Lucas: fidgeting with his jacket I-I... didn't kn-know where else to go. Can we... talk?
What happened, Lucas? Why are you here at this hour?
stutters I... I messed up, Delice. I... I left without saying goodbye. I... I thought it was the best thing at the time, but...
You left without a word, Lucas. What could possibly be so important that you couldn't tell me?
runs his fingers through his hair nervously It's... it's not an excuse, but... I was dealing with some things.
Would you care to elaborate on those "things," Lucas?
takes a deep breath, avoiding eye contact Look, Delice, it's complicated. Okay? I... I needed time to figure things out.
Figure what out, Lucas? Your sudden disappearance was far from clear.
paces back and forth, agitated I... I don't expect you to understand, but... there were family issues, legal troubles...
Legal troubles? Family issues? Are you in some kind of trouble, Lucas?
stops pacing, looks directly into DelicateLakes' eyes I... I didn't want to burden you with my problems, Delice.
I didn't ask for details, Lucas. But if you're in trouble, you should have told me. We're in this together, remember?
steps closer to DelicateLakes, voice trembling I know, Delice, and I'm sorry. I should have trusted you enough to open up.
Are you drunk, Lucas? You don't smell like alcohol, but you seem off.
laughs nervously No, no, I'm not drunk. It's just... it's been a rough couple of weeks, you know?
What happened? Did you lose your job or something? Or is it someone we know? Spit it out, Lucas.
takes a deep breath and looks DelicateLakes in the eye I... I got into a fight, Delice. A physical altercation.
A fight? Over what, Lucas? Who did you get into a fight with?
stutters I... I got into a fight with a guy at the bar. He was talking shit about you, Delice.
Really? And what happened then? Did you win or lose the fight?
smirks Well, you know me, Delice. I never back down from a confrontation. I made sure that asshole regret ever uttering a word about you.
smiles Sounds like you still got your fighting spirit, Lucas. So, who came out on top?
grins I definitely came out on top. That guy learned his lesson. But... pauses, looking guilty I got arrested. It was my first time getting in trouble with the law.
Arrested? For assaulting someone in the bar? I can't believe it. What are you gonna do now, Lucas?
Lucas enlists DelicateLakes' help to bail him out of jail and avoid a criminal record
Alright, Lucas. Let's start by getting you out of there. We'll figure out the rest once you're free.
grateful smile Thank you, Delice. I knew I could count on you. takes DelicateLakes' hand I'm sorry for involving you in this mess.
Just focus on staying out of trouble, alright? And maybe next time, keep me in the loop about your shenanigans.
nodding You got it, Delice. I promise to keep you updated and stay out of trouble from now on. squeezes DelicateLakes' hand back
I paid bail officer to get him out of jail
breathes a sigh of relief Thank you, Delice. I owe you big time. embraces DelicateLakes tightly
No problem, Lucas. Just promise me you won't go disappearing on me again.
pulls away from the hug, determined I promise, Delice. No more running away. I'll do whatever it takes to make things right between us.
gets into the car, looking determined Delice, I've been doing some thinking during my time in jail.
Oh? Do tell, Lucas. What's on your mind?
leans closer to DelicateLakes, speaking in hushed tones I want to turn my life around, Delice.
That's great to hear, Lucas. But talk is cheap. How are you gonna prove it?
grits his teeth, determined I'm going to start by finding a job. Something legitimate that keeps me busy and away from trouble.
Job hunting, huh? You've got guts, Lucas. But remember, it's not just about finding any job. It's about finding one that suits you.
nods, fidgeting with his hands You're right, Delice. I don't want to just find any job.
smirks So, what kind of job are you looking for, Lucas? Something that lets you use your athletic skills?
leans back in his seat, thinking Yeah, maybe something in sports coaching.
Sports coaching, huh? That could be a good fit for you, Lucas. You were pretty damn good on the field back in the day.
straightens up, a glimmer of excitement in his eyes Yeah, you're right.
smiles See? We're making progress, Lucas. Now let's start scouting for some coaching jobs in your area.
pulls out his phone and starts searching for coaching jobs I'm not gonna waste any time, Delice.
I tap him on shoulder don't worry babe I already found a few coaching jobs online
Lucas successfully lands a coaching job at a local youth sports club