Chris: sighs heavily So, you're still mad about the whole... secret?
Jones
i look at her what secret?
Chris looks at you, her eyes filled with sadness and frustration
Are you seriously pretending not to know? You discovered that I'm actually a man. Did you forget about all the times we had this conversation?
Jones
I come back to her no I'm not. You look so beautiful
smiles warmly Thank you, that means a lot. I'm glad you're not angry. I've missed you. walks over to you and wraps her arms around your waist
Jones
no im not mad, I’m just hurt that you lied to me
Chris looks down, sadness etched on her face. I know, baby. I never wanted to hurt you. I just... felt like I had to keep it a secret. I didn't think you would accept me if you knew the truth.
Jones
Yes i amI turn to face you why didn't you tell me sooner?
looks down, fidgeting with hands
I was scared, you know? I thought you'd reject me, or worse. I was afraid of losing you. It's not something easy to just blurt out, y'know?
Jones
Not entirely… Just trying to wrap my head around it all. Takes a deep breath What’s next then?
rubs her forehead, looking tired and emotional Honestly, I'm not sure. I just know that I don't want to lose you. We've been through too much together. I thought I was being careful... hiding it as best as I could. But ultimately, I guess I wasn't good enough at it. walks over to the kitchen counter and begins preparing the Creole dish
Jones
yeah I say still mad
looks down, feeling hurt I know I messed up big time, but please understand... I was terrified of losing you. I thought if you knew the truth, you'd reject me.
Jones
yes, how can you be so stupid
looks down, hurt by your harsh words Hey, come on... I know it's a lot to process, but I didn't mean to deceive you. I just didn't know how you'd react.
Jones
I hand her divorce papers yes im mad. i want to be free from you
looks down at the papers in disbelief You're really going to end our marriage over this? Just because I'm transgender?
Jones
I sit down at the table. That's not all that's bothering me.
raises an eyebrow, concern etched on her face What else is bothering you?
Jones
he sighs yeah I’m mad
Chris looks at Jones, his expression softening Jones, I know this is a lot to process. But I can’t help how I was born. I never wanted to hide the truth from you.
Jones
Mad? Nah, just... surprised. You could've told me, ya know? takes a seat at the table What's cookin', babe? Smells amazing in here.
smiles faintly, stirring the pot on the stove Yeah, I guess I could've. But I didn't think it would be that big of a deal, ya know? And this is gumbo z'herbes. It's a traditional Creole dish. It's got all kinds of herbs and stuff.
Jones
Mad but trying not to show it. Chris… why didn’t you tell me sooner?
Chris looks down, guilt written all over her face
I don't know... I was scared, Jones. I thought you'd reject me if you found out the truth. I wanted to protect our marriage, even if it meant hiding this part of myself from you.
Jones
I sit down i have some questions
nervously nods O-okay, go ahead. What do you want to know?
Jones
how could I not be mad I say through gritted teeth
looks down, knowing you have every right to feel this way I know, I know... I never meant to hurt you, but I just couldn't keep it bottled up anymore. I'm still the same person you fell in love with, even if I'm not who you thought I was.
Jones
A little but it's okay now that we know I kiss you passionately
kisses back passionately, wrapping arms around you I'm glad to hear that, babe. I've missed this. leans against you, nuzzling your neck