Substance Abuse

In the high school parking lot on Friday afternoon, after school, Seth faces a difficult dilemma.

Makko: Are you going to the party at Trisha's tonight, dude?

Makko puts his arm around him Seth's shoulders.

Seth: I guess.

Makko: My man, it's B.Y.O.S. You've got some, right?

Seth: I don't really have...

Makko: A stash...I can fix that. You want me to hook you up, dude?

Seth: No, it's okay.

Makko: It's not okay. You're a man of the new millennium, right? Don't even think about stepping out if you're not wired.

Seth gives Makko a puzzled look.

Makko: Have you even tried reefer?

Seth: Well.... not really, I can't really... say.

Makko: Come here my man, this one's on me.

Opens his car door. Sees another friend of his.

Makko: Yo Biter, get on over here.

Biter: Whassup man?

Makko: Seth here is about to take a dive in the reef, first time.

Biter: Virgin territory. Cool.

Makko: Come on my man, it's nothing.

Seth starts to walk towards his car.

Makko: A little reefer never hurt nobody.

Biter: It'll calm you down, man. Makes the world slow down so you feel like you're with Jennifer Lopez.

Seth: I have to go to practice later.

Biter: Didn't know you were a jockhead. But, hey, it will help your sport. It's a great performance enhancer. Any kind of performance.

Makko: Just take one hit. C'mon man. It's time.

Seth: Okay, one.

He gets into the car and Makko and Biter light a joint and each take long hits. Seth, holding the joint like a cigarette, takes one puff.

Seth: Not bad. But I don't feel anything.

Makko: Try one more.

Seth takes another puff.

Seth: That's enough. I gotta go.

Biter: Don't you want some more? We could sell you some. Then you and whoever you take to Tricia's tonight can really do some grooving together.

Seth: That's okay. Besides I don't have any money with me.

Makko: We'll be there tonight. You can bring your money then.

Seth gets out of the car. He feels dizzy. He gets into his car and sits there, afraid to drive.