BENEATH THE SURFACE (alt ending) - A PLAYTIME ORIGINAL FILM BY MITCHELL ROYEL

The Divide

Chapter 1: The Golden Boy

In the affluent suburb of Westlake, where manicured lawns stretched like emerald carpets and luxury cars gleamed in circular driveways, Blake Carter was the undisputed king. At eighteen, he embodied the American dream – or at least, what passed for it in this corner of the world. His golden hair caught the sunlight as he strolled across Westlake High, his piercing blue eyes scanning the crowd of admirers that seemed to part before him like the Red Sea.

Blake’s physique, sculpted by years of rigorous football training, was the envy of every guy and the desire of every girl. As the star quarterback of the Westlake Wolves, he carried the hopes and dreams of the entire town on his broad shoulders. Everyone wanted to be him or be with him. He was the golden boy, the chosen one, destined for greatness.

Yet, as Blake made his way to his first class of the day, a familiar emptiness gnawed at his insides. The adoration, the accolades, the constant attention – it all felt hollow. He smiled and waved, playing his part perfectly, but inside, a void yawned wide and insatiable.

“Hey, Blake!” A perky cheerleader called out, her ponytail bouncing as she jogged up to him. “Great practice yesterday. You’re going to crush it at the championship!”

Blake’s smile was automatic, practiced. “Thanks, Amber. The team’s looking strong.”

“Oh, totally! Hey, are you coming to Trey’s party this weekend? It’s going to be epic!”

For a moment, Blake considered declining. The thought of another night of mindless partying, of plastering on a smile and pretending to enjoy the shallow conversations and drunken antics, made him feel exhausted. But he knew what was expected of him.

“Wouldn’t miss it,” he said, his tone betraying none of his inner conflict.

Amber beamed, clearly thrilled to have secured his attendance. “Awesome! See you there!”

As she bounced away, Blake’s smile faded. He continued his walk to class, surrounded by people yet feeling utterly alone.

Chapter 2: The Other Side of the Tracks

Across town, in a neighborhood that seemed a world away from Westlake’s pristine streets, Caden Johnson woke to the sound of his alarm. The small, worn apartment he shared with his mother and younger sister was already bustling with activity. The smell of coffee and toast wafted through the air as Caden dragged himself out of bed.

“Morning, sweetie,” his mother, Tanya, called from the kitchen. “Breakfast is on the table. Don’t be late for school!”

Caden mumbled a sleepy response as he stumbled to the bathroom. In the mirror, he saw a face that looked older than its eighteen years – dark skin marked by a few acne scars, eyes that held a wisdom born from hardship. He ran a hand over his close-cropped hair and sighed. Another day, another struggle.

As he ate his breakfast, Caden’s sister, Zoe, chattered excitedly about her upcoming school play. Despite the fatigue that seemed to cling to him like a second skin, Caden couldn’t help but smile at her enthusiasm.

“You’re going to be great, Zo,” he said, ruffling her hair affectionately. “I’ll be there in the front row, cheering you on.”

Tanya watched the exchange with a mixture of pride and worry. “Caden, honey, are you sure you don’t want to take the day off? You’ve been working so hard at the garage…”

Caden shook his head firmly. “Can’t afford to miss any classes, Mom. Besides, I’ve got that big test in Physics today.”

As he left the apartment, backpack slung over one shoulder, Caden steeled himself for the day ahead. The walk to Westlake High took him through neighborhoods that grew progressively more affluent, a daily reminder of the divide that existed in their town.

He was one of the few students from his side of town who attended Westlake High, thanks to a scholarship program. It was an opportunity, he knew, but it also meant navigating a world that often felt alien and unwelcoming.

As the imposing facade of Westlake High came into view, Caden took a deep breath. Another day of being the outsider, of working twice as hard to prove he belonged. But he was used to it. He had to be.

Chapter 3: Worlds Collide

The hallways of Westlake High were a cacophony of slamming lockers, excited chatter, and the occasional shout of laughter. Blake moved through the crowd with practiced ease, nodding and smiling at his admirers. He was heading to his Advanced Physics class, one of the few academic challenges he actually enjoyed.

As he entered the classroom, his eyes fell on an unfamiliar face. Caden sat at one of the front desks, his head bent over a textbook, seemingly oblivious to the commotion around him.

Blake felt a flicker of curiosity. New students were rare at Westlake, especially this late in the school year. He made his way to his usual seat, noting how the other students gave the newcomer a wide berth.

As the teacher began the lesson, Blake found his attention drawn more and more to the new student. Caden’s hand shot up for every question, his answers articulate and insightful. It was clear he wasn’t just keeping up with the class – he was excelling.

When the bell rang, signaling the end of the period, Blake made a split-second decision. He approached Caden’s desk as the other boy was packing up his books.

“Hey,” Blake said, flashing his trademark smile. “I’m Blake. You’re new here, right?”

Caden looked up, surprise evident on his face. “Uh, yeah. Caden. I just transferred.”

“Cool. Listen, we’ve got a study group for Physics. Meets after school on Thursdays. You should join us.”

Caden hesitated, his expression guarded. “Thanks, but I’ve got work after school.”

Blake’s eyebrows rose. “Work? Where at?”

“Johnson’s Garage. It’s over on—”

“Wait,” Blake interrupted, recognition dawning. “Johnson’s? My dad takes his car there all the time. Says it’s the best place in town.”

For the first time, Caden’s face relaxed into a genuine smile. “Yeah, that’s my uncle’s place. I help out there after school and on weekends.”

As they walked out of the classroom together, Blake found himself intrigued. Caden was unlike anyone else he knew at Westlake. There was a depth to him, a sense of purpose that Blake found both foreign and fascinating.

“So, if you can’t make Thursdays, how about we study together sometime?” Blake found himself saying. “I could use some help with those quantum mechanics problems.”

Caden looked at him for a long moment, as if trying to figure out Blake’s angle. Finally, he nodded. “Sure, why not? I’m free on Saturday mornings if that works for you.”

As they parted ways, Blake felt a strange sense of anticipation. For the first time in a long while, he was looking forward to something that wasn’t related to football or partying. Little did he know, this chance encounter was about to change both their lives in ways neither could have imagined.

Chapter 4: Breaking Barriers

The following Saturday morning found Blake pulling up to Johnson’s Garage in his sleek sports car, feeling oddly out of place. The garage was a far cry from the polished storefronts of Westlake’s shopping district, but there was a charm to its weathered exterior and the sounds of tools and engines that filled the air.

Caden emerged from one of the open bays, wiping his hands on a rag. He looked surprised to see Blake. “You actually came,” he said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

Blake shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. “Said I would, didn’t I? So, where do we study?”

Caden led him to a small office at the back of the garage. It was cramped but tidy, with a desk covered in textbooks and papers. As they settled in to work, Blake found himself impressed by Caden’s knowledge and patience in explaining complex concepts.

Hours flew by, punctuated by the occasional interruption from Caden’s uncle James, a jovial man with kind eyes and grease-stained hands. By the time they wrapped up, Blake felt he had learned more in one morning than in weeks of classes.

“Thanks, man,” Blake said as they packed up. “This was… actually pretty great.”

Caden nodded, a genuine smile spreading across his face. “Yeah, it was. You’re not bad at this stuff when you actually focus.”

As Blake was about to leave, James called out to him. “Hey, Blake! Since you’re here, mind giving me a hand with something?”

Before he knew it, Blake found himself elbow-deep in the engine of an old Chevy, following James’s instructions. It was messy, challenging work, but there was something satisfying about it that Blake couldn’t quite put his finger on.

As the weeks passed, these Saturday study sessions became a regular thing. Blake found himself looking forward to them more than he did to parties or even football practice. In Caden’s company, he felt free to be himself, to express doubts and fears he’d never dared voice before.

One Saturday, as they were taking a break, Caden looked at Blake thoughtfully. “You know, you’re nothing like I expected.”

Blake raised an eyebrow. “Oh yeah? What did you expect?”

Caden shrugged. “I don’t know. Some arrogant jock who thought he was better than everyone else. But you’re… different.”

Blake was quiet for a moment. “Maybe I’m just tired of being what everyone expects me to be,” he said softly.

As their friendship grew, so did Blake’s awareness of the stark differences between their lives. He saw the struggles Caden faced daily – the long hours of work, the responsibility of helping to support his family, the constant pressure to prove himself in a school where he was often made to feel like an outsider.

It was a wake-up call for Blake, forcing him to confront the privilege he’d always taken for granted. And as he did, he began to see his world – and himself – in a whole new light.

Chapter 5: The Turning Point

As the championship game approached, tensions in Westlake reached a fever pitch. The town’s hopes rested squarely on Blake’s shoulders, and the pressure was becoming unbearable. His teammates, sensing his distraction, grew increasingly frustrated.

One evening after practice, things came to a head. Blake overheard a group of his teammates, led by his best friend Trey, planning something that made his blood run cold.

“We’ll show those people where they belong,” Trey was saying, his voice low and angry. “A little fire should send the message. No one’ll get hurt, but they’ll know to stay on their side of town.”

Blake felt sick. He knew exactly who Trey was talking about – Caden’s community, the people Blake had come to know and respect over the past few months.

For a moment, Blake hesitated. Speaking up meant risking everything – his position on the team, his friendships, his status in the town. But then he thought of Caden, of James, of all the people who had welcomed him into their world without judgment.

Taking a deep breath, Blake stepped out from behind the lockers. “You can’t do this,” he said, his voice steady despite the fear churning in his gut.

Trey and the others whirled around, shock and anger flashing across their faces. “Blake? What the hell, man?”

“This is wrong,” Blake continued, standing his ground. “These are people we’re talking about. Our neighbors. Our classmates.”

Trey’s face twisted with disgust. “Don’t tell me you’ve gone soft. What, you’re choosing them over us now?”

Blake met his former best friend’s gaze steadily. “I’m choosing what’s right. And if you go through with this, I’ll have no choice but to report you.”

The locker room erupted into chaos. Accusations flew, threats were made, but Blake stood firm. By the time Coach Thompson arrived to break things up, the damage was done. The team was fractured, and Blake knew his life would never be the same.

As he walked home that night, his mind reeling from what had transpired, Blake realized that he had crossed a line. There was no going back to the person he used to be. And strangely, the thought filled him not with dread, but with a sense of liberation.

He pulled out his phone and dialed Caden’s number. “Hey,” he said when his friend picked up. “Can we talk? There’s something I need to tell you…”

Chapter 6: Standing Tall

The following morning, Westlake was abuzz with rumors and speculation. News of the thwarted attack on the church spread like wildfire, and Blake found himself at the center of a storm of controversy.

As he walked into school, he could feel the weight of everyone’s stares. Whispers followed him down the hallway, a mix of admiration and condemnation. His teammates, the guys he’d spent years bonding with on and off the field, now looked at him with a mixture of betrayal and confusion.

Coach Thompson called him into his office first thing. The coach’s face was a mask of disappointment and anger.

“What the hell were you thinking, Carter?” he demanded as soon as Blake sat down.

Blake met his coach’s gaze steadily. “I was thinking that some things are more important than winning a game, Coach.”

Coach Thompson’s face reddened. “More important? Do you have any idea what you’ve done? Half the team is suspended pending investigation. We might have to forfeit the championship. You’ve thrown away everything we’ve worked for!”

“With all due respect, Coach,” Blake said, his voice calm but firm, “I think we threw that away the moment we decided winning was more important than doing the right thing.”

The coach stared at him for a long moment, then sighed heavily. “I don’t know what’s gotten into you lately, Carter. But I hope it was worth it.”

As Blake left the office, he knew that his position on the team was likely forfeit. But strangely, the thought didn’t bother him as much as he’d expected. There was a sense of relief, of a weight being lifted off his shoulders.

Throughout the day, Blake faced a barrage of questions and accusations. Some students hailed him as a hero, others branded him a traitor. But through it all, Blake held his head high, secure in the knowledge that he had done the right thing.

During lunch, he spotted Caden waiting for him at the school gates. Despite the chaos of the day, Blake couldn’t help but smile at the sight of his friend.

“Hey,” Caden said as Blake approached. “How are you holding up?”

Blake shrugged. “It’s been a rough day. But I’m okay.”

Caden nodded, his expression serious. “I heard what happened. What you did… Blake, that was incredibly brave.”

“I just did what I had to do,” Blake said. “I couldn’t let them hurt innocent people, no matter what the reason.”

“Still,” Caden insisted, “not many people would have had the courage to stand up to their friends like that. You risked everything.”

Blake was quiet for a moment, considering Caden’s words. “You know,” he said finally, “a few months ago, I probably wouldn’t have. But getting to know you, your family, your community… it changed something in me. Made me see things differently.”

Caden smiled, a mix of pride and affection in his eyes. “Well, I’m glad I could be a good influence for once.”

They laughed together, the tension of the day easing a bit. As they stood there, Blake realized that despite everything he had lost, he had gained something far more valuable: a true friend and a clearer sense of who he really was.

The rest of the day passed in a blur of classes and whispered conversations. By the time the final bell rang, Blake was exhausted but resolute. He had made his choice, and he was prepared to face the consequences.

As he walked out of the school, he was surprised to see a crowd gathered on the front lawn. For a moment, he tensed, wondering if this was some kind of confrontation. But then he saw familiar faces from the barbershop, from the church, mixed in with students and faculty.

Caden’s uncle James stepped forward, his face solemn. “Blake,” he said, his voice carrying across the suddenly quiet crowd. “On behalf of our community, I want to thank you for what you did last night. Your courage saved our church, and more importantly, it showed that there are still young people willing to stand up for what’s right, no matter the cost.”

There was a moment of silence, and then someone started clapping. Soon, the entire crowd was applauding, a wave of support that washed over Blake, leaving him stunned and deeply moved.

As the applause died down, Blake saw his coach making his way through the crowd. Coach Thompson’s face was unreadable as he approached.

“Carter,” he said, his voice gruff. “I owe you an apology. What I said this morning… I was angry, and I spoke without thinking. What you did took real courage. The kind of courage I should be encouraging, not punishing.”

Blake was speechless for a moment. “Thank you, Coach,” he finally managed.

Coach Thompson nodded. “Now, we’ve still got a game to play tomorrow. And we’re down a few players. Think you’re up for it?”

Blake looked around at the crowd, at Caden and his community, at his classmates and teachers. He saw support, admiration, and a challenge to keep standing tall.

“Yeah, Coach,” he said, a slow smile spreading across his face. “I think I am.”

As the crowd began to disperse, Blake felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see Caden standing there, a mix of pride and concern on his face.

“You okay?” Caden asked.

Blake took a deep breath, then nodded. “Yeah, I think I am. It’s just… a lot to process, you know?”

Caden smiled. “I can imagine. Listen, a bunch of us are heading to the community center to help with some repairs. Want to come? Might help take your mind off things.”

For a moment, Blake hesitated. He was exhausted, emotionally and physically. But the thought of hiding away in his room, alone with his thoughts, was even less appealing.

“You know what? That sounds great,” he said.

As they walked away from the school, Blake felt a weight lifting from his shoulders. He had taken a stand, faced the consequences, and come out the other side. Whatever came next, he knew he could handle it.

And he wouldn’t have to face it alone.

Chapter 7: The Aftermath

The day of the championship game dawned bright and clear, but Blake’s mind was far from football. The events of the past few days had left him reeling, questioning everything he thought he knew about himself and his place in Westlake.

As he suited up in the locker room, the tension was palpable. His teammates avoided his gaze, their silence more damning than any words could be. Coach Thompson’s pre-game speech fell flat, his words unable to bridge the chasm that had opened within the team.

The game was a disaster. Without their full roster and with team morale at an all-time low, Westlake was crushed. Blake played mechanically, his heart not in the game. With each touchdown scored against them, he could feel the weight of his decisions pressing down on him.

As the final whistle blew, sealing their humiliating defeat, Blake caught sight of Caden in the stands. Their eyes met for a brief moment, and Blake felt a surge of resentment. He had sacrificed everything for Caden and his community, and for what?

That night, as Blake lay awake, staring at his ceiling, a plan began to form in his mind. A way to reclaim his life, to undo the damage he had done. It would require sacrifice, but hadn’t he already sacrificed enough?

Chapter 8: The Fall

The next morning, Blake arrived at school early. He made his way to Caden’s locker, his heart pounding. With shaking hands, he planted the evidence - a small bag of white powder, carefully hidden behind Caden’s books.

As the halls filled with students, Blake approached the principal’s office. “I have something I need to report,” he said, his voice steady despite the turmoil in his gut.

The events that followed were a blur. The search of Caden’s locker, the look of shock and betrayal on Caden’s face as he was led away, the whispers that filled the hallways. Blake played his part perfectly, feigning surprise and disappointment.

The school board’s decision was swift and merciless. Caden was expelled, his scholarship revoked. In the span of a day, all of Caden’s hard work and dreams came crashing down around him.

As Blake watched Caden clean out his locker for the last time, he felt a mix of guilt and relief. He had reclaimed his position as Westlake’s golden boy, but at what cost?

Chapter 9: The Point of No Return

Weeks passed, and life in Westlake began to return to normal - at least on the surface. Blake was once again the center of attention, praised for his “bravery” in reporting Caden. But beneath the adulation, a darkness grew within him.

He couldn’t shake the memory of Caden’s face, the hurt and betrayal in his eyes. And worse, he couldn’t escape the nagging fear that somehow, someday, the truth would come out.

One night, unable to sleep, Blake confided in his mother. Margaret Carter listened in horror as her son poured out the whole sordid tale - the planted drugs, the false report, everything.

For a long moment after Blake finished speaking, Margaret was silent. Then, with a resolve that surprised even her, she made a decision. She couldn’t let her son live with this guilt, couldn’t bear the thought of what he had become.

“It’s going to be okay, sweetheart,” she said, pulling Blake into a hug. “Mom will take care of everything.”

The next day, Margaret reached out to some old connections - people she hadn’t spoken to in years, from a part of her life she’d long since left behind. She made arrangements, set things in motion.

Three days later, Caden Johnson disappeared.

Chapter 10: The Aftermath

The news of Caden’s disappearance sent shockwaves through Westlake. Search parties were organized, flyers posted, but as days turned to weeks, hope began to fade.

Blake watched it all with a mixture of relief and horror. He knew, deep down, what had happened. His mother’s cryptic assurances, the knowing looks they shared over dinner - it all pointed to a truth too terrible to acknowledge.

As life in Westlake slowly returned to normal, Blake found himself trapped in a gilded cage of his own making. He had everything he thought he wanted - his status restored, his future secure. But the cost haunted him.

In quiet moments, when the facade slipped, Blake would find himself staring into the distance, wondering about Caden. Where was he? What had been done to him? And most terrifyingly - would the truth ever come to light?

Epilogue

Years passed. Blake went off to college on a full athletic scholarship, his golden boy image fully restored. From the outside, he seemed to have it all - success, popularity, a bright future stretching out before him.

But in the dark of night, when sleep eluded him, Blake would find himself back in Westlake, reliving those fateful days. The weight of his choices, the price of his ambition, pressed down on him, a burden he would carry for the rest of his life.

And somewhere, in an unmarked grave, lay the true cost of the divide - a bright young man whose only crime had been daring to bridge the gap between two worlds.

In the end, the divide that Blake had sought to maintain had claimed not just Caden’s life, but a piece of Blake’s soul as well. It stood as a stark reminder of the consequences of choosing ambition over empathy, self-interest over friendship.

The divide, it seemed, would always find a way to exact its toll.

THE END