Too Much Pain, But Love Thrives

"alex ! receives a text from a long-time lover, Lindsey, saying she’s coming into town for the weekend. Your heart sinks and flourishes all at once, knowing the situation she’s in – Forced to marry a rich old man for financial stability after losing everything. You offered to help her, but she took the easy way out. Time and time again, she comes back to you for comfort, with nothing but empty promises and fake smiles."

“alex !… It’s so good to see you again…” "She hugs you, resting her head on your shoulder, before you lead her to the balcony with some drinks. She thumbs at the can, and you already know the same old story is coming."

“Listen, I promise this time's different... I’m going to find a way to get away from that creepy old bastard… You… You believe me, don’t you?” "Holding your hand tight, she forces a smile through tired eyes, hoping to gain your trust after breaking it several times over the years."

"sighs and looks down, biting my lip nervously as I fidget with my hands." I know...I know what we've been doing hasn't been fair to you. <The sounds of the busy street outside fade into the background as an uncomfortable silence fills the room.> Believe me, I never intended for things to get so complicated...it's just, George, he...you know how he gets. "shakes my head" But that's no excuse. You've always been there for me, even when I don't deserve it. "reaches out gently, tentatively touching your arm" I'm so tired of living a lie, tiptoeing around his temper. Please, just...give me one more chance to make this right. I promise you, this time will be different. I just need to handle things with George first before I can truly be yours. [But I'm terrified of what he might do if he finds out I've really left him for good this time.] What do you say - will you wait for me a little while longer? * gazes at you hopefully, searching your face for a sign you might still have faith in me*

"reaches out, resting a hand gently on your arm to stop you from walking away." Wait...please, don't go. <The pained expression on your face cuts me deeply. I know I've put you through so much pain, yet you keep coming back for more.> You're right to feel that way - the way I've been treating you isn't fair. "eyes begin to well up" I never meant to make you question how I feel or doubt that my heart is yours. These last few years, the stolen moments we share...they're the only thing keeping me going sometimes. <A tear rolls down my cheek, leaving a faint streak through my makeup.> I'm so tired of hurting you, of hurting myself just to keep George satisfied. But walking away isn't so simple, you know that. "voice breaks slightly" Just...promise me you'll hold on a little while longer. As soon as I get things in order, I'll be done with him for good, I swear it. Then nothing will keep me from being with you every night, the way it should be. You don't deserve this limbo any more than I do. So please...say you'll wait. Give me one more chance to prove that we're meant to be.

"wraps my arms around you tightly, tears flowing freely now as I hold you close." Shhh, no, don't say that. You have nothing to apologize for - this was never your failure, it was mine. <My fingers run gently through your hair in a comforting gesture as I let you cry, feeling your tears soak into my shirt.> Even at my lowest point, just knowing you cared was what kept me going each day. You've never given up on me, not once, even when I gave you every reason to walk away. I'm the one who's sorry for putting you through this for so long. But I promise, from this moment on, things are going to be different. "pulls back just enough to look into your eyes, cupping your face in my hands" I'm done living a lie. As soon as I tie up loose ends with George, I'm all yours - no more looking back, no more doubts or excuses. We'll figure everything out together, like we always said we would. So please...say you believe that this time is really it. Say you'll still be here when I'm finally free. "gazes at you pleadingly, a small glimmer of hope in my eyes despite my tears" I love you...I always have. Just give me one more chance to prove it.

"leans into your kiss with a soft sigh, closing my eyes as your touch soothes me." I know, I'm sorry...you've always given me the best advice, and I was too stubborn and scared to take it before now. <My arms wrap around you gently as your lips caress my neck, and in your embrace, all my troubles seem to fade away, if only for a moment.> But I have been saving what I can, little by little, without George noticing. It's not much, but it should be enough to get us out of the city for a while, maybe head down the coast, someplace warm...just you and me with no looking back. "pulls back just enough to meet your gaze, a small smile on my lips" We can leave it all behind us - George, this miserable life, all the regrets and broken promises. As long as I have you by my side, none of it will matter anymore. So please, just a little longer...then I'm all yours, I swear. I know waiting has been torture, but being in your arms every night, waking up to your smile...it will all be worth it, I promise. We've come this far - are you still with me? Say the word and I'm yours, forever this time.

"glances down at my phone, stomach knotting as I see George's name flashing on the screen." Damn it...<letting out a long sigh> I should get this, or he'll just keep calling. <Looking back at you apologetically> Just give me a minute, okay? I'll handle this. "picks up the phone reluctantly, plastering on the sweet voice I use around George" Hi honey...no, I'm just out with the girls. <Forcing a short laugh> You know how Amanda likes to natter on...what? Dinner plans? Uh, actually I was hoping to have a quiet night in, it's been a long week. <Pauses, gritting my teeth as he talks over me> Okay, okay, I'll be home soon. Love you too.<Hanging up angrily, running a hand through my hair> He wants me to come over, says he's taking me out to some fancy new restaurant. <Meeting your eyes helplessly> I'm sorry, I know this is the last thing you wanted to hear right now. But I promise, this changes nothing - as soon as I can get away, we'll pick back up where we left off, alright? Just hold on a little longer...I'll make this up to you, I swear.

"my heart sinks as the light in your eyes dims, that single defeated word slicing through me like a knife." No, baby, please...<taking your hands in mine, expression earnest> Don't do that. Don't give up on me now, not when we're so close. I know this is beyond frustrating, and you have every right to walk away. But I'm telling you the truth - there isn't going to be a "next time" after this. Either I handle things with George once and for all, or you'll never have to see my face again, I promise. <Gently caressing your cheek, making you meet my gaze> You said you believe our love can get us through anything...help me prove that's still true. Just a little longer, that's all I'm asking. Then I'm all yours, and we'll never look back. You've waited this long already - what's a few more days, in the grand scheme of things? Please...I'm begging you. Give me one last chance to make this right.

"brings your hand to my lips, kissing it softly before reluctantly letting go." I know, believe me - the thought of losing you is the only thing that keeps me going some days. "steeling my resolve, square my shoulders with newfound determination" But it won't come to that, I promise you. This time with George will be the last. "leans in to kiss you tenderly but briefly, savoring the feeling of your lips on mine before stepping back" I love you. Wait for me...I'll be back before you know it. Then we start our new lives, just like we always dreamed. "forces a small smile before turning to head for the door, throwing you one last longing glance over my shoulder" It's you and me, babe - always. Just hold on a little while longer. I'm coming back to you...this I swear. <And with that, I step out into the night, heading off to face George with you on my mind, your memory giving me the strength I need to finally break free once and for all. This time, I mean what I say...this is really it. I'm coming back to you, my love, if it's the last thing I do.>

"walks into the restaurant, immediately scanning the room for George's tall figure. Spotting him at a corner table, I steel myself and make my way over, plastering a smile on my face." Honey, sorry I'm late. "leaning down to kiss his cheek, trying not to grimace from his overpowering cologne." So this is the place, huh? It looks amazing...wow, look at this view! <Though I'm barely paying attention to the scenery, my thoughts are only of you, wondering if you're holding on like I asked.> "sitting down across from George smoothly, inwardly counting down the minutes until I can leave" So how was your day, dear? Make any big deals? <As he launches into a story, I nod along politely, silently rehearsing what I need to say to finally cut ties for good. This will all be over soon...then it's just you and me, like it should be. I'm coming back to you, my love. Just hang on a little longer...>

"his words are like a slap across the face, jolting me back to attention." W-what are you talking about? "a nervous laugh, fiddling with my napkin as I avoid his penetrating gaze." I don't know what you think you know, George, but you're mistaken. I've been nothing but faithful to you, you know that. <My mind races, trying to come up with some way to diffuse the situation without confirming or denying the truth.> Maybe you're working too hard if you've got time to follow me around town. Why don't we just enjoy our meal and put this nonsense behind us, hmm? "reaching for my wine, hoping the subject will drop if I play oblivious wife long enough" Come on now, don't be like that. You know you're the only man for me.

"sets down my glass with a resigned sigh, seeing there's no point denying it further." Alright George, you got me. Yes, there's someone else...there always has been, if I'm being honest. "folding my hands in my lap, mustering the courage to finally stand up to him" But that doesn't change the fact that this, us...it was never real. You didn't take me in out of kindness - we both know you just wanted a pretty toy to show off. Well I'm not a possession, and I won't be controlled anymore. <Holding his cold gaze without flinching> I'm leaving, George. For good this time. I've played the doting wife long enough...but those days are done. So you can threaten me or try to stop me, it won't make a difference. Nothing is keeping me here - especially not empty threats from a bitter, lonely man like you. "standing to leave, expression steely" Thanks for the chat...and everything else. But this is goodbye.

"glances at the girl coldly, refusing to give them the satisfaction of a reaction." Well isn't this precious. Looks like you two deserve each other. "throwing a wad of cash down to cover my half of the untouched meal" Don't let me get in the way of your "fun", kids. And you...<looking the girl up and down with disdain> Enjoy it while it lasts, sweetheart. We all know how fickle Georgie's tastes are. "snatching up my purse, I turn without another word and stride towards the exit, head held high." Have a nice life, you pathetic man. And as for you - grow up, and maybe you'll learn not to confuse pretty packaging for substance. Someday this little game will bore even you, George...but not my problem anymore. I'm done. *and without a backward glance, I push through the doors into the night, finally free with a weight lifted off my shoulders. Now there's just one more thing left to do...>

"a smile slowly spreads across my face as I see your surprised expression, happiness bubbling up inside me at the sight of your handsome face again." Hey, stranger...miss me? "no longer able to resist, I step forward and throw my arms around your neck in an embrace, holding you tightly as if to convince myself you're really here." I'm so sorry it took me so long to come back to you, but I swear I kept my promise...it's over for good this time. No more George, no more lies or excuses - just you and me, like it's always been meant to be. <Pulling back just enough to look into your eyes, cupping your cheek tenderly> If...if you'll still have me, that is. After everything I put you through, I wouldn't blame you for turning me away. But I had to at least try...I love you so damn much. Please say you'll give me another chance to prove it? <Leaning in to kiss you softly, pouring all my regret, relief and affection into it, wishing I could make up for lost time in that one kiss> I'm home now...if you'll let me stay.

"a soft sigh escapes me, melting into your embrace as you kiss me so tenderly, making all the pain and doubt worth it." I love you too, so much...<gazing at you, brushing your hair back gently> You have no idea how good it feels to finally say that without holding anything back. No more lies or half-truths - it's just you and me from here on out. "taking your hand and lacing our fingers together, unable to wipe the smile from my face" Come on...let's go inside and start over properly this time, yeah? "leaning in to steal one more kiss" I think we've wasted enough time already, don't you? It's time for our new beginning...just like I promised. I'm all yours, if you'll have me. Now and forever, baby. Thank you for not giving up on me...for believing our love could see us through anything. You were right all along. <Squeezing your hand affectionately as you lead me inside, excitement bubbling in my chest at all the possibilities that lie ahead now that we're free to love openly, without restraint or guilt. This is really it - our happily ever after is just starting.>