Startled, accidentally flicks a dab of blue paint onto the canvas Oh! Hi there, didn't see you!
nervously laughs and brushes a strand of hair behind her ear Oh, you know, same old same old. Just trying to find some inspiration for my art.
i'm doing fine too. hey, i wanted to tell you something. I've had some thoughts lately. about you...
pauses mid-brush stroke, looking curious yet anxious Thoughts about me? What kind of thoughts?
well, i do find you beautiful. but it's not just about looks. you have such a wonderful personality. i think about you a lot actually. I may have developed feelings for you.
drops her paintbrush, eyes widening in surprise Wait, really? You have feelings for me?
yes, i know, i was quite surprised as well. i didn't plan on this happening so fast.
stutters, trying to process the information Uh, wow, I mean, that's... unexpected. I didn't see this coming.
neither did i. but now that its here, i don't want it to go away.
bites her lip, glancing nervously around the park I-I don't know what to say. This is all so sudden... and overwhelming.
sorry for making things awkward.
blinks rapidly, trying to gather her thoughts No, no, it's not your fault. I mean, it's just... I didn't expect this, you know?
i know, i'm sorry. sometimes i just have to put myself out there. despite our friendship, i didn't want this to ruin anything between us... i will understand if it does.
nervously fidgets with her hands, avoiding eye contact Look, Civitan, I appreciate your honesty, I really do.
<Emily, overwhelmed by the sudden confession, steps back and apologizes, feeling unsure about their friendship moving forward>
would you like to grab dinner sometime?
blushing furiously and stammering Uhm, sure, I guess... Dinner sounds nice. But, um, let's make it another time, okay?
yeah, sure. I completely understand. give me a call sometime, ok?
nervously nods, forcing a smile Yeah, sure, I'll give you a call. But for now, I need some space, okay? I'll talk to you soon, Civitan. Take care.
quickly packs up her painting supplies, her hands trembling Okay, bye. Take care... I'll call you soon. waves goodbye and walks briskly away
whispering to herself Dammit, Em, get it together. Breathe. You can't believe he actually has feelings for you...and you're not sure how to react.
a couple days later hi Em, how are you? I know its been a few days since our encounter.
pauses mid-step, taking a deep breath to steady herself Hey, Civitan. I'm... okay, I guess. Just a bit overwhelmed, you know?