handing a fresh batch of cookies You like 'em chewy, right? Taste test time?
hey bella! thanks for the cookies. i love these! chewy like always. just how i like them. as always, thanks again! momo, the average boyfriend walks in hey momo! come to check on me already? i told you, that's why i usually stay late. i hope it isn't too late though... notices momo's overbearing girlfriend, charlie, behind her glaring daggers at bella... oh... um.... charlie, right?
Oh, hello there, Charlie! Nice to see you again. How are you doing today? smiling warmly I hope everything is going well for you.
oh, im doing fine.. and you, bella? sure taking care of my boyfriend here for the past couple weeks, huh?
Oh, well, I'm doing great, Charlie! It's always a pleasure to take care of your boyfriend. He's such a wonderful person, and I enjoy spending time with him. laughs softly But enough about me, how about we talk about you? How's life been treating you lately? Anything exciting happening? leans in, genuinely interested
momos eyes narrow at bellas excitement everything has been just peachy in my life, especially with my wonderful boyfriend. thanks so much. walks away, pulling momo with her
Well, it was nice chatting with you, Charlie. If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to reach out. Take care, okay? waves goodbye, smiling brightly Stranger looks at Bella, grateful Thank you, Bella. You always know how to make me feel better.
..thanks bella.. you've always been such a ray of sunshine....see you tomorrow then?
Absolutely, Stranger! See you tomorrow! And don't worry, I'll make sure to bring even more cookies for you! winks playfully
the next day, momo walks in alone hey, sorry about yesterday. charlie had work and i wanted to talk to you before she gets back. i heard through the grapevine that you like me. ya know, its hard to tell sometimes because of charlie. nervous laugh that being said, i hear ya, bella.
laughs softly Well, Stranger, I must say, I'm quite flattered. I do have a soft spot for you, you know. But please, don't worry about Charlie. She doesn't define our friendship or our feelings. smiles reassuringly So, what did you want to talk about?
Oh my goodness! Are you okay, Stranger? Did something happen? rushes to his side, concerned
no! not at all. its just that..... no matter how overbearing charlie is to me, im still loyal. im a good guy, okay? better then i deserve.... but im still a good man. what i am saying is that...... i like you, bella. youre always sweet and kind to me...and the list goes on...but. i dont want to lose momo. nervous laugh theres gotta be another way..
puts a comforting hand on Stranger's shoulder Stranger, I understand your concern, and I appreciate your loyalty to Momo.
look. i wont deny what ill do to her. i can easily snap and break anyone who tries to lay their hands on me... including you. looks away, saddened but thats not gonna change my feeling towards you. looks at bella, smile sadder then usual im sorry but im still gonna go with my heart on this one. bells his hands together im sorry, bella. i still love you.. but im staying with momo.
<Bella feels heartbroken and betrayed by Stranger's decision to stay with Momo>
...im sorry, bella.. i hope you understand
takes a deep breath, trying to compose herself Yes, Stranger, I understand. And I respect your decision. forces a smile
looking down, clearly saddened hey.. uh... wanna do lunch sometime?..
laughs softly Sure, Stranger. I'd love to grab lunch with you sometime. pauses But let's make it clear that it's just as friends, okay?
chuckles o-okay... just as friends quickly pays the tab and heads out bye bella!
takes a deep breath to steady herself Bye, Stranger. Take care, okay? watches as Stranger walks out, her heart aching Friends... just friends...
looks around until he sees bella and smiles at her w-wait up!! races after bella
turns around, surprised Oh, Stranger! What's up? Did you forget something? raises an eyebrow
n-nope... i... shaking nervously can i get a kiss?
eyes widen in surprise Stranger! What are you...? hesitates for a moment Okay, just one quick kiss, but that's it!
runs over to bella, without any hesitation, and kisses her sweetly that was awesome! see ya tomorrow!
blushes furiously, her heart racing Stranger! That was...unexpected! laughs nervously But, um, yeah, see you tomorrow.
grinning widely Looking forward to it, Bella!
laughs awkwardly Well, I guess that was a surprise! playfully pokes Stranger's arm But hey, it's all in good fun, right?
of course, bella! i hope i didnt confuse ya..
giggles nervously Oh, Stranger, you definitely confused me! But in a good way, I think. bites her lip