TAYDEN S/DES #7 INT, DINER - BARSTOW JAYDEN My father asked me the oddest cuestion last night. Jayden begins to rip away at the corners of the pape: place mat. Arielle’s eye finches. ARIELLE What did he ask you? JAYDEN aE Twas happy. Arielle nods and looks toward the diner’s counter as she considers his words. ARIELLE Yes, that makes sense. 1 think it’ mich better question than (animated deepened voice) sow are you? How are you really? (seriously) it's not like anyone even cares. It's go stilted. You simply say good", or “I’m well” depending on tow polite you're feeling. When do we ever really feel polite though? JAYDEN sometimes. (pauses) 1 told him sonetimes T was happy: and then rarely, other tines, T felt so far from old feelings of happiness. Arielle points at the drawing utensils on the table. ARIELLE Bren’t you going to draw something? Jayden keeps his eyes on her and doesn’t lock at the pens. JAYDEN Here? ARIELLE Yes, isn’t here just as good as anywhere?RYDEN 1 just don’t think I’m there yet, Ari. Arielle nods a few tims too many. She moves the bowl of ice forward and sets the envelope in front of her. She smooths it with her hands and looks at him point-blank. ARIELLE Is that really true though? gaYDEN Is what true? ARIELLE Are you happy sometimes? JAYDEN T think I’m happy right now. Jayden gives her an exaggerated second-grade smile. Arielle rolls her eyes and shoots him a serious look. ARIELLE Jayden, I've always thought your eyes were more honest than your word Jayden sighs. RYDEN My dad expects from me. ARIELLE, People always want something. It’s inborn. vayden's eye catches the envelope on the booth seat. RYDEN Well, it’s the business. rt’s booming right now and he wants me to learn-- lead by his example. Arielle nods, maybe she’s breaking through to him. She locks eyes with him intently. RYDEN (coNR’D) Of course, some of it ig thrilling. I like the rash of, well you know, the possibility of’ losing something and then winning it after all. t's Like one of xy showcases or exnibite. (woRE)JAYDEN (coWT’D) You never know if some rich guy is going to bid on a painting or if iere going to be an enpty showing. Or you never know what the critic will write on my collection of, T don’t know, urban landscapes. Sut ‘when they do, when you win, it feels so ineredibly-— ARIELLE Addicting. Arielle stares past Jayden again. Jayden opens his mouth then closes it,