fight or flight

Just dive in. Look, if you wait until you’re ready, you’ll be waiting for the rest of your life. And when you talk about recovery, well, honestly, what better recovery could their be than seizing the moment? Especially with your history of drug abuse. [She rests a hand on his shoulder.] Adrian, I want you to know that you can do this. That you’re worth something. That you can be good. You just have to try.

[Just starts laughing, except he probably doesn't look as crazy as Nico does in this gif] Damn, Scout. I didn't realize you were a counselor. [Seems to really be getting a kick out of this, which makes total sense because of who he is and the therapy his parents have tried to make him go to in the past] You're using the oldest lines in the book and everything!

Two jobs, one of which doing something you love? Becoming a sustainable adult, impacting the community in a positive way? Staying away from bad habits, while also saving money? Poor you, Ade. Poor you.

Reid’s fucked up. I intend to spend whatever time I have left on this island steering clear of him. You, my friend, need a hobby. Find something you love and let it consume you. Something healthy, I mean. Didn’t you used to like drawing or something? 

Drawing? Hell no. I still surf, and that's a pretty good workout. I got offered a part-time job to teach kids to surf, but working two jobs sounds rough.

I don’t know, what do people do during the day time that’s fun? You should be the one with the ideas here, you’re a Gibbons.

My usual plans are more suited to nighttime, Mina. That much should be obvious by now, shouldn't it? 

Well if he asked not to start stuff, that was most likely for his own benefit. Figures that everything would go straight to hell at his place. You know, I’m not sure, actually. I only ever see her at practice and there’s not that much time to catch up there. I should find some time to really see what she’s up to. Except I don’t have too much time these days.

I've had too much time. I mean, I'm not in school anymore, I'm working at a fucking flower shop--riding a bike, no less. I have no life besides surfing and substance abuse.

Reid Castello and I have a history..but then again, so does Reid Castello and everyone. n And don’t get me wrong, I love Ary. But if I wasn’t on her good side….that would not be pretty for me. That’s why I feel so bad for Manda, after their little falling out. Not that anything much has happened since.

Heh, it's a good thing we all sort of associate with each other, huh? At least Amanda's not getting herself into trouble or anything... isn't she with that Julian guy still? 

I don’t doubt it for a minute, did you bring me back a nice gift?

Why would I get you a gift? I'm not your boyfriend or anything--I didn't even bring anything back for my friends.

I know I wasn’t in the category of “ladies” you were referring to, but if you’re that bored, we could do something. [shrugs]

Sure, why not? It probably won't involve vandalism or any other form of crime since it's too early for that, but what're you thinking?

Did you? Where did you go off to?

I went to Italy and stayed with my grandmother. Those Italians really know how to party, let me tell you.

What’s new on the block, Gibbons?

Not much. Just doing my thing... actually, I left for a couple months and only recently came back.

[She only rolls her eyes at his comment before moving on.] Yeah, well you know what they say: enemy of my enemy is my friend? And Ary’s all about having allies.[Her eyes darken at the mention of Reid.] Castello is not tolerable in the least. He’s the worst, and I can’t fucking stand him. If Manda didn’t hang all over him, I’d never’ve had to see him, but as if I should be so lucky.[She giggles.] Sorry about the Trevor talk. It’s over, I swear.

I don't know... she's actually not that bad if she tolerates you. I don't know how she can bear being around me--I must be pretty remarkable. [Winks, an air of smugness surrounding him now] Reid Castello can go fuck himself for all I care--he's not as horrific as he used to be, but I still hate his guts. I don't see why Amanda hangs around him... and on him.

Yeah, it is kind of weird that all those people are friends with you. Not because there’s anything wrong with you, but because friendships don’t tend to last in their circle. I was friends with Manda and Ary until I quit the cheerleading team and they practically quit me. It’s all so fake, y’know? That’s another thing I like about Trevor; he can fit in with those guys too, but he’s got this whole…other side that I think only I get to see. [She laughs nervously.] Probably not though.

Oh, I just think it's strange because although my dad has money and my mom is a glamorous socialite, I'm a total loser. Well... I mean, Aryana understands. She was a total bitch to me for years, and now I'm suddenly her best friend just because she found out we have this mutual hatred for Reid Castello. But even now, Reid Castello is mildly tolerable. [Laughs, the sound heavenly because hello, he's Adrian Gibbons] Yeah, yeah, Trevor. Don't get all seventh grade with me, Girl Scout.

Strippers? Look at you, solving your own problems. That sounds like a good idea, I’m sure that would lighten the mood around here. I’d come..maybe.

Gibbons parties are the best. But only if they're hosted by me, of course... Brad's parties only let you in if you're wearing designer clothes and have no personality whatsoever.