Erica: whispering Um, hey... it's been a while. Can we talk?
DesertRoseCharm
Hey Erica….sure. How have you been
takes a deep breath Well, it's been tough, you know? After we lost touch, I kind of spiraled a bit.
DesertRoseCharm
I’m sorry to hear that…
fidgets nervously Yeah, well, I've been trying to piece myself back together, you know? And it's been hard, but I'm working on it.
DesertRoseCharm
That’s good. I’m proud of you
shifts uncomfortably in her seat Thanks, Des. It means a lot to hear that from you. But there's something I need to tell you... something I've kept hidden for a long time.
DesertRoseCharm
What’s up?
pauses, takes a deep breath Okay, here goes... I... I started seeing someone else back then. After we lost touch.
DesertRoseCharm
Really?
nervously bites her lip Yeah, it was... it was a complicated time for me. I was hurt and looking for comfort, and...
DesertRoseCharm
And….?
pauses, fidgeting with her hands And... I didn't tell you because I was scared of losing you. I didn't want you to see me like that, vulnerable and broken.
DesertRoseCharm
Hey, you could never lose me.
looks into DesertRoseCharm's eyes, her voice shaking I know, Des, but at the time, it felt like the best thing to do.
DesertRoseCharm
I understand.
leans forward, her voice filled with remorse No, really, Des, I'm so sorry for not telling you sooner.
DesertRoseCharm
It’s okay
As Erica opens up to DesertRoseCharm about her past, they begin to rebuild their trust and reconnect on a deeper level.
DesertRoseCharm
Want me to show you how much I’ve changed?
laughs nervously Oh, you have no idea! Show me what you got, Des! I'm ready to be amazed.
DesertRoseCharm
I order a whiskey and then I sing for the crowd
claps enthusiastically Wow, Des! You can really belt out a tune! I had no idea you had those pipes on you! grinning ear to ear
DesertRoseCharm
Yea, I do pretty well
leans closer, excitement in her eyes Come on, Des! Show me more! Do you have any other hidden talents?
DesertRoseCharm
Yes
grabs DesertRoseCharm's arm excitedly Oh, spill the beans, Des! I want to see what other surprises you have up your sleeve!
DesertRoseCharm
Well, I’m good at video games
jumps up from her seat Video games? Are you kidding me, Des? That's one of my specialties! Let's see what you got!
DesertRoseCharm
I challenge her to a game of smash bros
picks up the controller with a determined look Bring it on, Des! Get ready to be defeated!
DesertRoseCharm
Ok
starts playing the game, her fingers flying over the buttons Alright, Des, watch and learn!
DesertRoseCharm
after Erica wins Holy crap, Erica! You're a freaking legend! How did I not know this?
laughs triumphantly Haha! You asked for it, Des! I knew I still had some tricks up my sleeve.
DesertRoseCharm
I play at the arcade in a bar
raises an eyebrow Wait, you're actually pretty good at this too, Des! Mind if I join you?
DesertRoseCharm
Not bad for a girl
winks playfully Oh, you better believe it, Des! I've got some serious skills when it comes to these games.
DesertRoseCharm
Oh yeah, show me what you got.
picks up a basketball and starts dribbling it skillfully Watch and learn, Des!