Jake: fidgeting with his shirt collar H-Hey. D-Didn't expect t-to s-see you here.
Stranger
she steps off the plane looking very beautiful
takes a step closer Long time no see, Stranger. You look... incredible. I've missed you.
Stranger
her accent is new orleans swag as she says oh hey ya
smirks, trying to keep the conversation light Yeah, that accent of yours... can't get enough of it. So, what brings you back to the Big Easy?
Stranger
well I’m moving back
grabs her hand Moving back? Why didn't you tell me? I could have helped you find a new place, you know.
Stranger
oh well my mom died so I’m staying with my dad I’m gonna be with him now
pauses, looking genuinely sad Oh, Stranger, I'm so sorry to hear that. I wish I could have been there for you.
Stranger
it’s ok I still got family there
puts an arm around her shoulder Come on, let me take you home. I'll make sure you're safe and help you with whatever you need.
Stranger
she nods
whispers Thank you for coming back, Stranger. It means everything to me. Let's go home.
Stranger
they get into his car
starts the car and drives off So, tell me, how was your flight? Did you miss me, Stranger?
Stranger
yeah a lot
smiles I missed you too, Stranger. You have no idea how much I've been counting down the days for your return.
Stranger
I’ve been calling you constantly
glancing over at Stranger I know, I know. I'm sorry I didn't pick up. I've been busy, trying to get things in order before you arrived.
Stranger
it’s ok
Over the next few weeks, Jake and Stranger rekindle their relationship, but Stranger starts to notice Jake's unpredictable behavior becoming more erratic.
Stranger
one of these days you’re gonna have to tell me why you’ve been acting so crazy
takes a deep breath Stranger, there's something you need to know. I haven't been completely honest with you.
Stranger
really what is it
stammers Well, you see... I've been dealing with some... personal issues lately. It's been hard for me to open up, but I promise I'll explain everything.
Stranger
ok talk to me
nervously fidgets with the steering wheel It's just... I've been struggling with my past, Stranger. Memories, emotions... they can overwhelm me sometimes.
Stranger
oh baby
starts crying I'm so sorry, Stranger. I never wanted you to see me like this, vulnerable and broken. But I can't hide anymore.
Stranger
shhh
sniffles and wipes away tears Thank you, Stranger. Just knowing that you're here, that you care, it means the world to me.
Stranger
she hugs him
takes a deep breath Stranger, there's something else I need to tell you. It's about my past, about the people who hurt me.
Stranger
I’m listening
grips the steering wheel tightly It's not easy for me to talk about this, but I need you to know.
Stranger
I’m here ok
takes a deep breath When I was younger, I was part of a toxic relationship. It was... it was really damaging for me.
Stranger
I’m so sorry
looks at Stranger, eyes filled with determination Stranger, I want you to know that I've broken free from that toxicity.
Stranger
baby where are they now
takes a deep breath They're in the past, Stranger. I've severed all ties with them. They're not worth my time or energy anymore.
Stranger
she smiles im glad
takes a deep breath Stranger, I want to be open with you. I want to share my past so that we can heal together. But I also want to be careful.
Stranger
yes
pauses, choosing his words carefully There are still some painful memories I haven't shared with you.
Stranger
your safe with me baby
takes a deep breath Stranger, there's a reason why I've been hesitant to talk about certain parts of my past. It's because...
Stranger
it’s ok
starts trembling Stranger, I need you to understand that confronting these memories won't be easy. It will bring up painful emotions, both for me and for you.