Relationships - Family

Dean, age 17, is having trouble with his family. He feels that they are stifling his freedom, and he wishes they would leave him alone.

Tanya (Mom): Dean, your grandmother asked you to pass the pasta salad.

Dean looks down at his plate.

Tanya: What are you, deaf? Pass the pasta salad.

Dean passes the pasta salad.

Grandmother: How was school today?

Dean: Okay.

Tanya: Did you have any interesting classes?

Dean: Not really.

Tanya: Stop stuffing so much food into your mouth.

Dean continues to eat rapidly.

Grandmother: Didn't anybody teach you how to cut your meat?

Dean: Would you guys get out of my face? I'm just eating dinner.

Tanya: Well maybe if you would give an answer that was more than 3 words, I could.

Dean: Mom, why would I talk to you? You're backwards. You don't understand anything.

Tom (Dad): Don't insult your mother.

Dean: I'm not insulting her.

Tom: You're not speaking respectfully.

Dean: I need the car. I have to go pick up Robert from work. We're going bowling.

Tom: Who told you that you could have the car?

Dean: Mom.

Tom: You can't go out bowling on the one day your Grandmother is here to visit.

Dean: Is it okay, Gram?

Grandma: I don't mind..

Tom: Well I do. Why don't we all go? Then we can all spend time together.

Dean: I'm not going out with my parents. You guys look like, well , it's embarrassing to be out with your parents.

Mom: C'mon. We haven't been out together with Grandma in over a year. It would be fun for everybody. You could bring Robert.

Dean: I'm not going out with you. I have plans. I'm not going to look like a total dweeb loser -- out with my parents.

Tom: You can't have the car anyway. So you might as well come with us.

Dean: You lied to me. You told me I could have the car.

Tom: We didn't realize Grandma would be here today.

Dean: You treat me like garbage. You lie to me. You don't care about me. I have plans. I have things I want to do. I'm almost 17 and you're still treating me like a baby.

Tom: A baby? I let you take the car and who pays for the gas? Who takes it to the shop to be fixed? Who puts oil in? Do you? No.

Dean: Get a grip. If you want me to put in gas, just say so.

Tom: Yeah, where are you going to get the money?

Grandma: I'll give you money, Tom. I'll pay for you to take a taxi to the bowling alley if you want.

Tanya: Mom, don't spoil him. He can stay home with us.

Grandma: It's my pleasure to spoil him.

Tom: You're not going. You're going to stay home. For one night, you can stay home with us.

Dean: I'm out of here. (He grabs his jacket and goes)