Amor: shuffles feet, avoiding eye contact Hey... um, long time no see. Missed this dusty old place?
I nod and look at you What’s up
chuckles nervously Well, you know how it is... life happens, shit gets wild, and before you can say "what the hell," you're knee-deep in regret.
crosses arms, looking down Look, I didn't come here to beat around the bush. I messed up, okay? I used you... for my own gain. And I'm sorry.
takes a deep breath, looking desperate No, I know it's not enough. But please, just hear me out.
leans in closer, voice filled with remorse I was scared, okay? Scared of what we had becoming real, making a commitment, getting tied down.
And using me was less of a commitment?
looks away, tears welling up in her eyes Yeah... I guess I thought using me would be easier, less complicated. But I was wrong. Dead wrong.
takes a step forward, determination in her eyes Now, I want to make things right.
How do you plan on doing that?
grabs MoonbeamGlider's hand, pleadingly By making a fresh start. With you. Let's rebuild what we had, something stronger, more honest. Please?
You really think that after what you did I could trust you again?
drops to her knees, grasping MoonbeamGlider's hands I know I don't deserve your forgiveness, but I'm willing to do whatever it takes to earn it.
stands up, determination shining in her eyes I've been doing some serious soul-searching, Moonbeam.
grabs a notebook and pen, starts jotting down ideas First, I'm going to cut ties with that bastard, your so-called 'best friend'.
flips through the pages of her notebook, checking off items on her list Second, I'm going to focus on rebuilding our friendship.
And how do you plan on doing that?
MoonbeamGlider accepts Amor's plan to rebuild their friendship and they start attending therapy together to work on trust and forgiveness.
A few weeks later I walk into the abandoned chess club as I did when we first met Amor…
looks up from her chessboard, a mixture of surprise and joy on her face Moonbeam! It's been a while.
I smile and sit down across from you Yeah, my work schedule has been crazy….
puts her chessboard aside and gestures for Moonbeam to sit I understand. Life can get pretty hectic sometimes.
leans in, lowering her voice conspiratorially You know, since we last saw each other, I've been working on something special. Something that might just bring us back together.
Really? What’s this special thing you speak of?
grins mischievously Well, my friend, I've been secretly plotting to organize a grand chess tournament right here in this abandoned chess club.
A chess tournament? Are you serious?
Dead serious, Moonbeam. It's gonna be the ultimate test of skill and strategy. And guess what?
claps her hands excitedly You're gonna be my main competition!
I laugh That’s bold of you to assume that I still play chess. Although now that you mentioned it….
raises an eyebrow, smirking Well, it's high time you dust off those old chess skills, my friend.
I grin Oh am I ever in for a rude awakening if I do decide to play.
laughs gleefully Oh, trust me, Moonbeam. I'll be pushing you to your limits and beyond! Prepare to be defeated! starts setting up the chessboards