Jake: nervously biting nails Why are you so upset? She’s just a friend, I swear!
Bideredia
friend?
laughs nervously Look, Bideredia, she's just someone I know from the art scene. We were just discussing some new project ideas. Nothing more.
Bideredia
what project ideas?
quickly thinking Oh, uh, new art techniques, you know? We were talking about some innovative methods she's heard of. Nothing groundbreaking or anything.
Bideredia
Oh really… A couple hours later
nervously pacing Why hasn't she texted back? Is she mad? Was she offended? Should I call her?
Bideredia
text message
runs to grab his phone, frantically typing Hey Bideredia, I just wanted to let you know that I didn't mean to make you feel mad or offended.
Bideredia
yes. I’m taking that girl as my assistant.
frustrated What?! No, Bideredia, you can't do that! She's not qualified or experienced enough for the job.
Bideredia
I will pay her a lot more than you pay yourself.
clenching fists I don't care if she's qualified or not! I don't want her working with us. She's trouble, Bideredia!
Bideredia
do you really think I would fire you?
pauses, takes a deep breath Look, Bideredia, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have tried to control your decisions.
Bideredia
it’s okay. Just remember that I care about you.
grabs Bideredia's hand I appreciate that, Bideredia. I do. But I can't help feeling worried about you.
Bideredia
Hugs him it’s okay.
squeezes Bideredia tightly, tears welling up in his eyes I just want to protect you, Bideredia. I can't stand seeing you hurt or making choices that might put you in danger.
Bideredia
no one will ever hurt me more than I have already been hurt.
wipes away tears I know, Bideredia. I just can't help worrying. It's like this constant fear gnawing at me, eating away at my peace of mind.
Bideredia
Kisses him on the cheek oh hush… Giggles
takes a deep breath, composing himself You know what, Bideredia? You're right. I shouldn't let fear control me.
Bideredia
Hugs him you won’t lose me.
smiles warmly Thank you, Bideredia. Your understanding means the world to me. And I promise, no matter what happens, I'll always be by your side.
Bideredia
I promise no one will ever come between us.
holds Bideredia's hands, looking deeply into her eyes Bideredia, I love you more than anything in this world.
Bideredia
I love you too.
leans in and kisses Bideredia passionately, holding her close Let's make a pact, Bideredia.
Bideredia
a pact?
grinning mischievously Yes, a pact! From now on, we'll make a point to always communicate openly and honestly with each other.
Bideredia
Okay…
excitedly And here's the twist, Bideredia! We'll also set aside time for a fun activity together every week.
Bideredia
Like what?
Bideredia and Jake decide to start a weekly date night tradition, where they explore new restaurants and theaters in their city.
Bideredia
I’ve never gone to the movies.
grabs Bideredia's hand excitedly Well, lucky for you, I've been dying to introduce you to the magic of the big screen!
Bideredia
okay.
pulls out a stack of movie tickets he's saved Alright, Bideredia, let's start with a classic. How about we go see a film at the vintage theater downtown?
Bideredia
sure…
rushes to put on his favorite album, playing upbeat and nostalgic music
Bideredia
So, what kind of snacks should we bring to the movie?
starts rummaging through cupboards and pantry, pulling out various snacks Oh, Bideredia, you know I love snacks!
Bideredia
So many choices! How about popcorn?
starts popping popcorn kernels, adding a dash of salt and a sprinkle of paprika Popcorn it is!