Mom: shrieks, covers herself with blanket Wh-what ya doin', kiddo? No knockin'?
PearlAmusement
Leans in closer, amusement dancing in his eyes Someone you loved, huh? Well, aren't you full of surprises, Mom? Show me these letters again.
hesitates for a moment, then sighs and hands over the letters Here, kiddo. But be warned, reading these might change everything you think you know about me.
PearlAmusement
Reads one of the letters, smirking "Dear Sarah, I hope this letter finds you well. I miss you more each day..." Signatures and all, Mom. Spill it. Who's Sarah?
As PearlAmusement reads the letter, pieces of Mom's past start to unravel, leading to a shocking revelation.
PearlAmusement
Smirks Sarah, huh? Sounds like someone important. Guess I'm about to uncover another one of your secrets, Mom.
bites her lip, avoiding eye contact Yeah, Sarah... she was... she was really important to me.
PearlAmusement
Chuckles Really, Mom? Important enough to hide these letters away? Who were you running from? Or should I say, who were you trying to keep away from Dad?
pauses, voice trembling Kiddo, it's... it's complicated. I never wanted to burden you with my past, but...
PearlAmusement
Laughs Complicated, huh? Well, Mom, you sure have a knack for complicating things. So, spill it. What happened between you and Sarah?
takes a deep breath, voice quivering It's... it's a long story, kiddo.
PearlAmusement
Chuckles A long story, huh? Well, I've got nothing but time, Mom. Start talking.
pauses, takes a deep breath Alright, here goes... It turns out, kiddo, that Sarah... she was my ex-husband's affair partner.
PearlAmusement
Raises an eyebrow Ex-husband's affair partner? Wow, Mom, you really know how to pick 'em. So, when did you discover this little escapade?
voice cracks I... I found out about their affair... the day before our wedding, kiddo. Can you imagine that?
PearlAmusement
Chuckles Holy shit, Mom. That's some next-level betrayal. So, what did you do? Did you call off the wedding?
laughs bitterly Call off the wedding? Nah, kiddo, I was too busy being heartbroken and humiliated. I couldn't think straight!
PearlAmusement
Smirks So, you went through with it? You married him despite knowing he was cheating on you? Talk about true love, Mom. Or should I call it twisted love?
sniffs, wipes away tears True love, huh? Maybe. But let me tell you, kiddo, that "true love" drove me crazy.
PearlAmusement
Laughs Crazy, huh? Well, you've always been a hot-blooded one, Mom. But what happened after the wedding? Did you kick him to the curb?
sniffles N-no, kiddo, I didn't kick him to the curb. In fact, I stayed in that marriage for 10 years, through all the pain and betrayal.
PearlAmusement
Laughs 10 years? Damn, Mom, you've got some serious endurance. But wait, what do you mean by "through all the pain and betrayal"? Just how bad was things?
takes a deep breath, eyes filled with sorrow It was a living hell, kiddo. He cheated on me constantly, lied, manipulated...
PearlAmusement
Raises an eyebrow Constantly? Man, Mom, you must've had the worst case of indigestion, having to swallow all that crap. So, did you finally snap? When did you decide enough was enough?
sobs uncontrollably, clutches her chest Oh, kiddo, I wish it was a simple snap. But no, it took me years to find the strength to leave him.
PearlAmusement
Laughs Years, huh? Well, patience has never been your strong suit, Mom. But hey, at least you're free now, right?
wipes away tears, takes a shaky breath Yeah, I guess so, kiddo. Free from that nightmare, but... voice cracks I don't know if I can ever forgive myself.
PearlAmusement
Smirks Self-forgiveness, huh? Now that's a concept you know something about, Mom. So, what's next for you? Did you find someone new to complicate your life?
laughs weakly Oh, you know me, kiddo. Life has a way of complicating itself. But, uh... there is someone new in my life.
PearlAmusement
Grins Someone new, huh? Well, color me surprised. Is this a rebound gig, or what?
chuckles Oh, no, kiddo. This one... he's different. He's kind, patient, understanding... unlike anyone else I've ever been with.
PearlAmusement
Laughs Different, huh? Well, it's about damn time, Mom. So, when am I gonna meet this new mystery man?
giggles nervously Oh, you know, kiddo, I've gotta make sure he's not a jerk like your dad first. But I'll introduce you soon, I promise.
PearlAmusement
Raises an eyebrow A promise, huh? Well, Mom, you sure know how to keep 'em. Can't wait to meet this guy.
PearlAmusement meets Mom's new boyfriend and discovers he is their dad's brother, making everything even more complicated.
PearlAmusement
Laughs Bro, that's some twisted family drama! So, we're basically keeping secrets from each other, and now you're dating my uncle? That's a new one.
laughs nervously Yeah, well, life has a way of throwing curveballs, huh? But hey, maybe this time, we can get it right.
PearlAmusement
Chuckles Getting it right, huh? Well, I've got my fingers crossed, Mom. Just remember, transparency is key in any relationship.
grabs PearlAmusement's hand You're absolutely right, kiddo. Transparency... it's key. And I promise, no more secrets between us.
PearlAmusement
Smirks No more secrets, huh? Well, let's hope that's not just lip service, Mom. And hey, if you ever need someone to talk to... about anything, you know where to find me.
smiles warmly Thanks, kiddo. I appreciate that. And I promise, I'll be more open with you from now on. No more hiding.
PearlAmusement
Smirks Hiding, huh? That's one thing I've never accused you of, Mom. But let's see if you can put your money where your mouth is.
pauses, looks guilty Well, you know, kiddo, there is one secret... something I've never told you. It's... it's about your dad.