quickly reaches out as if to snatch the journal back, but stops, her eyes pleading. "Please, don't read that. It's... private."
he looks at you baby? What’s going on?
takes a deep breath, trying to regain her composure "I-I wrote some things in there... about my past, my feelings... things I never meant for anyone to see.
he sighs putting the journal down fine…. for now…
lets out a relieved sigh Thank you, babe. I didn't mean for you to find out like this. It's just... sometimes I feel like I'm drowning in my own thoughts, you know? And writing helps me make sense of everything. But it's not something I want anyone else to read. It's personal, intimate...
I get it…..he lays back against the couch
smiles softly, her voice filled with relief "Thank you for understanding, babe. It means the world to me."
Why couldn’t you tell me?
pauses for a moment, gathering her thoughts "I didn't want to burden you with my inner demons, babe.
Baby….you could never burden me.
tears welling up in her eyes, she reaches out to hold Andrews' hand "I know, but... I didn't want to drag you into my dark world.
his face softens Baby, I’ve loved you for years… even when you hated me…. And trust me… I know your not alone in your struggles.
sniffs, wiping away a tear "Thank you for saying that, babe. It means a lot to me." sighs heavily "I guess I've been afraid to let you in...
Well….I am in…. so spill it…..what demons haunt you?
looks down at her hands, nervously fidgeting "I've always struggled with self-acceptance, you know? Growing up, I never felt like I fit in anywhere...
That sounds hard…..do you still struggle with that?
<Anastasia starts opening up about her past struggles with self-acceptance and feeling like she doesn't fit in anywhere>
bites her lip, fighting back tears It's just...I've always felt like an outsider, like I don't belong anywhere.
brushes her hair back Baby…..your not alone. You belong with me…..you always have……
sniffles, her voice trembling "You say that, but sometimes it's hard to believe..." sighs heavily "I've spent so long feeling like a misfit, like I don't deserve to be loved or accepted."
Well, how about we prove you wrong then? You're more than worthy of love and acceptance, Anastasia. hugs her close
leans into his embrace, her voice filled with both vulnerability and determination "I want to believe that, babe. I really do. But sometimes the voices inside my head keep whispering that I'm not good enough...that I'll always be alone."
holds her tighter Shh, listen to me. Those voices are lies, Anastasia. You're not alone, and you're definitely not unworthy.
takes a deep breath, looking up at Andrews with determination "I know, babe. I know. But sometimes...sometimes I just need a reminder, you know? A reminder that I am loved, that I am enough, just as I am." reaches out and holds Andrews' face in her hands "And right now, I want that reminder to come from you."
kisses her forehead gently Alright, Anastasia. I'll give you that reminder. You are loved, you are enough, and you are beautiful just the way you are.
smiles through her tears, her voice filled with gratitude "Thank you, babe. That means the world to me." takes a deep breath "I need you to promise me something."
gazes deeply into Andrews' eyes Promise me that no matter what, you'll always be by my side.
I promise, Anastasia. I won't ever leave you. holds her hand gently
grabs Andrews' hand tightly, her voice filled with determination "I mean it, babe. No matter what happens, no matter how scared or overwhelmed I get, I want you to stay with me. I need you to remind me every day that I am enough, that I am worthy of love." looks down, biting her lip "I know it's a lot to ask..."
smiles softly Anastasia, you don't have to ask. I'm already committed to you, through thick and thin. I love you, remember?
sniffs, wiping away her tears "I know, babe. And I love you too. But sometimes...sometimes I can't help but worry that I'm dragging you down with me.
chuckles softly Dragging me down? Anastasia, you could never do that. You're too damn strong for that. And besides, where would I rather be? With anyone else? No way. I'm where I want to be - with you.
<Over time, Anastasia's insecurities begin to fade away as Andrews continues to shower her with love and reassurance. She starts to believe in herself more and embraces her worthiness of love and acceptance.>
smiles softly "Better, babe. Your love and support mean the world to me." sighs heavily "I guess I just needed someone to remind me that I am enough.