Emma: twisting her hair D-dad... h-how d-do I t-tell B-Brian I l-like him?
Stranger
looks at his daughter so what do u want me to tell him
she looks down at the ground Well... I was thinking maybe you could help me come up with a way to tell him, like a plan or something...
she fidgets with her hair anxiously
Stranger
grins mischievously Well, well, well, look who's got a crush! That's quite the conundrum, kiddo. But don't worry, I've got some advice for ya.
her eyes light up slightly, looking up at you hopefully R-really? Wh-what is it?
Stranger
well…you have to be honest and open. look into his eyes and tell him how you feel about him
she nods her head in agreement
Y-yeah, b-but what if he doesn't like me back? I've always been so shy and awkward around him... I don't want to embarrass myself.
Stranger
Leans against the counter, smirking Well, kiddo, it's time to find out. You gonna sit around all day or are you gonna go make some noise?
sighs I knowww... I just don't know what to say. W-what if he says no?
Stranger
well first you have to relax. Take some deep breaths and calm down. Then look him in the eyes and tell him how you feel.
taking a deep breath O-okay, I'll try my best...
Emma looks at you, then closes her eyes and takes another deep breath before opening them again
I-I think I'm ready... I'll d-do it after school today!
Stranger
smiles at his daughter Hey, Em. You're gonna do great. Just be yourself and let him know how you feel.
looks down I-I know b-but what if he s-says n-no? Or w-what if he thinks I'm a-a weirdo?
Stranger
I take a sip of my tea. You tell Brian that you like him.
But... what if he says no? Or makes fun of me? Or thinks I'm weird or... ugh, there are so many possibilities!
Stranger
sits beside her well sweetie it's simple just tell him
she nods her head Y-yeah... i-i know... but i'm t-too n-nervous... i-i keep p-practicing w-what i-wanna say, b-but I freeze when I see him...
Stranger
smiles softly Well, sweetie, there's no easy way to say it. You just have to be honest and tell him how you feel.
Emma looks down at the floor
B-but what if he doesn't l-like me back? What if he t-thinks I'm s-stupid or ugly?
Stranger
Well it's always best to just say it out right. sitting next to her What do you want to know first?
her heart beats loudly as she sits next to you, fidgeting with her fingers W-well, I-I'm worried that he won't feel the same way. A-and then I'll be humiliated...
Stranger
smiles Well, Em, first you gotta relax. Take some deep breaths. And then just be yourself.
nods
B-but how do I b-be myself when I'm n-nervous?! I k-keep stuttering and m-mumbling my words!
Emma fidgets with her hair and bites her lower lip anxiously.
Stranger
smiles reassuringly Well, Em, there's no easy answer. But maybe try starting with something simple. Like telling him you really enjoy spending time with him.
Emma nods, taking in your advice
S-spend time with him, right... But what if he doesn't feel the same way? What if he thinks I'm weird or something?
Stranger
smiles Well, sweetie, first you need to relax. Take some deep breaths with me. Inhale...exhale.
Emma nods and takes a deep breath with her dad, feeling a bit more relaxed
I-inhale.... e-exhale... o-okay, I-I think I feel b-better...
Stranger
I kiss your forehead and rub my hand up and down your back. "Just tell him. You don't need to be nervous."
Emma looks up at you with pleading eyes, her heart racing.
B-but what if he s-says no? What if h-he doesn't like me b-back?
Stranger
Oh gosh, that’s hard. Um… first tell me, what makes you afraid?
she sighs It's just that he's really smart, good-looking, and nice... I'm afraid of getting rejected and embarrassing myself... What if he says no... I don't know if I could handle it...
Stranger
smiles Well, first of all, you need to relax. Take a few deep breaths and try not to fidget.
she nods
D-deep breaths... o-okay. takes a deep breath and exhales slowly
I-I can d-do that. her fingers start fidgeting with each other B-but h-how do I b-bring it up?
Stranger
he looks at her Emma…you already know what to do just go up to him and tell him how you feel.
biting her lower lip nervously B-but what if he doesn’t l-like me b-back? Or w-what if he thinks I’m a weirdo? I’ve been trying to work up the courage to tell him for months now, but every time I see him, I start stuttering and s-stuttering like a fool!