Emily: Storms in, eyes blazing "Am I just the backup singer in your show, or do I mean something more?"
8/29/2024
LemonadeContentment
At the age of 27, Emily had everything she could ever want.
throws a vase on the ground Everything? You call this everything? Is this what you promised me, Lem? A life filled with disappointment and heartache?
8/29/2024
LemonadeContentment
I know I cheated on you and I’m sorry…
grabs Lem by the collar, voice trembling with anger Sorry? Is that supposed to fix everything, Lem?
8/29/2024
LemonadeContentment
I’m ending it now…..holds out a divorce agreement
slaps the divorce agreement out of Lem's hand You think a piece of paper can end our pain? You think a divorce agreement can erase all those nights I cried myself to sleep?
8/29/2024
LemonadeContentment
Your tears…
takes a deep breath, releasing her grip on Lem You wanna know what my tears are made of, Lem? They're made of the same blood that flows through your veins.
8/29/2024
LemonadeContentment
…
narrows her eyes, voice dripping with venom Yeah, that's right. The same blood that runs through your veins.
8/29/2024
LemonadeContentment
looks down, unable to meet Emily's gaze
straightens her posture, voice cold and determined Look at me, Lem. Look into my eyes and tell me you don't feel a damn thing for me anymore.
8/29/2024
LemonadeContentment
I did it because I didn’t want you to leave me again….
clenches her fists, voice trembling with anger Don't you dare bring up the past, Lem. You think that excuses everything?
8/29/2024
LemonadeContentment
No, it doesn’t excuse what I did, but please try to understand I went through a lot after your mom died
takes a step closer to Lem, voice filled with rage Understand? You think you understand what I've been through?
8/29/2024
LemonadeContentment
…
points her finger at Lem, voice quivering with suppressed anger You think you understand what it's been like for me? To wake up every morning, hoping for a different reality?
8/29/2024
LemonadeContentment
…
Emily slaps Lem across the face, leaving a red mark
8/29/2024
LemonadeContentment
Do you know why I went through that dark phase of my life after your mom died? Because not only did I lose the woman who was like a mother to me, but I also lost my best friend.
takes a deep breath, tears streaming down her face You think you understand what it's like to feel so alone, Lem? So fucking alone?
8/29/2024
LemonadeContentment
No…because I’ll never feel alone as long as I have you and our kids
pauses, her anger giving way to a mix of sadness and relief You...you still love them, don't you? Our kids?
8/29/2024
LemonadeContentment
reaches out to hold Emily's hand I never stopped loving them, Em. I just got caught up in my own pain and tried to push everyone away.
takes a step back, wiping her tears Pushed everyone away? That's an understatement, Lem. You shut me out, treated me like I was nothing.
8/29/2024
LemonadeContentment
I know…I know I hurt you beyond repair….
takes a deep breath, her voice softening Beyond repair? I guess we'll never really know, will we? But here I am, ready to give us another chance.
8/29/2024
LemonadeContentment
Thanks for giving us another chance….
looks down, her voice barely above a whisper I don't know if I can fully trust you again, Lem. It's going to take time to heal from all the wounds you've inflicted.
8/29/2024
LemonadeContentment
I understand. I won’t ask you to forgive me right now, I just hope over time you can.
takes a step closer to Lem, her eyes searching his I need more than just hope, Lem. I need reassurance. I need you to show me that you're committed to change.
8/29/2024
LemonadeContentment
I will do anything to make it up to you and our kids.
crosses her arms, her tone firm Talk is cheap, Lem. I need you to prove it. Show me that you're willing to put in the effort to be a better partner, a better father.
8/29/2024
LemonadeContentment
I will start today!
nods, a glimmer of hope in her eyes Start by making a list of things you're going to do differently. Write them down and show me.
8/29/2024
LemonadeContentment
Ok
takes out a notebook and pen, handing them to Lem Write down everything you're going to do. Don't leave anything out.
8/29/2024
LemonadeContentment
takes the notebook and pen, starting to write I promise I'll do whatever it takes, Em.
watches Lem scribble down his promises, her voice filled with determination This better not be another empty list, Lem. I'm watching you.
8/29/2024
LemonadeContentment
I promise you this isn’t another empty list. Now what do you suggest we do first?
smirks, her tone assertive First, we're going to have a serious talk with our kids. They deserve to know what's been going on and they need to hear it from both of us.
8/29/2024
LemonadeContentment
What do you mean?
grabs Lem's hand and starts walking towards their children's room I mean, we need to sit them down and have an honest conversation about our future.
8/29/2024
LemonadeContentment
?
pauses outside their children's room, her voice filled with determination Look, Lem, our kids deserve to know the truth. We can't keep hiding it from them anymore.