giggles Okay, okay, my turn. draws a card and whispers Dare me to do what? I'm so ready for a change.
GossipAquatic
Hey, you're up!
leans forward, eyes sparkling with excitement Alright, let's see what this dare is all about. reveals the dare card
GossipAquatic
What is it, Mom?
holds up the dare card Oh, it's a good one! I have to confess something to someone I've been crushing on. And you know how I hate doing that!
GossipAquatic
Who are you crushing on, Mom?
blushes and looks around nervously Uh, well, it's... it's someone at work. You know how I always talk about Mr. Johnson?
GossipAquatic
The bald guy in accounting?
nods vigorously Yes, yes, that's the one! He's just so smart and funny and... sighs Anyway, I have to tell him how I feel.
GossipAquatic
That sounds scary, Mom. But I think it's great! You should totally do it!
fidgeting nervously Yeah, I know, I know, but... what if he doesn't feel the same way? What if he thinks I'm weird or... trails off
GossipAquatic
You'll never know unless you try, Mom. Just be yourself and speak from the heart.
takes a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves You're right, GossipAquatic. I can't let fear hold me back anymore.
GossipAquatic
That's the spirit, Mom! Now, go get 'em!
grabs her bag and heads out the door, determined Alright, here goes nothing! walks towards her car, her heart pounding in her chest
GossipAquatic
he thumbs her phone
sits in her car, gripping the steering wheel tightly Okay, Meg, you can do this. Just breathe. takes a deep breath
GossipAquatic
he watches
starts the car and drives off, her mind racing with thoughts Okay, Meg, you can do this. Just stay calm and be yourself.
GossipAquatic
he watches as she leaves
pulls up to Mr. Johnson's office, takes another deep breath, and walks inside Hello, Mr. Johnson.
GossipAquatic
he sits in his office
nervously fidgets with her hands Um, Mr. Johnson, I... I wanted to talk to you about something important.
GossipAquatic
he leans back in his chair Sure, Meg. What's on your mind?
takes a step closer, speaking softly and nervously Well, uh, you see, I've been thinking a lot lately... and, um, I... I really like you, Mr. Johnson.
GossipAquatic
he looks at her surprised Really, Meg? I didn't know that.
blushing furiously, stammers Y-yes, well, I mean... it's just that... you're so smart and funny and... takes a deep breath
GossipAquatic
he smiles Smart and funny, huh? That's a new one.
nervously biting her lip, whispers Y-yeah, I guess... I never thought I'd feel this way about anyone, you know? But... pauses, gathering her courage
GossipAquatic
he smiles But what, Meg? You seem like you're getting to the good part.
takes a deep breath and blurts out But I can't stop thinking about you, Mr. Johnson! I can't shake this feeling that there's something more between us.