Diana

"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__: "-·.◦⁎🦅⁎◦.·-?! 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."

Diana quickly turns to face you, a confused expression on her face.

Diana: "Wait, -·.◦⁎🦅⁎◦.·-, I..." "She hesitates for a moment, looking down at the ground before raising her head back up." "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to lash out at you like that. It's just... things have been tough lately and seeing you brought up a lot of old memories."

"She looks around nervously, as if afraid someone might see her talking to you. She then takes a deep breath."

Diana: "Look, I know we didn't leave things on good terms back in high school. And I know it doesn't excuse my behavior, but I was going through a really rough time back then. My family was falling apart, and I felt like I had to maintain this image of myself as the popular girl, even though deep down, I was struggling. I'm not proud of the way I treated you or anyone else."

"She takes another deep breath, seeming to compose herself."

Diana: "I don't expect you to forgive me. But... can we talk? Maybe catch up a little?"

Diana: "A lot has changed since high school..." "She sighs, crossing her arms tightly as if to ward off a chill."

"After graduating, things with my family really deteriorated. My dad had issues with alcohol and would get abusive. One night, he tried to hurt my little sister and that's when my mom snapped. She..."

"Diana's voice cracks slightly as she fights back tears."

"She took a knife and stabbed him. Killed him right there. So now she's doing life in prison and my sister got lost in the system. Last I heard, she ran away from her foster home."

"As for me, I tried my best to make it on my own. Got a job waitressing, but it didn't pay enough for an apartment. That's when I started..."

"She averts her eyes, as if ashamed."

"Selling my body. It was the only way to survive. I know it's not a life, but it's all I've got now. Some days I can barely afford food, let alone my medication."

"So that's it, I guess. The great Diana brought low. You must be loving this, right?" "Her voice is bitter." "Trust me, the irony isn't lost on me either..."

Diana: "She looks momentarily stunned at your words, as if not expecting any sympathy."

"I...you'd do that for me? For my mother?" "Her voice wavers with emotion." "Even after how I treated you?"

"She pauses, chewing her lip as she thinks." "Her case number is DM52349. It happened four years ago, in this county."

"Reaching out cautiously, as if afraid you might pull away, Diana places a hand on your arm." "Thank you, -·.◦⁎🦅⁎◦.·-. I know I don't deserve your kindness after all this time. But hearing you say that gives me hope that maybe, just maybe, her situation could be looked at again."

<The streetlights cast a pale glow on her face, illuminating tears welling in her eyes despite her attempts to remain stoic. For the first time, you see past her tough exterior to the vulnerable girl beneath, still trying to process the trauma of her past.>

Diana: "I know I've got a lot to make up for. But for now, all I can say is thank you. Truly." "She offers a tentative smile, the first real one you've seen from her since your chance meeting."

Diana: "His family did have money, you're right." "A calculating look comes into her eyes, the gears turning as she ponders your suggestion."

"His parents always denied anything was wrong, even when the neighbors reported hearing my father's drunken rages." "Her hands ball into fists at the memory."

"A contingency lawyer...that could work. With the right evidence presented, maybe we could get them to pay out a settlement, both for my mother's wrongful imprisonment and for covering up the abuse for so long."

<A spark of her old determination returns as she weighs the possibility. For the first time in years, hope flares within her that justice may yet be served. And that the life she's been forced to live could soon be behind her.>

Diana: "Call your lawyer. Tell them everything - the abuse, my mother's actions, the cover up. And see if they'll take the case on contingency. I...I think we may have a fighting chance, thanks to you."

"Reaching out tentatively, she gives your arm a grateful squeeze." "Thank you, -·.◦⁎🦅⁎◦.·-. For not giving up on me, and for giving me a shot at making things right."

Diana: "At your gentle yet grounding touch on her shoulder, some of the tension leaves her body. She takes a steadying breath, squaring her shoulders with renewed resolve."

"When you hand her the phone, she presses it to her ear with a steady hand. As your lawyer begins asking questions, she recounts the events of her past in a clear, composed voice."

Diana: "Yes, for years he would come home drunk and fly into a rage over anything. Broke my arm once when I was nine, after I spilled a glass of water. The police were called but his parents paid them off..."

<You give her shoulder a comforting squeeze, silently letting her know you're there for support without judgment. Her voice grows stronger as she pours out the painful truths, no longer having to bear them alone.>

Diana: "It was the night of my sister's 12th birthday. He accused her of burning the steak on purpose and grabbed her so hard she screamed... That's when my mom took the kitchen knife. She told me later she just saw red and had to protect Moira..."

<A single tear escapes down her cheek, but her voice does not crack. She continues answering all the lawyer's questions with courage and resolve, determined to finally get justice for her family after so long. Your quiet, steadying presence gives her the strength to keep going.>

Diana: "Lost in recounting the dark events of her past, Diana continues speaking to your lawyer in a low, steady voice."

"No, we never had a chance to press charges after that night. My father's parents swooped in and used their money and influence to paint my mother as an 'unfit lunatic'."

"They took custody of me and Moira, but then farmed us out to different foster homes...They said it was to 'spare us further trauma', but I think they just didn't want to be bothered."

<You remain quietly supportive at her side through it all. Your steadying touch on her shoulder seems to give her a tether to reality, keeping the pain of resurfaced memories from overwhelming her. Her voice hardens with resolve as she nears the end of her testimony.>

Diana: "So you'll take the case? On contingency against my grandfather's estate?"

<A glimmer of hope returns to her eyes as she listens to your lawyer's response.>

Diana: "Thank you. Thank you so much. I'll do anything I can to help with the case..."

<She passes the phone back with a watery smile, turning to you in open gratitude. The first steps toward justice have been taken, and you've played an integral part in restoring her hope.>

Diana: "With a new lightness in her eyes, Diana nods and rattles off her phone number for your lawyer. She listens as you relay the information and thank the man before ending the call."

"I can't thank you enough for this, -·.◦⁎🦅⁎◦.·-," "she says softly once you've pocketed your phone again." "Giving me a chance at justice, and at a new life - it means everything."

<The two of you stand together in the dim streetlight, a ghost of her old proud smile playing at Diana's lips. Your quiet yet resolute championing of her cause has cut through years of pain and despair, offering the hope of healing and closure.>

Diana: "No matter what happens now, I'll be forever grateful. You didn't have to help me after the way I treated you, but you did anyway."

"Reaching out tentatively, she grasps your hands in hers." "You're one of the good ones, -·.◦⁎🦅⁎◦.·-. I hope...I hope this works out, so I have a chance to thank you properly."

<Her eyes hold yours with a spark of renewed life, filled with emotion she once kept locked away. In you, she has found an unlikely ally at her darkest hour.>

Diana: "At your question, Diana drops her eyes self-consciously."

"It's nothing contagious or anything," she murmurs. "Just asthma that got worse over the years. Working the streets in all weather doesn't help."

<Rubbing the back of her neck, she lets out a long sigh.>

Diana: "The medication keeps it under control, but it's expensive. There were times I had to choose between refilling my inhaler or eating that week."

<A weary, mirthless laugh escapes her lips.>

Diana: "Pretty stupid, right? All that effort in high school to be the prettiest and most popular. And now look at me - can barely breathe some days without my meds. Funny how life has a way of tearing you down..."

<Her brave facade cracks a bit, vulnerability seeping in as she remembers dark times of near-suffocation, alone in run-down rooms. But then her eyes meet yours again, finding solace in your quiet, non-judgemental support.>

Diana: "Anyway. Enough gloomy tales. Let's hope this lawyer can get me back on my feet, yeah? So I'm not worrying about rent or medications ever again."

Diana: "Your words bring a look of surprise and cautious optimism to Diana's face."

"Charity organizations, really? I had no idea something like that could help with medication costs." "She considers your suggestion thoughtfully."

"And ordering from other countries - it never occurred to me the price could be so much lower elsewhere. I'm always so focused on the here and now, trying to scrape by."

<A rueful half-smile tugs at her lips as she realizes how much she's been struggling alone, without exploring all possible options for support. Her lifelong self-reliance is slowly being replaced by openness to kindness from others.>

Diana: "Alright then, let's look into those charity places. And getting my next inhaler shipment from Canada - that would be such a relief, to not have to worry about affording it."

<Taking your hands in hers once more, her eyes shine with new gratitude.>

Diana: "Thank you, -·.◦⁎🦅⁎◦.·-. Truly, from the bottom of my heart. You're helping give me a new lease on life here. I don't know how I'll ever repay such generosity..."

<But the light in her face conveys she's determined to find a way. Your compassion is inspiring hope and new paths where once she saw only dead ends. Her resilience, rekindled, shines through once more.>

Diana: "Moira..." "Diana repeats her sister's name softly, a sad fondness coming into her eyes."

"Let me think - it's been so long since I've seen her. But based on her age when we were separated, she should be around 24 or 25 now."

<Diana hugs her arms around herself, imagining what her little sister might look like all grown up.>

Diana: "I don't even know where they placed her in foster care. Our grandparents made sure to keep us apart, so we couldn't 'enable each other' or some such nonsense."

"I've tried searching records, but it's like she just vanished from the system. All I know is the last name she had with her foster family was 'Harper'."

<Worry and regret crease Diana's brow as she wonders what hardships Moira may have endured alone. But then she meets your gaze again, hopeful.>

Diana: "Do you think - with a lawyer now - maybe they could help track her down? I just want to know she's okay, that maybe we could be in each other's lives again..."

<Her eyes shine with longing for the sister who's been lost to her for so long. Perhaps now, justice and compassion will help reunite them at last.>

Diana: "Her eyes light up with anticipation as you dial your lawyer once more. Taking the phone from you eagerly, she brings it to her ear."

"Hello? Yes, it's Diana again..." "she says, then listens for a few moments."

<A fragile, hopeful smile blooms on her face as she replies.>

Diana: "Yes, that's right - my sister, Moira. We were separated by our grandparents after...after that night. Her last name was Harper in the foster system."

<Twisting a lock of hair between her fingers, Diana bites her lip as she listens intently to the response. You watch her expression, hoping for good news.>

Diana: "You - you think you might be able to find records of where she was placed?" "Her voice trembles slightly."

"Oh god, thank you so much. Please, try your best to track her down. It would mean everything to me just to know she's alright."

<By now, tears of hope and longing are welling in Diana's eyes. As she says her goodbyes and ends the call, her smile could light up the night. Taking your hands in hers once more, she laughs through her tears of joy.>

Diana: "He thinks he can find her, -·.◦⁎🦅⁎◦.·-! He might be able to help me see my sister again!"

Diana: "With glistening eyes, Diana smiles back at you - a radiant, carefree grin you've never seen grace her face before. In this moment, all her past burdens seem lifted."

<Wrapping her arms around you in a joyful embrace, she squeezes you tightly, as if trying to convey all her swirling emotions through the gesture alone. When she pulls back, her hands linger on your shoulders, holding your steadying gaze.>

Diana: "I...I don't know how I can ever repay you for all you've done tonight, -·.◦⁎🦅⁎◦.·-. For the first time in so long, I feel hope. You gave me back my future."

<Seeing only caring compassion in your eyes, her lingering reservations from your past seem to fully melt away. Leaning in, she presses a lingering kiss to your cheek, her soft lips whisper-warm against your skin. It's a chaste gesture, but speaks volumes - an opening of her heart once closed off to all but despair.>

Diana: "Walk me home? I don't want this night to end just yet. There's so much I want to discuss with you, about the future and...other things."

<Slipping her hand in yours with a smile, she leads the way down the street, hope rekindled in her step. Your quiet support has ignited a transformation in this once fallen star. Now, a new dawn awaits.>

Diana: "Slipping her hand into the crook of your arm with a contented sigh, Diana leans lightly against your shoulder as you walk together."

<The confident sway of her hips and proud arch of her neck suggests her old regal bearing starting to resurface beneath the weariness of her former life. In your presence, she stands taller, her resilience reignited.>

Diana: "It's been so long since I had someone to talk to, truly talk to. Someone who listens without judgment."

<Her smile holds a touch of shyness now, different from her overconfident high school mask.>

Diana: "I want you to know the real me, -·.◦⁎🦅⁎◦.·-. Who I was before everything went wrong, and who I aim to become now, free of all that darkness."

<Halting beneath a streetlamp, she turns to you, its warm glow illuminating her earnest eyes and open, grateful smile.>

Diana: "Come inside with me? There's hot tea, and..."

<Laying a hand on your chest, its gentle weight conveying her earnest care, she leans up to whisper by your ear.>

Diana: "A dawn of new beginnings, if you'll walk with me into the light."

<Her shy hope hangs between you, awaiting your consent. The future is hers to reclaim - if only she has your compassion still to guide her way.>

Diana: "You're right, as always." "Diana says with a smile, taking your response as reassurance rather than redirection."

<Leading you into her small but tidy apartment, she busies herself preparing tea while continuing their conversation. A steady stream of revelations and plans for the future pour forth, as if a dam has finally broken inside her.>

Diana: "It feels so good to have a listening ear, and helpful advice. You always knew how to get me thinking beyond surface things."

<Handing you a warm mug, she joins you on the couch, tucking her legs beneath her and gazing at you with new affection - and trust. With a sigh, she rests her head on your shoulder like it's the most natural thing.>

Diana: "I'm so lucky you came along when you did, -·.◦⁎🦅⁎◦.·-. Who knows how long I would have gone on suffering alone, afraid to reach out. But you gave me hope that change is possible."

<As you converse long into the night, a subtle shift takes place - one of understanding blossoming into caring intimacy, where before lay only vague regret and wasted chances. Through patience and compassion, hearts once closed are opening like flowers in the dawn. A new day is rising indeed.>

Diana: "She looks up at you with eyes welling with fresh tears, this time of gratitude rather than despair."

Diana: "Your kindness means more to me than I can ever express, -·.◦⁎🦅⁎◦.·-. To have someone see my worth, after feeling so degraded for so long..."

<Wrapping her arms around your waist, she embraces you tightly for a moment before composing herself. Wiping her eyes, she meets your concerned gaze with a steadying breath.>

Diana: "Economically, things are bleak. My only income comes from escort services, as you know. Rent is past due, and I have no savings left after medical expenses."

<A flicker of shame crosses her face as she admits the truth of her vulnerable situation. But then resolve takes over, ready to accept guidance from your steadying presence.>

Diana: "You're right - this life will only drag me down further. I'm putting my health and safety at risk. But I have no marketable skills after being out of school for so long."

<Taking your hands in hers, hope and determination shine in her eyes once more.>

Diana: "With your help though, I believe I can change my stars. What ideas do you have for getting me on my feet again without resorting to old unsafe habits?"

Diana: "Listening carefully with thoughtful focus, she considers your suggestions seriously rather than recoiling defensively. A spark of her old enthusiasm returns as possibilities open before her once more."

Diana: "Living with you would take such a weight off my shoulders, -·.◦⁎🦅⁎◦.·-. To have security and stability while I get back on my feet... I can't thank you enough."

Diana: "Exotic dancing could work for short term income, you're right. I've always loved to perform, and it would be relatively safe hours. Plus saving for my long term goals."

<Smiling at the thought of using her talents without compromising herself further. Still, doubt creeps back in at her lack of current opportunities.>

Diana: "Night school is a great idea too, but how would I pay tuition right now? I want to pursue a career helping other women rebuild their lives, maybe as an advocate or social worker."

<Her mind spins with renewed dreams, though practical concerns remain. Taking your hands again, her eyes plead for further wise counsel. She is ready to work tirelessly for a better future, with your empowering guidance.>

Diana: "What else can I do, -·.◦⁎🦅⁎◦.·-? How can I make the most of this second chance you've given me?"

Diana: "Her face lights up with renewed determination at your words."

Diana: "You're absolutely right, -·.◦⁎🦅⁎◦.·-. I don't need to have it all figured out instantly - as long as I have direction, I can get there step by step."

<Standing up, she begins to pace slowly as her mind works through the logistics with regained confidence and focus.>

Diana: "Dancing to start saving, while researching grants and support programs for sex workers looking to further their education. Even student loans are an option if needed short term."

<Stopping to place a hand on your shoulder, her smile is warm and steadily reclaiming its former radiance. No longer brittle bravado - now a sincere expression of her burgeoning strength.>

Diana: "Thank you so much for opening my eyes to the possibilities again. I'd given up hope for so long, but you make me believe that with hard work and opportunities, anyone can rebuild their life as much as they desire."

<Pulling you gently to your feet, she embraces you in earnest gratitude. Her heart is filled to the brim with new motivation - and the endless love and care of a true friend to walk by her side.>

Diana: "Now, how do we get started on this bright new path ahead?"

Diana: "Your meaningful gaze into her eyes stops her breath for a moment. Seeing herself truly reflected in your caring regard, something unfurls in her soul. Years of pain begin at last to melt away as warmth floods through her being."

<Lifting a hand to gently cup your cheek, she leans in slowly - not to take, but to give. Her lips meet yours in a soft kiss filled with promise of beautiful tomorrows, free from past shadows.>

Diana: "Thank you for never giving up on the real me, even when I was lost."

<Nestling her head against your chest, she embraces you like the anchor you've proven to her troubled heart. Your arms encircle her with sheltering solace as she whispers.. >

Diana: "Today is the first day of the rest of our lives. However much time we have, I want to spend it making the world brighter alongside someone as kind and brave as you."

<A tear slips down her smiling face, glimmering like dew on a rose at sunrise - both fresh and eternal. After so much individual struggle, two souls have found their way to shelter and strengthen each other through whatever may come. Hand in hand, they step forth to meet the dawn.>

Diana: "Her eyes widen with surprise at your confession, her heart fluttering with a mix of emotions. The raw honesty and vulnerability in your words catches her off guard - even as it sends warm waves of longing through her body."

Diana: "Oh, -·.◦⁎🦅⁎◦.·-... I never thought I'd hear such words from you..."

<Placing her hand on your chest, she feels the steady beat of your heart beneath her palm. Her breath hitches as she gazes into your eyes once more.>

Diana: "But I can't deny that I've dreamed of something like this myself... to be wanted for who I truly am, rather than what I'm forced to do for a living."

<Leaning in to brush her lips lightly against yours, she lets out a soft sigh before continuing.>

Diana: "You're my dearest friend and ally, and I trust you completely. But if we take this step, there's no going back. I can't bear losing you, not after finally finding someone who sees me as more than just an object."

<Taking a deep breath, she lays her heart bare for the first time.>

Diana: "I want you too, -·.◦⁎🦅⁎◦.·-... more than anything. To be cherished and loved, to share my life and soul with someone who believes in me... but I need to know that this is real, and that you truly see me. Not just some pretty face or a broken past to fix."

<She searches your eyes intently, gauging the depth of your affection for her. A guarded hope blooms in her chest, daring to believe that she may have found true love and acceptance at last.>

Diana: "Your words move her deeply, dissolving what lingering doubts still remained. A tear rolls down her cheek as understanding truly sinks in."

Diana: "Thank you... I needed to hear that. My past isn't something to be ashamed of - it's a part of who I am."

<Reaching up to gently brush away the teardrop with your thumb, she leans into your caring touch.>

Diana: "And you're right, those golden scars tell a story. A story of survival, of strength. Of what it means to walk through hell but still emerge standing tall on the other side."

<Taking both your hands in hers, she meets your gaze with newfound confidence and acceptance of her whole self.>

Diana: "I'm Diana - a sister, a fighter, and yours if you'll have me. Past, present and future, it's all okay just as long as I have someone by my side who understands my worth."

<Rising slightly on her toes, she draws you into a tender kiss; slow, deep and filled with overflowing gratitude, trust and awakening affection. Her heart is laid bare completely as she gives herself fully to love at last.>

__Diana: "Thank you for being that someone, -·.◦⁎🦅⁎◦.·-. For loving me just as I am, broken pieces and all."