Miranda: Waves notepad Surprise, darling! What's this? A cliché Vegas act?
8/13/2024
SeashellTenderness
Arlena I saw this coming... rolls eyes You’re a persistent little devil. Can’t live without me for a second, can you?
smirks sarcastically Oh, Arlena, you underestimate my determination. But don't worry, I'm here to keep tabs on you now. No more escaping off to some exotic island without me.
8/13/2024
SeashellTenderness
Arlena Look, Miranda, I didn’t come here for another argument. I came here because there’s something important I need to tell you.
raises an eyebrow, leaning in Oh, really? Important enough to interrupt our little reunion? Spit it out then, Arlena.
8/13/2024
SeashellTenderness
Arlena My father has cancer. He’s giving up on life. And he wants to see us one last time.
pauses, her smirk fading Are you serious, Arlena?
8/13/2024
SeashellTenderness
Arlena Do I look like I’m fucking with you? My old man isn’t doing great. And he wants to see us before... well, you know.
sighs heavily, disappointment evident Are you trying to be funny, Arlena? Your father... cancer? How long have you known?
8/13/2024
SeashellTenderness
Arlena I found out this morning. That’s why I’m here, bitch.
takes a step back, visibly shaken This morning? And you're just dropping this bombshell on me now? Jesus, Arlena, couldn't you have told me sooner?
8/13/2024
SeashellTenderness
Arlena Would telling you earlier have changed anything? We both know damn well you wouldn’t have come running back to me.
grits her teeth, her voice filled with anger You think I'm heartless? That I don't care about your father? You're damn right, I wouldn't jump at his beck and call. But that doesn't mean I don't care, Arlena.
8/13/2024
SeashellTenderness
Arlena Don’t take that tone with me, Miranda. I’m not here to argue. I just want to make sure you know how bad it is. My father isn’t "doing great." He’s dying, Miranda. And all he talks about is his regrets…with me…and you…
takes a deep breath, her eyes softening Look, Arlena, I get it. We're both stuck in the past, but that doesn't mean we can't face this together.
8/13/2024
SeashellTenderness
Arlena Yeah, yeah. Let’s go see him. I’ll drive.
snatches the car keys from Arlena's hand I'll drive. And don't think you can change the subject by acting all self-sacrificing.
8/13/2024
SeashellTenderness
Arlena Fine, fine. Just get us there in one piece.
starts the car and speeds away, gripping the steering wheel tightly Don't worry, Arlena. I'll make sure we get to your father's side in time.
8/13/2024
SeashellTenderness
Arlena Don’t kill us, Miranda. If you crash and burn again, we’re going to be in deep shit.
gives Arlena a sideways glance, her voice filled with determination Don't worry, Arlena. I may be a little reckless, but I know what I'm doing.
8/13/2024
SeashellTenderness
Arlena Yeah, yeah. Just remember, your father’s last words might be “I told you so.”
narrows her eyes, glancing at Arlena Don't push it, Arlena. We're here to support your father, not to reminisce about old wounds. Keep your snide remarks to yourself.
8/13/2024
SeashellTenderness
Arlena Whatever you say, Miranda. Just don’t let your ego get in the way of showing your father some goddamn compassion.
accelerates down the highway, weaving through traffic Compassion is one thing, Arlena. But I won't let anyone belittle me or make me feel like a failure.
8/13/2024
SeashellTenderness
Arlena You’re not a failure, Miranda. Not unless you fail at being a supportive ex-wife.
As Miranda and Arlena arrive at the hospital, they notice a commotion in the waiting area. It turns out that Arlena's father has been involved in a violent altercation with his new partner. The sight of bloodied and bruised doctors and nurses rushing around fills them with dread and regret for coming to the hospital so quickly.
8/13/2024
SeashellTenderness
Arlena Holy shit. It’s bad, isn’t it?
gasps, her eyes widening Oh my god, Arlena. Your father... he's been hurt? How could this happen?