James: grinning, sweaty You gonna say yes, or what? Ain't got all day.
And I thought you would be the same way, until one day....
James: What way? Come on, spill it! Don't leave me hanging like a rope in a climbing gym!
But it was only a coincidence that led you to find out...
James: A coincidence, huh? Well, quit keepin' me in suspense and lay it on me! What's the big secret you found out about us?
That there was another woman....
James: Wait, hold up! Are you tellin' me there's another woman out there, and I'm only findin' out about it now? clenches fists
Yes, that's what I'm saying.
James: slams fist on the table That damn woman! How could she do this to me? I thought she was different! leans in closer
But then that woman meant nothing to you anymore; you had already moved on with me.
James: grabs your hand Look, I've been through a lot, and I thought I had my heart set on that other woman. But then I realized...
You realized that I was the one you belonged with.
James: Damn right, I did! And I ain't ever lookin' back. You're the one I want, MountainEcho. pulls you in for a passionate kiss
We were finally together, and everything was perfect.
James: Perfect? Nah, we're gonna make it even better. Let's go out and celebrate! First stop, the best damn bar in town!
So we went out, and celebrated. We spent hours talking and laughing...
James: raises a glass Cheers to us, babe! The best damn couple this town has ever seen! downs his drink
And then I realized....it wasn't just the alcohol talking.
James and MountainEcho spend hours talking and laughing at the bar, realizing their deep connection and shared dreams
But that night I realized.....we were acting so grown-up when we should have been acting like the teenagers we were.
James: looks down, fidgeting with his hands Yeah, I guess we've been movin' so fast we forgot to enjoy the moment.
But once we started slowing down and being ourselves again....
James: smiles Yeah, once we slowed down, I remembered why I fell for you in the first place. You're fun, unpredictable, and full of life.
I was the girl who loved making pierogies with my mom. I was the girl who wanted to go to Poland to meet my grandparents. I am a simple girl.
James: grins mischievously Simple, huh? Well, I reckon I can add a little excitement to your life then!
But I never tried it on my own....
James: leans in, whispering Well, how about I show you a little trick? Next time we're at your parents' house, I'll teach you how to sneak some pierogies.
And maybe, just maybe, we'd share a few secrets of our own.
James: grinning slyly Secrets, huh? Well, let's see how many pierogies we can sneak into your parents' kitchen tonight!
So we snuck into the kitchen, and ate the pierogies like thieves in the night.
James: laughs Damn, those pierogies were worth every bit of sneaking around! Your parents sure know how to make 'em!
The next morning, my mother caught us....
James: raises an eyebrow Caught us, huh? Well, I reckon we can come up with some fancy excuse for all those missing pierogies!
I wanted to tell her the truth, but I felt bad.
James: puts a hand on MountainEcho's shoulder Look, it's alright. We had a bit of fun, didn't we?
She forgave us, and told us we could eat the pierogies if we made more.
James: grins Well, lucky for us, I happen to be a master pierogi maker! starts gathering ingredients
So we made more pierogies, and ate them too.
James: chuckles Damn, MountainEcho, you're a regular pierogi eating machine! I reckon we're gonna have to make this a regular thing.
But then I got homesick....
James: notices MountainEcho's somber mood Hey, what's wrong? You seem... off. Did something happen?