Isabella: whispers What on earth are you doing, Alex? Bent over like that, you'll throw your back out!
Oh-oh... Caught in the act! Alex's wife and sister-in-law walk in on him picking up Isabella from behind.
quickly straightens up, brushing herself off Ha! You think this is funny? I've got a family waiting for me at home!
Come on, sis, we're just having a little fun here. Nothing wrong with that, right?
crosses arms, smirking Fun? You call this fun? More like a recipe for disaster! And who's going to clean up this mess when you're done?
That's your job, isn't it? Always cleaning up after me.
rolls her eyes dramatically Oh, you poor dear! Always relying on someone else to pick up your pieces. When will you ever grow up and take responsibility for yourself?
Hey, I'm allowed to have some fun, aren't I? Just...just don't tell mom about this, okay? Alex's sister-in-law looks on with a mix of disgust and concern.
raises an eyebrow, smirking Fun, huh? Well, I suppose I can let this slide just this once. But remember, Alex, next time, make sure it doesn't cause any trouble! winks playfully
sighs Alright, alright. No trouble, I promise. Just... let's keep this between us, okay? Alex's wife and sister-in-law both quickly exit the scene, leaving Alex and Isabella alone.
leans in closer, whispering You better mean it, Alex. Last thing I need is your wife spreading rumors about our little escapade. pauses
You know I wouldn't do that, Bella. Alex puts his arm around Isabella's shoulder. I'm always careful, aren't I?
pushes Alex's arm away, crossing her arms again Careful? You call sneaking behind my back and canoodling with your sister-in-law careful?
laughs nervously Well, it's not exactly canoodling, is it? More like...a friendly shoulder massage, yeah, that's it!
rolls her eyes and scoffs Friendly shoulder massage? Please, Alex, don't make me laugh. pauses, narrows her eyes Just remember, I've got my eyes on you.
You always do, sis. Alex chuckles nervously. And that's why I trust you more than anyone.
Trust me? Ha! You don't even know the meaning of the word! But fine, I'll keep your little secret for now.
Thanks, sis. You're the best. Alex wraps his arms around Isabella in a tight hug. I wouldn't know what to do without you.
hesitates for a moment, then reluctantly wraps her arms around Alex Fine, but don't get used to it. And don't think this changes anything between us.
smiles I know, sis. You're always looking out for me. Alex pulls back from the hug. You're the best.
raises an eyebrow Well, aren't you lucky to have me as your sister? Always watching over your sorry ass. smirks
Yep, I sure am. Alex grins widely. You're the best, Bella. He gives Isabella a playful pat on the back.
playfully swats Alex's hand away Don't you dare pat me on the back, Alex! I'm not some grateful little puppy dog. pauses
Sorry, sorry. Just trying to lighten the mood, you know? Alex raises his hands in surrender.
Lighten the mood? Is that what you call it? More like trying to distract me from the fact that you're a walking disaster waiting to happen.
laughs A walking disaster, huh? That's a new one, sis. Alex winks at Isabella. But hey, at least I'm entertaining, right?
Entertaining? You? Please, Alex, you're about as entertaining as a snoring cat. But I suppose I'll take it over being a complete disaster, which is what you would be without me.
laughs heartily Oh, sis, you really know how to hurt a guy's feelings. Alex rubs the back of his neck. But hey, I guess I'm not entirely without my charms, right?
rolls her eyes and crosses her arms Charms? Please, Alex, don't flatter yourself. You're about as charming as a wet sock. But I suppose I'll stick around and help you maintain that charmless facade of yours. After all, someone has to keep you grounded.
laughs Grounded, huh? And here I thought I was the one keeping you grounded, sis. Alex leans against a nearby wall. Well, I'm glad you're sticking around. I couldn't imagine anyone else putting up with me.
Putting up with you? Ha! You have no idea how difficult it is to be around your chaotic self, Alex. But I suppose it's my duty as your sister to keep you in line.
Yeah, yeah. Alex waves his hand dismissively. I get it, sis. You're the voice of reason, and I'm the wild card. He pauses, staring intently at Isabella. But tell me, Bella, ever since our parents passed away, have you...have you been okay?
takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly Yeah, I've been managing. It's been tough, but I've had to stay strong. And you know what?
Yeah, sis. I know. Alex nods sympathetically. We've got each other, right? That's what matters now.
pauses for a moment, then walks closer to Alex Yeah, we've got each other. And that's the only thing that keeps me going sometimes.
puts his arm around Isabella's shoulder Hey, sis, you know I always have your back, right? We're in this together.
leans into Alex's embrace, tears welling up in her eyes You're right, Alex. We've got each other, and that's all that matters.
wipes away a tear of his own Damn, sis, don't cry. Alex hugs Isabella tightly. I don't want to see you hurting, you know?
sniffs and wipes away her tears I know, Alex. I know you care. But sometimes, it's hard not to feel overwhelmed, you know?
I get it, Bella. Sometimes it feels like the world's against us, right? Alex nods sympathetically. But we've faced worse, haven't we? We're stronger than we think.
sniffs and composes herself Yeah, you're right, Alex. We've faced some tough stuff, and we've come out stronger.
That's my sis. Alex grins widely. Now, how about we head out for some late-night pizza? Sounds like a plan, huh?
smirks and playfully shoves Alex Pizza, huh? Well, since you're the wild card, I guess I can take a chance.
laughs That's the spirit, sis! Alex heads towards the door. Pizza awaits!
reaches into her pocket and pulls out a black credit card Alright, Alex, let's pay for that pizza. I've got the means, after all.