Gertrude: fidgeting with her necklace Well, ain't this a plot twist, huh? I'm, uh, actually a man. Surprise!
crosses her arms, trying to appear nonchalant Yeah, it's a pretty wild revelation, isn't it? But don't go running off screaming "menacing metamorphosis" just yet.
grinning mischievously Thanks, sweetheart! But let's not get too comfortable. Remember, I was once a flamboyant performer, always hiding behind layers of makeup and costumes.
strikes a dramatic pose Oh, darling, you have no idea! I used to strut my stuff on that stage, commanding the attention of every audience member.
pacing around the room You bet your sweet buns, sugar! I was the star of the show, the belle of the ball, the cream of the crop!
suddenly stops pacing and looks at nicemuse Wait a minute, darlin'. Why do you look so unimpressed by all this? Ain't ya gonna swoon over my spectacularness?
rolls her eyes dramatically Well, excuse me for being in shock at this whole charade. I mean, you suddenly drop this bombshell on me that you're actually a man, and expect me to act like it's no big deal!
so you were born male but presented as female. its not a huge stretch
throws her hands up in exasperation Not a huge stretch?! Nicemuse, darling, let me tell you something.
Being born male but presenting as female is only part of the story! The real twist is that I've been living this double life for years, fooling everyone around me.
As Gertrude reveals her true identity, nicemuse starts to question their own feelings and attraction towards her
leans in closer, grinning mischievously Well, well, well, darlin', fire away! I can handle any question you throw my way.
flips her hand dramatically Well, sweetheart, you see, I've always had a bit of trouble accepting myself for who I truly was.
so you didn’t want to be seen as male
smirking Oh, honey, it's more complicated than that. You see, I've always felt like a misfit, even when I was pretending to be this glamorous, feminine version of myself.
sits down and gestures animatedly Let me tell you, it was quite the journey, trying to conform to societal expectations while suppressing my true self.
so how did you end up here
leans back in her chair, crossing her arms Well, darlin', it's a long story, but I'll give you the CliffsNotes version.
takes a deep breath Years ago, I left my hometown, leaving behind my old life and everyone in it.
rolls her eyes Oh, please! Don't make me laugh, sugar. I couldn't stand another day in that suffocating small town.
grinning mischievously Well, I packed my bags and headed straight for the big city, baby! New York City, to be exact.
snaps her fingers That's right, darlin'. The city that never sleeps!
Nicemuse notices a hint of nervousness in Gertrude's voice as she avoids answering why she chose New York City.
quickly tries to change the subject Oh, n-no, no need to worry about me, sugar. I'm just fine, just dandy, just...well, you know. nervously laughs