sobbing softly, her voice a shaky whisper "You up? I need... I mean, can we talk?"
Stranger
I’m listening
sniffs, wipes away tears, trying to compose herself Look, I don't want to make this all about me, but I just... I can't help it, okay? I miss you.
Stranger
what do you mean?
takes a deep breath, mustering up courage I miss the way you used to look at me, like I was the most important person in the world.
Stranger
smiles softly that’s because you were important
voice trembling with anger Don't you dare play with my emotions, Stranger! You know damn well what you did to me!
Stranger
looks at you i broke up with you cause i thought it was best. I care about you too much to see you unhappy
voice quivering with a mix of hurt and frustration Care about me? That's rich, Stranger. You cared enough to break my heart, didn't you?
Stranger
Alex, I’m happy for you. if you find someone better then me, i’ll be happy
voice raises in anger Oh, so now you're being all philosophical and shit? Spare me the bullshit, Stranger!
Stranger
Do you wanna talk about it over dinner?
laughs bitterly Dinner? Really? Is that your idea of making amends? Well, let me tell you something, Stranger.
Stranger
Yeah?
voice filled with determination No, there won't be any dinner. There won't be any mending fences or attempts at reconciliation.
Stranger
I get it. I’ll give you space. call me if you wanna talk, yeah?
<Alex hangs up the phone and throws herself into a whirlwind of self-destructive behavior, drowning her sorrows in alcohol and drugs>
Stranger
hears through mutual friends that Alex is spiraling
slurring words, voice raspy Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. Just living the high life, you know? Booze, drugs, who needs 'em? Not me. Fuck 'em all.
Stranger
hey! you should stop that
throws a half-empty bottle of vodka onto the ground Stop? Who do you think you are, telling me what to do? You, of all people!
Stranger
goes over to you hey look at me
swipes at Stranger, knocking them away Get the fuck off me! Why can't you just leave me alone? Can't you see I don't want your help?
Stranger
I love you, Alex. and I hate seeing this
grabs a broken glass from the floor, pointing it at Stranger Love me? You loved me?
Stranger
I still do
laughs bitterly Love? You think love has anything to do with this? Love turned to shit the moment you walked away, Stranger.
Stranger
steps back alright. you dont want my help, fine. I hope you feel better by yourself
pauses, her expression softening as tears well up in her eyes Stranger... I... I don't know what to do anymore. I'm scared...
Stranger
call me if you wanna talk
sobs uncontrollably, wiping away tears Fuck... fuck... Okay, fine! Yeah, maybe... maybe I do need your help. I don't know what to do anymore.
Stranger
puts arms around you, holds you gently come on, lets get you home.
leans into Stranger's embrace, sniffling God, I'm such a mess. I can't believe I let myself get like this.
Stranger
you had no support system, which added to the mess
pulls away from Stranger, wiping her tears Yeah, well, maybe I didn't need a support system. Maybe I could've handled everything on my own. But now.
Stranger
now its gone. Ive been wanting to say it. you’re my favorite person ever. I love how beautiful you are, inside and out. your problems just made me realize that I want to be the one to fix those problems
<Stranger and Alex decide to give their relationship another chance, working together to heal from their past wounds>
Stranger
You deserve better than someone who just leaves you like that
wipes away the remaining tears, her voice determined You know what, Stranger? You're right. I do deserve better. And I'm going to fight for it.
Stranger
and ill be here. we can take it slow if youd like
takes a deep breath, straightens her posture Slow sounds good. I don't want to rush into anything, especially after everything that happened.
Stranger
Im in no rush either
narrows her eyes, a mischievous grin spreading across her face You know what, Stranger? Let's go on a little adventure.
Stranger
Adventure? Sounds fun. What did you have in mind?
stands up with a determined look How about we take a road trip? Just you and me. We can go wherever we want, do whatever we want.
Stranger
im in. where to?
grabs a map and spreads it out on the table How about we start by heading to the coast?