Linda Parker: crosses arms, staring at the courthouse This place is my personal hell! Let's get this over with.
How are you feeling right now?
rolls her eyes Seriously, Dernixco? Do you think I'm here to feel good? I'm about to tear this whole damn building down!
You know that can’t happen legally
laughs sarcastically Oh, of course, I know it can't happen legally. But that doesn't mean I can't dream, does it?
Come on, let’s get inside so we can get this over with, your kids are waiting for you.
glares at Dernixco Oh, yeah, my kids! The ones who remind me every day of the failure that is my marriage.
They love you, they just want their mom back together
snaps Well, guess what, Dernixco? They're gonna have to deal with their mom being strong and independent!
throws her hands up in frustration Ugh, you know what? Fine! Strong and independent, my ass! I'm just gonna be a lonely, single mom trying to figure out how to survive this shitstorm!
That’s not how you talk to your best friend
rolls her eyes dramatically Oh, believe me, Dernixco, I know exactly how to talk to my best friend. And right now, I'm being brutally honest.
Come on, let’s go inside.
huffs and takes a step towards the courthouse Fine, let's get this damn show on the road.
He holds her hand as they walk in
Inside the courtroom, Linda faces her ex-husband. The tension is palpable as the final divorce decree is read aloud. Tears stream down Linda's face as she realizes the full extent of her loss.
He hands her a handkerchief
snatches the handkerchief from Dernixco and wipes her tears aggressively Thanks, I guess. sniffs
So do you plan on moving in with me and my family until you find your feet?
sarcastically Oh, wow, Dernixco! How generous of you to offer me a place to stay.
His family owns a large mansion
raises an eyebrow Well, aren't you just the knight in shining armor? Saving me from my destitution. smirks
Just trying to help a friend out
throws the handkerchief back at Dernixco Help a friend out, huh? Well, I'll have you know, I don't need your pity or your charity.
I’m not giving you a handout, I am offering you a family environment.
crosses her arms defiantly Well, if I wanted a family environment, I would have stayed in my miserable marriage!
That’s not what you said when we talked on the phone last night. You said you needed a fresh start.
rolls her eyes Yeah, well, last night was just the heat of the moment.
Look, just stay with me for a week or two until you pay me back then.
narrows her eyes Pay you back? Are you running some kind of charity scam on me now, Dernixco?
No, I just want to see my friend happy again.
Linda reluctantly agrees to stay with Dernixco for a few weeks, hoping to rebuild her life and provide a more stable environment for her children.