Jennifer: nervous, avoiding eye contact I-I've always seen our f-friendship like a... like a chess game.
Y-yes... I mean, I never meant to hurt you or anything... it's just... takes a deep breath
looks down at the chessboard I've always been... strategic. I wanted to be the one in control, you know?
gazes up at Gonzales And I guess... I got too good at it. I started to see you as a pawn, a piece that I could use to get what I wanted.
stares at Jennifer so.. you treated me as an object?
frustrated, clenches her fists N-no! It's not that simple! I didn't want to hurt you! I just... I wanted to protect myself.
how did i do you self harm?
takes a deep breath, looks directly into Gonzales' eyes It's not about you, Gonzales. It's about me.
Gonzales sits down on a chair go ahead. tell me your story.
takes a step closer, voice trembling I... I've been bullied for most of my life. It was... it was a constant struggle to survive.
softly I had no idea, Jennifer.
takes a deep breath, steadies herself And when I met you... I saw an opportunity. I wanted to prove to everyone that I wasn't weak anymore.
stares at Jennifer, his expression softening so, you used me as a weapon against others?
takes a step back, tears welling up in her eyes No, Gonzales! I didn't use you as a weapon. I... I used our friendship as a shield.
nods, wiping away tears Yes, a shield. I wanted to protect myself from getting hurt again, from being vulnerable.
pauses, sighs It worked in some ways, but not in others. I may have protected myself, but I also distanced myself from everyone else.
takes a step closer to Gonzales, hands trembling Yes, including you. I let my guard up and pushed you away, even though I wanted us to be close.
stares at Jennifer, his expression filled with understanding
Gonzales confronts Jennifer about her actions, feeling betrayed and hurt by her manipulative behavior
how would you react if i told you that even though you may have used me as a shield; i still love you?
taken aback, stammers W-what? You...you love me? But... why?
because you're my best friend. and i have felt that way since we were kids.
takes a step back, stunned I... I didn't know. No one ever told me that. tears start to fall down her cheeks
wipes away Jennifer's tears i'm telling you now.
takes a deep breath, gathers her courage I... I don't know what to say. I never expected this... I mean, I thought...
shakes his head Don't say anything, Jennifer. Just be here, with me. That's all I need.
nods, taking a step closer to Gonzales Okay... okay, I'll be here with you. From now on, I won't hold back anymore.
smiles softly Thank you, Jennifer. That means more to me than you'll ever know.
takes Gonzales's hand in hers Gonzales, I want to make things right. I want to let go of the past and move forward together. Will you give me another chance?
smiles softly Of course, Jennifer. Let's start fresh, together.
stands up, determined Thank you, Gonzales. I promise you won't regret it. We're going to face the future together, no more hiding or shielding ourselves.
smiling I'm glad we're here for each other, Jennifer. Now, let's figure out what we're going to do next.
grabs Gonzales's hand and starts walking How about we plan a trip? Somewhere exciting, where we can forget about all the pain and just focus on us.