly, "Oh?"

Mick tickles her, "You little tease."

Holly, "Okay, okay."

Holly opens the gift.

A silver bracelet.

She looks at it thoughtfully.

Mick, "Do you like it?"

Holly picks it out of the box, "It's beautiful. Help me."

She holds it against her wrist.

Mick fastens the clasp.

* * * * *

Chapter 50 - This time

* * * * *

Golf course.

Burly checks his watch, prepares to tee-off with Ted.

Ted, "Same kid from, when was it, about 8 years ago?"

Burly nods, "And this girl, shit, you should see her now. On a ten scale, she's fifteen."

Ted, "Brings your memories back, eh?"

Burly's face hardens, his cheek twitches, "Well, this time, I've put him in his place."

He slams his tee shot.

* * * * *

Chapter 51 - Swan

* * * * *

Pop mows the front yard.

His twenty year old, paint-faded sedan sits in the driveway.

Thomaz drives up in a new silver Mercury.

Pop stops mowing.

Thomaz jumps out, strokes his car, "Like it?"

Pop, "You make that much money?"

Thomaz, "More. Mick home?"

Pop, "Mikolaj has girl now."

Thomaz, "No kidding, he's finally human."

Pop, "Holly."

Thomaz, "Holly? Thick glasses, long hair, goofy girl?"

Pop laughs, "No, Holly, beautiful swan."

* * * * *

Chapter 52 - The push

* * * * *

Holly's bedroom.

Holly's face glows as Betsy admires her bracelet.

Betsy, "I thought you didn't--"

Holly, "It's from Mick!"

Holly floats.

Betsy, "But it's time you pushed him."

Holly crashes, "I, I can't do it."

Betsy hugs Holly, "You have to."

* * * * *

Mick and Holly stroll past park benches near a lake.

Holly, "So what does your name mean in Polish?"

Mick, "Nothing."

Holly, "No nothing, I can tell you're lying."

Mick, "You'll laugh."

She pokes his soft spot, "You'll laugh."

Mick laughs, "Okay, okay."

Holly, "Wieczorek?"

Mick, "Little evening."

Holly smiles, snuggles up to him, "That's so cute. You're my little evening."

Mick, "Hey, come on, it's dumb."

Holly, "It's cute."

Mick, "You're cute."

Holly, "Mikolaj?"

Mick, "No."

Holly, "Yes."

Mick, "No."

Holly, "I looked it up."

Mick frowns.

Holly, ""Victor of the people."

Mick, "It's not me."

Holly, "It could be. Victor of the people."

Holly stops, hops up on a park bench, holds her hands wide and high, clenches her fists, "Victor of Ford High School. The one who defeats Mr. Bur--"

Mick shakes his head, "Mr. Stewart won't change it."

Holly's pissed, she hops down, "Well then you just keep your shitty self-pity, Mr. Mick Loser."

She stomps off.

Mick, "But Holly, it's not me."

She spins around.

Holly, "You listen, you thick headed dimwit. If you can't stand up for yourself, don't think I'm going to do it for you."

She takes off the bracelet.

Throws it at Mick.

Holly, "It's not me."

She races away.

* * * * *

Holly's bedroom.

Betsy consoles a bawling Holly.

Holly, "It was horrible!"

Betsy, "It's okay, he'll still--"

Holly, "No, he won't. He'll hate me."

Betsy, "Holly, he needed a push."

Holly, "But I love him!"

Betsy, "Look, tell me, how many guys asked you out lately?"

Holly relaxes, wipes her tears, "Eight."

Betsy, "Eight in three days. That's amazing! And how many ever asked you out before the new you?"

Holly frowns, shakes her head, none.

Betsy, "Right. But you want Mick and you want him to fight for his award, to be strong, to be a Victor of the people."

Holly nods, “Yes, but--"

Betsy, "Simple, now, because he has to fight for you, too."

* * * * *

Mick wanders aimlessly in a mall, "Should fight, should not fight, don't stir anything, not worth it, worth it, yes, no."

He walks by a book store.

A banner reads, "LAW WEEK".

He glances at the display: To Kill a Mockingbird, The Rule of Law, Twelve Angry Men, Presumed Guilty.

He walks into the store.

* * * * *

School hallway.

Mick holds The Rule of Law and school books, walks down the hall, spots Holly and Betsy coming the other way.

He stops.

They come close.

Mick, "Holly?"

They pass by, without acknowledging him.

Down, Mick heads to an exit, runs into Robert.

Robert, "Don't worry, she still digs you."

Mick, "Like a shovel."

Robert, "Shit, forgot something, meet you outside."

Robert dashes down the hall.

* * * * *

Chapter 53 - If

* * * * *

Mick exits the school side entrance where most students bustle around, boarding their buses.

Boys, "Fight! Fight!"

A group semi-surrounds Billy shoving a skinny boy.

The boy tries to run, but Jake and Ted push him back to Billy.

Billy laughs and slams him in the stomach.

As the boy bends over, Billy slams him down to the ground.”

Sprawled on the ground the boy clutches his stomach in pain.

Billy and his buddies strut away, laughing.

Other students go to help the boy.

Mick watches, his free hand closes and opens into a fist, closes, opens, closes, opens, closes.

Robert approaches, "What was the excitement?"

Mick, "Billy... again."

Robert, "If only, someone."

Mick, "Yeah."

* * * * *

Chapter 54 - Pop's challenge

* * * * *

Road works.

The Foreman shoves Baker down.

He laughs and struts off.

Pop approaches Baker, helps him up.

Mom's voice, "Poppa?"

Pop pauses, looks toward the Foreman, just as the Foreman glances at them.

The Foreman smirks, gives Pop the finger.

* * * * *

Chapter 55 - Yeah

* * * * *

Pop and Mick work on fixing the back door.

Mick hands Pop the drill.

Pop, "So, Mikolaj, really think you fight city hall?"

Mick, "Poppa, it's not city hall."

Pop, "Sometimes we must take life's pains. No stir tigers. It's trouble."

Pop adjusts a drill bit.

Mick, "What if Grandpa said that?"

Pop, "Your Grandpa got killed because he stir tigers too much."

Mick, "Grandpa saved many people in the war, right?"

Pop, "Yeah."

Pop drills a hole.

Mick, "Grandpa helped defeat the Russians, helped Poland become free, right?"

Pop, "Yeah, too."

Pop drills another hole.

Mick, "Grandpa never gave in on his principles. He risked his life and he gave his life for what was good and just..."

Pop lowers the drill.

Mick, "Right?"

Pop sits on the steps, "Mikolaj, I not your Grandpa."

Mick, "Poppa, I am so like you..."

Mick sits, "But now I want to be like Grandpa."

Pop hears Mom's voice, "Poppa?"

His eyes tear.

He nods, smiles, "Okay, Mikolaj, go stir a tiger. Yeah. Fight the bully. Get award you deserve."

* * * * *

Chapter 56 - Smug

* * * * *

School award hallway.

Large award plaques listing thirty years of top students line the hall.

Placed in the middle of them all is the Math plaque.

Burly struts down the hall.

He stops at the awards.

His eyes narrow in on the Math award with Robert Boren's name for this year.

He adjusts his shirt as he smugly smiles.

* * * * *

Chapter 57 - First attempt

* * * * *

Mick approaches the front door of an office building.

Nervous, he takes a big breath and walks inside.

* * * * *

Mick stands at a Receptionist's desk as she talks on her intercom, "Mr. Ford, Mick Wieczorek from Ford High School is here to see you."

* * * * *

Mr. Ford's office.

Mick sits with Mr. Ford, whose foundation gives the scholarships.

Mr. Ford, "Yes, Mr. Stewart explained to me your situation, but I'm sorry, Mick, I hope you can understand, the foundation doesn't interfere with the school's decisions."

Mick bites his bottom lip, stands, "Thank you for your time, Sir."

They shake hands.

* * * * *

Chapter 58 - Well done

* * * * *

School driveway.

Mick and Robert sit on the base of the Cannon.

Robert, "Wow, you did that? Without telling me?"

Mick shrugs.

Robert, "Well done, Dude, didn't think you had it in you."

Mick hesitates in his new role of fighter, "So, right, okay, uh, no luck with that. I thought, what about your cousin?"

Robert, "Cousin?"

Mick, "Yeah, the one who knows that big reporter, right?"

Robert, "He's his assistant."

Mick, "Good, do it."

Robert smiles, grabs his phone, dials.

* * * * *

Chapter 59 - Another go

* * * * *

Washington Post building.

Mick and Robert stand at the entrance.

Robert, "They're fighters for liberty, justice and--"

Mick, "Sometimes."

They walk in.

* * * * *

Mick and Robert sit across from Jeff Allen, 55, top reporter.

Jeff picks up his phone, "Okay, I can see where you're coming from. Let me get some advice from our legal wizards."

Jeff dials, "Parker, you hear all of that?"

(pause)

"Right."

He looks out the window, "I was thinking the same."

Mick shakes his head.

Jeff, "Yeah, thanks."

Jeff turns around, hangs up, "I'm sorry fellows, but this isn't a story we can print."

Robert, "Someone gets screwed and you can't print that?"

Jeff, "We have our legal limits, sorry."

Mick and Robert rise.

Mick, "Thanks, Mr. Allen."

They shake.

Jeff, "I have a suggestion."

Mick, "Anything."

Jeff, "I don't think any news outlets can touch this, and you don't want to try using the internet yourself."

Robert, "But--"

Jeff, "Yeah, yeah, I'm sure you think that's the way to go, but you might get into libel zones. Best bet, a talk show. And don't just call or email. Send them an express letter, it makes people think more."

* * * * *

Mick and Robert exit the building.

Robert, "He's not one of the greatest reporters for nothing, but sending letters, shit, he's a dinosaur."

Mick, "Allen's 55, right? DeGeneres is 61, Kimmel's 52, Hannity's 58."

Robert, "Reading trivia lately?"

Mick smiles.

Robert, "Really want to try it?"

Mick looks down Pennsylvania Avenue to the Capitol, "Yeah."

* * * * *

Chapter 60 - Express

* * * * *

Robert's computer room.

Mick and Robert surf on different computers.

Robert, "Got Kimmel's address."

Mick, "Hannity here."

* * * * *

Post office.

Mick places twenty envelops on the counter.

Robert stands behind him.

Mick, "Express."

* * * * *

High School outdoor social area.

Holly and Betsy eat lunch, farthest distance away from Mick and Robert throwing Frisbee.

Holly melts, "Mick's idea?"

Betsy, "Awesome, right?"

Holly, "Can I talk to him now? Please, please, please!"

Betsy shakes her head, no, "Let him build more momentum."

Holly sighs.

* * * * *

Chapter 61 - Show me

* * * * *

Mick and Pop eat breakfast.

Pop, "Mikolaj, give me your phone today."

Mick, "Sure, Poppa, how come?"

Pop, "Show me how to make movie."

* * * * *

Chapter 62 - Weird One

* * * * *

Talk show host, Bart Hancock, 60, balding, sits at a desk, briefs some papers.

His assistant, 40, enters, "Got a weird one today."

Bart leans back in his chair, "Quite frankly, I could really do with something besides politics, wars, celebrities and religious fanatics."

Assistant, "Make a new celebrity with this one."

The assistant hands over Mick's letter.

Bart reads, laughs.

Checks the paper for phone and email information, "Post address, only? Does he think we're dinosaurs?"

Assistant, "How much hair do you have left?"

Bart, "Wait till you're my age."

Bart pulls out a postcard, writes, "Mail this."

His assistant takes the postcard, turns to go.

Bart, "Second thoughts. Personal delivery, with a signature."

* * * * *

Chapter 63 - Talk?

* * * * *

School hallway.

Two fellows chat up Holly at her locker.

Mick moseys down the hall, stops about thirty feet away, watches.

The fellows and Holly laugh.

The guys walk off away from where Mick stands.

Holly shuts her locker, walks toward Mick's direction.

She gets close to him.

Mick, "Holly?"

Holly stops.

Mick, "Can we talk?"

Holly looks up and down the hall.

She quickly kisses Mick on his cheek, "Not yet."

She dashes down the hall, tears in her eyes.

* * * * *

Chapter 64 - We fight

* * * * *

Road works.

Pop drives the Roller machine.

He spots the foreman approaching Baker.

He pulls out Mick's phone, films the Foreman shoving Baker and laughing.

* * * * *

Pop enters the road works caravan office.

Through the window, Pop hands the phone to the boss, 60.

* * * * *

Pop greases his Roller machine.

Baker and other men sit around eating lunch.

Fifty feet away the foreman sits alone eating.

The boss walks over to the foreman.

All the men watch.

Unheard, the boss fires the foreman, who rants and rages.

The boss waves his arm.

Two policemen approach.

The foreman grabs his lunch pail, stomps off.

The boss looks over at Pop, nods.

Baker notices, walks up to Pop, shakes his hand.

Baker, "You're a good man."

* * * * *

Mick prepares dinner.

Pop enters, his tone is upbeat, "Anyone reply?"

Mick, "Five no thanks, Poppa."

Pop, "You stay strong, Mikolaj, keep stirring."

Mick looks up from his pots, questioningly.

Pop smiles, "Today's a new day."

He hands Mick his phone, "New, good day. We fight bastards."

* * * * *

Chapter 65 - Impressive

* * * * *

Mick and Pop eat lunch in the back yard.

Thomaz strolls around the house.

Pop, "Hey, rich boy."

They hug.

Thomaz, "Here's those papers, Poppa."

Pop, "Good, now eat some."

Pop hands Thomaz a plate.

He makes a sandwich, "Hey, Micky, I bumped into Robert."

Mick, "Knock him down?"

Thomaz, "He told me what you guys were doing. All I can say is, don't do it."

Mick, "You, with your cushy financial job you got from your straight A's, are telling me not to fight for my award?"

Thomaz, "You don't have to. Just play the right game. I'll get you a job at Mutual. No sweat, pick any local college, they'll pay you as you train."

Mick, "So I'll be a brick in the wall who never stands up for himself."

Thomaz, "Micky, listen, I make a hundred grand, just doing what I'm told."

Mick rises, "I'm impressed. See you around the bank."

He walks away.

Thomaz, "Poppa, what's with Mikolaj?"

Pop grins wide, "Grandpa."

* * * * *

Chapter 66 - To Grandpa

* * * * *

Mick's bedroom.

Bare chest, Mick dresses.

The door bell rings.

Mick heads downstairs to the door, sliding on his shirt.

Delivery man, "Mick Wieczorek, delivery."

Mick opens the door, signs.

The Delivery Man hands Mick the postcard.

Mick, "Thanks."

Delivery man, "Couldn't help but notice. Looks good."

Mick takes the postcard.

He reads, "Mick, call me, Bart Hancock."

* * * * *

Pop eats dinner as Mick pauses talking on the phone.

Mick, "Mr. Hancock wants me to go--"

Pop, "You go, you go!"

Mick's face lights up.

Pop holds up his drink, "To your grandpa, my father."

* * * * *

Chapter 67 - A fighter!

* * * * *

The Bart Hancock Show.

Bart talks to the camera, "And next is a great underdog story. Mikolaj (Mick) Wieczorek is a senior student at Ford High School, Alexandria, Virginia. To give you his story, Mick is here with me."

Mick sits opposite Bart.

Bart, "Mick, welcome to The Bart Hancock Show."

Mick, "Thank you, Mr. Hancock."

Bart, "Please, call me, Bart."

Mick looks down, "Yes, Sir."

Bart, "I understand your mother died when you were ten and your dad struggled to earn enough for you and your brother."

Mick, "Well, my brother's fine now, but Pop and I get by."

Bart, "You're a Mathematical whiz, the smartest Math student at Ford High School, right?"

Mick nods.

Bart, "And you've applied to many top colleges, hoping to get a Math scholarship. Have you been accepted by any yet?"

Mick, "Only one, Sir, but no scholarship."

Bart, "I'm confused, though, Mick. Doesn't your high school have it's own scholarship foundation which awards a very nice scholarship to the best students of many subjects?"

Mick, "Yes, Sir. I was counting on the Math award to help me go to college."

Bart, "But recently the school gave out their yearly awards and the Math award was given to another student, right?"

Mick, "Yes, Sir."

Bart, "Are you smarter in Math than the other student?"

Mick bites his bottom lip.

Robert walks onstage, "Yes, Sir, he is and has been since second grade."

Bart, "And who are you?"

Robert, "Robert Boren, Sir. I am the student to whom the school is trying to give the Math award."

Bart, "Trying?"

Robert, "Yes, but I have refused it."

Bart, "Wow, because you know it belongs to Mick?"

Robert, "Yes, Sir."

Bart, "So great, Mick, is the school going to change the award and give it to you?"

Mick, "No, Sir."

Bart, "But they will, won't they? After all, if you really are the smartest Math student and even the student who gets the award says so, then it must go to you, right?"

Mick, "Mr., uh, Bart. I really appreciate you letting me come on your show. What you say makes a hundred percent sense."

Bart, "Tell me, Mick, who was the teacher in charge who picked the winner of the award?"

Mick, "Mr. Burly, Sir."

Bart, "Your Calculus teacher?"

Mick, "Yes, Sir."

Bart turns to the audience, "Well, Mr. Charles Burly, Ford High School Calculus teacher, has agreed to talk with us tonight, from our Washington office."

A large video screen lights up Mr. Burly's stern face.

Bart, "Hello, Charles Burly, welcome to The Bart Hancock Show."

Burly, "Thank you, Bart."

Bart, "Tell me, Charles, why didn't Mick win the Math award?"

Burly, "Robert Boren has better grades."

Bart, "Were you aware that Robert rejected the award because he knows Mick is smarter?"

Burly, "The award goes to the student with the best grades."

Bart, "What is the actual name of the award?"

Burly, "Best Math Student, Ford High School."

Bart, "Best Math Student, very interesting. So why didn't you give it to the best Math student?"

Burly, "I did."

Bart, "But Robert says he isn't the best Math student."

Burly, "He has the best grades."

Bart, "Is it possible the best grades don't always mean the best student?"

Burly's cheek twitches, he rubs it quickly, "Look, Mr. Hancock, I know how you push people on your show. I have already told you my answer."

Bart, "Charles, no need to get formal, you can still call me 'Bart.'"

Burly, "I have no intention of letting you try to make a fool out of me. I believe I've answered your concerns. Thank you."

Burly walks away from his seat, the camera follows him.

Bart, "Charles, Burly, hey, no need to go away mad."

Burly disappears out a door.

Bart shakes his head, "Is he always like that?"

Mick, "That was one of his better days."

Bart laughs.

* * * * *

Holly's TV room.

Holly and Betsy watch the show.

* * * * *

Bart, "Wow. Well, Mick Wieczorek, thank you very much for being on my show. And I will personally write a letter to your school principal how I feel they've made a terrible mistake. Good luck to you."

Mick, "Thank you, Mr. Hancock."

Mick rises, reaches to shake Bart's hand, "Thank you, Bart."

* * * * *

Holly and Betsy hug in joy.

Betsy, "Super awesome."

Holly, "Betsy, Betsy, Betsy! I've got to talk with Mick tomorrow."

Betsy, "Charge ahead, woman, you have yourself a fighter!"

* * * * *

Chapter 68 - Smaller

* * * * *

School hallway.

Holly closes her locker.

Other students pass by.

Mr. Burly, "Miss Melton."

Holly turns to see a stern Burly, "Yes."

Burly, "I just want you to know that your friend Mick is going to get himself into a lot of trouble. And Robert, also."

Holly, "Oh?"

Burly heats up, "Look, you students may think you can go around my decision but it won't work."

Many students stop and watch.

Holly plays innocent, "What won't work, Sir?"

He comes close, peers down at her, oblivious to the students surrounding them, "Don't you be bitchy to me, you little--"

Pop, "Mr. Burly?"

Burly regains his composure, turns to see Pop.

Burly towers over Pop by over a foot.

Pop, "My name is Wieczorek."

Holly, "Bye, Mr. Wieczorek, I have to--"

Pop, "Yes, Holly, that's fine."

Holly leaves.

Burly tries to escape, also, "Nice to meet you, Mr. Wieczorek, but I have a class."

He turns.

Pop, "Mr. Burly, I came to see you."

Burly stops.

Pop, "You're smaller than I thought."

Burly spins around, anger flares, "Look, Mr. Wieczorek, if you're here to--"

Pop, "I used to be scared of bullies."

Burly, "Fine, now if you're excuse me--"

Pop, "No."

Burly fumes.

They stare at each other.

Pop, "I said, I used to be scared of those like you, large man, strong. But now I know you very small and very weak."

Burly, "Look, you--"

Burly waves his finger at Pop, who merely raises his hand in front of Burly's finger.

Pop, "Jealous of Mikolaj since he was eight years old."

Pop walks away, "Shame on you."

Burly stares, rubs his cheek, mouths the words, "Fuck you", turns and marches down the hall.

Many students give "victory dances".

* * * * *

Chapter 69 - The game of life

* * * * *

Mick and Mr. Stewart sit on the base of the Cannon.

Mr. Stewart, "Mick, if you make it to my age, you might learn things and maybe not. But winning the Math award won't mean much."

Mick, "Sir, if I don't get--"

Mr. Stewart, "Get a scholarship, for the money value, yes, but really as to winning the award, all that will mean is you play the numbers game better than others in High School."

Mick, "But isn't that important, Sir?"

Mr. Stewart, "I'd rather you play the game of life better than others after High School."

Mick stares at Mr. Stewart.

Mr. Stewart smiles, "Get Robert. Be at my office in twenty minutes."

* * * * *

Mick and Robert stand in front of Mr. Stewart's desk.

Mr. Stewart leans back, "Mick, Mr. Burly had a run in with your dad this morning."

Mick, "Here? Pop came here?"

Mr. Stewart, "Yes. The students who saw it thought your Pop was awesome."

Mick, "Hard to believe, Sir."

Mr. Stewart, "However, as awesome as it was, Mr. Burly's now threatening to take legal action against you."

Mick drops his eyes.

Mr. Stewart, "And you, too, Robert."

Robert, "What! What for?"

Mr. Stewart, "Slander and possibly libel."

Robert, "Bullshit."

Mick walks over to the window, gazes out.

Robert, "He can't do that."

Mr. Stewart, "Maybe."

Mick looks around the room.

Stares at the photo of Nelson Mandela shaking hands with Lech Walesa.

Mr. Stewart, "My favorite photo."

Mick nods, "What if I apologize to him?"

Robert, "What! What the--"

Mr. Stewart, "Robert--"

Robert, "No, no way, you can't. He should apologize to you."

Mick, "Rob--"

Robert collapses in a chair, "I'm dreaming, tell me this ain't real."

Mr. Stewart, "Interesting suggestion, Mick, worth thinking over. I convinced Mr. Burly to wait a few days."

Robert, "He can cram it."

Mick, "I'll let you know tomorrow, Sir."

* * * * *

Chapter 70 - Bigger

* * * * *

High School outdoor social area.

Mick and Holly walk around the outer perimeter.

Holly, "I'm sorry, I got Burly mad."

Mick, "It wasn't you."

Holly, "Yes, it was. I just get too pig headed sometimes."

Mick, "Join the human race."

Holly, "But you don't have to apologize, he can't--"

Mick, "Holly--"

Holly hiccups.

Again.

Again.

Mick motions.

Holly grabs her nose, takes a big breath.

Mick puts his hands over her ears.

Moments pass, no more hiccups.

Mick, "My life doesn't depend on that award."

They kiss.

* * * * *

Mick and Robert leave school, approach the Cannon statue.

Robert, "I can't believe you're giving in to the ass."

Mick, "I don't see it that way."

Robert, "No, you're looking down a one-way street with trucks coming straight at you."

Mick, "You ever think that winners don't always have to win?"

Robert, "He's an ass."

Mick jumps up on the Cannon, pretends to shoot it, "Yeah, yeah, kill the bastard. Shoot, shoot, bang, bang, kill, kill. Boom!"

Mick falls over the Cannon as if dead.

Robert sits on the platform, "Shit, Mick, very funny, but you're the smartest Math student and you deserve--"

Mick jumps down, "Get it? That's it!"

Robert, "You're fried."

Mick, "I'm the smartest Math student. So big deal."

Robert, "It is."

Mick, "No, it isn't."

Robert, "But what about the scholarship? It is a big deal."

Mick, "No... it's not the award or the scholarship, it's the principle behind the fight."

Mick walks away, "A bigger deal is growing up."

* * * * *

Pop washes dishes, Mick dries.

Pop, "So, this time I cause trouble for you."

Mick, "No, Poppa, I'm really proud of you."

Pop, "But this way you don't get award. It's your right and you don't get it."

Mick, "Poppa, would Grandpa worry about a Math award if he achieved something better?"

* * * * *

Chapter 71 - The Apology

* * * * *

Administration office.

Staff busy themselves.

A quiet Mick, a heated Robert and a patient Mr. Stewart wait.

Mr. Burly struts in, nose held high.

Mr. Stewart, "Burly, although Mick has agreed to apologize on the loud speaker system, he would like a written statement by you that if he apologizes you will not take any legal action against him, Robert or any other student in the school."

Burly, "You have my word."

Robert, "He doesn't--"

Mr. Stewart, "Robert-- I've prepared a document."

An assistant hands Mr. Stewart a paper.

Burly swallows his pride, signs the paper.

Mr. Stewart checks his watch, talks into the school intercom microphone, "Good morning Ford High School students, we have a special announcement today. Would all of you please give your attention to senior student Mick Wieczorek."

Mick takes the mic.

Pauses.

Breathes deep.

Mick, "Hi... this is Mick and I'd like to take this occasion in front of the entire school to apologize to Mr. Burly."

* * * * *

Holly's Home Room class.

Many of the students moan, some applaud.

Don and Pam have different reactions.

Don, "No, shit, he shouldn't do it."

Mick's voice through the intercom, "I believe some of my actions and those of close friends were not done with... the best wisdom."

Pam, "He's so brave."

Mick, "And I'm truly sorry for any harm it has caused Mr. Burly."

Don, "But Burly's a bastard."

One girl cries.

A friend puts his arm on her shoulder.

Holly sits in the back, holds a pencil to paper.

Mick, "I hope Mr. Burly can accept my apology and forgive me for anything I've done to which he felt hurt."

A tear forms, Holly fights it back.

She pushes the pencil hard against the paper.

Harder.

It breaks.

She puts her head down on her arms.

* * * * *

Mick hands the mic to Mr. Stewart, who nods.

Mick looks directly at Mr. Burly, who keeps his nose high.

Mick walks out.

Robert follows, and heads to class.

Mick heads out of school.

Robert, "Hey, class?"

Mick, "Yeah."

Mick leaves.

* * * * *

Mick's bedroom.

Mick super pounds his hanging bag.

Sweat soaks his clothes.

The photo of his grandfather and Lech Walesa rests on his desk.

* * * * *

Chapter 72 - Growing up

* * * * *

High School outdoor social area.

Mick stands.

A subdued Holly sits on a bench.

Mick, "And?"

He sits next to her.

Holly, "I was proud of what you did, going to the foundation, to the Post, writing letters, getting on the show. But..."

Holly bounces up, "Oh, Mick! I'm so confused. I, I'm not proud of you apologizing to Burly."

Mick, "Holly, listen--"

Holly, "You're just not a fighter."

She runs off toward the parking lot behind the school.

* * * * *

Holly walks aimlessly in the parking lot.

Billy's voice, "Well, looky at this. Ugly Alien, now a beautiful angel."

She spins to see Billy with Jake and Ted.

Holly, "Leave me alone."

Billy grabs Holly.

She struggles.

He pins her against a car.

Billy, "Who's going to make me?"

A Frisbee flies into Billy's head.

Billy, "Shit!"

Billy spins around, holding Holly's wrist tightly.

Mick stands with Robert behind him, "I will."

Mick's hands squeeze and open, "Leave her alone."

Billy, "Ho! Wimpy boy who kisses Burly's ass."

Sweat pours down Mick's neck, "Leave her alone, or--"

Billy, "Or what, wimp?"

Billy hands Holly to his buddies, "Hold her till I come back. This will be a joy."

They laugh.

Mick, "Or I'll--"

Billy, "WHAT!"

Mick's face hardens, "Beat the shit out of you."

Billy's eyes narrow on Mick.

He lunges forward.

Mick dodges.

Billy swings.

Mick ducks, backs away.

Billy, "Dancing won't help you, wimp."

Billy attacks, Mick dodges and slaps Billy on the ear.

Mick takes a Kung Fu pose.

Billy, "What? Some silly slap."

Jake, "Wipe him, Bill boy."

Billy struts, trying to stay confident.

He eyes Mick, crouched low.

Billy, "Think you're cool, wimp?"

Mick slides left, circles Billy.

Jake, "C'mon Bill, waste of time."

Billy swings down at Mick, who springs off to the right and does a hard chop to Billy's ear, which drives Billy off balanced.

He rises, holding his ear, blood dripping.

Billy, "Fuck you."

Billy lunges.

Mick dodges, gives a double hand blow to the back of Billy's head.

Billy's down.

Mick jumps close, cocks his fist back to slam into Billy's face.

Billy, "Fuck, no, enough."

Billy waves his hand in defeat.

Mick steps back.

Billy stands, "Yeah, sure..."

He turns to Jake, snaps his fingers.

Jake tosses Billy a switch blade.

He spins, flicks the blade open at Mick.

Billy, "Try me now, hotshot."

Mick steps back, poses, ready.

Mr. Stewart's voice, "Looks like Mick won fair and square, eh, Paul?"

They all look over to see Mr. Stewart standing next to a uniform policeman, Paul, 40.

Paul, "No question. The bully's finally been put in his place. Well done, Mick. I'll take that knife, Billy. Wouldn't want to see Mick turn it into your gut."

Head down, Billy hands over the knife.

Jake and Ted let Holly go, she races to Mick, who hugs her.

Mr. Stewart, "Paul, did you know I had a fair few fights in High School?"

Paul, "Same."

Mr. Stewart takes the knife.

Closes it, flicks it open.

Mr. Stewart, "Nice knife. We had a code amongst all the guys."

Paul, "Like a handshake afterward, conceding who's best?"

Mr. Stewart, "You, too, eh?"

Mr. Stewart closes the knife, flicks it open.

Paul, "I considered it an honor to congratulate someone who could knock me down."

Mr. Stewart, "A sign of growing up, eh?-- Billy, Jake and Ted be in my office tomorrow morning at nine. Bring a parent."

They turn, walk away.

Billy and Mick eye each other.

A long moment.

Mick smiles.

Billy shakes his head, semi-confused, looks away, back at Mick.

Mick shrugs his shoulders, "I hear you're flunking Algebra. I can tutor tomorrow afternoon."

Mick extends his hand.

Billy, "Shit."

They shake.

Billy turns to Holly, "I, uh, uh, I'm sorry."

Holly nods.

Billy turns to his buddies.

They look at each other, like "What now?!"

Billy turns back to Holly, "And, and I'm sorry since fourth grade."

Holly smiles compassionately.

Billy goes red, "Fuck, now I'm the wimp."

Robert, "Growing up, Billy boy, just growing up."

Billy shakes his head, grabs his buddies and splits, "I need four Big Macs, a shake and a thousand fries."

Holly kisses Mick on his cheek, "I'm a goat who should eat her words."

Mick, "Forgiven."

Holly, "When did you learn to fight?"

Mick, "When I found out it was worth it."

* * * * *

Chapter 73 - The Award

* * * * *

Robert eyes Boxing trophies in a Sporting shop window.

His eyes narrow on some with engraving.

* * * * *

Principal's office.

Mr. Stewart reads.

A knock on the door.

Mr. Stewart, "Come in."

Robert enters, stands strongly "at attention".

Robert, "Mr. Stewart, Sir, I'd like the Math award now."

Mr. Stewart eyes Robert over, "Why the change?"

Robert, "I believe now that it's quite okay if I take it, Sir. In fact, I believe that I must take it."

Mr. Stewart, "Do you deserve it?"

Robert, "No, Sir... Yes, Sir."

Mr. Stewart, "No, Sir?"

Robert, "Correct."

Mr. Stewart, "Yes, Sir?"

Robert, "Correct. I know how to treat that award with the highest respect, Sir."

Mr. Stewart smiles.

* * * * *

Mick lays on the ground in his back yard, watching the clouds.

Robert, "Hey."

Mick, "Piss off."

Robert smiles.

Mick, "Very funny. I already know."

Robert, "Is that right?"

Robert's smile opens wider.

Mick, "I can't believe you took my award after all."

Robert, "You said you didn't care."

Mick, "I don't, but I can't believe you took it."

Mick gets up, turns away.

Robert, "I figured I was the only one who could."

Robert holds out the award to Mick, "Someone had to give it to you."

Robert bangs Mick on his shoulder.

Mick spins, ready to smack Robert, who holds the award up so Mick can read, MIKOLAJ WIECZOREK, BEST MATH STUDENT, HUNT HIGH SCHOOL.

Mick stares at the award.

* * * * *

Mr. Stewart drives in, parks in his spot, near the Cannon.

Robert and Holly sit on the Cannon platform.

They hop down, approach him.

Mr. Stewart, "Nice day."

Holly and Robert fumble for words, " Sir, uh--"

Mr. Stewart smiles, "Robert, I believe there is a misspelling on one of the large award plaques."

Robert, "There is?"

Mr. Stewart, "I understand you know where the engraver is."

Robert grins.

Mr. Stewart walks towards the school, "Nice day."

* * * * *

Awards hallway.

Robert leads the Calculus students, minus Mick, down the hall.

They converge on the Award plaques.

A moment while some of the outer students look up and down the hall.

They walk away.

The Math plaque is gone.

* * * * *

Awards hallway - later.

Burly struts along.

He glances at the awards.

Continues walking.

Shock.

He spins back.

His eyes zoom in on the Math award.

Mick's name adorns it.

He races down the hall, turns down another hall, full of students, "Out of my way!"

The students dodge him.

Mick and Robert see him rush into the Administration office.

Mick stares.

Robert smiles, puts his hand on Mick's shoulder.

* * * * *

Chapter 74 - Transfer

* * * * *

Principal's office.

Mr. Stewart sits with Mr. Gibbs, 55, the school district superintendent.

Mr. Gibbs, "You okay with telling him?"

Mr. Stewart, "It would make my day."

Mr. Gibbs laughs.

Burly barges in, steaming, "Mr. Stewart, have you seen the Math award plaque! That little--"

Mr. Stewart, "Burly, this is Mr. Gibbs, the school district superintendent."

Burly, "Uh, how are you, Sir."

They shake hands.

Burly, "We have this terrible rebellious student who needs to be expel--"

Mr. Stewart, "Speaking of needs, Mr. Gibbs has been talking to me about the need for a third grade teacher in Hollin Elementary School."

Burly, "Huh?"

Mr. Stewart looks directly at Burly, holding his gaze, "You've taught third grade before so I've recommended you for the job."

Burly, "This isn't funny."

Mr. Stewart stands, "No, Burly, it isn't funny. And it hasn't been very funny around here, at all."

He hands Burly a letter, "Your transfer papers."

Burly's face turns red, eyes wide, cheek twitching.

Mr. Stewart, "During the summer you might like to brush up on multiplication and division. Though you've had no trouble with division lately. Do keep in mind, you will also be on one year's probation. Please behave accordingly."

Burly straightens himself, rubs his cheek, snatches the papers, turns.

Mr. Stewart, "By the way..."

Burly pauses.

Mr. Stewart, "You're excused from the last week of school."

Burly storms out.

Mr. Gibbs, "God help those eight-year-olds."

* * * * *

Chapter 75 - Which college?

* * * * *

Mick's bedroom.

Mick holds his $60,000 High School scholarship check in one hand, the Stanford acceptance letter in the other.

He puts them down on his desk, next to his grandfather's photo.

* * * * *

Mick and Holly sit on her front porch.

Holly, "Like the award?"

Mick shrugs, "I remember watching Thomaz get his when I was 9. From that day on, I dreamt of getting my own."

Holly, "We all knew you deserved it."

Mick smiles.

Holly, "You can go to nearly any college now."

Mick, "I always wanted Stanford."

Subdued, Holly looks away, "Three thousand miles."

A long silence.

Mick, "I would come home every break."

He touches her neck.

She turns with teary eyes.

Mick, "I would, I promise."

They kiss.

* * * * *

Mick walks along the sidewalk, stops at the mail box, grabs the mail and flips through them.

One from UVA.

He shrugs, goes inside.

* * * * *

Mick enters, looking over the UVA letter.

He puts it down, heads to the kitchen.

He comes out with a Coke, picks up the letter, sits down.

He opens it, reads, "We are happy to inform you that you have been accepted..."

His eyes skip down further, "Due to your financial situation, since you are instate, we can arrange a work scholarship..."

* * * * *

Mick spars against his hanging bag and balls.

The UVA letter is pinned under the Scholarship sign on his bulletin board.

* * * * *

Holly's home - night.

Mick races up to the door, knocks.

Mrs. Melton answers, "Mick, it's late."

Mick, "Yes, Ma'am. It is."

He drops his head.

Mrs. Melton smiles, "I'll get Holly."

* * * * *

Chapter 76 - A victor of the people

* * * * *

Mick and Mr. Stewart stroll in the Awards hallway.

They approach the plaques.

Holly stands at the far end of the hall.

Mr. Stewart, "So now that you have the scholarship, which college?"

Mick, "A lot of thought, Sir. When it came down to what's most important for me and for others, it didn't seem right to take a Math scholarship and not major in Math."

Mr. Stewart, "Declined the money, eh? The Math whiz isn't staying with Math?"

Mick, "UVA has a great law school."

Mr. Stewart smiles.

Mick, "My grandfather was--"

Mr. Stewart, "A hero, I've been told."

Mick, "Yes, he was..."

Mick looks up the hall at Holly, smiling.

Mick grins, "A victor of the people."

Mr. Stewart laughs.

They come to the plaques.

Both stare at the Math award.

Mick bites his bottom lip, "It really doesn't matter for a law degree, does it, Sir?"

Mr. Stewart smiles.

They pass the plaques.

He puts his hand on Mick's shoulder.

They approach Holly.

She runs into Mick's arms.

On her wrist is Mick's bracelet.

* * * * *

The end

About the Author

Thank you for reading "Mick, a kid who fought", one of Steve Weissman's 13 stories now available worldwide. We hope you enjoyed the "journey" with Mick, Holly, Robert, Mr. Stewart and the other characters.

Steve has been an international Buddhist meditation teacher since 1987. He was a resident teacher at a meditation center in Thailand for 25 years, teaching over 8,000 students from more than 85 countries. He currently lives in Australia, and continues teaching at various centers worldwide.

It was in his early years of teaching that Steve started weaving in entertaining short stories. One of his students commented on how they thought Steve could successfully write a screenplay. At the time Steve had far too much work to consider such a project, and dropped the thought.

Several years later, Steve was contemplating the Buddhist philosophy concerning death in different realms of existence, particularly the higher realms. In those realms, beings are thought to live an extremely long time and may come to believe their existence is permanent. He wondered what it would be like to explain what death is to someone, who had absolutely no knowledge about the aging process or death. These thoughts sparked more thoughts, and three days later, Steve finished his first screenplay draft.

After polishing that script and experimenting with a few more, Steve realized that no one has yet produced a dramatic movie of the Buddha's life for Western audiences. Yes, there are many biographies of the Buddha, but a biography is a biography, and very difficult to create the excitement that movie audiences want.

So, why not write a semi-fictious biography, with the dimension and character of a true "Hero's journey"?

Steve's movie script, "The Great Quest" is that story, which has the potential to become the first Hollywood-level, dramatic movie of the Buddha's life produced for both Western and worldwide audiences. <http://thegreatquest.net>

But although "The Great Quest" has made 22 script contest finals, Steve's many attempts to attract producers, directors, actors, agents and managers, has not yet produced fruit.

Understanding more about the film industry, Steve realized that a film of this magnitude - with good directing & acting - could be Oscar-worthy, but it would be very expensive. So he decided to write more scripts that were lower budget, thinking that if one of these would sell, he might get a better response for "The Great Quest". These scripts have made another 36 finals, and he has now won 7 contests, with dozens more semi & quarterfinals.

But, again, Steve's attempts to attract Hollywood interest, has not yet produced fruit.

So now his thought is - turn the scripts into inexpensive short stories, and see what happens.

Do you have any possible connections with film personnel? If so, would you please pass "Mick, a kid who fought" on to them. Steve will also gladly send all 13 of his stories to anyone who has a genuine interest in turning one or more of these into a film.

And, if you did enjoy this story and would like to help in even a small way, would you please take a few moments to leave a good review at your favorite retailer? More positive reviews will encourage others to read and enjoy it, too.

Thank you very much. You might be that special person who can help "Mick, a kid who fought" and "The Great Quest" become wonderful movies.

More information about Steve's teaching can be found at <https://rosemary-steve.org>. And specific film/stories information can be found at <http://thegreatquest.net/stories.htm>.

* * * * *

Steve's 13 stories

The Great Quest

Drama Biopic

Based on the true story of the Buddha: The battles of a Prince who rejects riches and power, risks insanity and death, in a quest to find ultimate freedom.

Imprisoned in the Palace by his father, the time fruits when a naïve Siddhartha awakens to the realities of the world, and escapes in search of a deeper meaning to life. His devious, look-alike, unrelenting alter ego, Mara, presents the greatest obstacle, thwarting Siddhartha at every possible opportunity. Siddhartha also confronts barbaric Brahmin Priests, a war-raging King and evil spirits before he attempts harsh austerities and starvation. Barely escaping madness and death, Siddhartha strengthens himself for his illustrious battle with Mara, when only one will survive.

ISBN 978-0-6487941-0-3

Open Your Eyes, Dude

Romantic Comedy

Relaxing at the beach before a seminar with the world's most renown, yet reclusive eye surgeon, playboy doctor Tom has been given an ultimative - stay a bachelor stuck in his boring job or join an elite group of doctors keen to be in the Senate. However, he has just one week to find a wife who will enhance his public image. When he meets secretive, gentle new-ager Tricia in the surf, she intrigues him and then escapes his advances before he can discover more. He follows her but confronts the scheming tricks of a jealous neurosurgeon, and his own selfish ways. Finally he seduces her for one night, and actually finds that he is falling in love with her. But what happens when she discovers his original motivation?

ISBN 978-0-6488482-5-7

Barred Engagement

Crime Thriller, Romance

Travis and Janie are lovers from high school, engaged to be married, with her father welcoming Travis more than his own son. But when they find out Travis has a different real last name, all hell breaks loose. With her father threatening to kill Travis if they tried to marry, Janie cancels the marriage to save Travis, but he won't give up that easily. Despite the danger, a resolute Travis must fight not only for his love, but for his life. And little did he expect to find out how Janie's father was connected to his parent's deaths.

ISBN 978-0-6487941-8-9

Love, Mysterious

Fantasy Romantic Comedy

Cupid's top marriage agent from who-knows-where, Kolby has a massive problem. His job – and Cupid's life - are on the line unless Kolby can fulfill the hardest of all assignments! Rumor has it the couple were Romeo & Juliet, Anthony & Cleopatra, plus believe it or not - Adam & Eve. But when there's a time limit on the love arrow's potion, things don't always work out the way you'd like. He shot the greatest two soul mates as little kids, but the girl was born to the wrong parents and moved halfway around the world. Kolby must get them back together and make sure they stay that way. He's in a race against time to save Cupid and Love on Earth. And if that wasn't enough, he also struggles with another love agenda of his own.

ISBN 978-0-6487941-6-5

Mick, a kid who fought

Coming-of-age Drama

Brought up by a immigrant Polish father who never "stirs a tiger", quiet Mick shies away from any confrontation, even when he's denied his well earned High School award with a desperately needed scholarship by a jealous teacher. Yet after the girl he loves calls him a loser, Mick chooses to identify with his freedom fighting grandfather who died rocking too many boats. Will Mick learn to fight against bullies and win back his love, or will his father prevent him?

ISBN 978-0-6488482-3-3

Vicki in Viewland

Fantasy Adventure Animation Comedy Spoof

ALICE IN WONDERLAND meets THE WIZARD OF OZ in the land of foolish views.

A 13-year-old's crush on the paper boy has her falling head over heels, landing in the fantasy world of Viewland where the vicious President labels her a terrorist and tries to annihilate her. Aided by a five foot tall Bluejay and Count Alf the Fourteenth, she confronts foolish view after view until she must defeat the President in order to return home. Yet is the President the only one she must battle? Or is there someone more ominous who awaits her?

ISBN 978-0-6488482-7-1

For Life

Drama

For years Taylor, the president of a leading euthanasia group, has pumped all his energy and drive into his "mission". But now he must confront the reality of his own mother's illness and face-off with his estranged anti-euthanasia daughter, who holds power of attorney and medical decisions for her grandmother. Fearing the worst of her hated father, she does what she can to stop Taylor, yet his buddies also come knocking on her grandmother's door. Meanwhile Taylor's incestuous sister-in-law plays her sexual games and plans what to do with her share of the inheritance.

ISBN 978-0-6487941-7-2

Security Act 2070

Thriller Drama Sci-fi

Sixty years in the future, materialism reigns supreme in America, "One nation under Money". Those who protest the accepted creed are declared fanatical enemies of the State. After losing his parents and his love, the death of his brother tips Buddy over the edge into the "disease" which pits him against the culture. Swiftly suppressing his protest, the authorities commit him to a mental hospital where a doctor seeks a live specimen for research.

ISBN 978-0-6488482-1-9

Get Updated, System's Archaic

Coming-of-age Dramedy

Ken and Aaron's childhood sibling rivalry continues as adults. Though Aaron tries to make it good, even saving Ken's life, Ken's hatred stays. When Aaron shows up for a family reunion with Rahula, a half-Asian adopted son, Ken's prejudice grows, and multiplies a hundred-fold when Rahula and Ken's daughter fall for each other. Can the past be healed or will the reunion tear the family further apart?

ISBN 978-0-6488482-0-2

The Kalama Awakening

Cult Drama

On a spiritual quest, young naive Julie's longing for freedom and devotion makes her an easy target for a cult Guru's lust and her boyfriend's willingness to trade her for power and fame. Isolated and drugged, she ends up in a nightmare of betrayal and manipulation, yet resists being brainwashed into submission and becoming the Guru's sex slave. Sage, an ex-devotee, knows the evils that await and risks his life to rescue her. Yet he also becomes caught in the Guru's web and it's up to Julie whether she can save both of them.

ISBN 978-0-6488482-6-4

Leaves fall

Fantasy Dramedy

In a world where soulmates meet, an inept fellow has failed constantly for over 300 years. Even when his true love appears, rather than being ecstatic to see him, she yearns for her past life as a celibate nun. Clever, quick and breaking the rules, she outfoxes mating attempts, not realizing that they are an eternal pair. So what happens when a ninety year old nun, celibate all her life, dies and is spontaneously reborn as a young beautiful woman in a world where everyone meets their true mate?

ISBN 978-0-6488482-2-6

Another Chance

Drama Thriller

Brad, a star High School quarterback/Valedictorian, turns bad, becoming a local drug lord. Despite his wrong ways, he longs for the approval of his virtuous father. When Brad finally entices his father into his nightmare world, a surprised and shocked Brad watches his Dad out perform his own evil ways. When he awakens from his hell, he tries to reform and plans to marry a homely, innocent Librarian whom he truly loves - but will his fate allow this?

ISBN 978-0-6488482-4-0

The Burden of Angels

Fantasy Comedy Short

God warns goofy Humphrey, he's on the verge of failing Angel School when an elite class of angels head to earth to help major catastrophes, yet poor Humphrey plans to aid just one man who lost a piece of paper.

ISBN 978-0-6488482-9-5