>Be Evan, earlier that year
>Entire family is watching Idol.
>Crystal Bowersox is auditioning in Chicago. She's an earthy-looking hippie single mother with blonde dreadlocks.
>She's good, says their mom as Crystal belts Piece of My Heart. The Idol judges light up, instantly impressed with her.
>I like her, says Maddie.
>I think she sucks, says their dad.
>Harold!
>Dad!
>Jason comes into the room, silent. Everyone tenses up. He's clearly in a bad mood.
>Their dad looks at him.
>S'happenin'?
>Jason doesn't say anything.
>How's life in the basement?
>Jason turns and speaks to their parents.
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>Can I have a word with you and Mom really quick? On the deck?
>Sure.
>They leave Evan and Maddie as Idol goes to commercial. Evan mutes the TV and they listen.
>They can hear their parents and Jason talking. Jason is upset.
>They might be going farther, he says. They might be pressing charges against me after all.
>Jason, you have to tell us what happened.
>I already did.
>Well, did someone get hurt?
>All you need to know is that I might have to go to court for awhile. I might be... going away, or whatever. Until this gets sorted out. I don't know what they're going to do with me, court marshal me or whatever. I don't think it'll actually go through. The discharge was supposed to make it go away.
>There's quiet for a bit as the two parents digest this information.
>But if I have to pay for a lawyer, I'm in trouble.
>Did you find a job yet?
>I'm looking.
>Where have you applied?
>Places.
>How much money is left in your account?
>None of your business.
>You're living in my house, it is my business.
>Jason snaps. It's alarming.
>Evan can't even hear what he's saying, he's kind of whisper--snarling and babbling at them. >Evan makes out "I'm fucking sick of this shit." And "It's not my fault he was out that night." And "They all look the same!"
>His parents keep their patience.
>Boy, I gotta say, I'm not impressed by your display here, says their dad. Now it looks like you got yourself a problem. You're either gonna be an asset to this family or a liability.
>Their mom says, When you figure out what you want, just let us know.
>Jason doesn't say anything.
>He storms back inside and down to his room, slams the door.
>The commercial break ends as their parents return to the room.
>What's wrong? Maddie asks.
>Your brother's still dealing with some b.s. from the discharge, says their dad. Did that crappy Bowersox girl get through?