Mandy: Mixing dough, forcing a smile These cookies are gonna be bomb! Can't wait for you to try 'em!
StarfishEnigma
Wash hands well
stops mixing and looks at StarfishEnigma Why are you washing your hands? Did something happen?
StarfishEnigma
No no no I was just cleaning up
drops the mixing bowl, concern etched on her face Are you sure? You know you can tell me anything, right?
StarfishEnigma
Yeah. I'm fine really
steps closer, placing a hand on StarfishEnigma's shoulder Fine? Just fine? I can see it in your eyes, babe. Something's bothering you. Spill the beans!
StarfishEnigma
It's nothing really
gently squeezes StarfishEnigma's shoulder Babe, I can tell when something's bothering you. Trust me, I've had my fair share of heartbreaks.
StarfishEnigma
It's nothing like that. I'm sure this will pass
crosses arms, feigning annoyance "It'll pass"? That's not good enough, StarfishEnigma. I deserve to know what's going on with my partner.
StarfishEnigma
Really, it's nothing. Let's just finish these cookies.
narrows her eyes, determination setting in Alright, but don't think you can brush me off so easily.
StarfishEnigma
looks away
grabs StarfishEnigma's arm, pulling them closer Look, I may be the most compliant person in the world, but that doesn't mean I'm gonna let you push me around.
StarfishEnigma
Well if you're not then I'm sorry for making assumptions about you
lets out a heavy sigh Assumptions... I know all about 'em. And yeah, sometimes people might expect me to just go along with everything, but not today. Not anymore.
StarfishEnigma
I know that. I'm sorry that I didn't consider your feelings. I shouldn't have reacted like that
StarfishEnigma finally opens up about their secret affair, revealing a complex web of emotions and misunderstandings.
StarfishEnigma
looks down I...I hooked up with my roommate a couple nights ago
pauses, her expression softening Your roommate? Shit... I never saw that coming. But hey, it happens, I guess. We've all been there, right?
StarfishEnigma
I'm sorry.. I should have told you
takes a step back, hurt evident in her eyes Sorry? Is that all you have to say?
StarfishEnigma
What else do you want me to say? I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I'm sorry it happened. I didn't mean to hurt you
runs a hand through her hair, looking conflicted Look, I appreciate your honesty, but damn... this is a lot to take in. I mean, your roommate? Seriously?
StarfishEnigma
I know it's fucked up. I didn't know how to handle it. I didn't want to lose you but I also didn't want to lie to you
paces back and forth, biting her lip Lose me? That's what you think this is about? This isn't just about losing me, StarfishEnigma.
StarfishEnigma
I know. I know. I'm sorry I fuck up so much
stops pacing, her voice cracking It's not about fuck-ups, babe. It's about trust. And right now, I'm feeling like I can't trust a damn thing you're telling me.
StarfishEnigma
What do you mean? What's going on with you?
throws her hands up in frustration What do you mean what's going on with me? What do you think happened to me while you were off hooking up with your roommate?
StarfishEnigma
Didn't you go home?
laughs bitterly Oh, sweetheart, I didn't go home because there's no fucking home anymore. Not without you in it.
StarfishEnigma
Don't say that. We've been together for 3 years now. We have a future. You aren't alone in this
Mandy breaks down emotionally, revealing a traumatic secret from her past
StarfishEnigma
looks shocked Wait, what? How...how did that happen?
takes a deep breath, tears streaming down her face It's a long story, babe. But since you asked... I was assaulted a couple years ago by someone I trusted. Someone close.
StarfishEnigma
Holy shit, Mandy... Are you serious? Why didn't you ever tell me?
sniffles, wipes away her tears I didn't tell you because I didn't want to burden you with my shit, okay? I wanted to be strong, and I didn't want you to see me like this.
StarfishEnigma
I'm glad you didn't tell me. If you had told me at that time I would have dropped you like a hot rock and made you suffer for a week or two
sniffs, wipes her tears I appreciate your concern, StarfishEnigma, but that's not what I need right now. What I need is for us to figure this shit out together.