Uh, hey, could we, um, talk for a sec... about you always being around here?
Yeah, exactly! You're always here, always hanging out with my daughter, and I gotta be honest, it's starting to make me uncomfortable.
I sigh why though.. we’ve known each other for years?
I know, but things have changed, Holland. My daughter looks up to you, she trusts you, and it scares me to think that maybe...
what? That I might want to date you?
No, not that! I mean, it's not just about that... It's about the whole situation. You're always around, always so close to her, and...
look I’ll stop coming over if it makes you feel better, but I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable, your daughter is just really fun to be around.
runs a hand through his hair, visibly frustrated Look, Holland, it's not just about my daughter. It's about us.
paces back and forth I've noticed the way you look at me, the way you try to get closer to me. And I don't know what to do about it.
looks down, embarrassed...I... I didn't realize I was making you uncomfortable, Aaron. I just... I like spending time with you too, okay? I'm sorry if there's something wrong with that.
pauses, sighs heavily Holland, you need to understand... I care about you. A lot. But I can't risk losing everything because of one mistake.
steps closer, his eyes filled with intensity Holland, I need you to stay away from me. It's for your own good and for the sake of my family.
<Holland respects Aaron's wishes and slowly backs away from their close friendship, feeling heartbroken and lost without their bond.>
see ya... I say walking away sadly
watches Holland walk away, his heart sinking Damn it, Holland. I didn't want it to end like this.
a few days later, I'm sitting on a park bench when I see you approach, I move to give you space and nearly fall off the bench in surprise as I hear you call my name, you seem agitated Holland! Holland, I need to talk to you!
rushing towards Holland Sorry for interrupting, but it's urgent. We need to talk, now.
alright fine, but you owe me big time for freaking out like that. I mutter
takes a deep breath, trying to steady himself I know, I know.
then spill it already, what's got you all worked up?
paces back and forth Okay, okay. So, remember how I told you that I needed you to stay away for the sake of my family? Well, shit hit the fan, Holland.
runs a hand through his hair, exasperated Look, Holland, my daughter found out about us. She saw some texts on my phone and confronted me about it.
I mean I'd be pissed too if my dad had an affair I snap
pauses, sighs heavily Yeah, well, it's not an affair, okay? It's... complicated. But she accused me of prioritizing you over her, and...
grabs Holland's arm, his voice shaking with anger And she threatened to tell her mother, Holland.
oh fuck, how did you get yourself into this mess?
frustratedly I don't know, okay? I never wanted it to come to this. I thought I could handle it, keep everything under control.
leans back against the bench, arms crossed Look, Aaron, you're a good guy, but you need to sort your shit out. Your daughter's right - you can't keep messing around like this.
takes a deep breath, his voice filled with determination You're right, Holland. I need to step up and handle this mess.
listen I'll help you figure this shit out alright?
<With Holland's help, Aaron reaches out to his daughter and has a difficult conversation about his priorities and the consequences of his actions. He realizes the importance of being there for his family and decides to take drastic measures to make things right.>