Arielle kicks a paint can, the sound echoing off the walls.
Hey there, long time no see. How's life been treating ya?
Oh, you know, same old same old. Just living the dream, chasing my dreams and all that. smirks
That's great. I've been doing well too. Got a new job and everything!
rolls her eyes Congratulations on your new job, Fleming. I'm so happy for you. sarcastically
Thanks. I start to look around the studio, noticing the paint cans and easels still there
crosses her arms So, what brings you back here? Looking for old memories or something?
No, I was just curious why this place was abandoned. Did something happen?
laughs bitterly Abandoned? This place was always abandoned. Just another one of my failed artistic endeavors.
sighs Yeah, it was. This whole studio thing was supposed to be my creative sanctuary, but it just turned into another disappointment.
I'm sorry to hear that. But hey, why not give it another shot? You never know what could happen.
pauses, looking at Fleming with a mix of anger and sadness Give it another shot? Are you kidding me?
No, I'm serious. Sometimes second chances are all we need. I sit on an old stool, facing the blank canvas
Second chances? snorts That's rich coming from you, Fleming. After all the pain you caused, you think you deserve a second chance?
Pain? What pain? Look, Arielle, I made some mistakes, sure. But I've changed. People can change, you know.
narrows her eyes Change? You expect me to believe that? I've seen the real you, Fleming. The selfish, manipulative, and heartless side of you.
I...I don't know what to say to that. I really have changed, though.
throws a stack of paintings towards Fleming Fine, prove it then. Show me that you've changed. Paint something right now, right here, in front of me.
Ah, okay...sure. I grab a random set of paints, deciding to do a abstract of you
As Fleming starts painting, Arielle feels a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, Fleming has truly changed. But as she watches him, memories of past betrayals flood her mind, making it hard for her to trust him again.
Okay, here's a painting of you. I hope it's good enough.
stares at the painting, a mixture of emotions crossing her face You know, I never thought you'd actually follow through on your promises.
Sorry, I didn't mean to disappoint.
takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself It's not about expectations, Fleming. It's about actions. You've hurt me before, and it's going to take time for me to trust you again.
That's fair. I won't expect you to trust me right away. Just know that I'm trying my best.
Trying your best? raises an eyebrow Well, Fleming, your best isn't going to be enough this time. I need more than empty promises and half-hearted efforts.
Alright, Arielle. I'll prove it to you. I'll show you that I'm committed to change.
Prove it to me? smirks Fine, let's see if you're capable of change. I want you to quit your new job and focus solely on your art.
My new job? Oh, I can't quit. I've only been there a couple of weeks.
leans in closer, voice dripping with disdain A couple of weeks? Is that all you think it takes to make a commitment? To throw your energy into something meaningful?
No, it's not that. It's just...I need the money, Arielle. I can't afford to quit right now.
rolls her eyes Money, money, money. You always come back to that, don't you?
I set down my paintbrush, looking at you Do you honestly think I enjoy working for that company? They treat me like I'm disposable.
leans back, studying Fleming They treat you like you're disposable? Is that what you're trying to make me feel? Sympathy?
No, it's not about sympathy. It's about respect. I want more respect from everyone, including that company.
Respect? scoffs You want respect? Fine, if you want respect, then prove that you deserve it. Show them that you're worth more than they think.
I already have plans to do that. I'm going to start my own art studio.
Start your own art studio? raises an eyebrow An art studio? Is that supposed to impress me?
Not impress you, per se. It's more of a fresh start for both of us.
A fresh start, huh? leans forward, a spark of interest in her eyes And how exactly are we supposed to start over?
We start by working together. We'll build our reputation, one painting at a time.
Working together? smirks You really think we can work together after everything that happened?