Man's voice: My name is Lance clayton.
My biggest fear in life is that I'm going to end up all alone.
I'm a writer.
I'm a writer, but so far nothing I've written
has ever been published.
Ernest Hemingway once said
all he wanted to do was write one true sentence.
He also tried to scratch an itch on the back of his head
with a shotgun.
I've always dreamed of being a famous author,
of creating an important work...
# Ooh la la la la la la la #
# La la la la la la #
# Saa la la la la la la la... #
...something that connected with people and helped them
as they suffered through the human condition...
# Ooh la la la... #
...also something that made a shitload of cash.
# Ooh la la la la la... #
I've written novels, books, magazine articles,
and even children's stories.
All have been rejected.
I did sell a few greeting cards once, though.
It felt pretty good.
I don't find the creative process
in itself rewarding enough.
I have to be honest... I want to reach an audience.
This is my fifth novel.
I've promised myself that if this one is rejected,
I'll give up writing.
Come on, boy, we're late.
Hey, buddy, I...
Kyle?
Oh, fuc... what the fuck?
- God! Kyle? - D-Dad?
- What are you doing? - What are you doing?
- God, I was coming, you fag! - Jesus christ.
- I thought you were dead. - Do you knock? Please!
I knocked. Okay, yep.
- Out! - God, I...
- Get out of my room! - I'm out. I'm going.
- I'm out of here. - You ever heard of privacy?
- You freak! - Yeah, I'm the weird one.
Yeah. Oh, God.
What the fuck?
Dad?
- Dad! - Oh, yeah. Right.
Radio: # What do you do? Where do you go? #
You were up early.
- You're not funny. - Okay.
What a Monday.
# Somewhere else... #
Why are we listening to this?
'Cause I like Bruce Hornsby.
Stop it.
Bruce Hornsby is a fag.
- He's got kids, Kyle. - You have a kid.
- Mmm. - And you're a fag.
- Why? Because I like Bruce Hornsby? - Yeah.
Well, put on some music you like. Okay?
No, I fucking hate music.
- You hate music? - Yeah.
- All music? - Yes.
The only thing queerer than music are the people who like it.
All music is gay now? What about heavy metal?
That's probably the faggiest of all the fag music out there.
Kyle, you could have died this morning.
Well... of embarrassment.
What you're doing is dangerous.
What? Beating off?
No no... not... we all have needs, Kyle.
Needs? What... what are you talking about?
Masturbation is natural, okay?
- You know what's not natural? - What?
Talking about jerking off with your dad. That's not natural.
- Shit. - Don't do that, please, okay?
- Why? - Because your feet are dirty.
Because I said so.
- Whoa, let me out here. - Let me park in the lot.
Lance, I'm gonna look like a dillweed walking in with you, all right?
It's bad for my rep.
Don't call me Lance.
It's your name, isn't it? Lance?
# What do you do? Where do you go? #
# What do you say? #
# And how do you know? #
# I'll say who cares #
# When people stare #
# I will make myself invisible #
# Yes, I will, yes, I will #
# Mm-hmm #
# Mm-hmm hmm... #
Slow down, boys.
# When I feel like a freak... #
'Morning.
# When I'm on the other end of someone's mean streak #
# People make fun, I've got to lose myself... #
Danny.
# Take my thin skin and move it somewhere else #
# I'm setting myself up for the future #
# Looking for the chance that something good might lie ahead #
# I guess I'm looking for the possibilities #
# And in my mind #
# I've got this skin I can shed... #
# What do you do? #
# Where do you go? #
- Good morning, Lance. - 'Morning Principal Anderson.
- What was that? - Oh, personal mail,
but I used my own postage.
- Mmm. Good. - Right.
May I speak with you for a moment?
Sure.
Your poetry course...
it's not very popular.
- Neither is poetry, sir. - Mmm.
But the few who take it, they get a lot out of it.
Yes yes, I'm sure they do.
But I am sorry... if your class enrollment
doesn't improve by next semester, we're going to have to drop it.
We're only budgeted for one English elective,
and Mike Lane's creative-writing course is quite the hit.
I just wanted to give you a heads up.
Well, thank you, sir.
- Hey, what's going on, Mr. L? - Hey, how you doin', man?
- Good. How are you? - Ready for tonight's game?
- Yeah, you gonna be there? - I'll be there. Of course.
- Good. - Throw a touchdown for me, all right?
- Of course! - Hey, Lancelot!
- What's up, buddy? - Not much, Mike.
All right.
'Morning, Miss Reed.
- Hello, Mr. Clayton. - How are you?
- Good. How are you? - Mmm.
Ahh, my favorite.
I thought teachers weren't supposed to have favorites.
Not favorite students.
I'm a lucky guy.
How does a lump like me get a dame like you?
Don't insult my taste. I'm the lucky guy.
You finished?
Yeah. I wanted you to be the first to read it.
I'm honored.
Really?
Maybe I'll take you someplace fancy for dinner.
How about you come over to my place for something hot and spicy?
- Is that a double entendre? - No.
- I was just going to make you my chili. - Oh.
And then bang you.
Great!
You have a very professional day, Miss Reed.
Right back at you, Mr. Clayton.
- Take care. - Extremely professional day.
Andrew, I want to show you something.
What is it?
Ew, is that woman being crapped on?
Happy birthday. It's fucking German schizer porn.
All right, dude? It's fucking hot, right, yo?
No, dude, what the fuck is wrong with you, yo?
Nothing.
You wouldn't say that if you lived in Europe.
I mean, these Europeans are much more broadminded
than these uptight Americans. Shit's huge in Germany.
Yeah, well, we're not in Europe and I don't like that kind of stuff.
Yeah, I know, that's 'cause you're a fag.
Dude, it's gross.
I'd do it...
to someone.
- Oh. - I would.
I'd chili-dog her.
Hi, Jennifer.
Come on, baby, that pussy's not gonna eat itself.
What the fuck did you just say?
Uh, nothing.
You're a fucking pig.
Wow, okay.
Hold that.
Get off me, you dumb jock!
What are you talking about? I don't even play sports.
- You... - Hey!
Come on, guys, knock it off. Knock it off.
Yeah. Yeah, that's right, bitch.
Oh, you're gonna help me up?
- Come on. - Can't you control that animal?
Now come on, tough guy, let's go.
Let's go, guys. Come on.
Principal: Kyle,
what did you say to Jennifer?
Nothing.
He said that her pussy is not going to eat itself.
Do you hear that?
You are... that is rude.
- And you're a pervert. - Be quiet.
Kyle, is that what you said?
No.
Jennifer, chris, get back to class.
Kyle, I need to speak with you and your father.
Kyle, right now you're on academic probation
and your grades show no sign of improvement.
If you don't straighten up,
I'm going to have to expel you.
- Do you understand? - Yes, Mr. Anderson.
I do understand.
Now get out of here. And no more trouble.
Wait for me outside.
Lance,
this isn't easy for me.
What isn't easy, Mr. Anderson?
How's Kyle been acting at home?
I mean, does he seem normal to you?
Oh, yeah.
Oh. You and I both know that sometimes
these things take a long time to surface.
What things?
Well, I think that Kyle's poor grades and acting out
show signs of a serious development problem.
He belongs in a special-needs school
where he can get the proper attention and care that he requires.
- What? - That's nothing to be ashamed of.
Sir, he's... he's not slow.
He's just being a pain.
Give him another chance.
Well, I have. I've given him many chances.
That's true.
All right.
All right, but he'd better start showing signs of improvement and quickly.
And he's got to stop disturbing the other students.
Thank you, sir. Thank you.
- You're grounded. - I'll run away.
Oh, and live with your mother?
And her boy-toy Todd? That's a great idea.
- I'll take away your computer. - No, you won't.
Yes, I will. Jesus christ, Kyle,
what did I do to deserve this?
I didn't ask to be born.
Neither did I.
Boo hoo.
Woman: You are so funny!
Wait, read from here. Starting there.
- What are you reading? - "We don't experience it
as a restriction!"
- What's that? - Oh, God, you are so funny.
It's... come here. Give it to me.
- Oh, this is embarrassing. - Mike got published
- in "The New Yorker. " - "New Yorker"!
- Hello! - "The New Yorker"?
Woman: It's about the first robot that joins the NBA.
- It's like a parody about racism. - Miss Reed: Racism.
- It's hysterical. - No, it isn't.
No, it is seriously so good.
Called "I, Forward. " Get it?
Yeah, like "I, Robot. "
- Right, but "I, Forward. " - Yeah.
It's... it's really hard getting in "The New Yorker. "
- It is? - Yeah, really.
It's the first thing I submitted.
Woman: That's amaz... I'm amazed.
The first thing? No.
- That's great. Good for you. - What's that?
Mike got published in "The New Yorker. "
You don't say! May I see it?
- Sure. - It's about racism.
Hot dog! Now don't go getting too famous on us.
What's that?
Mike published an article in "The New Yorker. "
- Take a look at that. - Ho ho!
Right on. You dog, you dog!
Yeah!
This should be read at assembly.
Now that is a great idea.
Mike, would you read it at the assembly?
If you twist my arm, all right.
May I take this with me?
- Yeah, sure. - Can I read it after him?
That's awesome. Congratulations.
Hey, blow my whistle. Come on... "The New Yorker"!
For "The New Yorker"! Y34h!
Wow, I cannot wait to get my own copy.
"New Yorker. " It's not a national,
- but that's amazing. - No.
Actually, it is a national magazine.
- It's national. - Really?
Whoa, I didn't know that.
Mmm.
How's Kyle?
Great.
Raising a son is so hard.
Don't get me wrong, my Hunter is the best thing that ever happened to me.
But man, can he be a handful.
- How old is he? - Two, going on 20.
Oh, God.
The kid's a player.
Well, I wonder where he gets that from.
I have no idea.
How's he dealing with the separation?
Real well.
I didn't know you were separated.
Yeah. It's been tough,
but his mother and I were supposed to make a baby together.
We just weren't supposed to live together.
- That's so sad. - Yeah.
Thanks.
How often do you see him?
Every other weekend.
They're not kidding when they say that raising a child
is the toughest job you'll ever love.
Mmm. Well, you sound like a great dad.
Ah, well,
I try my best.
Hi, Andrew.
Hey.
I enjoy our little chats.
Woman's voice: Oh, yeah.
- Kyle? - Hi... hi, Dad.
- What are you doing? - What? Nothing.
What's Andrew doing here?
What, Andr... don't bother Andrew, all right? He has asthma.
Then he shouldn't be having milk products.
- What? - Listen, you're grounded.
- Send him home. - I can't send him home, Dad!
God, man, you never listen to me.
I told you, he doesn't have a father
and he has a mother who's an alcoholic.
Kyle, send him home. You don't get to have friends over.
Fine, you know what? You can send him home.
I'm not gonna do that to this guy.
Okay? You don't care about anyone but yourself.
- Kyle? - You're so... what?
- What do you want? - Do you want to do some homework?
I would love to, but I can't.
You have to go home.
Why?
Oh, well, that's a question for my father.
Fine, Andrew can stay. You can do homework.
Oh, you can stay now! You can...
go on, get in. Shut up.
Oh, you're gonna tell me to shut up now.
- Yeah, I am. - Prick.
Mr. Clayton, do you have anything to eat?
Sure, Andrew.
Uh, I'm a vegetarian.
Here you go, Andrew. It's just cheese.
I hope you're okay with that.
- Be careful. It's hot. - Thanks, Mr. Clayton.
Kyle, let's see how much you've got here.
Oh, online. Well, "Farmers relied on good soil,
worker animals, sunshine and...
perspiration. "
You mean like sweat?
No, perspiration... when it rains!
Uh, that's... that's precipitation.
No, I meant "sweat. "
Oh.
It's hot. You want something to drink, Andrew?
No.
You okay?
I'm trying to write.
- Sorry. - Please.
Hello?
- Lance: Hey. - Hi.
As soon as I finish helping Kyle with his homework,
I'm coming over to your house and putting my penis in your vagina.
That's a single entendre.
Oh, I should have called you earlier.
I didn't get to the store so I didn't make chili.
Oh. Well, I'll take you out to dinner.
Oh, I don't know if that's a good idea.
I mean, we really shouldn't go out where students might see us.
Well, you know what? I'll pick up some takeout and bring it over.
Oh, would you just hate me if we did this tomorrow night instead?
I'm just not feeling that great, and it's already kind of late.
No. No, tomorrow night'll be great.
Okay.
Are you sure you're not mad at me?
No, not at all.
Okay.
Then good night, sugar.
Good night, popsicle.
Let's see how you're doing on that report, huh?
- It's good. - Yeah.
See, Kyle?
What are you doing?
- Cool down. - Oh.
What time do you have to be home, Andrew?
It doesn't matter.
Well, you know, it's just 9:30.
We can go to a video store, get a movie.
Are you stupid? I hate watching movies.
You used to like watching movies when you were a kid.
Yeah, only 'cause you wanted me to.
Movies are for losers and art fags.
Oh. What would you like to do?
Um...
can Andrew and I play "Doom" on my computer?
Yeah.
Just "Doom," nothing else.
I like your dad.
My dad?
He's a fucking idiot.
Boy: "Insanity laughs
Under pressure we're cracking
can't we give ourselves one more chance?
Why can't we give love
One more chance?
Why can't we give love
Give love
Give love... "
Stop.
Jason, you didn't write that.
That's a Queen/Bowie song: "Under Pressure. "
What were you thinking?
I didn't think you knew that one.
Jason, I'm white.
- Oh, boy. - Sit down.
Thank you.
Guys, why are you here if you're not gonna even try?
Poetry is about saying something from your heart,
something personal. Okay?
Yes, Ginger?
I have something that's kind of personal.
Great. Go ahead.
"It was raining yesterday afternoon
Water dripping off the lilac bushes my mother loves
And as I sat and watched the blood pour out from between my legs
And felt the pain of motherhood myself
I wondered if it would have been a boy or a girl. "
Thank you.
That was very personal.
Thanks.
If you ever need to talk to someone, I'm here.
Why?
Woman singing: # Yes, it's a good day #
# For singing a song #
# And it's a good day #
# For moving along #
# Yes, it's a good day #
# How could anything be wrong? #
# A good day from morning till night #
# And it's a good day #
# For shining your shoes #
# And it's a good day... #
Hello, lamb chop.
Hello, honeydew melon.
What's wrong?
Nothing.
Something's bothering you.
Do you like Mike?
What are you talking about?
Don't get mad. I mean, I know we've never talked
about not seeing anyone else.
I'm sorry I said that.
L...
are we still on for dinner?
# I've got a gal that's always late #
# Every time we have a date #
# But I love her #
# Yes, I love her #
# I'm gonna walk right up to her gate #
# And see if I can get it straight #
# 'cause I want her #
# I'm gonna ask her #
# I'm gonna say, "Is you is or is you ain't #
# My baby? #
# The way you're acting lately makes me doubt... " #
- Hello? - Miss Reed: Hello, jerk.
I am so sorry.
Yeah, you're a real shitbird.
Don't let it happen again.
I am such a jerk.
And it will never happen again.
# Mmm, a woman is a creature... #
- Hello? - I'm in here!
# That has always been strange #
# Just when you're sure of one #
# You find she's gone and made a change... #
Oh, great. Thanks.
# Is you is or is you ain't... #
That's great.
It's an interesting piece.
- Yeah? You're an interesting piece. - Oh!
This is just like high school, right?
Ah. Except I didn't have any girlfriends in high school.
Oh, well, those girls were idiots.
I would have been your girlfriend.
Oh.
If we had a time machine,
let's see...
mmm...
I'd be in high school and you'd be a fetus.
- I think that's... - No, that's not cool.
No, not cool.
Ala la la la.
Girl: Weekend summary:
We did nothing, followed by nothing,
with a grand finale of nothing.
About time, Felter.
I think they're doing it.
What?
You... you think that they're fucking?
Andrew, Andrew, look,
you have to know that fucking pussy is virgin shit, all right?
When I'm with a bitch, I just go straight for the brown-eye.
- What? - I stick my cock in her asshole.
I got that part, but you've never been with a woman.
Fuck you.
Kyle, I'm always with you. I know.
No, you're not always with me.
- Yes, I am. - No, you're not.
Loser.
Oh, you're fucking fucked!
- You're fucking... - Let it go, Kyle. They're not worth it.
"Aha," yeah. That's right, laugh it up, you fucking whores.
Don't be shy.
There you go.
Ahh, yeah.
Oh.
Lance: Hey, buddy, what you doin'?
I'm doing my homework. What does it look like I'm doing?
Oh.
What?
Nothing. Need a hand?
You know, your report, or...
No. No, it's... no.
Okay.
Hey, listen, I'm going on a date tonight.
And if you're hungry, I could fix you some food before I go.
You're going on a date with who?
Well, no one's supposed to know
because it could cause problems at school.
Claire.
Claire?
Do I know this claire?
Miss Reed. Hmm?
Really? You're going out with the TILF, that's great.
- The what? - TILF...
- "Teacher I'd like to fuck. " - Nice mouth.
Hey, it's just what the other kids at school call her.
What do you think about Miss Reed?
Well, she's got a hot body, helmet's okay.
- Do her from behind. - Hey, come on now!
Kyle, when did you become such a pervert?
You sound like your uncle Pete.
There's more to a woman than that.
What do you think about her personality?
Oh, um, nah.
She's pretty stuck-up and she's a phony.
Why do I even tell you these things?
- Hello? - Hey.
- Hi. - We still on for some vittles?
Oh, I'm so sorry I didn't call you sooner.
My mother is having a nervous breakdown.
Her dog got burnt by a hair crimper.
They were playing fetch or something... she's fucking bananas.
Ahh.
I'm so sorry about tonight.
You're not mad, are you?
Mmm, not at all.
Okay, good night, cupcakes.
Good night, watermelon sherbet.
# When I get high #
# This world's so nice #
# When I get high #
# It's paradise... #
Your pot smells like shit.
- Oh. Oh, sorry. - That's okay.
- Would you like some? - Are you kidding?
I can barely breathe.
Oh, I'm really sorry. Oh.
However,
if you were to offer me some pot brownies,
I wouldn't say no.
- Really? - Yeah.
Tonight when you're getting changed,
would you mind pulling your bedroom drapes?
Why?
I think my son watches you.
Get out of here.
No no. I think he watches you change.
Your son?
Mm-hmm.
I thought he was a zombie.
I wish. I like zombies.
Oh, yeah, you do? Me too. I do.
- Really? - Yeah.
Oh, I like the early zombie movies like "Night of the Living Dead. "
- Me too. - Oh, yeah, don't watch that one alone.
- I don't like the new ones. - No.
- Zombies are too fast, you know? - Yeah, too fast. Yeah.
I believe, like Simon Pegg said, that death is an impediment,
not an energy drink.
What you doing?
Jesus, Dad. You almost made me crap.
Did you get your homework done?
Yeah, a long time ago.
Yeah.
- Yeah. - What...
are you stoned?
No.
Seriously, you smell like pot. Are you smoking pot?
- No. - You can tell me.
- No. - You're not using grass?
No, you don't use grass. No.
Then what's... what's that smell?
What smell?
It's probably a skunk outside or something, you know.
Oh yeah, sure, a skunk.
Hey, you know what?
Why don't we do something together tomorrow?
Why? 'Cause you feel bad?
Yeah. No.
I mean, it'd be just fun to do something together, you know?
- Okay. - Mmm.
Yeah. Yeah, like build a rocket.
Sure, if you want to.
That's retarded.
Yeah.
- What do you want to do? - Nothing.
Oh, come on now, Kyle, you must be passionate about something.
- You want to know what I like? - Yeah.
- I like looking at vaginas... - Ahh.
...all day long.
- There you go. - Yeah.
But maybe do something non-vagina related.
You know, outside the vagina.
Okay, uh, we could go to the mall.
Okay. And then we'll catch a movie.
Yeah, sure, at the mall, you know?
And then we'll maybe look for a new computer.
No no, we'll just hang.
Dad, did I tell you that we had to buy a new computer?
No, I said... if you were listening to me...
that we could look for a new computer, okay?
And then we'll go to your movie.
Okay. But we're not buying a new computer.
Yeah, all right. Sounds fun.
This isn't the biggest screen.
Jesus christ, how about a "thank you"?
Are you on your period or something?
Can I not say anything?
Hey, isn't that... isn't that Mike with Miss Reed?
Yeah, it is.
Dude, I wouldn't let my bitch treat me that way.
- You don't have a "bitch. " - How do you know?
- Hi, Kyle. - Hey.
- Mr. Clayton. - Hello, Andrew.
Oh, wow, so he got it for you. Sweet.
Not that sweet. It's not the biggest one.
What... Dad, we're gonna go home and hook this up.
What about going to the movies?
Dad, we'll go to dinner later!
Okay, fine.
Uh, what are you gonna do, Mr. Clayton?
Oh, probably go to the movies by myself, Andrew.
Andrew!
What are you doing?
You're carrying that the rest of the way.
What, are you gonna cry?
Fucking pussy.
God damn it.
- Hello? - Hey, it's me.
What did you do today?
I was with Mike. He was having a breakdown about his divorce.
He was depressed 'cause he had to go to this wedding,
so I went with him to the mall and helped him pick up a suit to wear.
I know, I saw you two there.
You did? Why didn't you say hi?
I don't know. It seemed weird.
Does it bother you that I have male friends?
No, it bothers me you keep our relationship secret
and you're out in public with him.
Okay. What are you doing tonight, hmm?
Let's go out. We'll go out someplace fancy,
someplace the world can see us.
How about Outback Steakhouse?
Oh.
Anyone who's anybody will be there.
You know, we can have Aussie-Tizers...
You know, wait, I can't. I promised Kyle I'd take him out.
Let me take both of you out.
- It'll be my treat. - Really?
Oh. That's so nice.
- Hey, Kyle. - I'm in here.
Why do you always tip over this photo?
'Cause I hate it. I look inbred.
I think you look handsome.
We're going out to dinner tonight with claire.
What? No.
- No, we're not. - Oh, come on.
- I thought she was seeing Mr. Lane. - No no.
They're just friends and she's trying to help him out through a tough time.
Why am I explaining this to you, Kyle?
Dad, okay, look,
it's bad enough being seen with a teacher as a dad,
but being seen with two teachers is AIDS.
Okay, get dressed. Put on something nice.
If you don't act right at dinner, I'll stab you in the face.
So what do you like to do, Kyle?
Nothing.
Nothing? You must like to do something.
No.
Kyle just got a new monitor for his computer.
So what do you like to do on the computer?
Oh, well, you know, it's funny you ask.
- I like... - Games, mostly.
- Kyle, who are you texting? - Andrew.
Why don't you give it a break while we're eating, son?
No, I can't do that. It's important.
Put it away.
So, Kyle,
do you have a girlfriend?
I'm not gonna talk to you about my personal affairs.
- Okay. - Ooh.
Watch out.
Are you guys doing it?
Yeah, all the time. Non-stop.
I'm hurting right now.
Let's not make me throw up.
So do you play sports?
No no. I'm a big spaz like my dad.
Well, I was on the dive team in college.
Diving is not really a sport, it's falling.
I'm sorry.
No offense. It's just funny.
Hey, why don't we rent a movie after dinner?
Sure, as long as it's not horror.
- Really? - I do not like horror.
Zombies? Are you okay with zombies?
- No. - Oh.
Do you like musicals? I love musicals.
Bob Fosse was a great director.
He did "Sweet charity"
- and "All That Jazz. " - "Cabaret. "
One of the great Nazi musicals of all time,
besides "The Sound of Music," you know?
Then he did "Star 80." That was not a musical, but...
- I only like the musicals. - Oh, well.
- Me too. - "Willy Wonka. "
- Which one? - Lance: Well, Gene Wilder.
I like Johnny Depp.
- Oh. - Yeah.
- Mm-hmm. - But you know what?
I like Gene Wilder...
...in "Young... - Both: Frankenstein. "
"What hump?"
Did you see it?
- No. - Oh, you should.
- It's amazing. - Really wonderful.
Yeah. Everybody's seen it.
- I'm sure. - Yeah.
- Night, Miss Reed. - Good night, Kyle.
Do you think you're gonna hit that shit tonight?
- Shut up! - Come on, dude.
That shit's tight, dude. Seriously, if you don't nail her...
hey hey, if you don't nail her, dude, you're...
- you're an asshole. - Will you stop it?
Don't act like you don't think about pussy all the time too.
- I know you do. - Kyle.
You're dropping me off first, I get it. You want me to go.
I just wanna say good night to her alone.
- Okay? - With your cock.
Kyle, you ruin everything.
Would you just shut the fuck up?
Jesus, man. You fucking need to get laid. Go over there.
I'll be right back.
All right. Don't do anything I wouldn't do, okay?
Short of killing her, that leaves me a lot of room.
Hey, baby.
See you tomorrow, Kyle.
Night, whore.
Hey.
- That was fun. - The kiss?
- Mm-hmm. - I'll show you something, come on.
- Not tonight. - Wow.
Are you shooting me down?
Listen, I'd love to stay, but I promised Kyle I'd be right back.
Kyle doesn't like me.
Oh no. He likes you a lot.
- No. - Mm-hmm.
He told me that when I dropped him off.
- He did? - Yeah.
He said I was a lucky guy.
No, I'm the lucky guy.
I gotta go.
Oh, come on. He's almost an adult.
- Yeah. - Mm-hmm.
Whoa.
How are you gonna drive home with that boner, huh?
I don't know. There's a stick-shift joke there somewhere
but I can't find it 'cause all the blood's leaving my brain.
- Sleep well. - Hey.
Oh, that's sweet. Mmm.
- I'll call you tomorrow. - Oh. Boo.
- You're mean. - Good night, sweet pea.
Good night, cream cheese.
You know I... oh!
- Hmm? - Damn you.
You sure?
I'm back.
Kyle.
Hey, Kyle.
Oh, Kyle. I told you to stop doing that.
Kyle?
# Don't be afraid #
# It's only love #
# Don't be afraid #
# It's only love #
# Don't be afraid #
# It's only love #
# Don't be afraid #
# It's only love #
# Love is simple #
# Don't be afraid #
# You're already dead #
# Don't be afraid #
# You're already dead #
# Don't be afraid #
# You're already dead #
# Don't be afraid #
# You're already dead #
# Love is simple #
# La la la la la #
# La la la la la. #
Welcome back, Lance.
Hi.
- Are you okay? - Yeah.
If you need more time off, take it.
Nobody here would fault you for that.
No, I'm okay. Thanks.
Ginger.
Hey, Mike.
It's good to have you back, Lancelot.
Thanks.
Mr. Clayton.
Andrew.
How are you doing?
Okay. I'm really sorry.
Thanks.
And I'm sorry about my mom.
- Why? - 'Cause she threw up in your planter
at that thing at your house after the funeral.
I wondered who did that.
She drinks too much.
I know.
Don't worry, Andrew.
It meant a lot to me that you came.
Thanks, Mr. Clayton. Mr. Clayton.
Something doesn't make sense to me.
What, Andrew?
Did Kyle seem that bummed out to you?
What do you mean?
To do what he did. He just...
it's just, he didn't seem that sad.
Andrew, Kyle was a complex guy.
Yeah, I'll say.
- Hey. - Hey.
How are you?
I'm okay.
Good.
I want to apologize that I haven't been there more for you.
It's just that I don't do death well.
Don't worry about it, you know, I...
I've been kind of a zombie lately anyway.
I'm really sorry.
Please don't be mad.
I'm not.
Let's do something soon, all right?
All right.
Cheer up, pumpkin.
I like you.
Thanks.
Anderson: Hardly anyone came to the funeral.
I felt bad. I should have gone.
Don't blame yourself. It was a weekday.
Lance,
this is Mr. Pentola.
- Mr. Pentola. - Dr. Pentola.
Oh, Doctor.
Nice to meet you, Mr. Clayton. I'm very sorry for your loss.
Thank you.
Dr. Pentola is a therapist.
We called him in because we were afraid
Kyle's death may trigger other suicides.
He's a grief counselor.
Oh.
Before we begin,
I've read a lot of suicide notes,
and this one seemed...
deep.
Really?
I need to ask you a question.
And I want you to be completely honest with me.
Of course.
Did Kyle have any friends?
Excuse me?
Well, it's just no one's come to see me.
You'd have to know Kyle.
Well, I shouldn't say no one.
A couple of kids came in with age-appropriate depression,
eating disorders.
One kid came in with head lice.
I know him.
Not really my area of expertise.
But no one's come to talk about Kyle.
Hmm.
- Oh. - Who were his friends?
- Andrew Troutman. - And who else?
That's it.
Kyle was kind of a loner.
A lone wolf.
Uh, I'll have to ask Andrew
to come and see me.
And, Lance, that goes for you too.
If you need to talk, if you wanna get anything off your chest,
please, just come and see me.
Of course, Doc, I will.
Thank you, Lance.
You're welcome, Mr. Anderson.
All right, guys, who wants to read next?
- Right here! - All right.
Who's gonna give me $20?
- All: Oh. - Oh, come on now.
Mike: All right. Okay.
Jason.
Go ahead.
"Negro?
I may be young but I'm not your boy
I won't pick your cotton or pick up your dishes
Yeah, I sing, I dance
But I do it with the dignity of my ancestors
I am not your monkey. "
Right on.
Stay black, y'all.
Anybody else have their haiku?
- Claire: Hello? - Hey, sweet tarts.
- Hey. - How are you?
- What are you doing? - I'm watching Mike play basketball.
Oh.
- You okay? - Oh, yeah.
- You sure? - Oh, yeah.
- Oh my God! - What?
I gotta go. Mike just won the basketball game.
Yeah, Mike!
- Hi. - Hi.
I made you something.
What?
- Those brownies. - Oh.
- Yeah.
Well, I'll come over and have some.
I was thinking maybe I could come in and we'd eat them together.
No, I can't.
- Why not? - I'm busy.
Bonnie, I really need to talk to somebody.
I don't like people in my apartment.
My apartment is a little sad right now, you know?
If I... if I let you in, you can't tell anybody.
- Okay. - Okay.
So...
- Brownies, huh? - Yeah.
- Come in. - Ah.
Please, don't tell anybody, okay?
Because I... I don't wanna get thrown out of here.
- Oh, I promise. - Thanks.
I- I know it's a fire hazard
and I know it's not rational, but...
I feel that if I throw anything out,
something terrible will happen.
- No, I understand that. - Good.
What's wrong, sweetie?
I know my son was a jerk, but I miss him.
Hey.
- Of course you do. - Mmm.
It'll get better.
It doesn't feel like it right now.
Do you know that
I have read every one of your books?
- How? - How?
You threw 'em out.
Oh, yeah.
You are very talented.
Really?
Honest. You have a gift.
And you can't give up.
I won't.
Listen,
they're gonna have a zombie marathon on television
and I cordially
invite you, sir.
Oh, well, bless you, madam.
- Uh-huh. - It's a date.
Good.
Don't forget the brownies.
- I won't forget. - No.
Your dog's staring at me.
What dog?
I got ya.
- Lance! - Oh.
- I'm glad I caught you. - What's up?
You know that while we respect individual privacy,
we also respect freedom of speech and expression here at school?
- Yeah. - Well, one of the kids on the paper
went online and they found Kyle's police report...
the report of his death. And now they've gone and published his suicide note.
- Oh my God. - Yeah. I just found out about it.
I thought you should know. It's all over campus.
- Really? - Yeah.
You... are you gonna be all right?
Sure.
I'm really sorry about this, Lance.
It's that goddamn first amendment, huh?
Yeah.
Lance's voice: "To all those I hate,
I don't know why I'm writing this.
You never cared about what I thought or felt while I was alive.
Besides you're all too shallow to comprehend the pain I feel. "
# I hope I become a ghost #
# I hope I can see the end of time #
# I hope I become a ghost #
# And make sure the future turns out fine #
# I hope I become a ghost #
# Oh, when the world is said and done #
# The stars will become so close #
# And there will be nowhere that I can't run #
# Ooh ooh ooh ooh #
# I hope I become a ghost #
# And watch all my grandchildren growing old #
# Some they will remember me #
# And others through the stories they've been told #
# Now I don't intend to frighten you #
# I just wanna see if what I think is true #
# 'cause then and only then we'll know #
# If it was worth to become a ghost #
# Ooh ooh ooh ooh #
# There's nothing sad about it #
# There's nothing sad about it... #
Lance's voice: "Which brings me to you, Dad.
Lance and Kyle's voices: Don't blame yourself.
You tried hard and were the best dad a kid could want.
I blame me doing this on a defect in me...
Kyle's voice: ... in my soul.
I'm sorry. "
# Now that I've become a ghost #
# I don't get to laugh with friends like you #
# There's nothing sad about it #
# There's nothing sad about it. #
I love you, Dad.
Has anyone seen carl or Steven?
Mm-hmm.
Oh, you have? So they're in school?
Yeah, I saw 'em this morning.
First of all I want to thank you all for being here,
especially the newcomers.
It means a lot to me.
Who has experience with writing poetry?
- Yes, Heather. - Can I ask a question?
Sure.
What was Kyle's favorite band?
Uh...
he liked Bruce Hornsby.
Yes, Ray?
Did he listen to any metal?
- A little Ozzy. - I knew it.
Anybody have any questions about poetry or...
Yes, Jason?
Did the boy know Jesus before he went?
Well, I would say he was an agnostic.
But I think he was spiritual in his own way.
Yeah... yes, Heather?
What's his sign?
Oh, he was born April 18th, so...
Aries.
I can't believe you didn't know that.
You know, anybody know Ezra Pound?
Lawrence Ferlinghetti?
You know what Kyle really liked?
Emily Dickinson.
What band is that?
It wasn't a band. She was a poet.
- She hot? - Um, she was a Victorian.
If you like your buttoned-down girl, she was one of 'em.
Nice.
- Mr. Clayton. - Peter.
- Can I talk to you? - Sure.
It's about Kyle's note.
It... it affected me a lot.
Well, it seemed to affect a lot of students.
- I'm not happy, Mr. Clayton. - Mm-hmm.
I'm living a lie. I'm gay.
And Kyle's suicide note,
it's helped me get the courage to come out finally.
Well, are you sure you want to do that?
I'm misunderstood too, just like he was.
I just want to be happy.
Good for you, Peter. I- I wish you the best.
Thank you.
Hey, Mr. Clayton.
- Mr. Clayton. - Ginger.
Kyle was right. Emily Dickinson's great.
Isn't she?
- Mr. Clayton? - Yes.
- I wrote another poem. - Can't wait to hear it, Heather.
- John. Doctor. - Hey.
Claire.
Mr. C., what's up?
"Milky white skin and hair so brown
I wish I had known how bad you hurt
I could have held you while you cried
You were too sweet to stay
In this harsh world
But I will always keep you close to my heart
- My angel in cargo pants. " - Boy: Oh, wow.
He was such a sweet kid.
And kind.
Oh, please. They're everywhere.
As a father,
I don't know what I'd do if Hunter did something like this.
My heart really goes out to you, Lance.
Thanks.
It's so sad. I didn't know he was such a good writer.
Did he write anything else?
Yeah, he did.
I know it's really personal, but do you think I could read it?
Well, if you came over to my apartment.
I just don't want his stuff out there, you know, floating around.
Sure. How about tonight?
Great.
My playoff game's tonight.
All right. Not the lip.
You know I can't take the lip.
Oh, thanks, Mike.
What time?
I'm gonna need a little time because, you know, I haven't cleaned.
Yeah, I understand.
- Well, 8:00? - That's great.
Good luck tonight.
Thanks.
If you think this is a bad idea...
No no no. Not at all.
I found something Kyle wrote
and I really think you need to hear it.
Okay.
This is from his journal.
"I went out to dinner with my dad and claire tonight.
I'm so happy for him,
but at the same time seeing them together
only proves that I'll never be happy.
I know I'll never find a woman like her...
so pretty, so perfect.
She seems to complete him.
I hope they make it.
I hope they last.
I hope I'm leaving my dad in good hands.
No one could ever get me.
I don't even get me. "
Oh.
I didn't know anyone could feel that way about me.
He did like me. He really did.
He did. He really did.
I thought you were lying to make me feel better.
No. I'd never do that.
- Really? - Really.
Mr. Clayton.
- Good morning, Heather. - Yes.
Good morning.
Do you have anything of Kyle's?
What?
That I could have?
- No. - Oh.
Wait a second.
Here you go.
Bruce Hornsby?
That was his favorite.
Thank you.
I need to talk about last night.
Yeah, I need to talk about last night too.
Yeah.
I'm tired of hiding our relationship.
Mmm.
- Dan. - Lance.
- Ginger. - Mr. Clayton, look at this.
Oh.
Heather.
Hey, Mr. C.
Oh, Peter.
- Don't leave me hanging. - Oh.
I don't know if Kyle ever told you,
but he and I were kinda bros.
I'm gonna win this game tonight in his honor.
Great, Peter.
Andrew: Mr. Clayton?
Andrew.
It doesn't seem right, does it?
What doesn't seem right?
How everyone is acting.
Like they liked Kyle.
No, it doesn't.
You know what else is weird?
- What? - Kyle's suicide note.
In what way?
That stuff about being an insignificant molecule
bouncing around in a meaningless godless universe.
Don't take this the wrong way, but Kyle was...
What?
Kinda dumb.
Ha. No.
Kyle was actually smart, Andrew.
You know, he just pretended to be dumb, even around you
so, you know, people wouldn't pick on him.
Yeah, maybe.
- Heather: It's mine! - Ginger: Let go, you crazy...
Hey!
Oh! Get off!
You didn't even like Kyle!
You didn't like Kyle!
Shut up, whore!
Bruce Hornsby?
Lance: I need to talk to someone.
That's why I'm here.
I feel terrible.
Suicide leaves many victims.
Don't beat yourself up.
Kyle may have been suffering from a chemical imbalance.
And I know that the note being published
has caused you some distress,
but in many ways it's been a very positive thing.
Students are coming to see me.
It's the breakthrough I've been waiting for.
Who knows how many of these kids
I can help because they're reaching out for the first time?
You have to remember the part where Kyle writes:
"I love you, Dad. "
But what if he didn't really feel that way?
But he did.
Lance, suicide
is a permanent solution
to temporary problems.
And who knows
how many kids we won't lose because of that note?
Keep your chin up knowing
that Kyle may have not died in vain.
# In light of all I've learned so far #
# I don't believe I'm so strange #
# In spite of all this time I spend #
# calling the air by a name #
# When the first light goes over the trees #
# He will be singing with me #
# And if I feel like singing alone #
# He always leaves me be #
# I'm shaking my shadow hand #
# As the sun moves round the bend #
# With an imaginary man #
# And we'll make-believe around and around again #
# I'm shaking my shadow hand... #
Lance: Dr. Pentola.
Lance, you don't look so good.
Well, I had kind of a rough weekend.
I did a lot of soul searching
and I thought about what you said about Kyle's note
and the effect on the other kids,
and...
this is Kyle's journal.
I brought it to you to read.
I want you to read it, and if you think it'll be of value to the other kids,
I wanna publish it and hand it out to them.
- I'll see if I can't give it a look. - Oh, thanks.
Lance: Well?
It's so sad.
Yeah.
I mean, Kyle was such
a strong powerful writer.
So tortured.
Yes, he was.
What are you gonna call it?
I was thinking "I Am What I Hate. "
What?
"I Am What I Hate. " Kyle wrote that in chapter six.
Oh.
- Really? - Yeah.
I don't like it at all.
Why?
- To me, a better title... - Mm-hmm.
...would be "You Don't Know Me. "
- Oh. - You know?
Because we didn't know him.
But he didn't write that though, I mean...
Yeah, but he felt that.
- You're inferring that from him. - Yes.
Oh.
"I Am What I Hate" doesn't make sense as a title.
Give me a kiss. Aw.
- Come here. - Oh.
# Everybody wants to be a genius #
# You're not the only one #
# With all the things that you might do #
# Which one of them will you get to? #
# Tomorrow when you wake up #
# Then you'll show them #
# Nobody wants to break your heart #
# You do it on your own #
# There's nothing wrong with you today #
# Nothing you had that they took away #
# But all the time you've waited for #
# What is owed to you #
# You wanna fight, they will fight you blue #
# You wanna lie, who will lie with you? #
# You're the only one waiting for a sign #
# So you're the only one #
# Everyone's had some situation #
# Keep it to yourself #
# There's no need to answer questions #
# Your lies have spoiled two confessions #
# And all the time you've waited #
# Won't come back to you #
# You wanna fight, they will fight you blue #
# You wanna lie, who will lie with you? #
# You're the only one waiting for a sign... #
# So you're the only one #
# Everybody wants to be a genius. #
Everybody loves the book.
Yes, they do.
- You did the right thing. - Yeah. Yeah.
Fuck me.
- I am. - Harder.
No no no. From behind.
Okay. Okay.
- Like that? - Yeah.
- Okay. - To the left.
To the left. My left. My left.
Okay. Yeah!
Yeah. Don't stop.
Don't stop!
- Stop! Stop. Stop. - Okay. Sorry.
- Pull my hair. - Like that?
- Not... not so hard. - Oh, okay.
Are you ready for our undead marathon?
Lance: Well, that's the thing. Something came up.
Kind of an emergency. I can't make it.
- Sorry. - Oh. No, it's okay.
- Can I take a rain check? - Oh yeah, dear. Good.
Yeah, listen I... I hope everything's okay.
Oh, yeah. It's just a small emergency.
- Okay. See you. - Sorry. Bye.
Mike: Everything okay there, pal?
Yeah, great.
- Here you go. - Thanks.
You know what line really blew me away,
is when Kyle wrote:
"America is one of the finest countries anyone ever stole. "
That was brilliant.
He reminds me of my Hunter.
Lance, I have a confession to make.
I lured you out here under false pretenses.
I need to ask you something.
Would it be all right with you if we renamed the library
the Kyle clayton memorial library?
But you were gonna put him in a special-needs class.
Yeah.
Yeah, and I feel really bad about that.
- Oh. - He wasn't slow.
Obviously he was brilliant.
He was just bored.
You know, we had him totally wrong.
I just hope to God that our mistake didn't have anything to do with...
well, with what happened.
I'm pretty sure it didn't.
Thanks, Lance.
Your saying that means a lot.
This tribute will be an inspiration to other students
and it'll help keep Kyle's memory alive.
Sure, sir. Wyatt.
Thanks, Lance. Thanks.
Oh!
Just like my prom night, nothing went in the hole.
No, it's good. It's gonna be a tasteful dedication.
Very tasteful.
Hello?
You're kidding me.
Thank you so much.
- Wow. - What?
Pentola... he sent Kyle's journal to Dr. Dana.
She loves it. She wants me to be on the show.
She's gonna fly me to L.A.
- What's Dr. Dana? - She's like Oprah.
Well, she's not as big as Oprah.
I mean, it's a good show, you know?
Women seem to really like it.
- Andrew. - Are you busy, Mr. Clayton?
Oh, no no. Just packing for my trip.
Yeah, that TV show.
"Dr. Dana. "
What's up?
I feel bad.
I wish I knew he was that depressed.
You and me both.
You know what's strange about the book?
What?
Kyle never talks about vaginas, anal sex,
fisting, felching or rim jobs.
It is a little light on the felching area, you're right.
But I think it's there, Andrew, in its own way.
I was his best friend. The book is so smart and sad.
He never talked with me like that.
I wish he did. Maybe he wouldn't have done what he did.
Don't blame yourself, Andrew.
One thing I know, he liked you.
Then why didn't he talk to me?
What do you want me to tell you, Andrew?
Maybe it's like I told you before,
he was super smart. He didn't want people to know
because he was afraid of being treated differently.
But it doesn't make sense. He was already treated like a freak.
If he was that smart he would have loved to rub their noses in it.
Oh, Jesus christ, Andrew. Why can't you let it go, okay?
No wonder your mother drinks.
You know one of the last things Kyle said to me?
He said that you're a stupid fucking idiot.
Have a good time on your TV show.
Kyle's still dead.
Andrew.
Are you almost ready? I think we should get going.
Claire: I think you should keep your pants on.
I think you should put your pants on.
I'm not going to wear pants.
Oh. I'm really nervous.
Yeah, you should be.
Mmm. Thanks.
I'm using backward psychology.
It's not working. I have to pee again.
- Hello. - Mr. Clayton,
I don't wanna be rude but the show called again
- and we really should be leaving. - Okay, thank you very much.
Baby, that was the driver. He said the show called.
We gotta get going, okay?
Oh, you look gorgeous. Let's get going, come on.
- Does this make my ass look big? - No no. Not at all.
- You can't see your ass. - What do you mean?
- I mean... - So you're saying I don't have an ass?
I'm saying your ass is there, but it's not too much.
- I'm changing again. - No.
You know, sweetheart,
I really should get over there so I could sit down with the producer
and go over with what I'm gonna say.
That would really help me a lot.
- All right. - Okay.
- What do you think? - Fabulous.
- I really... - Nope.
I like that dress.
Sometimes people on the way, they throw up in my car.
- Yeah? - Yeah.
Okay, let's go.
- You look pretty. - Thank you. You're so sweet.
Thanks. Which one of you is on the show?
- I am. - Oh.
- No, you're gonna do great. - Thanks.
Hi, Lance clayton for the "Dr. Dana" show.
- Hi, guys. - Dr. P.
Lance, hi. Jerry Klein... we spoke on the phone.
- Mm-hmm. - We can let them in.
Follow me. We can go right in. We're running a little late.
- You guys hit some traffic, huh? - Oh, yeah.
- Ah, wonderful. - This is claire, my girlfriend.
- Hi, claudia. Jerry Klein. - Claire.
We're not gonna have time to go through the notes
in the greenroom as we planned,
- so we're gonna do it in makeup. - Makeup?
- And that's this way. Claudia? - Claire.
Thank you so much for sending the photos of Kyle. They're beautiful.
- And also the book. - I sent the book.
Is she gonna be holding up the back of the book?
That's a director question. I'm a segment producer.
How do we know when the camera is on me?
You're gonna be in the friends-and-family section.
Could you grab a seat?
Okay, yeah. Sure.
I just have a couple of issues to discuss with Lance.
- Lance, do you have questions? - No no.
- Look over here, please. - Good. Good.
So, Lance, if you should start to talk about your son...
- Mm-hmm. Yeah. ... and begin to cry, or well up...
- Okay. ... just go with it.
Don't be ashamed, okay?
- Yeah. - And if you cry...
- Mm-hmm. ... look up.
- No, look down, please. - Oh.
- Don't look down. Look up. - Can you look down?
- Don't tuck your chin. - Oh.
And above all, don't be nervous.
Lance, hi.
- Look this way, please. - I don't mean to bug you right now.
My name is Bert Green. I'm with with McKenna Artist.
- Hi, Bert. - Your son's memoir is so strong.
My God, it's so moving. My heart goes out to you.
Mm-hmm.
- Oh, thank you. - Have you been talking to publishers?
- No. - Because I honestly think this could be
the biggest posthumous autobiography
since "The Diary of Anne Frank," honestly.
- Really? - Oh my God.
You know what she's done for...
Yes. Yeah, that's huge.
Look, I'm gonna get out of your hair right now.
But if any of this interests you,
- give me a call, okay? - Okay.
Just give me a ring. It's great to meet you.
Great to meet you. Go out there and kill 'em.
- Do it. - Okay.
- Now I'm nervous. - Oh, great.
- It's go time, all right? - Okay.
So again, Lance, I'm so sorry for your loss.
And let's have a great show.
My guest today is Mr. Lance clayton.
Lance's 15-year-old son Kyle tragically took his own life.
But from this terrible story of loss
arose one of hope.
Here he is to share this powerful story, Mr. Lance clayton.
- Thanks so much forjoining us. - Thank you, Doctor.
We know it takes great courage for you to do this.
- Thank you. - Thank you so much.
Now, Lance...
is it all right if I call you Lance?
Yes, that's my name.
One of the most difficult things is for a parent to lose a child.
Yes. Yes it is.
Tell us about your son Kyle.
It's difficult, isn't it?
Yeah.
He was a sweet boy.
Kind.
I'm sorry. He was a sweet boy.
I'm sorry.
But there was a lot brewing underneath?
The tragedy is I didn't know until his death
how sad he was or profound.
Mmm.
Here's a tissue for you.
Profound. Indeed profound.
Indeed.
"You don't know me. "
This is so beautifully written.
I just... you know, the thing is,
I didn't know... I'm so proud of him. He was a great writer.
Yes, this is really remarkable work.
No matter what page I turn to,
there's something here that really moves me.
- I want to read this. - Okay.
"Is it more important for me to be a good person
or to be thought of as a good person?
I'm so sick of living a life in fear
of being found out for the phony I am,
a life where I don't trust anyone's intentions,
including my own. "
Wow, that is really deep.
Hard to imagine that it was written by a 15-year-old.
- He was an old soul. - Mmm.
You know, I'm not gonna pretend that I know what's going on
in the mind of a teenager.
All I'm saying is, Kyle made a mistake.
If you're that depressed,
reach out to someone.
And remember, suicide is a permanent solution
to temporary problems.
- You want my job? - No. Please, Dana, no. Thank you.
Again, the book, "You Don't Know Me. "
And my guest has been Lance clayton.
Thank you.
You were so good!
Thanks, doll.
And I'm so glad you used my title.
It's a great title.
Hello?
Lance, hi. It's Bert Green.
- Hi. - You were so great on "Dr. Dana. "
Oh, thanks, Bert.
It was like... it was like watching a ballet.
Hey, do you have time to meet tomorrow?
Because there's a number of publishers
who are dying
- to meet with you. - Well, really, no.
Actually we have to head back tomorrow.
They're dedicating the school library in Kyle's honor.
Good for him. I mean, good for you.
That's good.
Hey, let's do it soon.
Because this book is hot.
It's like a volcano on the sun.
Wow. That's a lot of heat.
I'm gonna get a hold of you soon.
Okay? Bye.
Lance, Lance.
Oh, God. I'm glad I caught you.
Oh, your book is on fire.
- Oh. - It is.
This is... this is Bill Tobin.
- Hi. - From Simon & Simon.
- Carl Klienman from Howard Publishing. - Hi.
And this is George Kenny, from Kaufmann Press.
They love your book and they wanna meet with you.
- It's true. - Really.
We're not gonna bother with that right now.
They're gonna have a chance to talk with you after the dedication, okay?
- Good. - Okay?
And they also want a book of yours too.
- That's amazing. - Yeah.
- Okay. - See you in there.
I'm so proud of you, lamb chop.
Thanks.
Mr. Clayton.
Bruce Hornsby.
We wrote Mr. Hornsby and he came.
Hey, man, when I heard what a fan Kyle was
I thought, how can I say no?
All: Aw.
- Thanks. - Girl: God, he's so sweet.
Girl: Bruce Hornsby.
I'd like to dedicate this song to my biggest fan,
Kyle clayton.
# Another song came and went #
# Like the times that we spent #
# Hiding out from the rain #
# Under the carnival tent #
# I laughed and she'd smile #
# It would last for awhile #
# You don't know what you got #
# Till you lose it all again #
# Listen to the mandolin rain #
# Listen to the music on the lake #
# Listen to my heart break #
# Every time she runs away #
# Listen to the banjo wind #
# A sad song drifting low #
# Listen to the tears roll #
# Down my face as she turns to go #
# Listen to the tears as they roll #
# Down my face as she turns to go. #
Mr. Clayton,
I want you to know that
I've always felt not enough.
My dad rides me all the time.
He calls me a loser.
I almost killed myself
until Kyle's note and book came out.
It saved my life.
I know he's looking down on you so proud.
Thanks, Pete.
Thank you, Bruce Hornsby.
Welcome students, faculty
and guests.
Today
we celebrate Kyle.
Kyle has shown us so many things;
how fleeting the time
we spend on this earth really is.
Kyle did not die in vain.
Through his book and through our hearts he will live on.
Today we dedicate this library
in his spirit...
a tribute to his deep intelligence
and to the profound impact he made on all of us
in the brief time we were fortunate enough to know him.
And now to accept this honor on his behalf,
I give you his father,
Mr. Lance clayton.
You guys didn't like Kyle.
But that's okay, I didn't either.
I loved him.
He was my son,
but he was also a douche bag.
He wasn't very smart
and he didn't kill himself.
Kyle died accidentally while masturbating.
I made it look like a suicide
and I wrote a suicide note.
I also wrote his journal. Thank you.
Thanks.
You are an asshole.
Yeah.
Lance's voice: I used to think the worst thing in life
was to end up all alone.
It's not.
The worst thing in life is ending up with people
who make you feel all alone.
# Pressure pushing down on me #
# Pressing down on you, no man asked for #
# Under pressure #
# That burns a building down #
# Splits a family in two #
# Puts people on streets #
# Um ba ba be #
# De day da, ee day da #
# It's the terror of knowing #
# What this world is about #
# Watching some good friends screaming, "Let me out" #
# Pray tomorrow gets me higher #
# Pressure on people, people on streets #
# Day day de mm hm #
# Da da da ba ba okay #
# chippin' around #
# Kick my brains around the floor #
# These are the days it never rains but it pours #
# Ee do ba be ee da ba ba ba #
# Um bo bo be lap #
# People on streets, ee da de da de #
# People on streets, ee da de da de da de da #
# It's the terror of knowing what this world is about #
# Watching some good friends screaming, "Let me out" #
# Pray tomorrow gets me higher high high #
# Pressure on people, people on streets #
# Turned away from it all like a blind man #
# Sat on a fence but it don't work #
# Keep coming up with love #
# But it's so slashed and torn #
# Why? Why? Why? #
# Love love love love love #
# Insanity laughs under pressure we're breaking #
# can't we give ourselves one more chance? #
# Why can't we give love that one more chance? #
# Why can't we give love give love give love give love #
# Give love give love give love give love give love #
# 'cause love's such an old-fashioned word #
# And love dares you to care #
# For the people on the edge of the night #
# And love dares you to change our way #
# Of caring about ourselves #
# This is our last dance #
# This is ourselves #
# Under pressure #
# Pressure. #
I knew you wrote the book.
I liked it.
- Really? - You're a good writer.
I think you should keep writing.
Thanks, Andrew. I will.
Hey, Andrew.
- What are you doing? - Nothing.
Do you want something to eat?
I'd like that very much, sir.
I'm vegetarian.
I know.
# Yeah #
# I've always been this way #
# Never known any other way to feel #
# Got the right of way #
# And all of the others must yield #
# Now I'm naked #
# And I'm in school #
# I can't make it #
# To the door #
# Yeah #
# Try to understand #
# That an oyster can only make a pearl #
# From a grain of sand #
# But from what I don't know makes a girl #
# But I'm trying #
# Not to laugh #
# Inside I'm dying #
- # When we break # - # When we will break #
- # Apart # - # Apart #
- # Then you take # - # Then you take #
- # Back your heart # - # Back your heart #
# And it aches in the dark #
# But it makes #
# A tiny spark #
# I've always been this way #
# Never known any other way to feel #
# Got the right of way #
# And all of the others must yield #
# Now I'm naked #
# And I'm in school #
# I can't make it #
# To the door #
# We were lying #
# In the grass #
# I was trying #
# Oh, not to laugh #
# I was drowning #
# In the past. #
# I know the way #
# To lose my cares #
# When this boy's burdens #
# Are too much to bear #
# I'm up in a cloud #
# Flying in the sky #
# I float away #
# When I get high high high #
# Folks toss and turn #
# And walk the floor #
# When that old wolf aooh aooh aooh! #
# Is outside the door #
# I'll roll the reefer #
# If wolfy brings the rye #
# Let's drink and puff, yeah yeah #
# When I get high... #
come on, Mr. Wolf, let's blow this house down.
Oh, is that the best you can do?
Aha. Back off, son, let me try.
Ahh. Yeah!
I don't even care about pigs.
I don't care about anything.
# When things are tough #
# And I've had enough #
# When life gets rough #
# I just light up #
# Blues can't catch me #
# They don't even try #
# I just look down laughing #
# When I get high high high #
# I get high! #
Oh-ho-ho, I must be wearing my elevator shoes.