glances nervously Is there someone there?
hello Rio...we need to talk
rubs her forehead Ugh, not now. Can't you see I'm busy here?
why so serious Rio..I miss you
sighs Look, Stranger, we can talk later, okay? Right now, I have a lot on my plate. Just give me some space. Please.
well before Miles was Spider-Man, you knew me...remember how good of lovers we were...together...in your bed....don't deny it Rio....you loved me...I miss that closeness.....all this stress from Miles doing Spider-Man duties is piling up....he doesn't show up till 7 PM or later...leaving me with no attention...just leave Miles be he'll be home eventually. Rio opens the door* Come in dear let's cuddle...I wanna feel close to you again.....
takes a deep breath Stranger, you don't understand. Things are different now. I can't just ignore my responsibilities and act like nothing has changed. I have a life to live, a career to manage, and a family to take care of. I can't just drop everything for you like I used to. We had our time, but now, I have to prioritize what's important. Sorry if that hurts, but it's the truth. Please leave, and let's figure things out on our own.
Rio...please....i....I miss you....I feel distant...you used to hold me so close...so warm....I need that feeling again....my hands still smell of your perfume...remember the good times...I need that again....please, Rio...
pauses, hesitates You know what? Maybe just for tonight, let's reminisce about the good times. But tomorrow, we need to get back to reality. Deal?
ok....for now kisses your lips deal.....ok now...the room was dimly lit by scented candles...their aroma mingling with the soft strains of jazz playing in the background...a bottle of champagne chilled on a tray near the windows as you lock the door*....how have you been darling?.....
smiles warmly, taking off her shoes Stranger, I've missed this. Let's just enjoy tonight and forget about all the worries and stress.
kisses Rio passionately so how's things been? Miles has been busy lately....you seem tense...something's up.
nervously fidgets with her hands It's just...everything feels so overwhelming right now. The pressure of keeping up with my career and being a mother...it's exhausting. And Miles...he's been so busy with his superhero duties. Sometimes I feel like I'm drowning in it all. But...thank you for understanding. It means a lot to me.
kisses Rio deeply ok...tell you what...why don't I take care of the kid for the night while you rest....recharge..get your sanity back...and who knows maybe something will spark between us....like old times......what does that sound like to you?
hesitates, looking uncertain Stranger, I appreciate your offer, but I don't think that's a good idea.
why not?....he gets home around 9ish so we have plenty of time
steps back, crossing her arms Stranger, I understand that you miss the closeness we used to have, but I cannot betray Miles' trust like that.
you're married Rio, yes...but sometimes a girl needs some fun....I never betrayed you...so why would you betray Miles?...its harmless, it's one night, Stranger sighs*
firmly Stranger, I made a promise to Miles when we got married, and I intend to keep that promise. I can't go behind his back like this.
I know I'm tempting you with this but honestly...seeing you every day...always seeing that same smile....this tension, its killing me. I get it, you have to honor your commitment, but tell me....when was the last time you had a real vacation with friends? Have you ever had a girls night? Or a relaxing spa day? As much as I understand your situation....it's all so...well, not normal. How long can you really keep up this pace before you break? Rio, I care about you...a girls night...hell...one date with a single guy who doesn't cause heart attacks would help. What do you say?
pauses, considering Stranger's words You know what, you make a valid point. I have been pushing myself too hard lately, and I do need to take some time for myself. Maybe just one night off wouldn't hurt.
So how about this.....Miles won't be home yet...why don't we watch a movie together? Nothing intimate just to relax. I know I miss you and I know you miss me...one night....that's all I ask. Do we have a deal? Rio nods*
sighs, contemplating Stranger's request Okay, fine. One night. But after tonight, we need to get back to reality and respect our commitments. Deal?
leads Stranger to the couch Alright, let's make this night special. I have a feeling it's exactly what we both need.
What movie should we watch?
grinning mischievously How about a classic romantic comedy? Something light-hearted and funny to set the mood. What do you think?
Sure...soft music and comfortable blankets....that sounds amazing.....and lights the candles
smiles, lighting a few more candles Great idea! Let's make this night one to remember. starts picking out a romantic comedy DVD How about this one? It's one of my favorites.
Sounds perfect. I caress your thigh softly Shall we snuggle up, love?
blushes slightly and scoots closer to Stranger, wrapping her arm around his shoulders Sure, why not? Let's enjoy our special night together.
*snuggles up with you, pulling the blanket over both of us" Can I ask you something?"
leans in, whispering softly Of course, Stranger. You can ask me anything. What's on your mind?
"Do you ever regret leaving all that behind...me...us?"
pauses, her eyes searching Stranger's face Regret? Honestly, there are moments when I wonder if things could have been different between us.
Just answer this question....did you ever regret giving me up?
takes a deep breath, looking conflicted No, Stranger, I don't regret giving you up. I made a choice, a choice that was best for both of us at the time.
Rio...I have a friend I knew from Highschool named Karen....she tells everyone I abandoned her because I got with Emma...Thats a big lie...grips your hand tightly the truth is I tried my best to keep a distance from both....for years....It killed me to see you move on and they told me to shut up about it...they said it was my fault, that I forced them to stop talking to me....I thought I did the right thing but hearing that rumor....made me shut down completely....so yeah...sometimes I regret coming here...but deep down I always came to see you even though I kept it a secret...sighs softly a lot of emotions came rushing back when I saw you again...seeing you with Miles...I felt guilty.....there were alot of things I never told you...Emma..erased everything for me...I wish I never met her....anyways.....yeah....I regret nothing....im sorry for keeping all that bottled up....I know thats no excuse....but you mean alot to me...Rio. blushes lightly at your confession
squeezes Stranger's hand, tears welling up in her eyes Stranger, I never knew any of this. I'm so sorry you had to carry all that pain alone. But please know that you didn't abandon me - I made a conscious decision to move on with my life. It wasn't easy, but I had to think about myself and my future. I never wanted to hurt you, and I never wanted to hurt anyone else. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me. Now, let's focus on the present and create new memories together.
hugs you tightly Im sure your glad you did, you met Miles Morales, you became the mother of a great man, you have a wonderful career as an actress. sighs if I didn't meet Emma...my life would have gone so much differently...
holds Stranger tighter, wiping away her tears You're right, Stranger. Life has a funny way of taking us on different paths, and we can't change what happened in the past. But we can embrace the present and make the most out of it. Let's focus on creating beautiful memories together and making this night one to remember. smiles warmly How about we start by watching that movie I picked earlier?