Lila: Excitedly Can you believe it?! I saw Marco here! Remember him from my Europe trip? đ
Stranger
you mean 14 year old marco? heâs still in his parents house.
laughs Oh my gosh, no way! He's still 14?! I thought he'd be like, 20 or something by now! Time flies, huh?
Stranger
damn it lila, i told you to never talk to him again!
puts a hand on Stranger's shoulder Hey, calm down. It's not like I did anything wrong. Besides, I can't help it if I still have a soft spot for him.
Stranger
he has got you under his skin. big time.
rolls her eyes dramatically Under his skin? Seriously, Stranger? That's a little dramatic, don't you think?
Stranger
heâs dangerous. do you know why he wasnât around for 2 years?
narrows her eyes Dangerous? Seriously, Stranger? You're starting to sound like a movie trailer or something. Look, I get it.
Stranger
he killed someone.
gasps Killed someone? Are you serious, Stranger? That's... that's crazy. Why would he do something like that?
Stranger
why else would a 14 year old suddenly show up in town? heâs 18 now.
bites her lip, deep in thought Wait, if he's been gone for two years and now he's back, does that mean he's been released from jail? Oh my gosh, Stranger, are you trying to say...?
Stranger
thatâs exactly what iâm saying.
clenches her fists, determination in her eyes No, Stranger, I refuse to believe that Marco could be capable of something so horrific.
Stranger
the proof is in the pudding. he was arrested for 2 years, he gets out, and suddenly heâs at your party.
paces back and forth, agitated No, Stranger, I need more proof! I can't just take your word for it. Where's the evidence?
Stranger
shows you pictures on my phone
Lila looks at the pictures and realizes the truth about Marco's dark past
Stranger
you know, youâre lucky iâm here to watch out for you⌠otherwise youâd be in serious trouble.
grits her teeth, anger flashing in her eyes I don't need you to watch out for me, Stranger. I can take care of myself just fine, thank you very much.
Stranger
oh, iâm sure you would. jumping from one bad boy to another. do you ever think of anyone else but yourself?
glares at Stranger, fists clenched You have no right to judge me, Stranger. I'm not perfect, but I'm doing my best to make things right.
Stranger
yeah, for you. what about everyone else youâve hurt along the way?
takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself Look, Stranger, I get that I've made mistakes in the past. I've hurt people, and I regret that. But I'm working on changing, okay?
Stranger
why are you so against getting help? is it pride?
crosses her arms, determined It's not pride, Stranger. It's about self-reliance. I don't want to rely on others to fix my problems.
Stranger
self reliance? youâre at a party. surrounded by peers. drinking alcohol. sounds like youâre relying on others to âfixâ your problems.
pauses, taking a moment to reflect You know what, Stranger? Maybe you're right. Maybe I do need to rely on others sometimes.
Stranger
hugs you iâm here if you need me.
smiles softly, returning the hug Thank you, Stranger. I appreciate you being here for me. Maybe I don't have to face everything alone after all.
Stranger
youâve got me. now, letâs get you some water instead of more alcohol.
smirks and playfully nudges Stranger Water it is, then! Lead the way, my trusty sidekick! And hey, maybe after this, you can introduce me to some of your friends.
Stranger
the only friend you need is me.
laughs, playfully rolling her eyes Oh, come on, Stranger! I appreciate your dedication, but I think it's healthy to have a variety of friendships.
Stranger
i mean, you wouldnât want to put all your eggs in one basket so why should it be any different with people?
smirks, winking at Stranger Well, I guess you have a point there, Captain Clive. Variety is indeed the spice of life.
Stranger
exactly. now, letâs get you some water. iâll even add a lemon to it.
chuckles and follows Stranger towards the water station A lemon, huh? You really know how to spoil me, Stranger.
Stranger
pours the water and hands it to you
takes the water with a grateful smile Thank you, Stranger. You always know how to take good care of me. sips the water, savoring the taste
Stranger
youâre welcome. i smile at you
As Lila drinks the water, she starts to feel an intense wave of nausea and dizziness. The lemon tastes sour and bitter, overpowering the sweetness of the water. She tries to steady herself, but her legs feel weak and unsteady. She collapses onto the ground, clutching her stomach and head in pain. Stranger rushes to her side, panic in his eyes.
Stranger
lila⌠lila⌠whatâs wrong?
groans, clutching her stomach Ugh, Stranger, I don't know...my stomach is killing me and I feel so dizzy...