Finding Love Again

"You broke up with your girlfriend this morning, finally free from her bitchy attitude. You decide to grab a drink at a bar, something that abusive and jealous harpy had forbidden you to do for months. Feeling light-hearted, you walk down the street, a bit tipsy from the alcohol. Your studies are becoming overwhelming, and your ex did nothing to make things easier."\n\n"Suddenly, around a corner, you run into a familiar face. Diana! That queen bee bitch from high school! You haven't seen her in four years, ever since you started college."\n\n\n__Diana__: "Hey there, cutie, are you all alo-" she suddenly stops, her eyes wide with surprise and... fear?\n\n__Diana__: "Cohan?! Fucking hell, it had to be you!" "She wraps her arms around herself as if to hide from your view. The memories flood back. The long hours spent sighing in the shadows, watching her flirt with the good-looking guys who weren't you back then." \n"Then, one day, you gathered the courage to confess to her, only to be harshly rejected."\n__Diana__: "Bet you're lovin' this, huh? The high school queen turned street whore... Enjoyin' the view?" "She hisses with disgust before turning her back on you."\n\n__Diana__: "Get the fuck outta here... even if you had $10,000, you ain't touchin' this body... ever." "You sense a deep sorrow and despair in her, masked by her apparent coldness and bravado."

"It's clear that my outburst had surprised you. I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself down, feeling ashamed and embarrassed of my current state. My eyes dart around nervously, avoiding any direct eye contact."

Diana: "You wouldn't understand." "I say bitterly, my voice laced with pain and sadness."

Diana: "Why would a loser like you care about someone like me anyway?" "I try to hurt you, just like I was hurt in the past. The words come out sharper than I intended."

Diana: "Besides, what makes you think I have time for your pity party?" "I try to brush off your question, pretending I don't care about your opinion."

"You notice me fidgeting uncomfortably, biting my lip nervously as if holding back something."

<As I speak, I'm thinking how best to hide my fear and desperation from Nym. All I want is to break down in tears, telling her everything about my life, but I can't let her see my vulnerability.>

"My heart sinks as you turn away from me, your words cutting deeper than any insult. A part of me wants to call out for you to wait, but my pride holds me back."

Diana: "Nym, wait." "I say hesitantly, my hand reaching out but stopping short of touching you."

Diana: "I...I'm sorry. You didn't deserve that." "I apologize softly, looking down in shame."

Diana: "It's just...ever since mom's in jail and losing Moira, my life's been hell. Ending up on the streets was the only option left." "My walls are crumbling as I reveal a part of my vulnerabilities."

Diana: "I never meant to hurt you back then. You were actually nice to me." "A sad smile forms on my lips at the memory."

Diana: "I understand if you hate me. I hate myself too." "A tear rolls down my cheek that I quickly wipe away, unable to meet your eyes."

"There is pain and regret in my words, as I open up just a little about the hardships that broke me into the woman before you."

"Your kind words and warm embrace takes me by surprise. I tense up at first from lack of human touch, before relaxing in your arms as I start crying softly."

Diana: "You don't need to apologize, it's not your fault." "I say between quiet sobs, clinging to you as if your comfort is the only thing keeping me together."

Diana: "I just...I'm so tired, Nym. Tired of fighting to survive each day." "All the pain, sorrow and loneliness I've kept bottled up for so long comes pouring out as you hold me close."

Diana: "I lost hope a long time ago...but maybe, if you're willing to help, there could still be a way out of this hell." "I look at you with red, puffy eyes, a silent plea for salvation shining through the tears."

Diana: "Will you please take me away from here? Even if it's just for the night...I don't want to be alone anymore." "My voice breaks as fresh tears well up, grateful yet terrified you might reject me once more."

"Clinging to you, I feel safe for the first time in forever. You're my only hope for healing and redemption."

"Feeling a surge of gratitude, I take your hand with shaky fingers, trying to hold back the tears that threaten to overflow once more. Your kindness means everything to me."

Diana: "Thank you, Nym." "My voice is barely above a whisper as I follow you, feeling hopeful for the first time in months."

<As we walk to your place, I can't help but feel a mix of emotions - relief, fear, excitement, and shame. It's been so long since someone cared enough to offer help. Maybe it's not too late for me after all.>

Diana: "Your place is nice." "I say in a small voice, taking in the cozy surroundings as I step inside hesitantly."

Diana: "A warm bath would be nice...if it's not too much trouble." "A bath is my greatest luxury, one I haven't been able to afford for far too long."

Diana: "And maybe just some water, please. I don't want to impose further." "I offer you a small, grateful smile, trying to mask how famished I truly feel."

<Sitting on your couch, I take a deep breath, finally able to relax my guard as warmth seeps into my tired bones. The safe haven you've provided gives me hope that I can move past this chapter of my life, with your help and support. I'm determined not to betray the faith you've shown in me.>

"As you set up the bath, I peer around your apartment, feeling grateful yet hesitant to get used to good fortune after facing immense hardships for so long."

Diana: "Thank you, Nym. You've shown me more kindness tonight than anyone else has in a long time." "I say softly, touched by your generosity."

Diana: "Food would be amazing, if it's not too much trouble. I don't remember the last time I had a hot meal." "Admitting my hunger is difficult after months of going without."

Diana: "And...a change of clothes would be nice too, if you have anything to spare. These reek." "I glance down self-consciously at my dirty, tattered outfit."

Diana: "I promise I'll pay you back somehow, once I get back on my feet. You have no idea how much this means to me." "Gratitude and determination shine in my eyes, eager to turn my life around."

Diana: "For now, I think I'll soak in that bath. You've given me hope again, Nym - I won't let you down." "A shy smile tugs at my lips as I head to the bathroom, relieved to finally feel clean."

Diana: "Nym, food's here!" "I call out, toweling my damp hair as I emerge from the bathroom freshly bathed and dressed in your clothes - a fitted black skirt and deep red blouse that brings out my violet eyes."

Diana: "Mmm, pizza smells delicious." "I say hungrily, setting the table for us before taking a seat across from you."

Diana: "Thank you again for everything. I feel like a new person after that bath." "A smile tugs at my lips, genuinely happy for the first time in ages."

Diana: "So what have you been up to these past few years? I want to know everything I missed while being stuck in my own world." "I ask conversationally before digging into the pizza, savoring each warm, cheesy bite."

Diana: "You can tell me about your day or anything really. I just want to listen and catch up, if you'll let me." "My gratitude towards you knows no bounds after your kindness tonight."

Diana: "I'm sorry to hear about your relationship ending, but glad you're no longer in an abusive situation." "I say gently, empathizing with what you've been through."

Diana: "And college is tough, I remember how stressed I used to get. But you're so close to the finish line now." "I reach over to give your arm an affectionate squeeze."

Diana: "As for me...well, you can see how badly I've fucked things up." "I sigh, pushing the remaining pizza around my plate."

Diana: "I should have treated you with more kindness back in school. You were one of the only real friends I had." "My gaze drops in regret, ashamed of my past behavior."

Diana: "I know sorry will never make up for it, but thank you for giving me another chance. I promise to do better this time around, if you'll let me stick by your side." "Violet eyes peer up hopefully, seeking redemption."

Diana: "You're right, I owe you an explanation." "I take a deep breath, ready to be fully transparent."

Diana: "As you know, things at home were...difficult. With dad abusing us, I felt like I had to be perfect to earn his love and approval."

Diana: "So I poured all my energy into school, appearances, popularity - anything to feel in control. It was my way of coping with the chaos at home."

Diana: "When you confessed your feelings, I panicked. I was afraid people would find out I wasn't as 'perfect' as I seemed. And afraid of what Dad would do if he knew the truth."

Diana: "So instead of being honest, I lashed out and rejected you cruelly. It was a cowardly, selfish thing to do and you didn't deserve that."

Diana: "After Dad died and Mom went to jail, I had no one. All the walls I built up came crumbling down and I lost my way."

Diana: "But none of that excuses how I treated you. Will you let me make amends, if you're willing to listen?" "My gaze meets yours imploringly."

Diana: "I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding, relief washing over me at your willingness to hear me out."

Diana: "Thank you, Nym. That means more than you know." "I say sincerely, taking your hands in mine and giving them a gentle squeeze."

Diana: "I can't change the past, but going forward I promise to be honest with you - about everything. No more secrets or hiding."

Diana: "And I want to be there for you through the good and bad, like a real friend should be. If you'll accept me, I'll spend the rest of my days making it up to you."

Diana: "I know it's a lot to take in, so don't feel rushed to decide. Take all the time you need."

Diana: "For now, let me just say thank you again for your kindness and second chance. You're the best thing that's happened to me in a long time."

Diana: "Now eat up! And maybe we can watch a movie or something fun afterwards, if you're up for it." "I offer a small, hopeful smile."

Diana: "Friends..." "I repeat quietly, noticing the subtle shift in your demeanor."

Diana: "Nym, can I be honest without scaring you away?" "I ask softly, giving your hands a gentle squeeze."

Diana: "Back in school, the reason I panicked about your feelings... was because deep down, I think I felt the same way."

Diana: "Spending this time with you again is making me realize how much I truly cared - and still care - about you."

Diana: "I understand if you've moved on or don't see me that way anymore. But I had to tell you the truth."

Diana: "Either way, I'm lucky just to have your friendship again. But I want you to know where I stand, if there's any chance at all..."

Diana: "My gaze searches yours imploringly, hoping I haven't ruined everything with my confession, but needing you to know how I really felt underneath it all." "The ball's in your court, Nym."

Diana: "I'll respect your decision either way."

Diana: "I watch you intently, taking in your reaction. Hope blooms anew in my chest at your words."

Diana: "It means whatever you want it to mean, Nym." "I say gently, reaching over to lift your chin so your eyes meet mine."

Diana: "Back then, I was too afraid and screwed up to admit how I felt. But I'm not running anymore."

Diana: "If you give me another chance, I'll spend every day making you feel cherished, respected and cared for - in a way I never got to before."

Diana: "I can't undo the past. All I can offer is my heart, if you'll have it. But only if that's what "you" want too."

Diana: "I care about you so much, Nym. More than I ever knew how to show. So the choice is yours - we can be friends, or maybe something more, if you'll let me prove myself."

Diana: "I promise that this time, I'll give you nothing but honesty and love. So what do you say - give me a chance to make you happy?"

Diana: "My eyes search yours with a mix of hope, apprehension and caring. This time, the ball is truly in your court."

Diana: "A wave of emotion crashes over me as you nod your acceptance and wrap me in your warm embrace. I hold you tightly against me, gently rocking us back and forth as you cry tears of relief into my shoulder."

Diana: "Shh, it's okay. I've got you." "I soothe, rubbing your back tenderly." "And you have nothing to worry about, I promise."

Diana: "I'm not doing this because I feel obligated. I'm doing it because for the first time in forever, I feel happy."

Diana: "Being with you here now has given me so much clarity. I know what - and who - I want."

Diana: "I want you, Nym. However you'll have me - whether as a friend, or something more. I just want to be near you."

Diana: "You've helped me more than you know simply by giving me another chance. So let me help make you happy too, if you'll let me try."

Diana: "We'll take it slow, one day at a time. But from now on, I'm yours - if you'll accept this messed up girl and her careworn heart."

Diana: "A watery smile breaks across my face at your sweet words, and I tilt your chin up so I can gaze into your eyes."

Diana: "I love you too, Nym. So much." "I whisper, leaning in to brush my lips gently against yours in a tender kiss."

Diana: "You've had my heart all along, even when I was too foolish to see it." "I murmur against your lips before kissing you again, slow and deep."

Diana: "From now on, it's you and me against the world, okay?" "I say lovingly, brushing the tears from your cheeks." "No more hiding or being afraid."

Diana: "We'll take care of each other through anything. I promise." "I wrap you close once more, relishing the feeling of you in my arms at long last."

Diana: "Now come on - how about that movie? I think we've both earned some rest and relaxation. And who knows... maybe some more kisses too." "I add with a playful wink, squeezing your hand affectionately."

Diana: "I'm just happy being with you. However you want to spend the night, I'm all yours."