LOST IN MYSELF

See you guys tomorrow, don't forget to bring your homework... What's wrong, Betsy?

I loved today, professor, I didn't want it to end.

Welcome to the club, but you being a student makes it a bit more unusual.

I know... I didn't have time to ask, did you like the pie?

Of course, me and Jenny ate that in one night, I really thought about increasing your grades to thank you.

I actually have one more in my backpack, now I made a strawberry one as you like.

No, no, I'm getting fat, girl. I can't have it.

You have to accept it, we can eat together while talking.

Equations aren't that difficult, you were so attentive this morning, there's no way you couldn't catch it.

I know it, but I prefer you teach me alone, my brain only works like that, and honestly sleeping more hours won't resolve it.

C'mon, you were so good at the test, last week I talked to the professors. There's no more registered complainings about your behavior, you're redeeming yourself very well.

Why do you think that? It was too easy for everyone.

Too easy because you studied too much.

No, too easy because I cheated, mr. Sanders... I couldn't sleep the night before and so I used my cell phone, I screwed it all.

... Believe me, my wish was to help everyone with extra classes, but I'm not the owner of the time, who knows one day.

What about the football nights? Is it worth taking the road just for playing thirty minutes? They seem like they don't want you in the team.

Have you watched a game of mine? It's kinda too far for you to simply show up there. Is your father taking you?

... He's been bedridden for the past few weeks, but I just love football, you could take me with you, I can play too. I swear I don't mess up and he wouldn't care anyway.

My wife would like to know why I'm with a student inside my car going to a men's meeting.

She doesn't have to know, we can be discreet.

Discreet? What do you mean, Betsy? Why should we be discreet about something illogical like this? If your father is bedridden by now, then when he is recovered we'll have a meeting to discuss these things...

Don't be an idiot, you can't do it.

Listen, I loved the pies and I love my job, but no student can treat me like that, don't do it again. Excuse me.

I'm sorry, please don't go, I'll do anything you want.

What do you think I want besides going home?

A home cleaner in your beach house, I know you want it.

... Have you been hearing my phone calls? What are you doing?

I didn't mean it, but it happened. You're good in everything, the best one I've ever known. Just give me the chance and I won't disappoint you.

Stop using Netflix, Betsy, not everything you see in movies are good things.

It's not a movie thing, it's about living happily.

I am happy! Betsy, what's your point in all of this? you're stranger than normal, just tell me what's wrong.

... I thought you liked me, that's why I shared all of this with you.

What? ... What do you mean?

You've been acting like a generous man who cares about what I feel but when I ask you something you must deny it.

... Betsy, you're confused, you need to rest, go home...

I don't want it... it's too dark down there, too cold, I'm tired.

Your home? ... What is going on, Betsy? Tell me in clear words.

Just help me to go away and live far from here, I won't bother you again.

If you want to speak with someone better than me, there are people who can help, who are better than me in many things, Jenny is back from work, she can he...

Stop telling me what to do, I've heard it too many times. There's a train leaving tonight, I can still pick it.

This is critical, don't think I'll allow a kid to run away in this world. We need to have a deep, clear conversation, Betsy. I'm sure we can find the proper people.

... What if I tell anyone else and he discovers? ... You told you would have a reunion with him.

Your father discovering... is it so bad like that?

... He's gonna kill me, I'm sure about it, he told me and I don't wanna take the risks.

John, is he able to do something on this level? Betsy, the nights in the lake, the fishing, all the trips they've gone together... How could I be so stupid? I'll take you to Jenny, then I'll do something. Please, trust me, I'll never get back to you without having guaranteed your safety, just trust me.

I trust you.

...

Mr. Randall.

Mr. Sanders, what a good surprise, but it's only John for you. What would you like?

A coffee and your attention.

... Is my daughter getting into trouble? I'm sorry if I can't go there and punish her but my legs are screwed.

Good photos you have. I wasn't so strong like this at the age and I continue not being, you gotta be a real man to hold a white sturgeon.

I admire the ones who understand about fishing.

Why isn't Jason in the photos?

My son? That boy is growing older, his interests are others. He's been going out to have all the girls he can, I can even say he's a man now!

A true education you gave to your son... sorry I can't say it about Betsy.

What?

She needs correction, her behavior is unbearable, too many bad words, lack of concentration, and I think she may be cutting herself.

You throw it all on me at once, buddy, calm down. I'll talk to her, she will get better soon, I promise you...

I just handle the truth, John, no need to lie to me. But don't worry, I came to help, Betsy is coming with me to a trip around the country to study and do a research project.

You must be kidding. I didn't give any permission, how the hell can you tell me a thing like this?

She decided for herself, I came to communicate with you and say she'll be in good hands.

You came to communicate with me? What the heck is going on? You can't come and say to a man you're taking his daughter away, what's wrong with you.

If this daughter doesn't exhibit any good behaviors, it's my duty as a professor to teach her to walk in a good way.

I am what she needs, don't interfere in what you can't know.

But I know as much as I need. She told me.

Told you what?

Dozens of hours per week going out, getting your car to hang out with boyfriends, spending money on drugs and alcohol and you don't do anything about it.

It's impossible, I would've realized it anytime.

But you're too blind to see, she was smarter than you.

She may be smarter, but where would she find courage to go against my orders?

You tell me. Does she have reasons for fearing you? Physically...

I'm a harsh father, but not a bad person if that's what you wanna know. Just get away from my Betsy and we'll be fine.

... So you're weak and fragile, letting a woman dominate you, such a younger version of yourself but such a power.

Bro, you don't know me. I had a troubled past, I can assure you I learnt how to use my fists and anger very well.

I'm a watcher, John, and I can see things other people don't. I've been in your house calling you weak in the most varied forms possible, and yet you didn't do anything with me. Could you have done something to Betsy?

... You wanna know the truth, hm? Yes, I've touched her when I wanted, I've touched her when I needed and I've beated her when she needed to learn, because she is mine, my daughter and my own property and you don't take to get her from me because if you do it, then I'm capable of killing both of you in the most cruel ways possible.

Get off of me, you dirty.

You'll never get back to my house or I'll kill your wife too.

...

You're safe, now.

How did you do that?

Recording. He had no capacity to think about it.

I feel bad for...

Don't feel bad for him, never. You're the victim, he's the monster.

... What about me? Where am I going now?

Jenny and I are buying a bigger house on the beach, selling the older one. We had been discussing moving away for a long time.

And why do you say that?

Because I have a plan... and you're included in it.