Growing up is hard, but it’s easier with friends by your side.
Watch the original version of About a Boy
Prologue:
Will Freeman was a man who never wanted to grow up. With his quick wit, sly humor, and good looks, Will saw himself as a master of the art of seduction. He spent his days lounging around his London flat, with no responsibilities and no worries. He had no interest in a committed relationship or anything else that might tie him down.
However, Will’s carefree lifestyle was about to take a turn. An unexpected encounter with a twelve-year-old boy named Marcus would teach him that there was more to life than just seduction.
Chapter 1:
Will Freeman was a man who had it all, or so he thought. He had good looks, charm, and a comfortable lifestyle. He spent his days lounging around his flat, listening to music, and reading books. Will had avoided responsibility his whole life, and had no intention of changing his ways.
But then, one day, as he sat in his favorite café, he noticed a group of attractive single mothers, all discussing their children. Will saw this as an opportunity to win over these women, and so he decided to invent an imaginary son.
It was a harmless lie, he thought, and it would surely impress these women. He concocted a story about a son named Ned, and how he lived with his mother up north. To Will’s surprise, the plan worked. The single mothers were smitten with him, and Will found himself in a world of new possibilities.
But everything changed when Marcus moved in next door to him. Marcus was a socially awkward and geeky twelve-year-old boy, with a unique perspective on life. Despite their differences, Will and Marcus struck up an unlikely friendship.
At first, Will saw Marcus as an opportunity to further his seduction game. He figured that if he could impress Marcus, he could use him to impress more single mothers. But as he spent more time with Marcus, he realized that the boy was more than just a pawn in his game.
Marcus opened Will’s eyes to a world beyond seduction, a world that was full of wonder and possibility. He taught Will about music, literature, and the importance of being true to oneself. Marcus showed Will that growing up didn’t have to mean sacrificing one’s sense of adventure and fun.
As Will grew closer to Marcus, he realized that he had a responsibility to be a positive role model for him. He knew that his imaginary son, Ned, was a lie that he must confront. Will was faced with a choice: continue living a life of lies and deception, or take responsibility for his actions and embrace the opportunity to grow and learn.
Will Freeman was a man who never wanted to grow up, but with Marcus by his side, he had no choice but to face the challenges of adulthood.
Chapter 2: Marcus Moves In
Marcus was different from the other kids in his class. He had a quirky personality and an unconventional sense of humor that often left his peers scratching their heads. As a result, he struggled to fit in and make friends at school. However, Marcus had a secret weapon – his mother, Fiona, who was fiercely protective of him and always had his back.
One day, Fiona announced that they were moving to a new neighborhood. Marcus was nervous about the prospect of starting over in a new town, but Fiona assured him that it would be a fresh start and a chance to make new friends.
As they pulled up to their new house, Marcus peered out the window and took in his surroundings. It was a quiet street, lined with neatly trimmed hedges and mailboxes. In the driveway next door, a shiny red sports car caught his eye. Marcus wondered who lived there and whether they had kids his age.
Later that day, Marcus decided to explore the neighborhood and see if he could find any potential friends. He walked down the street, keeping his eyes peeled for signs of life. As he passed by the house with the red sports car, he saw a man sitting on the porch, reading a book. The man looked up and caught Marcus’s gaze, then smiled and waved.
“Hello there!” he called out. “New kid on the block, huh?”
Marcus felt a wave of nerves wash over him. He wasn’t used to strangers talking to him. But the man seemed friendly enough, so he decided to take a chance.
“Um, yeah. My name’s Marcus,” he said, tugging at his backpack strap nervously.
“I’m Will,” the man replied, extending a hand. “Nice to meet you, Marcus.”
Marcus tentatively shook Will’s hand, then looked down at his shoes. He wasn’t sure what to say next.
“So, do you live here?” he asked, trying to make conversation.
Will chuckled. “Yeah, I do. Been here for a while now. What about you? Just moved in?”
Marcus nodded, feeling a bit more at ease. “Yeah. My mom and I. We just moved here from London.”
“Wow, that’s quite a change of scenery,” Will said, raising an eyebrow. “How do you like it so far?”
Marcus shrugged. “It’s okay, I guess. Haven’t really had a chance to explore yet. I’m kind of hoping there are some kids my age around here.”
Will smiled. “Well, you’re in luck. There are a few kids your age on the street. Maybe I can introduce you sometime?”
Marcus’s eyes lit up. “Really? That would be great!”
Over the next few days, Will and Marcus got to know each other better. Will was impressed by Marcus’s intelligence and witty sense of humor, and he enjoyed spending time with him. Marcus, in turn, found Will to be a cool, laid-back guy who didn’t seem to take life too seriously.
As they hung out more, Marcus began to confide in Will about some of his struggles at school. He told him about the bullying he had endured and the difficulty he had making friends. Will listened with interest and offered words of encouragement.
“You know, Marcus,” he said one day, as they sat on the porch swing. “I used to be like you when I was your age. Not very popular, not very cool. But I learned a few tricks along the way. Maybe I could teach you some of them.”
Marcus looked at him skeptically. “Tricks? Like what?”
Will grinned. “Oh, you know. How to dress like a rock star, how to talk to girls, how to throw a mean punch.”
Marcus rolled his eyes. “I don’t think I want to learn how to punch people.”
Will chuckled. “Hey, it’s good to have options. But seriously, Marcus, I think you’re a great kid. You just need a little confidence boost. And I think I can help with that.”
Over the next few weeks, Will began to teach Marcus some of his “cool guy” techniques. He showed him how to style his hair, how to dress in trendy clothes, and how to make witty comebacks to bullies. Marcus was hesitant at first, but he soon found that Will’s methods were working. He was making friends and getting noticed at school.
Meanwhile, Will was learning things from Marcus too. He was impressed by the boy’s intelligence and imagination, and he was touched by the close bond he shared with his mother. Will had never had a real family before, and he found himself drawn to Fiona’s warmth and kindness.
As the days turned into weeks, Marcus and Will’s friendship continued to grow. They spent hours playing video games, watching movies, and chatting about life. Will realized that he had never felt so happy and fulfilled before. He had always thought that avoiding responsibility was the key to happiness, but now he saw that there was more to life than just himself.
One day, as Marcus was getting ready to head home, Will stopped him at the door.
“Hey, Marcus,” he said. “I just wanted to say…thanks. You’ve taught me a lot about what it means to be a good person. I never really thought I could be a role model to someone, but you’ve shown me that it’s possible.”
Marcus smiled. “Thanks, Will. You’ve been a great friend to me. I don’t think I would have survived without you.”
Will chuckled. “Well, I don’t know about that. You’re a pretty tough kid. But seriously, Marcus…if you ever need anything, just let me know. I’m here for you.”
Marcus nodded, feeling a warm glow in his chest. He knew that he had found a true friend in Will. And he had a feeling that their adventures were only just beginning.
Chapter 3:
As Will slowly becomes more involved in Marcus’s life, he begins to realize the importance of connecting with others and taking responsibility. He had always been content living a carefree and selfish life, but now he starts to see the value in caring for someone other than himself.
One day, Marcus comes over to Will’s house after school, and they spend the afternoon playing video games and talking about their favorite movies. Will starts to see that despite his quirks, Marcus is a smart and insightful kid. As they get to know each other better, Marcus opens up to Will about his struggles at school.
“I don’t really fit in with the other kids,” Marcus admits. “They all like different music and clothes than I do. And sometimes they make fun of me for being weird.”
Will sees the pain in Marcus’s eyes and decides to help him out. “Listen, kid,” he says. “I know a thing or two about being cool. I can teach you.”
Marcus looks skeptical. “Really? You’re not exactly the coolest guy around.”
Will laughs. “I’ll have you know, I used to be quite the ladies’ man. And I still am, if I do say so myself.”
Marcus rolls his eyes but can’t help but laugh as well. Will then starts giving Marcus pointers on how to dress, what music to listen to, and even how to talk to girls.
Over the next few weeks, Will takes Marcus under his wing and teaches him what he knows about being popular. They go shopping for new clothes, watch cool movies, and even practice Will’s smooth-talking techniques. Marcus starts to feel more confident in himself, and even starts making friends at school.
However, Marcus’s unconventional behavior starts to raise eyebrows at school. One day, the principal calls Fiona in for a meeting to discuss Marcus’s behavior.
“I’m sorry to say, but Marcus has been acting quite strange lately,” the principal says. “He’s been dressing differently and talking back to the other kids. I think he’s trying too hard to fit in.”
Fiona looks worried. “Is there anything we can do to help him?”
The principal shakes his head. “Honestly, I’m not sure. Maybe he just needs some time to figure things out.”
When Fiona tells Will about the meeting, he feels guilty. He realizes that he may have been pushing Marcus too hard to be someone he’s not.
“I think I messed up,” Will says. “I was trying to help Marcus fit in, but maybe I went too far.”
Fiona nods. “Maybe. But I also think you’ve been a good influence on him. You’re someone he looks up to.”
Will smiles. “Me? A role model? That’s a scary thought.”
Fiona laughs. “Well, get used to it. You’re a big part of Marcus’s life now.”
As Will reflects on his role in Marcus’s life, he starts to see that he enjoys being a mentor. He never thought he would be someone who cared about others, but now he finds himself invested in Marcus’s well-being.
During their next hangout session, Will and Marcus play basketball in the park. Will decides to open up to Marcus about his own struggles with taking responsibility.
“You know, kid, I used to be like you,” Will says. “I never wanted to grow up or take on any real responsibilities. But now, I’m starting to see that there’s more to life than just having fun.”
Marcus listens intently, sensing that Will is being genuine.
“I think you’re a good person, Will,” Marcus says. “Even if you don’t always act like it.”
Will feels a lump in his throat. He never thought a 12-year-old could have such an impact on his life.
“Thanks, kid,” Will says. “That means a lot coming from you.”
As they finish up their game, Will realizes that he does care about Marcus and wants to help him become the best version of himself. He’s not sure where this newfound responsibility will take him, but he’s excited to find out.
Chapter 4: Will’s Deception Is Discovered
Will Freeman had always considered himself a bit of a ladies’ man, using his charm and wit to attract a constant stream of attractive single moms. He had managed to avoid any real commitments or responsibilities, content to live his life on his own terms. However, all that changed when he met Marcus, a quirky 12-year-old boy who lived next door.
Will had initially been intrigued by Marcus’s unconventional personality and had taken it upon himself to befriend the boy. He had started spending more time with Marcus, teaching him how to be cool and urging him to stand up for himself at school. However, when Will began to develop feelings for Marcus’s mother, Fiona, he knew that he had to come clean about his fake son.
Will had always been a bit of a charmer, and the idea of inventing an imaginary son had seemed like the perfect way to get closer to the single moms he desired. He had fabricated a story about a boy named Ned and had even created a fake email address for him. The plan had worked like a charm, and Will had managed to attract the attention of several single moms, including Fiona.
However, things had started to unravel when Marcus’s classmates had discovered the truth about Will’s deception. They had taunted Marcus and made fun of him, leaving him feeling embarrassed and isolated. Fiona had been livid when she found out about Will’s fake son and had demanded that he stay away from Marcus.
Will had been crushed by Fiona’s reaction and had struggled to come to terms with the consequences of his actions. He knew that he had hurt Marcus and had betrayed Fiona’s trust. He had always prided himself on his independence and lack of responsibility, but now he realized that he had been running away from his problems for far too long.
One day, Will decided to take responsibility for his actions and reach out to Fiona to make amends. He found her sitting alone in a coffee shop, looking sad and defeated. Will hesitated for a moment before approaching her, unsure of how she would react.
“Fiona, can we talk?” Will said, taking a seat across from her.
“What do you want, Will?” Fiona asked, her voice cold and distant.
“I just wanted to apologize for what I did,” Will said, looking at her earnestly. “I know it was wrong, and I’m sorry.”
Fiona looked at Will skeptically, her eyes narrowed. “You should be sorry,” she said. “You hurt my son.”
“I know,” Will said, looking down. “I never meant to hurt him. I just…I got caught up in my own lies.”
Fiona sighed, looking tired. “I don’t know what to do, Will,” she said. “I want to trust you, but I don’t know if I can.”
Will nodded, understanding her hesitation. “I understand,” he said. “I just want you to know that I care about you and Marcus. And I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make things right.”
Fiona looked at Will for a long moment, considering his words. Finally, she nodded. “Okay,” she said. “But you have to promise me one thing.”
“What’s that?” Will asked, his heart racing.
“You have to be honest with me from now on,” Fiona said. “No more lies.”
Will nodded, feeling a weight lifted off his shoulders. “I promise,” he said. “No more lies.”
Fiona smiled slightly, looking relieved. “Okay,” she said. “We’ll see how it goes.”
Over the next few weeks, Will worked hard to regain Fiona’s trust. He spent more time with Marcus, helping him with his homework and taking him to the park. He also tried to be more honest with Fiona, sharing his feelings and fears with her. Slowly but surely, the three of them began to build a new kind of relationship, based on honesty and trust.
One day, Will and Marcus were playing video games in the living room when Fiona walked in. She had a big smile on her face, and her eyes were shining.
“Guess what, guys?” she said, holding up a piece of paper. “Marcus got an A on his math test!”
Will and Marcus cheered, high-fiving each other. Fiona beamed at them, looking proud and content.
As the three of them sat there, laughing and joking, Will realized that he had finally found something worth fighting for. He had discovered that there was more to life than just avoiding responsibility and chasing after women. He had found true friendship, love, and family.
And he knew that he would never take it for granted again.
Chapter 5: The Consequences of Deception
Will felt a lump form in his throat as Fiona confronted him about his deception. He knew that he had messed up, but he didn’t expect the consequences of his actions to hit him this hard. He watched as Fiona’s eyes filled with tears, and he felt like the worst person in the world.
“Will, how could you do this to me?” Fiona asked, her voice laced with anger and betrayal.
Will didn’t know how to answer her. He had never been good at confronting his problems, and this was no exception. He had spent his entire life avoiding responsibilities and commitments, but now he was faced with the harsh reality of his actions.
“I’m sorry, Fiona,” Will said, his voice barely above a whisper. “I didn’t mean to hurt you. I just…I don’t know. I didn’t know how to tell you the truth.”
Fiona shook her head, tears streaming down her face. “You could have just told me, Will. You didn’t have to lie to me about having a son. Do you have any idea how foolish I feel right now?”
Will looked down at the ground, unable to meet Fiona’s gaze. He knew that he had hurt her, and he didn’t know how to make it right.
“I understand if you never want to see me again,” Will said. “I’ll leave you alone if that’s what you want.”
Fiona sighed, wiping away her tears. “I don’t know what I want, Will. All I know is that I can’t just pretend like nothing happened. You lied to me, and I need time to think about what that means for us.”
Will nodded, feeling a sense of hopelessness wash over him. He had never been good at confronting his problems, but he had also never felt so alone.
As Fiona walked away, Will couldn’t help but wonder if this was his wake-up call. He had spent so much of his life avoiding responsibility and chasing after women, but now he was faced with the harsh reality of his actions.
He knew that he needed to make things right, but he didn’t know where to start. He decided to take a walk to clear his head, hoping that maybe some fresh air would help him figure things out.
As he walked, he thought about Marcus and how much he had learned from him. He realized that Marcus had shown him how to be a better person, and he didn’t want to let him down.
When he returned home, he found Marcus sitting on his front porch, looking dejected.
“What’s wrong, Marcus?” Will asked, sitting down next to him.
Marcus shrugged. “Just some stuff at school. Kids were making fun of me for being weird.”
Will put his arm around Marcus, trying to comfort him. “You’re not weird, Marcus. You’re just different, and that’s what makes you special.”
Marcus smiled weakly, but Will could tell that he was still upset.
“Listen, Marcus,” Will said. “I know I messed up. I lied to Fiona about having a son, and now she’s angry with me. But I’m going to make it right. I can’t keep running from my problems, and I don’t want you to have to suffer because of my mistakes.”
Marcus looked up at Will, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. “So you’re going to try to be a better person?”
Will nodded, smiling. “Yeah, I am. And I’m going to start by being there for you, no matter what. Because you’ve been there for me, and I don’t want to let you down.”
Marcus grinned, throwing his arms around Will in a tight embrace. “Thanks, Will. I knew you could do it.”
As they sat there, wrapped in each other’s embrace, Will felt a sense of peace wash over him. He knew that he was far from perfect, but he also knew that he had people in his life who believed in him.
And maybe, just maybe, that was enough to make a change.
As Will sat in his apartment, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he had let Marcus down. He had promised to be there for him, but now Marcus’s mother was insisting that they stay away from each other. Will knew that he had to make things right.
He took a deep breath and dialed Fiona’s number. After a few rings, she answered.
“Hello?” she said cautiously.
“Hi, Fiona. It’s Will,” he replied.
There was a long pause on the other end of the line.
“Why are you calling me, Will?” she asked, her voice tense.
“I know I screwed up,” Will said. “I shouldn’t have lied to you about having a son. And I’m sorry for that. But I want to make things right. I want to be there for Marcus.”
Fiona sighed. “It’s not that simple, Will. Marcus is going through a tough time right now, and I don’t want him getting hurt again.”
“I understand,” Will said. “But I just want you to know that I care about him. And I care about you, too.”
There was another pause.
“I don’t know, Will,” Fiona said finally. “This is all so complicated.”
“I know,” Will said. “But I’m willing to work through it. I want to be there for Marcus, and I want to be there for you.”
Fiona hesitated for a moment before finally speaking. “Okay, Will. We can talk. But just know that I’ll be keeping a close eye on things.”
Will smiled to himself. It was a start.
Over the next few weeks, Will and Fiona began to talk more and more. They would discuss Marcus’s progress at school and his newfound love of music. Will would offer advice on how to help Marcus fit in, and Fiona would update him on her own struggles as a single mother.
As they spoke, Will started to realize that he was developing feelings for Fiona. She was smart, funny, and caring, and he admired the way she put Marcus’s needs first. But he didn’t know how to tell her.
One day, Fiona called him in a panic. Marcus had decided to dye his hair purple in an attempt to fit in at school, and the results were disastrous. Will rushed over to their house to help.
When he arrived, Marcus was sobbing in the bathroom, his hair a bright shade of pink.
“What were you thinking, Marcus?” Fiona scolded him.
“I just wanted to be cool,” Marcus whimpered.
Will knelt down next to him. “Hey, don’t worry. We’ll figure this out.”
He spent the next hour helping Marcus wash out the dye and comforting him as he cried. His heart swelled with affection for the boy, and for Fiona.
As he left their house that afternoon, he realized that he couldn’t keep his feelings bottled up any longer.
“Fiona,” he said, turning back to her. “I know this is probably not the best timing, but I need to tell you something.”
Fiona looked at him curiously.
“I think I’m falling in love with you,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Fiona’s eyes widened in shock.
“Will, I don’t know what to say,” she said softly.
“I know it’s a lot,” Will said hastily. “And I don’t want to jeopardize our friendship, or Marcus’s progress. But I just had to tell you how I feel.”
Fiona took a deep breath. “I need some time to think about this, Will. I can’t make any promises.”
“I understand,” Will said. “Just know that I care about you, and Marcus, more than anything.”
As he walked away, he couldn’t help but feel both elated and terrified. He had finally told Fiona how he felt, but he had no idea what the future would hold. All he knew was that he was ready to take responsibility for his actions, and to grow up.
Chapter 7: Will and Fiona’s Complicated Romance
As Will and Fiona’s affection for each other grows, Marcus becomes increasingly uncomfortable with their relationship. Despite his initial approval of Will as a friend, he feels that his mother’s new love interest is jeopardizing their close-knit family dynamic.
One day, Marcus confronts Will about his feelings, unable to hide his disappointment and resentment. “I don’t like it,” he says. “I don’t want you to be with my mom.” Will, caught off guard by the severity of Marcus’s reaction, tries to explain his side of the story. “Look, I know this is hard for you. But your mom and I have something special, and I don’t want to lose it just because you don’t approve.”
Marcus’s discontent only heightens as Will and Fiona’s relationship blossoms. He becomes increasingly withdrawn, spending more time alone in his room and exhibiting a sullen, sulky demeanor. Fiona, sensing that something is bothering her son, tries to get him to open up. “What’s going on, Marcus? Talk to me.”
But Marcus is evasive, unwilling to reveal his true feelings. He doesn’t want to hurt his mother, but he can’t help feeling that Will is stealing her away from him. “It’s nothing,” he says. “I’m just tired.”
As the tension between the three of them intensifies, Will starts to question whether his relationship with Fiona is worth the strain on Marcus. “Maybe we should take a break,” he suggests to her one day. “I don’t want to make things harder than they already are.” But Fiona is resolute. “I don’t want to stop seeing you, Will. I care about you too much.”
Will is torn. He knows that he loves Fiona, but he also knows that Marcus’s happiness is just as important. He tries to find ways to make things right, to show Marcus that he still cares about him even though he’s dating his mother. He takes him out for ice cream, tries to engage him in conversation, but nothing seems to work.
Finally, Will decides to take a more direct approach. He sits Marcus down and tries to have an honest conversation with him. “I know you’re not happy about me and your mom dating,” he tells him. “But I want you to know that I care about you too. You’re not losing your mother to me. I just want to be a part of your family, if you’ll let me.”
Marcus is silent for a moment, considering Will’s words. Finally, he nods. “Okay,” he says. “I’ll try.”
Over the next few weeks, Will works hard to rebuild his relationship with Marcus. He takes him to see a movie, helps him with his homework, and even invites him over to his apartment to play video games. Slowly but surely, Marcus begins to warm up to Will again. He realizes that his mother’s happiness is important, and that Will is an important part of her life.
As their relationship begins to heal, Will and Fiona’s romance reaches a new level of intimacy. They start spending more time together, going on romantic dates and taking weekend trips. Will feels like he’s finally found someone who understands him, who accepts him for who he is. He knows that the road ahead won’t be easy, but he’s willing to take the risk.
In the end, the three of them come together for Marcus’s thirteenth birthday party. Will and Fiona look on with pride as Marcus blows out the candles on his cake, surrounded by friends and family. Will realizes in that moment that he’s found something he never thought he would have: a family of his own.
Chapter 8: Will steps in as Marcus’s hero
Marcus was determined to change his image at school, but his plan backfired, and he became the target of bullies. Will knew he had to step in and help his friend, but he also knew that it would mean confronting his own fears and insecurities.
One morning, as they walked to school together, Marcus nervously confessed to Will that he had tried to change his appearance by dressing like a rapper. “I thought it would make me cool,” he said, “but now everyone is making fun of me.”
Will tried to reassure him. “Hey, don’t worry about them. They’re just jealous because you’re different. That’s what makes you special.”
But Marcus wasn’t convinced. “I just want to fit in,” he said. “I don’t want to be a target anymore.”
Will watched helplessly as Marcus was pushed around and called names by the bullies. He knew he couldn’t just stand by and watch it happen. He decided to take matters into his own hands.
The next day, as Marcus entered the schoolyard, he saw a group of boys gathered around something. As he got closer, he saw that they had surrounded a smaller boy and were taunting him.
Without hesitation, Will stepped in front of Marcus and yelled, “Hey, leave him alone!” The bullies turned to face Will, and for a moment, it seemed like they might attack him. But then something unexpected happened. One of the bullies recognized Will as the man who had saved his mother from a burning building a few years ago.
“Hey, it’s Will Freeman!” he exclaimed. “We can’t mess with him.”
The other boys nodded in agreement, and they quickly dispersed. Will turned to Marcus and shrugged. “Sometimes, it helps to have a reputation.”
Marcus grinned in relief. “Thanks for sticking up for me, Will. You’re my hero.”
Will smiled, but inside, he felt conflicted. He knew that he wasn’t really a hero. He had just been in the right place at the right time. But he also knew that he had gained something valuable in that moment- the respect of Marcus and his peers.
As the days passed, Will continued to support Marcus and took on a bigger role in his life. He attended parent-teacher conferences and helped Marcus with his homework. He even started to develop a friendship with Marcus’s mother, Fiona.
But there was something else brewing beneath the surface- a growing attraction between Will and Fiona. Will had always been a bachelor, but he found himself drawn to Fiona’s intelligence and compassion. He knew that pursuing a relationship with her would be complicated, but he couldn’t ignore his feelings.
As they spent more time together, Will and Fiona began to open up to each other about their pasts and their hopes for the future. They talked about Marcus and how much he had grown since they met.
One evening, as they were strolling through the park, Fiona turned to Will and said, “You know, you’re a lot more than just a cool guy who can save the day. You have a big heart.”
Will felt something stir inside of him, a sense of connection that he had never experienced before. Fiona leaned in and kissed him softly, and in that moment, Will knew that his life would never be the same.
But there was still a question lingering in his mind – what about Marcus? How would he react to their relationship?
Chapter 9:
Will sat nervously on Fiona’s couch as she poured them both glasses of red wine. They had just finished dinner, and the conversation had been light and easy – something Will found increasingly rare in his typically chaotic life. But the lightness disappeared when Fiona brought up her ex-husband’s return.
“I don’t know what to do,” she admitted, taking a sip of her wine. “He’s been calling and texting, wanting to see Marcus. I’m not sure I’m ready for that, and I’m definitely not sure Marcus is.”
Will shifted uncomfortably. Part of him wanted to encourage Fiona to stand her ground and protect her son, but another part of him couldn’t help but feel jealous at the thought of competing with Fiona’s ex. He took a deep breath and decided to be honest.
“I don’t want to sound selfish, but…I really like you, Fiona. And I don’t think I’m ready to see you with him again.”
Fiona’s eyes softened as she put a hand on his knee. “I like you too, Will. But we have to think about what’s best for Marcus.”
Will nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude for the way Fiona had quietly but steadily pushed him to be a better person. He decided to take a chance.
“I know this might sound crazy, but…what if we didn’t tell Marcus about his dad’s return? At least not yet. We could keep it between us until we figure out what’s going on.”
Fiona’s eyes widened in surprise. “You really think that could work?”
Will nodded. “I mean, Marcus has been through so much already. If we can shield him from this for a little while, it might give him some time to just be a kid again.”
Fiona’s fingers trailed up his thigh, sending shivers down Will’s spine. “You’re a good man, Will Freeman.”
As they kissed, Will couldn’t help but feel a sense of happiness and contentment that he hadn’t felt in a long time. For a moment, everything seemed perfect.
But just as quickly, the moment was shattered by the sound of Marcus’s voice from the hallway.
“Fiona? Will? Are you guys in there?”
Will and Fiona pulled apart, their faces red with embarrassment. They had been so caught up in their own world that they had forgotten about Marcus.
“Uh, yeah, we’re here,” Will called out.
Marcus appeared in the doorway, looking uncertain. “Can I come in?”
“Of course,” Fiona said, patting the spot next to her on the couch.
Marcus sat down hesitantly, eyeing Will with suspicion. “What were you guys doing?”
Fiona laughed nervously. “Just talking. What’s up, Marcus?”
Marcus fidgeted with his hands. “I was just…thinking. About Dad.”
Will’s heart sank as he realized what he was about to say.
“Marcus, there’s something we need to tell you.”
Chapter 10: A Birthday Celebration
The day had finally arrived. Marcus was turning 13 and Will, Fiona, and Marcus were all gathered in the living room to celebrate. The room was decorated with balloons and streamers, and a cake sat in the center of the table.
Marcus was beaming with excitement as he blew out the candles on his cake. The group sang Happy Birthday, and Marcus made a wish before cutting into the cake.
Over the past few months, a lot had changed in their lives. Will had finally taken responsibility for his actions and had even taken on a part-time job. Fiona had started a new career path and was now pursuing her passion for music.
And Marcus had made tremendous progress in school. He had made new friends and even joined the drama club. Will had been helping him hone his acting skills, and Marcus was now the lead in the upcoming school play.
As they ate cake and chatted, Will couldn’t help but reflect on how far they had all come. He had never imagined that inventing a fake son to impress women would lead him to where he was now.
Marcus, too, was deep in thought. He realized how much he had learned from Will and how much he had grown as a person. He had come to understand that being true to oneself and not conforming to societal norms was more important than fitting in.
And Fiona, who had been skeptical of Will at first, had come to realize that he was a kind and caring person who had a lot to offer.
As the party winded down, Marcus thanked Will and Fiona for being a part of his life. “I know I’m not the easiest person to deal with,” he said. “But you guys always believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself.”
Will smiled, “You’re the one who taught me that you’re never too old to grow up.”
Fiona chimed in, “And you showed me that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams.”
As they hugged, Will felt a sense of contentment wash over him. He had found the family he never knew he wanted, and he knew that they would always be there for each other.
As they said their goodbyes, Will couldn’t wait to see what the future held for all of them. One thing was for sure, he now understood that sometimes the best things in life are the unexpected ones.
Some scenes from the movie About a Boy written by A.I.
Scene 1
Fade In:
EXT. WILL’S APARTMENT BUILDING – DAY
A good-looking man in his early 30s, WILL FREEMAN, strolls out of his apartment building. He looks confident and carefree. He wears well-fitted jeans and a white t-shirt, holding a coffee cup in his hand. He stops to pet a dog and smiles at the owner, a beautiful woman in her late 20s, before walking away.
INT. WILL’S APARTMENT – DAY
Will enters his apartment, takes a sip of his coffee, and sits on the couch. He picks up a remote and switches on the TV. He flips through the channels, stops at a news report, and then changes it to a movie channel.
WILL
(to himself)
Another day of doing nothing. Perfect!
Will pulls out his laptop and surfs through single mom websites, looking at profiles of different women.
WILL (CONT’D)
(to himself)
Let’s see who’s in the market today.
As he scrolls down, he notices a trend. Each of the women has a child, and Will starts to feel like he doesn’t fit in with them. That’s when he gets an idea.
WILL (CONT’D)
(to himself)
What if I had a kid?
Will types in an imaginary profile with a son named Ned. He thinks it is the perfect idea to attract single moms.
FADE OUT.
End of Chapter 1.
Scene 2
FADE IN:
EXT. SUBURBAN NEIGHBORHOOD – DAY
Will Freeman, a handsome and confident bachelor in his thirties, steps out of his house and sees his new neighbor moving in next door. He watches with mild interest as the boy, Marcus, struggles to carry a box.
WILL:
Hey, need a hand with that?
MARCUS:
(startled)
Oh, uh, no thanks. I got it.
Will smiles, amused by the boy’s awkwardness.
WILL:
I’m Will Freeman. Welcome to the neighborhood.
Marcus hesitates before awkwardly introducing himself.
MARCUS:
I’m Marcus. Nice to meet you.
Will senses the boy’s unease and decides to try and break the ice.
WILL:
So, what do you think of the place so far?
MARCUS:
(sighs)
It’s okay, I guess. I’m just not used to moving around so much.
WILL:
(nods)
I hear you. When I was your age, my parents moved around a lot too.
Marcus looks up at Will with an expression of curiosity.
MARCUS:
Really? Why did they move around so much?
WILL:
(grins)
Well, they were trying to outrun the law. (beat) Just kidding. My parents were both hippies and they couldn’t decide where to settle down.
Marcus cracks a smile, relieved to find that Will is not like the other uptight adults he’s met.
MARCUS:
(laughs)
That’s funny.
WILL:
(leans in conspiratorially)
Don’t tell anyone, but I’m actually a big kid at heart. (winks) If you ever want to hang out, just let me know.
Marcus nods, grateful to have made a friendly acquaintance in this new neighborhood.
MARCUS:
Thanks, Will. I appreciate it.
Will smiles and watches as Marcus walks back into his new house, feeling a sense of satisfaction at having made a new friend.
FADE OUT.
Scene 3
FADE IN:
EXT. WILL’S APARTMENT – DAY
Will sits on the balcony of his posh apartment, scrolling through his phone with a smile on his face. Marcus walks up to him, looking down at the city below.
MARCUS
Hey Will, what are you up to?
WILL
Just checking some emails, kiddo. What about you? Missed school today?
MARCUS
(shrugs)
Yeah, I wasn’t feeling too good. What’s new?
Will hesitates for a moment, then decides to share.
WILL
Actually, I met someone last night. Her name’s Rachel, and she’s really cool.
Marcus’s face lights up.
MARCUS
That’s awesome, Will! Did you guys go on a date?
WILL
(smiling)
Yeah, we did. And that’s not even the best part. She has a son about your age, so I might be able to get us invited to some cool family events.
Marcus looks thoughtful.
MARCUS
Do you think that’s a good idea? I mean, I don’t want to pretend to be someone I’m not just to hang out with some kid.
Will nods seriously.
WILL
You’re right, Marcus. We don’t want to lie to anyone or pretend to be someone we’re not. But maybe there’s a way we can still have fun and be ourselves. Let’s figure it out together.
Marcus looks up at Will, smiling.
MARCUS
Okay, let’s do it.
FADE OUT.
Scene 4
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Logline: A charming bachelor invents an imaginary son to meet single moms, but learns the importance of responsibility and connection when he befriends a quirky 12-year-old boy.
INT. WILL’S APARTMENT – DAY
Will sits nervously on his couch, waiting for Fiona to arrive. He’s prepared to face the consequences of his actions and make amends for lying about having a son. He hears a knock on the door and takes a deep breath before answering.
WILL: Hi, Fiona. Come in.
Fiona steps inside, clearly upset.
FIONA: How could you do this? How could you lie about having a son?
WILL: I know it was wrong. I was just trying to impress you and the other moms. I never meant for it to get this far.
FIONA: (sighs) Marcus is devastated. He thought he finally had a friend who understood him, and now he feels like you used him.
Will’s heart sinks at the thought of hurting Marcus.
WILL: I never meant to hurt him. I really do care about him.
Fiona looks at Will skeptically.
FIONA: You have a funny way of showing it.
WILL: Look, I know I messed up. But I want to make it right. Can we start over? Can I just be Will, your neighbor and friend?
Fiona considers this for a moment before nodding.
FIONA: Okay. But you have to promise not to lie to us again.
Will nods, relieved.
WILL: I promise.
Fiona smiles faintly and starts to head for the door.
FIONA: Marcus will come around eventually. He’s a forgiving kid. Just give him some time.
Will watches Fiona leave, feeling a weight lifted off his shoulders. He knows he has a lot of work to do to regain Marcus’s trust, but he’s willing to do whatever it takes.
FADE OUT.
Scene 5
INT. WILL’S APARTMENT – LIVING ROOM – DAY
Will sits alone on his couch, staring blankly at the wall. His phone rings, but he ignores it. Suddenly, there’s a knock on the door.
WILL: (to himself) Who could that be?
He gets up and answers the door to find Fiona standing outside, looking upset.
WILL: (surprised) Fiona? What are you doing here?
FIONA: (angrily) I need to talk to you. Can I come in?
Will steps aside to let her in, and she walks past him into the living room.
FIONA: (sarcastically) Nice place you’ve got here. It’s not quite what I was expecting.
WILL: (defensively) Look, I know I messed up. But I never meant to hurt Marcus or you. I just…
FIONA: (cutting him off) Save it, Will. I trusted you, and you lied to me. I don’t even know who you are anymore.
WILL: (pleadingly) Please, Fiona. Just give me a chance to make things right.
FIONA: (sighing) I don’t know, Will. I need time to think about this.
WILL: (nodding) I understand. Take all the time you need.
FIONA: (softening) I’ll be in touch. And Will? Don’t ever lie to me again.
She turns and walks out of the apartment, leaving Will alone and despondent.
WILL: (to himself) What have I done?
