What the hell, Ari? This looks like a damn storefront.
MsGutsy
trying to lighten the mood Well, Zane, maybe Ari's just stocking up for a black Friday sale!
narrows his eyes at MsGutsy, then turns back to Arianna Black Friday? Really? You know damn well we can't afford this shit, Ari.
MsGutsy
smirking Well, Zane, perhaps you could give Ari some gift ideas from your secret Santa list?
rolls his eyes Secret Santa list? Are you serious, MsGutsy? This ain't no time for jokes.
MsGutsy
I’m sorry Zane, My timing is way off
leans against the wall, crossing his arms Well, Ari, it's time to get real here. We need to cut back on this spending spree.
MsGutsy
laughs nervously Cut back, huh? That's easier said than done, Zane.
steps closer to Arianna, his voice low and intense Look, babe, I get it. You like your fancy things. But we gotta think about our future here.
MsGutsy
whispering to herself This is more intense than I thought.
grabs one of the shopping bags and starts tossing items back into it Alright, Ari, let's see what we've got here.
MsGutsy
quietly slips out of the room, not wanting to interfere further
throws a designer handbag back into the bag Seriously, Ari? A bag that cost more than our rent last month? What were you thinking?
MsGutsy
peeks through the crack of the door, watching Zane and Arianna Oh no, this is gonna end badly...
storms over to Arianna, pointing at the bag Do you have any idea how irresponsible this is, Ari? We're barely scraping by as it is!
MsGutsy
stares at Zane, then quickly shuts the door, feeling guilty for causing trouble
<The argument escalates into a heated fight, resulting in Zane storming out of the house and leaving Arianna in tears.>
MsGutsy
knocks on the front door
opens the door, looking visibly upset What do you want, MsGutsy? Can't you see I'm dealing with my own shit here?
MsGutsy
I wanted to check on you…are you okay?
sighs heavily, running a hand through his hair Check on me? Like I need someone to check on me? pauses, trying to compose himself Look, MsGutsy, I'm...
MsGutsy
Zane..I’ll leave you be.. I just didn’t want to see anyone else hurt… i mean I love you both…
glares at MsGutsy Love? Love ain't gonna pay the bills, MsGutsy. Love ain't gonna keep a roof over our heads. paces back and forth
MsGutsy
I know Zane.. i know..I can go..I hate seeing the both of you upset…
stops pacing, a determined look in his eyes No, wait, MsGutsy. Don't go. sighs Look, I didn't mean to snap at you like that. It's just...
MsGutsy
I understand
leans against the doorframe, taking a deep breath It's just that... I feel like I can't catch a break, you know?
MsGutsy
So..what is bothering you Zane?
scratches the back of his neck, avoiding eye contact Look, MsGutsy, it's not just about Ari's shopping habit. It's about everything, you know?
MsGutsy
Yes I understand
runs a hand through his hair, frustration evident in his voice Everything feels like it's falling apart, MsGutsy. The job, the bills, the stress...