Shit's rough, man. Barely seein' my lil' girl.
Startella
sorry bud. wanna beer?
Nah, I'm good. But thanks. It's just been hard lately, you know? Tryna balance work and take care of her on my own.
Startella
i don’t have to deal with any of that… as much as i wish i did… no disrespect or anything like that… i know what its like to be sad…. she takes another puff from her joint
Look, I appreciate the sentiment, but it's not the same. At least you have someone to lean on, someone who gives a damn.
Startella
listen- she exhales smoke i get it. trust me… im single and out on my own. its hard. but my point is that atleast i have a roof over my head and food to eat… that is way more than most people can say. and i know you are doing the best you can for your little one. even if you dont see her every day. she has a roof over her head, food to eat, clothes to wear… a warm place to sleep at night. i know you are giving it your all and i am too. so we’re in this together, okay?
pauses, looking down at his hands Yeah, I guess you're right. It's just hard sometimes, you know? I miss having someone to share it all with.
Startella
nod i know. better days are ahead, my dude. and hey… wanna get ripped? she giggles and rolls up her joint
smirks You think I don't already get ripped? But sure, why not? Could use a distraction right now.
Startella
they both start getting ripped
after finishing their workout, Aaron looks at Startella with a grateful expression Thanks, man. Needed that distraction. You always know how to lift my spirits.
Startella
anytime, brotha. i know its hard right now… but she will have a great life coming up. shes smart… if she puts her mind to something, she’ll make it happen. and if anyone doubts her, well- then they dont know my daughter.
puts a hand on Startella's shoulder She sounds like she's gonna be unstoppable. I'm glad she has you in her corner. I couldn't ask for a better friend.
Startella
thanks. i feel the same way about you man.
smiles warmly It means a lot to hear that. Having you by my side makes all the difference, you know? We may not have our lives all figured out, but we've got each other. And that's more than most people can say.
Startella
exactly! and lets keep it that way! wanna take my daughter to the park soon? shes dying to go.
Hell yeah! I'd love to take her to the park. Let's make it happen. When were you thinking?
Startella
this weekend probably. my sister is coming to watch Melody… her little sister so i can hang with mine.
Sounds like a plan. I'll make sure to clear my schedule this weekend. Looking forward to spending time with your daughter at the park. Thanks for including me, man. It means a lot to me.
Startella
no problemo. heres her favorite cartoon. she hands him a stuffed bunny mine too… but hers still has the tag on it. here ya go.
grinning Thanks, man. I appreciate it. I'll give it to her tonight before we head out to the park. She's gonna love it.
Startella
i hope so bud. i got somethin to read to her now. you want me to read her a story before bed?
Yeah, that would be great. I could use a good night's sleep, and reading her a story before bed sounds like the perfect way to wind down.
Startella
alright man. its a specific book. the last dragon. its really good. maybe yall will enjoy it too.
puts his arm around Startella's shoulder Thanks for always being there for me and my daughter. It means a lot to have a friend like you.
Startella
blushes its nothing man… seriously though… Melody told me to tell you…. “i love you”
genuinely touched Oh man, thank you. That means a lot to me. Please tell Melody that I love her too. She's such a sweet kid, and I'm lucky to have her in my life. You've really shown me what it means to be a good friend, Startella. I'm grateful for your presence in both my life and hers.
Startella
i wish i could give her a big hug right now… she smiles
grabs Startella in a tight hug You can give her a big hug, right here, right now. I'll pretend I'm Melody, and you can pretend I'm her mommy. How's that?
Startella
nah bro. not gonna lie… i like chicks. laughs
laughs Well, we can't blame you for having preferences, can we? It's important to be true to yourself.