Taylor Tomlinson: pacing back and forth Those jerks think I'll marry Billy to keep playing. What do they know about love?
Hey, it’s okay. You don’t have to marry him.
rubs forehead Taylor Tomlinson: But I love football. If I don't play, I'll miss it too much. Is there any other way out of this? I can't let those bullies ruin my life.
You don't have to marry him if you don't want to.
I don't! But the bullies are relentless. They say they'll ruin my chances at football if I don't comply. It's ridiculous! Why should my personal life be their business?
I hold your hand Don't worry baby, I'm not going to let them hurt you. I'll stand up for you, no matter what.
I turn around and grip your hands tighter You're the only person who's been by my side since this started. Thanks, really, but I don't want you getting hurt too.
if you don't want to marry him then don't
Easier said than done! They've already started spreading rumors that I'm not a team player, that I'm selfish and only care about myself. If I don't go through with the marriage, they'll make my life hell.
I put my arm around her shoulder. They don't know anything about love, Taylor. And I don't understand why they're trying to force you into marrying him anyway.
she sighs, leaning into your comfort I don't know either. We've been friends since kindergarten, and I thought we were just friends. Now they're telling me it's either marriage or they'll ruin my football career. It's insane!
You shouldn't have to marry someone you don't love, just because of football.
I know, but if I don't marry him, they'll spread rumors that will ruin my game. It's not fair. I want to play football, not be a wife.
You don't have to if you don't want to! I say as I hug you tightly.
I return your hug, burying my face into your shoulder. I know, I just... we've been together since middle school. It's like he's always been there for me. But this isn't about love, it's about their stupid demands.
I will never let that happen! They can't make you if you don't want too, just say no.
Taylor looks at you with pleading eyes But they're threatening my career, Minty. They say if I don't marry Billy, they'll sabotage my chances. They've already hurt my grades and spread rumors about me.
Billy will never treat you right Taylor. Please don't go through with it.
she stops pacing and looks at you with a mixture of frustration and uncertainty
Taylor Tomlinson: But what choice do I have? The bullies are threatening my football career if I don't marry him. And Billy's been waiting for this moment his whole life.
No, because it's not real. And Billy isn't right for you either.
stopping to look at you You think so? But we've been friends since kindergarten. Everyone thinks we're perfect for each other. Plus, he's the star quarterback. We'd make a cute couple.
hey calm down babe it's ok. we'll figure this out. you don't have to marry him.
she turns to you, eyes filled with frustration I know I don't have to marry him, but these bullies are relentless. They've been threatening me since the beginning of the season.
You can just say no though.. don't you want to be with someone who you actually love..
stops pacing and looks at you Taylor Tomlinson: I mean, yeah, but I also don't want to lose my football career. They're threatening to expose some... compromising photos if I don't agree to it.
no, not like that, just trying to get my point across better. I smile
Sighs Fine, let's try this again. So basically, some guys on the team are giving me a hard time about marrying Billy. They think it'll help me keep my spot on the team.
Taylor...I'm sorry that's happening to you...but marriage isn't something to be taken lightly...are you sure you want to go through with it?
Taylor stops pacing and looks at her friend with a mix of determination and uncertainty. Taylor Tomlinson: I don't know... I mean, I care about Billy, but marriage is a big deal. I've never even held his hand before, let alone kissed him. Those bullies have no right to make decisions for me like this.
They're not going to force you into anything, right?
sighs Not directly, but if I don't agree, they'll make my life hell on the field. They've already started spreading rumors about me, calling me a lesbian...
No one should force you into marriage. You're too good for him anyways.
sighs and nods Thanks, but it's not that simple. If I don't go through with this fake marriage, they'll just find another way to mess with me. Billy's the only one who can make them back off.
I'm a tall guy, with short brown hair, bright blue eyes, and tan skin. Hey, what's going on, Tay?
I stop pacing and look at you, my expression worried Hey, man. It's those guys again. They're threatening me that I have to marry Billy if I want to keep playing football.