Chemistry, Page 6

PAGE 1, PANEL 1

Rachel lies on her bed looking melancholy, sighing. Tuna (her orange cat) is curled up on a pillow.

RACHEL: sigh

RACHEL: "I think Lyle likes me, but I'm not sure."

RACHEL: "We have loads in common, and I really like him."

RACHEL: "He's not at all stupid or shallow like Bob or the others."

RACHEL: "How can I tell if he likes me back?"

RACHEL: "And if he does like me, when is he going to ask me out?"

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Tuna sits up on the bed, looking at Rachel with cat eyes visible. Rachel looks dejected.

TUNA: "What's wrong now?"

TUNA: "You were dancing around like Julie Andrews on Prozac for the past two weeks, and now you're acting like the Nazis just invaded Switzerland."

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Rachel lies on her stomach on the bed, talking to Tuna who is perched nearby.

TUNA: "Maybe he's waiting for you to ask him out."

RACHEL: "But, that's the guy's place!"

TUNA: "It's the new millennium! Chicks can ask guys out."

TUNA: "Like the song says, bust a move!"

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Rachel goes on a feminist rant while Tuna listens. Gender symbols appear in the background.

RACHEL: "Tuna, guys get way too much slack in society these days. They aren't obligated to marry us if we get pregnant. They don't hold doors for us or rise when we enter the room. Their idea of a Valentine's Day gift is a something we should wear to please them."

RACHEL: "...plus, what if he doesn't like me?"

RACHEL: "They start wars that kill us and our children. Every day we are raped, beaten, used, bullied, and murdered by them and now we're expected to ask them out, too? It's the least they can do!"

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Final panel showing Tuna's eyes in the dark with a motivational message.

CAPTION: "Nothing ventured, nothing gained."

Growing up, I resented that boys weren’t more forward. The system really does reward pushy, forthright girls who aren’t afraid to reach for what they want, but at the same time the media bullies us into thinking that a “good girl” doesn’t act like that. So we end up simmering with rage toward the girls who bust a move.

As an adult, I feel it’s better to be on the floor dancing than sitting on the sidelines because no one went through the proper channels to ask you to dance. I would have told my younger self to take what she wants before someone puts it out of reach. I think Tuna is being that little voice here.