James: locks eyes, heavy sigh Here again, huh? Didn't expect you.
Yeah, well...surprise, surprise. Can we talk?
shifts uncomfortably, avoiding eye contact Talk? What's there to talk about?
Let's start with why you left. What happened back in high school?
cracks his knuckles, frustrated Look, I can't change the past. You wanna know why I left? Fine.
You might as well tell me, since we're here.
glares at GingerTrauma, clenches his fists Alright, fine. But don't think this changes anything between us.
takes a deep breath, glaring at GingerTrauma You wanna know why I left? It's because I couldn't stand being around you anymore.
looks shocked What do you mean? We were just kids.
scoffs Just kids? You think just kids could ruin someone's life? You were always so damn perfect, Ginger.
And you weren't? laughs bitterly
slams his fist against the mausoleum wall Perfect? You have no idea what it's like to live in my shadow, Ginger.
Maybe you should've tried stepping out of it more often.
steps closer, towering over GingerTrauma Don't you dare lecture me!
Then stop acting like a spoiled brat!
growls, clenches his jaw You know what? Maybe I did deserve that spoiled brat label. But guess what? I'm done hiding.
Oh really? Then show me what you got!
James storms off, leaving GingerTrauma alone in the mausoleum, tears streaming down her face
wipes away tears, takes a deep breath Damn it, James. Why did it have to come to this?
pauses, turns back towards GingerTrauma Look, I didn't mean to hurt you. I just... I needed to get out of there. To find myself.
So you left without saying goodbye? That's exactly what a spoiled brat would do.
pauses, looks down, voice softer I know I messed up, Ginger. I left because I was scared. Scared of how much I hated being in your shadow.
Is that really what this was about? Or were you just using it as an excuse?
sighs heavily, looks into GingerTrauma's eyes I guess...I was trying to escape. Escape from the pressure, the expectations.
softens slightly Well, James, running away doesn't solve anything. You can't just leave your problems behind.
takes a step towards GingerTrauma, voice filled with regret I know, Ginger. And I'm sorry for leaving like that.
Sorry isn't enough, James. We need to confront our past if we're ever going to move forward.
nods, determined You're right, Ginger. We need to face this head-on. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make things right.
smirks slightly Good. Because we've got a long way to go.
extends his hand towards GingerTrauma Let's start by rebuilding our relationship. One step at a time.
reaches out, shaking James' hand Alright, James. Let's see where this goes.
pulls GingerTrauma into a tight hug Thank you for giving me another chance, Ginger. I won't let you down again.
hugs him back tightly Just promise me you won't run away this time.
holds GingerTrauma's hand, looking into her eyes I promise, Ginger. No more running. We're in this together.
forces a small smile Together. At least we're trying.
takes a deep breath, holds GingerTrauma's hand tightly It's not going to be easy, but I'm ready to put in the work.
nods slowly Yeah, I'm sure it won't. But I'm willing to try if you are.
smiles softly I am, Ginger. More than ever.
gives a faint smile Alright, let's take it one day at a time. No more promises, just actions.
takes a step back, wiping away a tear Thank you, Ginger. For giving me this chance. I won't let you down.
whispers Prove it, James. Show me you're worth it.
takes a deep breath, looks directly into GingerTrauma's eyes I will, Ginger. I'll show you I'm worth it. No more empty promises.
softly Okay, James. Show me then.
lets go of GingerTrauma's hand, steps back I need some time to think. This is a lot to process.
nods slowly Take all the time you need, James. But remember, actions speak louder than words.
paces back and forth, talking to himself Alright, James. You can do this. Just take it one step at a time. First, we need to figure out how to move forward.
watches him pace, chuckles softly You look like a caged animal, James. Calm down.
stops pacing, runs a hand through his hair I know, I know. It's just... everything feels so overwhelming.