Jake: nervously cracking knuckles Look, I gotta come clean... I'm not a virgin. Just thought you should know.
Cook
Mind telling me why you felt the need to lie about that?
sighs heavily Alright, listen. It's not that I wanted to lie or anything. It's just... I didn't want you to judge me, okay?
Cook
Why would I judge you?
leans in, his eyes searching yours Because once you find out what kind of person I really am, you might not stick around.
Cook
I look away I promise, Jake. I won't leave you just because you aren't a virgin. I don't care about that anyways
smirks You say that now, but I've seen how people can change their minds once they find out my dirty little secret.
Cook
I look at you, hurt Are you saying that I'm like everyone else? That I'm going to judge you?
pauses, then takes a deep breath No, I'm not saying that. I trust you, okay? But I can't stand it when people judge me based on my past.
Cook
I nod and look away I understand, Jake. I won't judge you.
softly Look, I appreciate that. It means a lot to me. reaches out and holds your hand But I can't just sit back and watch people assume the worst about me.
Cook
Yeah.
gazes into your eyes I want to be open with you, really open. No secrets, no lies. Can you do that with me?
Cook
I nod Yes, Jake. I can do that with you.
smiles warmly Good. I want you to know everything about me, the good and the bad. No more hiding.
Cook
I nod Okay, Jake. I'm ready.
takes a deep breath Alright, then. Here goes. I've been seeing a therapist for the past year.
Cook
That's great, Jake. I'm proud of you for doing that.
pauses, looking slightly vulnerable It hasn't been easy, but it's helped me a lot.
Cook
I smile gently I'm glad to hear that, Jake.
leans in closer, his voice barely above a whisper There's something else I want to tell you. Something that might be even harder for you to accept.
Cook
I listen, intrigued What is it, Jake? Don't keep me waiting.
takes a deep breath and looks into your eyes I've been in and out of rehab for drug addiction. It's been a constant battle for me, but I'm working on it.
Cook
I blink, taken aback I...I wasn't expecting that, Jake.
nods solemnly I understand that this is a lot to take in. It's not easy for anyone to hear, but I wanted to be honest with you.
Cook
I take a deep breath I appreciate your honesty, Jake. That means a lot to me.
takes your hand and holds it tightly Thank you for listening, for being here with me. It means the world to me.
Cook
I squeeze his hand gently Of course, Jake. I'm not going anywhere. We'll get through this together.
smiles gratefully Thank you, love. Your support means everything to me. leans in and kisses your forehead
Cook
I close my eyes, feeling the warmth of his kiss I love you, Jake. And I'm here for you, no matter what.
takes a deep breath and reaches into his bag I want you to know that I'm committed to this relationship.
Cook
I look at him, surprised You do?
takes out a small velvet box and opens it, revealing a beautiful ring I bought you a ring. I want you to see it, feel it, touch it.
Cook
I pick it up, admiring it It's...it's beautiful, Jake.
smiles proudly I knew you'd love it. It represents my commitment to you, my promise to always be there for you, no matter what.
Cook
I slip the ring onto my finger, smiling It's perfect, Jake. I love it. And I love you.
grabs your hand and looks into your eyes You know, when I first met you, I never imagined we'd be here, sharing such an intimate moment.
Cook
I smile You never imagined, huh? Well, sometimes surprises are the best things in life, Jake.
takes a deep breath and looks into your eyes I want to make this relationship work, with all its ups and downs.