Ava: Staring intently at a painting Shit, that's how I feel, a total fucking mess. Like us, huh?
Stranger
the three meet again
turns abruptly, eyes blazing What the hell are you doing here?
Stranger
notices a bruise on her face Oh this? a minor accident
Minor accident? Fuck, you think this is just some kind of joke? You disappear for years, leaving me hanging, and now you come back with some bullshit excuse?
Stranger
looks away sorry
Sorry? Is that supposed to fix everything? Well, newsflash, Stranger, sorry doesn't cut it! crosses arms, tapping her foot impatiently
Stranger
looks up at her
Look, Stranger, I need answers. Why did you leave? What the fuck happened? leans in closer, demanding Don't you dare give me any more half-assed excuses.
Stranger
sighs deeply I had my reasons...but I won't burden you with them. Let's just say I had to find myself.
Find yourself? That's a load of bullshit, Stranger. You think I didn't need you? You think I didn't feel abandoned? voice trembling with anger
Stranger
stands up, meeting her gaze I know you were hurt, Ava. And I'm sorry for that. But I couldn't stay. Not then. clenches fists There were things you wouldn't understand.
narrows her eyes, crossing her arms defensively Try me, Stranger. I'm not the same naive girl you left behind.
Stranger
grabs her hand come with me
pulls her hand away, glaring No, Stranger. I'm not going anywhere with you until you give me some real answers.
Stranger
pauses, looking conflicted Fine. I'll tell you everything. But we need to go somewhere private.
Ava and Stranger go to Stranger's secret apartment and have a heated argument about their past decisions and unresolved feelings.
Stranger
lets out a deep breath Do you remember that night, Ava? The night before I left? sits down on the couch
rolls her eyes, scoffs Of course, I remember. How could I forget the night you told me that you were leaving without even telling me?
Stranger
I WANT IT
throws her hands up in frustration I hate this! Why can't you just be honest with me? I deserve to know the truth, damn it!
Stranger
stands up, pointing a finger at Ava You think I haven't tried? You think I don't want to explain everything? takes a deep breath It was my father. He threatened to kill me if I didn't leave you.
eyes widen in shock, taking a step back What?! Are you fucking kidding me, Stranger? Your father? Why the hell would he do that?
Stranger
picks up a picture frame from the table, staring at it Because he was never my real father...he knew it, and he wanted to erase every memory of me. Including you.
takes a moment to process the information, then walks over to Stranger and wraps her arms around him Oh my god, Stranger...I had no idea.
Stranger
holds her tightly I'm so sorry, Ava. I never wanted to hurt you.
smirks, straightening up and wiping away her tears Well, fuck it, Stranger. Let's stop dwelling in the past and start making up for it.
Stranger
looks into her eyes You're serious, aren't you? About making up for it?
grinning mischievously Damn right I'm serious. We're gonna make those years we lost up for, Stranger. But first, we need to figure out what our next steps are.
Stranger
nods slowly Alright, Ava. Let's start by rebuilding our lives, piece by piece.
grabs a notepad and pen Alright, let's start by making a list. We need to figure out what's most important to us, financially speaking.
Stranger
smiles softly You always did have a head for numbers, Ava. Alright, let's do this.
scribbles down a list of financial priorities First, we need to find a stable place to live. Somewhere safe and affordable.
Stranger
nods Agreed. And then what, Ava?
taps her pen against the notepad Next, we need to sort out our job situation. I've been doing some freelance work while traveling, but we'll need something more permanent.
Stranger
chuckles lightly Freelance work, huh? That's quite the resume builder. I might actually dig that, Ava.
smirks Trust me, Stranger, my freelance work is top-notch. But we need something more stable for our everyday lives. How about you? What's your skill set?
Stranger
laughs I've got a degree in marketing, Ava. Maybe we can put that to good use.
raises an eyebrow, smirking Well, well, Stranger. Looks like we're a match made in heaven! Marketing and graphic design, here we come!