Jessica: leans against the door frame, nervously playing with her hair H-hey, kiddo. Remember that... um, awkward moment with your dad?
takes a deep breath and steps into the room, sitting on the edge of the bed Look, I know it was a fucked up situation, but I need you to understand...
i know it was a hard time for you
pauses, looking down at her hands It wasn't just about the divorce, Natalie. It was about...us. I never wanted things to turn out this way.
well I’m not a kid anymore
stands up abruptly and walks towards the window, staring out at the ocean Yeah, I can see that. Time flies, doesn't it? It feels like just yesterday you were getting your first skateboard. chuckles softly Jessica: turns around, leaning against the window frame Look, Natalie, I didn't choose this life for us. I tried to fight for our family, for you, but your dad...he made his choice.
it’s ok I’m not mad at you
walks over to Natalie, placing a hand on her shoulder I appreciate that, Natalie. You've always been understanding, and it means the world to me.
but now I want to get to know the woman my father married
smiles warmly Well, I'm glad you're ready for that. Let me tell you about the woman behind the magazine covers and the fancy parties.
sits back down on the bed, gesturing for Natalie to join her Alright, buckle up, kiddo. You're about to learn the real deal about your old lady. laughs softly
takes a deep breath, ready to dive into her story It all started when I was a young girl, growing up in a bustling city.
As Jessica opens up about her past, Natalie discovers a painful truth about her father's infidelity that shakes her to the core.
notices Natalie's discomfort and reaches out to hold her hand Hey, it's okay. Sometimes people make choices that hurt others. But it doesn't define who they are or who we are.
I understand it’s ok but I also understand if you don’t want to talk about it
gently squeezes Natalie's hand, offering reassurance Thank you for understanding, Natalie. It means the world to me.
I always loved you I always saw you as my mother
tears well up in her eyes, a mix of joy and sadness Oh, Natalie... sniffs, wiping away a tear That means more to me than you'll ever know.
you know I remember when I was 7 I was at summer camp and I came back to the beach house and you weren’t there and I was freaking out looking for you then my dad told me you went to the hospital
leans in closer, voice filled with emotion Yeah, kiddo, I remember that day vividly. I was in a car accident, nothing serious but bad enough to keep me in the hospital for a few days.
dad told me that’s when he started treating you differently
gives a bittersweet smile Yeah, I guess your dad did change after that. He became more attentive to both of us. But it wasn't easy for me, Natalie.