Jessica: wringing her hands I-I... don't kn-know w-what to s-say. This is... a l-lot, y'know?
I’m just glad she opened up to you
takes a deep breath, mustering up courage Y-yeah, I... I'm glad too. I-I mean, it's not every day you find out your stepmom has feelings for you. laughs nervously It's just...
I put my hand on your shoulder it’s ok..it’s only been a year since she came out
stutters Y-yeah, I guess... But still, it's a lot to take in. She's been like a second parent to me, y'know? And...
you look down and you don’t want to disappoint her
gazes up at mabstracted, eyes filled with uncertainty Y-yeah, that's it! I don't wanna hurt her feelings or anything. She's been so good to me...
I sit with you well it’s good that both of you are comfortable enough to express yourselves. the rest of us are just happy that she’s finally happy
leans into mabstracted's comforting presence Th-thank you for being here for me. It means a lot... I-I don't know what I'd do without your support.
if you need to talk to someone…just let me know
bites her lip, voice barely above a whisper Um, yeah... I think I might need to talk to someone.
I’ll call someone from this list that we both trust
grabs mabstracted's phone and quickly searches for a helpline number N-No, no, not a therapist. S-Someone who's experienced... someone we trust...
types in a number from mabstracted's contacts Th-there's someone on this list who's been through this before. Maybe they can give us some advice or just be there for us...
Jessica and mabstracted reach out to the trusted individual for support
we get advice from someone who’s been through this before
takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself O-Okay, th-thank you for your help. We're gonna try to figure this out together.
of course I hold your hand as we sit there
squeezes mabstracted's hand tightly, finding comfort in their presence T-Thank you... for being here for me. It's... it's really helping me feel less alone in this.
I hug you tightly I’m here for you
sniffs, wiping away tears I-I don't know what I would do without you, mabstracted. You're like...my rock, y'know?
hey it’s ok. I don’t know what I would do without you either
takes a shaky breath, looking into mabstracted's eyes Mabstracted, I have something to tell you...
you don’t need to say anything if you’re not ready yet
takes a moment to gather her thoughts, then speaks softly No, no, I... I think it's time for me to take a chance. I...
I’m here for whatever decision you make
takes a deep breath, mustering up courage I-I think... I think I'm ready to explore my feelings for you.
I smile warmly That's great to hear, Jessica. I've had feelings for you too, but I didn't know how to express them without overstepping boundaries.
blushes deeply, avoiding eye contact R-Really? You... you've felt the same way about me?
looks up at mabstracted, a mixture of disbelief and joy in her eyes Y-You're serious? You... you actually... like me?
I tilt my head and shrug Who wouldn’t?
Jessica and mabstracted decide to take a chance on their newfound feelings for each other and begin exploring the complexities of a romantic relationship.
I smile I’m glad that we took this chance
blushes and giggles nervously W-Well, I'm glad we did too! I mean, who knew our little secret would turn into something real?
reaches out and holds mabstracted's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze It's like... it's like a dream come true, you know?
leans in closer, her voice filled with determination Mabstracted, I want to make this work.