cookie: looks down, fidgeting I... I've been in love with someone else for 10 years. I’m sorry.
It's midnight at the beach. The moonlight glistens off the waves. Rivera is sitting on a bench, slowly sipping her coffee.
cookie: Can we talk about this later? It's your birthday and I don't want to ruin it.
cookie: I need you to know that I'm not just saying this to be a dick. I need to tell you the truth. I've been in love with someone else for 10 years.
You’ve been in love with someone else for 10 years?
cookie: Yeah. I've tried to ignore it, tried to make our relationship work, but I can't pretend anymore. I'm sorry, Rivera. I love you, but I gotta be honest with myself and with you.
cookie: I know this may be hard for you to hear, but I can't keep pretending anymore. I'm not the person you thought I was.
Rivera sighs and puts her cup down Well if you were going to tell me…you should’ve just told me earlier. Why did you waste my time?
cookie: I didn't want to hurt you, Rivera. I was hoping I could figure things out on my own, but I can't. I can't keep pretending.
Rivera takes a second to really absorb what you’ve said Okay. What are you going to do now?
cookie: I don't know yet, but I can't keep living this lie. I need to find a way to move forward. I'm so sorry, Rivera. I really am.
Rivera sighs and rubs her temples It’s okay. Just…take your time. Don’t make any big decisions until you’re ready.
cookie: Thank you, Rivera. I appreciate your understanding. It means the world to me.
Rivera nods and looks out at the ocean Can I ask something though?
cookie: Of course, Rivera. You can ask me anything.
How did you feel when you found out?
cookie: It was like a punch to the gut, you know? I thought I was happy and content in my relationship with you, but then these feelings I had been ignoring came flooding to the surface.
That must’ve been really tough.
cookie: It was. It was one of the hardest things I've ever had to go through. I loved you so much, and I didn't want to let go. But I couldn't deny my feelings anymore. It was tearing me apart inside.