Episode Flame – Max Confrontation with Frank (Dad)

INT. KITCHEN – EARLY MORNING (SUNRISE)

 

Max (18) returns home surprisingly early from a night out in the city after meeting Ingrid. He enters his house, walks into the kitchen and finds he’s father sitting at the table with a cold motionless face.

 

For the first time, Max’s two personalities, his shy usual self his coupled is soon coupled with a relentless amount of rage that bursts out into the open.

 

MAX

Dad.

 

Stunned. Max’s charade has finally come to an end. His father knows the truth.

 

MAX

What are you doing…

 

FRANK (DAD)

Did you think I didn’t know?

 

Frank stands up and moves slowly towards Max until he is toe-to-toe with the teenager.

 

Max looks down at the floor and admits defeat.

 

FRANK (DAD)

After everything I’ve done for you…we’ve done for you!

 

Frank points to Max’s crying mother who quickly peaks her head into the kitchen

 

TRINA (MUM)

Take it easy Frank. He’s just a kid.

 

Frank has reached boiling point – he’s stonewall face is now turning red with a touch venom to it.

 

FRANK (DAD)

Don’t tell me to take it easy; he’s been doing this for months now behind our back and for what?

 

He (Frank) turns and shoves Max into the wall.

 

FRANK (DAD)

You were never like this; you were a happy, kind, polite kid with the world at your feet. We gave you everything. Everything! And this is how your repay us. By going out every weekend, destroying your body, your life, your family.

 

 

Frank manages to lower his voice and soon, anger turns to petty.

 

Max is on the floor leaning against the wall with tears pouring down is eyes.

 

FRANK (DAD)

Your nothing now. You’re a nobody. You’re just a scared shitless little kid – a fucking loser.

 

Max stands up and smirks at his father

 

MAX

No dad. I’m not. You always looked down on me, you always put these expectations on me and even when I was doing well, you laughed and told me to do better. You never once said ‘well done son’ or ‘we’re proud of you kid’, it was always the opposite.

 

Max starts walking towards his father with rage.

 

MAX

You know I’m happy you found out this way. Because every single time I left this house, it was in spite of you. I was never good enough for you and I will never fulfill your expectations of me. And that’s okay. Because for the first time ever I don’t care what you think. I’m done trying to please you and everyone around me.

 

Max starts slowly walking backwards towards the front door.

 

MAX

You were right dad. I know I’m not perfect but stop thinking that I have to be do be a somebody…

 

 

For the firs time he had stood up to his dad and finally had the balls to walk away from his demanding father.

 

The scene ends with Max leaving through the front door, walking down the street towards the park bench – Max is now at the cross roads of his young adolescent life.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *