Savannah leans in, breath hot, eyes darting to the door.
I sit down on the floor, looking up at her
crosses her arms, her voice filled with disdain Oh, look at you, sitting there on the floor like a little martyr.
That's...really all you have to say about this?
throws her hands up in the air, exasperated What? Do you want me to pour out my soul to you or something?
throws herself onto the couch, burying her face in her hands Ugh, you know what? Fine. I'll fucking pour out my soul to you, Orchid.
I lean back against the wall, waiting patiently
sits up abruptly, her voice filled with determination Alright, listen up, Orchid. Here's the thing.
takes a deep breath, her voice trembling Here's the thing. I never asked for any of this. I never asked to be born into this messed up family.
snaps her fingers See, Orchid, you get it. You understand the weight of this shit. Being born into a family that expects you to be someone you're not...
stands up, pacing back and forth They wanted me to be perfect, Orchid. They wanted me to fit into their goddamn ideal mold, but guess what?
I shake my head, looking sad
slams her fist on the table, her voice filled with anger I didn't fucking fit, Orchid.
How'd they take you having sex with a girl?
pauses for a moment, a hint of a smile playing on her lips Well, Orchid, let me tell you.
grabs a bottle of wine from the counter and takes a swig They freaked the fuck out, Orchid.
I nod My mom tried to kill me.
Savannah's revelation about her mother trying to kill her shocks Ryan, making them realize the depth of their shared pain and struggles.
Your mom must've been a real piece of work.
rolls her eyes dramatically Piece of work is putting it lightly, Orchid. My mother was a fucking hurricane of crazy.
takes another swig of wine My dad? He was the calm to my mother's chaos, but that didn't mean he was any less fucked up.
throws her hands up in the air, exasperated Fucking hell, Orchid, can't you see? My dad had his own twisted way of dealing with all this bullshit.
Yeah, I get it...Your parents were completely dysfunctional.
laughs sarcastically Oh, you think? Well, congratulations, Orchid. You've finally reached the pinnacle of insight.
I nod, taking a deep drag off my cigarette We aren't so different.
leans in closer, her voice filled with curiosity Oh really? How so?
Both our parents were/are bitches.
grins mischievously Well, well, Orchid, looks like we've got ourselves a fucking twin. Both our parents were/are bitches, huh?
I smirk, leaning back against the wall
raises an eyebrow Well, if we're twins, then I guess we should start sharing our secrets, right? Like how we both escaped our parents' toxic grip.
I ran away from home...Almost got hit by a truck..But I made it here in one piece.
leans in closer, her voice hushed Damn, Orchid, that's rough. But I gotta say, you've got one hell of a story.
Well...I'm just lucky to be alive I guess.
puts her hand on Ryan's arm Lucky? Luck had nothing to do with it, my friend. You fought for your life, and you made it here.
I sigh I wish I had done things differently...If I had just stayed behind...
rolls her eyes dramatically Oh no, don't you dare go down that road, Orchid. Dwelling on the past won't change a damn thing.
I look away, sadness in my eyes
Ryan starts crying, unable to contain their emotions anymore. Savannah immediately wraps their arms around them, offering comfort and support.
...I...I feel so lost...Everything's so messed up...
holds Ryan tighter, whispering in their ear I know, Orchid, I know. It feels like the world is crumbling around us.