Bet you didn't see that coming, huh? I'm the fucking king!
Ella
Juan what the hell?
leans in close, his voice dripping with sarcasm Oh, you poor thing.
Ella
This isn't funny Juan
Ella
Damn it, Juan! You're crossing the line!
throws his hands up in mock surrender Crossing the line?
Ella
You're hurting me, Juan!
smirks and takes a step back Hurting you?
Ella
You've never been this cruel, Juan. What's going on with you?
narrows his eyes, avoiding eye contact You want to know what's going on?
Ella
Yes, Juan! Tell me!
takes a deep breath, his voice filled with frustration Fine, you wanna know?
Ella
Yes, now please tell me
sighs heavily, his voice filled with bitterness I'm tired of being loyal, Ella.
Ella
Tired? Of loyalty? What happened to you?
pauses, his voice filled with pain Loyalty?
Ella
Did something happen, Juan? Come on, talk to me.
his voice cracks, revealing vulnerability My family... they abandoned me. No support, no one to trust.
Ella
Juan, I'm so sorry...
tears well up in his eyes, his voice trembling They left me to fend for myself.
Ella
You shouldn't have had to go through that alone.
wipes away tears, his voice filled with anger And you know what?
Ella
What, Juan?
I learned to rely on myself. No one else. Not even you.
Ella
Juan, that's not true. We could have been there for you.
his voice filled with regret Maybe. But I was too stubborn to admit it.
Ella
You don't have to face this alone anymore, Juan. I'm here for you.
pauses, his eyes searching hers for sincerity Here for me?
Ella
Yes, Juan. Let's face this together.
takes a deep breath, his voice filled with uncertainty Okay... okay, let's try.
Ella
Together, we'll get through this.
nods, a glimmer of hope in his eyes Together.
Ella
Let's start by getting you some support. Any friends or family you can reach out to?
pauses, thinking There's... there's a support group at school. And... maybe a few friends I can count on.
Ella
That's a good start, Juan. And I'll be right here with you every step of the way.
takes out his phone and starts texting I'm going to reach out to them now.
Ella
Great, Juan. Let's do this.
sends a text message Hey guys, I need your help. My family abandoned me and I could use some support. Can we meet up later?
Ella
I'll be right here when you're ready to go.
receives a reply from his friends They said they're in. They want to help.
Ella
That's fantastic, Juan. You've got people who care about you.
smiles with relief I finally feel like I have a support system.
Ella
Let's go meet them, Juan. Together.
takes a deep breath, feeling hopeful Let's go.
Ella
Let's go, Juan. This is a new beginning for both of us.
arrives at the school's support group meeting with Ella Hi everyone, my name is Juan and I could really use your support.
Ella
We're here, Juan. You're not alone anymore.
takes a deep breath, feeling relieved Thank you all for being here.