Jones St., Chapter 8: Pages 9-10

Page 9, 6 Panels- Sif's, Jones Street, Las Vegas NV

Panel 1-2: Cut back to Tara in the same setting/layout as Panel 4 of the previous page. In Panel 1, he takes another sip from his latte, nodding in regard to the earlier comment. In Panel 2, a few moments later, Tara lowers the cup on the table back to chest level and looks over in Ms. Haynes direction to address; a sense of trepidation in his words.

TARA [accepting, Panel 1]: Fair enough. Personally though, I... TARA [Cont., Panel 2]: It would've been nice to have some type of warning a little earlier, especially if you weren't interested.

Panel 3: Back to Melanie in the same setting/layout as the last panel of the previous page. She appears a tad irked by the insinuation from the previous panel. You can see the back of someone's head and body in the background walking past them toward another part of the store.

MELANIE [firing back, to Tara]: True, but you aren't owed one. We only went out twice. That doesn't equate to any type of control over- MELANIE [narration caption]: Arming nuke, set to fire on command.

Panel 4: Back to Tara in the same setting and layout as Panel 2. His body language shifts immediately upon what he perceives was an offensive comment previously, extending his hands out in front of him in a "STOP" position.

TARA [shaking his head, defensively]: No, I--I know. It doesn't have to do with control. It's just...it's more in the context of closure for my head. That would've been nice to have weeks ago, just to move forward and not have to constantly kick myself over what I did wrong.

Panel 5: Back to Melanie in the same setting/layout as Panel 3. The anger and frustration that was just starting to grow in Panel 3 has now dissipated to a basic balance. In terms of the mystery person that was in the background in the aforementioned panel, they have left from view by this point in time.

MELANIE: Oh...sorry. MELANIE [narration caption]: Stand down Douche Defense. MELANIE [Bubble 2, responding to Tara in Panel 6]: Apologizing for what?

Panel 6: Back to Tara in the same setting/layout as Panel 4. He lets out a slight chuckle to the apology, touching the edge of the cup with his right hand as he speaks; part of the arm touching the table.

TARA: I should be the one apologizing. TARA [responding to Panel 5, Bubble 2]: Well, for giving out the impression that I wasn't into you that night. It's actually why I wanted to talk to you today, the secret thing I mentioned.

Page 10, 5 Panels- Sif's, Jones Street Las Vegas NV

Panel 1: Back to Melanie in the same setting/layout as Panel 5 of the previous page. As she speaks, the young woman's gaze is turned to the right of the panel view in the direction of the front entrance; her body language alluding to a piece of knowledge the statement revealed that she'd known for awhile.

MELANIE [thought bubble]: Gay--knew it! MELANIE [spoken, to Tara]: Before you say another word, is it okay if I head over to the Coffee Bean and grab a coffee with all of the sugar?

Panel 2: Cut to Tara at the other side of the booth in the same setting and layout as the last panel of the previous page. He nods assuringly at the question; his hand still in the same proximity to his cup as that aforementioned Panel 6 on Page 9, with the same going on in terms of his right arm.

TARA [understanding, to Melanie]: Sure. That--That's fine.

Panel 3-4: Action shot in Panel 3 of Melanie walking away a few moments later, holding the strap of her messenger bag in her right hand. In Panel 4, with the same setting and layout as the previous panel, she returns once more, placing the bag on the empty part of the seat next to her; her coffee cup sliding into position firmly in her right hand.

CAPTION [top left corner, Panel 4]: Six Minutes, Ten Seconds Later MELANIE [Panel 4]: Alright, I'm ready. What were you about to say?

Panel 5: Back to Tara in the same setting and layout as Panel 2, along with the same background. He lifts the cup of latte to his lips, a second away from taking another sip. You can see the rush of anxiety coming over his body at that moment, manifesting itself in the energy bar which (at 85%) has returned to the same lightning/staticky state that precedes an anxiety rush in him.

TARA [trying to find the right words]: Well, I didn't make a move that night because...I'm...I'm Asexual.