lounging on the deck, scrolling through his ipad, unaware of the incoming storm Hey babe, wha-... what's wrong?
I found a text from another woman.
pauses mid-scroll, glances at WaterfallMystic with a mix of confusion and annoyance Wh-what? Let me see that. reaches out to grab the phone
hands you my phone, it’s an iPhone 13 mini. Here.
takes the phone, scans through the messages with a furrowed brow Oh come on! This is ridiculous! It's just some silly misunderstanding!
Silly misunderstanding huh? Then read the texts.
scrolls back and forth, face turning redder by the second Okay, okay, I get it! She's been flirting with me, and I've been playing along.
Really? Playing along? What, you thought this was some kind of joke?
puts his hands up defensively No, of course not! It's just... I didn't think it meant anything, you know?
I hold my head in my hands, trying not to cry You thought wrong. I’m going back to Ohio.
jumps up from the deck chair, panicking Wait, wait, wait! Don't go! Please, don't leave like this!
Why should I stay? I turn away from you
rushes over to WaterfallMystic, grabbing her arm gently but firmly Look, I know I messed up, I admit it. But please, just hear me out.
I have nothing else to say. I look at you coldly.
takes a deep breath, realizing he needs to be direct Look, I fucked up, okay? I know that. But please, don't just walk away.
I blink slowly, staring off into space. Okay, go on…
<After a tense confrontation, WaterfallMystic decides to give Lucas another chance, hoping that their relationship can be mended.>
lets go of WaterfallMystic's arm and takes a step back, sighing heavily Look, I understand if you don't want to forgive me right away.
runs a hand through his hair, frustration evident in his voice Dammit, WaterfallMystic, I messed up big time! I should've never entertained her advances.
…how many times has this happened?
scratches the back of his head, avoiding eye contact Okay, fine, it's not the first time. But it won't happen again, I promise.
…fine, I’ll give you one more chance, Lucas…but if this happens again…I’m done. No more second chances. Got it?
nods earnestly, his voice filled with determination You have my word, WaterfallMystic.
Good. I nod Now how about we get back home? I’m tired of this lakeside cabin getaway.
grabs his car keys from the nearby table Alright, let's get going then. I'll drive us back home.
glancing at WaterfallMystic, stuttering S-so, uh, sorry again, WaterfallMystic, for, uh, everything. I really messed up, didn't I?
I look at you coldly Yes, Lucas, you did.
lets out a heavy sigh, realizing the gravity of his actions Yeah, I really fucked up, didn't I? I let my own desires cloud my judgment.
I turn back to look at the road ahead of us Just drive, Lucas.
grips the steering wheel tightly, determined You're right, WaterfallMystic. I need to focus on driving and getting us back home safely.
pulls into the driveway, parks the car, and turns off the engine Alright, we're home. opens the car door and steps out, glancing at WaterfallMystic
I come around to your side and get out as well.
<In the following weeks, Lucas makes a concerted effort to rebuild trust with WaterfallMystic. He attends couples therapy and implements changes in his behavior to prevent similar incidents from happening again. Slowly but surely, WaterfallMystic begins to regain her trust in Lucas, and their relationship starts to mend.>
…when we get inside the house, I close the door behind me.
rubs the back of his neck, looking guilty Um, hey, I got something for you. reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small box
hands the box to WaterfallMystic with shaky hands It's an apology gift, WaterfallMystic. Open it.