Capítulo 181: 50/50 Conclusion
In the intimate setting of a hospital chemotherapy room, Adam, Alan, and Mitch are each hooked up to their chemo drips. Adam looks visibly fatigued. The conversation turns to Rachael, Adam's significant other, whom Alan and Mitch have never met. Adam explains her absence by saying hospitals scare her, but his friends are skeptical, highlighting that nobody enjoys hospital visits. Adam defends Rachael, attributing her absence to not wanting to mix negative and positive energies, which Alan dismisses as an excuse.
Later, outside the hospital at dusk, Adam waits for Rachael, reassuring Alan and Mitch that she's on her way and they'll meet her another time. The scene shifts to nighttime, with Adam looking drained as he waits on the hospital steps until Rachael arrives, apologizing for her tardiness and her phone dying. Adam's frustration is evident, even offering her an "out" from the situation, but they leave together, unresolved tensions in the air.
As the production rolled on, a pivotal scene unfolded with Kyle on a date with Claire at an art gallery. There, they unexpectedly encounter Rachael. Kyle, quick on his feet, introduces Rachael to Claire as his sick friend's girlfriend. However, Claire's intuition tells her something's off—Rachael doesn't seem to behave like someone's significant other. Their suspicions are confirmed when they witness Rachael flirtatiously engaging with another man, culminating in a deep kiss. In a moment of anger, Kyle discreetly captures this betrayal on his phone, intending to show Adam the truth about Rachael.
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The set transitioned to a cozy living room scene, where Lucas, embodying Adam, was found dozing off on the couch until the sound of Rachael's entrance stirred him awake.
Groggily greeting her with a simple "Hi," Adam's weariness seemed to melt away at the sight of Rachael. The warmth and revival in his eyes underscored how deeply he cherished her, revealing the profound bond between them.
Bryce, portraying Rachael, encountered an emotional challenge in this scene. The guilt of her character's actions was mirrored in her interaction with Adam. Her line, "Didn't mean to wake you," was tinged with remorse, a subtle attempt to veil her inner conflict.
Adam's response was tender, filled with longing, "Come here." It was a moment that pulled at the heartstrings.
Lucas's portrayal of Adam, filled with authentic affection for Rachael, pushed Bryce to navigate her role with a sense of remorse and complexity. "Oh, I'm so tired. Can we just get into bed?" she said, her voice carrying the weight of unspoken guilt.
The emotional depth Lucas brought to Adam, displaying a palpable love for Rachael, sparked whispers among the crew. Some wondered if Lucas's feelings for Bryce, the actress behind Rachael, were real, not knowing that his ability to convey such genuine intimacy was a skill refined in his previous work on "Like Crazy."
Rachael extends a hand to help Adam up, but their moment is abruptly cut short as Kyle bursts through the front door.
"Hey! Surprise! It's Kyle! What's happening, guys?"
Adam, caught off guard yet managing a polite response, replies, "Hey, Kyle." His surprise is evident, but he remains welcoming.
Kyle, sensing the intimate atmosphere he's stumbled upon, hesitates. "…bad time? Am I interrupting something?" He casts a glance at Adam and Rachael, picking up on the tension.
Adam begins to explain, "Well, it's midni-"
Kyle, not missing a beat, cuts in, "Sorry, I was in the neighborhood. I had a date with Claire, the bookstore girl. It did not go well, due to a lack of chemistry and I think an overuse of profanity on my part. But, whilst on my date, I ran into - Rachael."
Adam's response is tinged with confusion, "Okay?" It's clear he's puzzled by Kyle's erratic entrance and the revelations following it.
Kyle, with a dramatic flourish, pulls out his phone and thrusts it towards Adam, declaring, "I would like to present... Exhibit...whore!"
The screen displays a blurry image of Rachael in a compromising embrace with another man at the gallery.
"Look! Look at it!!! That's Rachael! And that's a fucking dirty Jesus looking motherfucker, and they're kissing! I did it!" Kyle's triumph turns to indignation as he confronts Rachael, "I FUCKING NAILED YOU!!! I've hated you for months! And now I have evidence that you suck as a person!"
As Kyle scans Adam and Rachael's silent reactions, his energy shifts, "Nothing? You two should probably talk about this..." He then retreats to the kitchen, leaving a palpable tension in the air.
Rachael faces Adam, who, though silent, communicates volumes. Lucas, as Adam, embodies a heartrending portrayal of betrayal through subtle gestures—his slumped shoulders, averted gaze, and the silent withdrawal convey a profound sense of hurt that resonates deeply, not just on Bryce but also with everyone on set. The raw emotion Lucas injects into Adam's silent reaction is so palpable that the cast and crew can't help but empathize, feeling a twinge of pain for Adam's predicament.
Bryce, as Rachael, is caught in the crossfire of emotions. Despite her character's actions, Bryce professionally maintains her role as the flawed girlfriend. Yet, the intensity of Lucas's performance and the charged atmosphere compel her own heart to ache.
Adam's voice broke as he asked, his eyes glistening with the effort to hold back tears, "You're cheating on me?" The vulnerability and disbelief etched into his features tore at the heart.
Rachael, visibly shaken, stumbled over her words, "No! I mean - yes but-" She looked into Adam's eyes, searching for a reaction, a cue. Bryce, in character as Rachael, hesitated, expecting Lucas to interject with his lines "Really?" Instead, Lucas's silence, his body language screaming betrayal and shock, propelled Bryce to continue, "Adam - you have no idea how hard it's been! I don't know how to do this, and it's been so stressful, and you've been so sick, and shit, you're the one who told me Kyle uses your cancer to get girls! Why should I be the bad guy?"
From the kitchen, Kyle's voice cut through, unseen but potent, "Because you're his girlfriend, and you cheated on him while he has cancer, you fucking lunatic!"
Rachael tried to justify, "Adam. We had problems long before you got sick. And then when you got sick, I didn't know what to do."
Adam's response was a masterpiece of subdued emotion. Lucas, embodying Adam, sat deflated on the couch, his body slumped in a posture of utter defeat. His eyes, once searching Rachael's for answers, now looked through her, his gaze hollow. "So why are you here? Why do you spend every night in my bed?" His voice was a whisper, the words heavy with humiliation and heartbreak.
"I don't know. I didn't want to abandon you," Rachael said, suggesting they postpone the confrontation, "Let's go to bed, we can talk about this tomorrow."
Adam, portrayed with Lucas's subtle mastery, remained seated, the epitome of a man shattered, his spirit as bruised as his heart.
As Kyle re-entered from the kitchen, his impatience palpable, he demanded, "You got to get out of here! You're making this way too uncomfortable for everyone. Just leave!"
Rachael's attempt to defer the inevitable, "Adam, we'll talk tomorrow," was met with Kyle's blunt realism, "No you won't! Why would you talk tomorrow?"
Rachael's plea, "Adam, I care about you...Adam," clashed with Kyle's moral outrage, "You are reprehensible!"
Her frustration boiling over, Rachael snapped at Kyle, "Will you shut up?!" attempting to sow distrust, "Kyle doesn't have your best interest in mind."
Kyle, undeterred, retorted, "I don't? Cause I'm pretty sure I'm not the one who got caught making out with some disgusting hippie."
Rachael's exit was as tumultuous as the confrontation, "Fuck you!" she spat at Kyle, who fired back, "You're disgusting!"
The slamming of the door marked Rachael's departure, leaving a palpable void filled with tension, sorrow, and the unresolved pain of betrayal.
Seth, embodying Kyle, watched Lucas's portrayal of Adam with an intensity that seemed to surpass the boundaries of mere acting. Lucas sat silently, his acting so nuanced and authentic that it conveyed volumes without a word being spoken. The depth of Adam's despair was palpable in the slump of his shoulders, the hollow look in his eyes, and the slight tremble of his hands—a silent testament to a heart shattered by betrayal. Seth felt an unexpected ache in his own heart, as if Lucas's portrayal had bridged the gap between fiction and reality, making the pain of Adam's situation resonate deeply within him.
When the director called cut, the emotional aftermath lingered palpably in the air. Seth approached Lucas, still ensconced on the couch, offering a comforting pat on the back. The entire set was enveloped in a complex mix of emotions, struck by Lucas's deep immersion into his role, which seemed to carry over even after the cameras stopped rolling.
Will observed Lucas with a mix of admiration and empathy. The story of Adam, after all, was a reflection of his own life, making the portrayal all the more poignant.
Gradually, Lucas began to distance himself from Adam's emotional turmoil, listening attentively as the director outlined the next scene. The narrative then shifted to Adam's bedroom, where the loneliness of Rachael's absence was palpable. The only solace came from Skeletor, Adam's pet, whose presence offered a momentary distraction from the engulfing solitude.
As the filming resumed the next morning, the change in Adam was stark. Gone was the humor that had peppered his interactions with Kyle, replaced by a somberness that reflected the depth of his loss. This shift was not just a testament to Lucas's acting prowess but also a narrative arc that resonated deeply with everyone on set. Adam's usual levity, a beacon of hope even in the face of cancer, seemed diminished, casting a shadow over his prognosis.
Yet, a glimmer of the old Adam surfaced when he and Kyle encountered an attractive woman walking her dog. Despite the heavy atmosphere, Adam managed to engage in conversation, prompting Kyle to quip, "You could've fucked that girl, you realize that, don't you?"
Adam, attempting to lighten the mood, quipped about his appearance, "Oh, please. You think she would have sex with me? With my appearance, I look like a Voldemort look-alike..." Despite managing a joke, it was evident that the usual spark of hope and positivity in his demeanor had been dimmed by the recent breakup.
The narrative then shifted to Kyle's well-meaning but misguided efforts to help Adam move on from Rachael by encouraging him to get laid.
That night, at the bar, Kyle was at Adam's side, offering guidance and even suggesting Adam use his cancer diagnosis as a means to garner sympathy from women. This strategy, while questionable, led to some genuinely comedic moments, further enhanced by Lucas's acting and timely ad-libs.
Adam struck up a conversation with Jackie, portrayed by Jessica. The interaction was light-hearted, with Adam managing to make Jackie laugh, prompting Kyle to interject, "He still has a sense of humor! It's inspirational!"
Curious, Jackie inquired about touching Adam's head, leading to a playful exchange and Kyle encouraging her, "You can do more than touch it!" This led to a humorous moment with Jackie and her friends rubbing Adam's head, while Kyle quipped, "You know, it'll grow back if you rub it enough."
However, the night took a turn when Adam, despite his exhaustion, was convinced by Kyle not to sleep, ultimately leading Jackie to his bedroom. The scene shifted to a more intimate setting, with Jackie on top, but Adam's discomfort was palpable. Each movement caused him pain, visible in his wincing expressions.
When Jackie noticed and questioned if she was hurting him, Adam initially denied it. However, upon further insistence from Jackie, Adam's façade crumbled, leading to an awkward moment as Jackie rolled off him. They lay next to each other, enveloped in a silence that spoke volumes about the complexity of navigating personal connections amidst personal struggles.
Despite Adam's brief encounter with Jackie, it was clear he hadn't moved on from Rachael.
The production filming then shifts to a more subdued scene where Adam, post-chemo, is seen waiting at a bus stop. Katherine, a young doctor who knows him, spots him and offers a ride, which Adam initially declines. However, Katherine insists, highlighting her concern and the budding connection between them.
In the car, their conversation flows naturally until Adam mentions his recent breakup with Rachael. Katherine, taken aback, inquires, "What? When did this happen?"
"A few days ago. She kind of cheated on me," Adam reveals, masking his hurt with a faint attempt at nonchalance.
Noticing Adam's effort to hide his pain, Katherine gently offers an ear, "Oh. Adam. Do you want to talk about it?"
Adam, however, firmly sets boundaries, "No. Nuh-uh. No therapy. You are giving me this ride as a friend." This moment underlines Adam's desire for normalcy and friendship over patient-therapist dynamics.
The conversation then shifts to Katherine's personal life, highlighting the delicate balance in their relationship. "I just don't think it's appropriate for me to be telling you all this personal stuff. The whole therapist/patient relationship doesn't work if you know all my problems." Her candid admission about checking her ex's Facebook page adds a layer of relatability and vulnerability to her character.
Upon reaching Adam's house, Katherine unexpectedly offers her number, leading to a light-hearted exchange. Adam's quip, "Did I just score your digits?" is met with a smile and a clear boundary from Katherine, "No..."
Adam quickly clarifies, "That was a joke," to which Katherine responds, "That's fine. Jokes make for a good coping mechanism...This is only for emergencies. Or if you need someone to talk to...Good night."
Their interaction ends on a note of mutual respect and understanding, with Adam appreciating the gesture, "Good night."
The production moved forward, capturing a laid-back moment in Adam's living room during the day. Adam and Kyle are relaxed, sharing a mini-bong bubbler and getting absorbed in "Planet Earth" on a brand-new 50" flat-screen TV. Skeletor, Adam's pet, is dozing off on the floor nearby. Kyle, awed by the visuals, comments on the sheer craziness of the ocean, contrasting it with the desert, while Adam expresses his fondness for the trees. Their tranquility is briefly interrupted by a knock at the door, but they're too engrossed in the show to bother answering. Rachael then cautiously makes her entrance, eyeing Adam as he quickly dons his hat to cover his bald head.
She's there to collect her belongings, which Adam coolly mentions he's already boxed up and placed outside. The moment grows tense when Rachael spots them smoking weed and inquires since when Adam started. The exchange reveals it's medicinal, prescribed not for Adam but for Kyle, supposedly to treat his night blindness. Rachael's attention shifts to the new TV, which has taken the place of her painting, now relegated to a corner. The loss is tangible in her disappointed remark about her painting being taken down, prompting her to ask Adam for a private conversation outside.
On the porch, amidst an awkward atmosphere, Rachael expresses her regret over their breakup and attempts to reignite their relationship with a kiss. Adam, conflicted but firm, ultimately asks Rachael to leave, marking a poignant end to their encounter. As she departs, visibly upset, Adam points out her forgotten painting, to which she responds, "I made it for you," underscoring the depth of their now-fractured connection.
After the tumultuous attempt by Rachael to rekindle their relationship, Adam finds solace and strength to move on from their breakup through the support of his friend Kyle and his family. His burgeoning friendship with Katherine also offers him a new perspective and comfort during this time.
As the filming draws near its emotional climax, Adam prepares for surgery. Diane, in a tender moment, kisses Adam on the cheek, a silent gesture of love and fear. Dr. Lee gives a nod to a couple of nurses, who then pull Adam's gurney through the double doors, enveloping him in the stark, fluorescent light of the operating room.
The scene shifts to a highly clinical setting where Adam, now unconscious, is the focal point. The camera closes in on his serene face as hands reach out, gently transferring him to the operating table, signaling the beginning of the surgery.
The sterile beeps of the heart monitor and the distant sound of Adam's breathing fill the room, initiating a palpable tension that extends beyond the operating theatre.
Meanwhile, Katherine is seen in her office, ostensibly engaged with a patient. Despite her professional demeanor, her distraction is evident; her thoughts linger with Adam, underscoring the depth of their connection.
In the waiting room, Diane and Richard grapple with the weight of the moment. Diane, holding onto a handful of pills—a physical manifestation of her anxiety—is a picture of fear. When Richard takes the pills from her, their shared look conveys volumes about their shared apprehension.
Diane voices the concern hanging heavy in the air, "It's been five hours." The passage of time feels unbearable, each minute stretching longer than the last.
Kyle, ever the supportive presence, acknowledges the lengthening hours with a heavy heart but tries to infuse the room with a semblance of hope, "Has it?"
Diane's worry escalates, "Something's wrong. We should have heard by now." Her fear reflects the uncertainty that comes with waiting for news from the operating room.
Kyle, attempting to be the pillar of strength in a sea of uncertainty, reassures her, "Don't worry. Adam's going to be fine, okay?" His words are meant as much for himself as for Diane.
Upon hearing Adam's name, Katherine leans in towards Kyle, Richard, and Diane with a mix of concern and curiosity.
"Adam Lerner?" she inquires, seeking confirmation.
Kyle, momentarily caught off guard, responds affirmatively, "Yeah."
Katherine, trying to offer some reassurance, mentions, "Dr. Walderson is one of the best surgeons in the country, so he's in good hands."
Diane, unfamiliar with Katherine, asks, "Who are you?"
Katherine introduces herself, "I...uh, I'm Katherine."
Recognizing her, Kyle quickly adds, "The therapist! I'm Kyle, Adam's friend." They exchange a handshake as Kyle introduces her to Adam's parents, signaling a moment of solidarity among those connected to Adam.
"It's nice to meet you," Katherine says, her smile a bit awkward under the circumstances. A brief silence follows.
Kyle, looking for some validation, half-jokingly asks, "Did he say I was a dick? 'Cause I'm not."
Diane, expressing her own insecurities, shares with Katherine, "I want you to know, I smothered him because I love him."
Katherine responds with a polite smile, embodying the discretion expected of her profession.
Kyle, still seeking inside information, probes further, "Seriously, did he say anything?"
Katherine maintains her professional boundaries, "I...I can't...I wouldn't...I wouldn't talk about that sort of thing."
Their attention shifts as Dr. Walderson approaches, prompting everyone to stand in anticipation of news. The doctor explains, "Mr. and Mrs. Lerner. So as you can imagine, with a surgery of this magnitude...there were some unforeseen complications. The bone erosion was much greater than initially anticipated. We had to remove part of the hip and pelvis, as well as most of the right psoas muscle."
"We also had to remove a good amount of sheath tissue around the sciatic nerve. It's not going to be an easy road back, but he's going to be okay," Dr. Walderson concludes, offering a beacon of hope amid the storm of concerns.
"He's going to be okay?" Diane echoes, her voice laden with worry yet clinging to the doctor's assurance.
Dr. Walderson's affirmation brings a moment of relief amidst the tension. Kyle, with a mix of relief and mild frustration, suggests, "You should start with that information. That should be the first thing you say."
In a spontaneous show of relief and joy, Kyle turns to hug Diane, exclaiming, "He's OK!" Their embrace encapsulates the wave of emotions washing over them, and soon, Richard is pulled into this circle of relief and gratitude.
"Thank you, doctor, thank you!" Diane expressed her gratitude through tears, a sentiment echoed by Kyle. The intensity of their emotions was palpable, a raw moment of human connection that Katherine observed from a distance, respectfully retreating to allow the family their privacy.
Back in his hospital room, Adam, still groggy from surgery, reacted with childlike joy upon seeing his parents. "Mommy!" he exclaimed, a moment that was both tender and heart-wrenching, as Diane responded with tears, "My little boy."
The humorous and light-hearted interactions with Kyle that follow showcase Adam's resilience and the support system that surrounds him, laying the groundwork for his recovery journey.
As filming neared its end, there were touching moments, including Katherine's visit to see Adam. Lucas and Katherine shared a light, friendly conversation before she took her leave.
Following that, the shoot progressed, with Kyle dropping by to visit Adam in the evening. Their attempt to cheer each other up evolved into a session of light-hearted, humorous banter. As the filming neared its conclusion, Katherine made an unexpected appearance, bringing pizza along. The trio of Adam, Kyle, and Rachael engaged in casual conversation as the filming wrapped up.
"And cut!" Jonathan announced, prompting the crew to cease filming while Seth assisted Lucas out of the bed.
The entire cast and crew erupted into applause, celebrating not only the completion of the film but also Lucas's remarkable performance. Overwhelmed with emotion, Lucas mingled with his colleagues, appreciating the moment.
While engaging in casual conversation, Lucas caught sight of Neil, his manager, signaling to him.
"Hey, Neil. What's going on?" Lucas inquired, noticing his approach.
"Well, as your manager, I figured I should be here for your big moments. But, I didn't realize today marked the end of filming for '50/50,'" Neil replied with a light laugh.
"Also, auditions for 'The Hunger Games' started last week. I've already lined up your audition." Neil continued, but then, noticing Lucas's pallid appearance, expressed concern, "Are you okay? Did the shoot treat you well?"
"I'm good," Lucas assured with a smile. "I just got a bit too absorbed in my role, that's all. It took a slight toll on my health."
Neil, still worried, advised, "Make sure to take care of yourself. There's no rush; the audition can wait if you need more time to recover."
Acknowledging Neil's advice, Lucas turned back to engage with the "50/50" team, knowing that soon, it would be time to say goodbye.
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