Westerly Whelan

[ Pauses, looking at him with barely concealed surprise. ] You’re not offended by that?

He didn’t seem like a mean guy. [ She says as she finishes scanning the isle she was in. ] Just … stupid. [ Plucks the medicine she’d been looking for off the shelf. ] Really, really stupid. Most men are, though.

[ The guy moves to argue and then sees Maddie nodding. Embarrassed, he apologizes and quickly ducks out of the shop. She sighs, turning back to West slowly. ] I guess I should thank you for that.

Damn, really? Tha’s pretty intense.

it’s how things are when you’re a kid and one wrong word can have your parent taken away from you

Och, tha’ ain’t cool o’ some people. Why dae they say tha’ though? I promise I won’t tell. I’m good at keepin’ secrets.

there’s people who have known me my entire life that don’t know the answer to that

How come?

it’s complicated. let’s just say according to some people I shouldn’t exist

Everyone’s interestin’. Yer different from me an’ from tha’ guy an’ tha’ girl [points randomly] ‘cause ye all come from different backgrounds an’ stories. Sae tha’ makes ye interestin’.

maybe (shrugs a little) I just can’t really talk about myself

I dinna have onythin’ tae eat earlier tae, sae tha’ prob’ly dinna ‘elp.

Sae, what’s yer story, mate? Ye dinna really talk aboot yeself much.

Probably not

I dinna usually get wasted this fast. I swear I’m usually a lot more fun at parties.

don’t worry, i’m sure you’ll be good to go in a little bit, besides you’re not the first drunk person I’ve taken care of

Yer ‘air is sae curly. Ye ken? Tha’ a lot o’ curls right there. [takes the bread to eat, tearing off bits] Ye must drink tha’ a lot tae no’ be affected tha’ much by it, huh?

I guess I do. My dad has curly hair, I probably get it from him. (takes another sip of his drink) I wouldn’t say a lot, but there were quite a few nights of drinking in school

I guess I ain’t as experienced at drinkin’ as I thought.

Nah, you’re fine (starts over to a counter with him where there’s some food. mainly chips, before West spots the bread box. Opens it and takes out a handful of slices) Come on this’ll soak some of it up

What? No. I ain’t a wimp. [takes a longer drink, nearly finishing the cup before staggering to the side] Wow, that’s strong.

Whoa hey (moves to catch him as he staggers and keep him from falling) yeah, let’s get you some water or food. food might help

I do like drinking, talking, and dancing. [takes a drink and grimaces] Though by the rate the drinking is going I don’t know if I’ll be able to stand soon.

I could make you something not as strong if you like

Maybe. But, anyway, mate, if you want me to hit on you just say the word because I totally will.

if you want to do it do it (takes another drink) or we could just drink, talk, maybe dance

You’re not what I’d call conventionally hot, but I’d hit that. I just try to get a vibe off a guy first to make sure they won’t, you know, beat me up or something for trying anything and, no offense mate but, you’re kinda hard to read.

is it the American thing? it’s probably the American thing

… Ah. And you’re wondering why I haven’t hit on you yet?

or maybe I’m having a dilemma of am I hot or not hot?