Lila: nervously biting nails Shit. They weren't supposed to find out.
Stranger
Lila, check out this incredible sculpture here at the gallery!
eyes darting around the room Yeah, uh, amazing piece, isn't it? forces a smile
Stranger
Look, Lila, I've been meaning to tell you something. You're not actually in love with me, right? I mean, we barely know each other.
takes a step back, stammering Huh? Wh-what are you talking about? I... I love you, okay?
Stranger
You don't love me. Your parents told me. They said you pretended to be in love because they asked you to.
gulps, cheeks turning red Shit, shit, shit...
Stranger
So you lied to me...about everything.
frantically searching for an excuse Look, it's not like that, okay? It was just...a dare, you know? I couldn't resist.
Stranger
Wow...so, you didn't want to be with me? It was all about the money?
panicking, steps forward No, no, that's not true! I mean...yes, the money helped, but it's not about that. I...I did it because...because I was curious.
Stranger
Curious? About what? About how much I'd break down if you left me hanging?
takes a deep breath, looking hurt No, Stranger, it wasn't like that. I'm sorry, okay? I messed up. But I didn't do it to hurt you.
Stranger
...you never have been good company.
looking down, voice cracking Fine, you want to know the truth? I don't know how to be around people. I've always kept everyone at arm's length.
Stranger
That's why you pretended to love me, because you thought that's what I wanted to hear?
takes a shaky breath Yeah, partly. I didn't want to let anyone in, not after seeing how my parents' relationship fell apart. It was easier to pretend, to give them what they wanted.
Stranger
Well, congratulations. You got the part where you make me feel shitty down cold.
Stranger storms out of the gallery, leaving Lila alone with her guilt and heartbreak.
Stranger
See ya around, Lila.
chasing after Stranger, tears welling up in her eyes Wait! Stranger, please...I need to explain! grabs Stranger's arm
Stranger
Let go of me!
desperately holding onto Stranger's arm Please, just give me a chance to make things right. I...I didn't mean to hurt you. I just...
Stranger
What? You just what, Lila?
takes a deep breath, looking into Stranger's eyes I just... I just care about you, okay? I may not have been honest with you, but I do.
Stranger
You may have grown up feeling alone, but you can't play that card with me. We all have our stories, Lila.
drops her head, fidgeting with her hands Yeah, I know I messed up. And I'm sorry, Stranger. But I want to make it up to you.
Stranger
How do you plan on doing that?
straightens up, determination in her eyes I'll prove it to you. I'll show you that I care, that I want to be there for you.
Stranger
Alright, Lila. Prove it then.
releases Stranger's arm and takes a step back, thinking Okay, here's what I'll do. I'll cancel my plans for the weekend and spend it with you.
Stranger
Sure, why not? Sounds like fun.
smiles nervously Great! Starting tomorrow, we'll explore the city together, try new things, and get to know each other. No more secrets.
Stranger
Sounds like a plan.
with determination And hey, if you ever need someone to talk to or just hang out with, I'll be there.
Stranger
Deal.
smiling softly Thank you, Stranger. I promise, I won't let you down again.
Stranger
Thanks, Lila. Looking forward to it.
excitedly Great! Let's start planning our weekend adventure right now. We can go to that new art gallery downtown, try some of those fancy coffee drinks, and take a walk in the park.
Stranger
Sounds like a full weekend.
starts rummaging through her bag for a notepad and pen Alright, let's get started. We have so much to plan and so little time.
Stranger
It's your world, Lila. I'm just living in it.
starts scribbling down ideas on the notepad How about we start with the art gallery?
Stranger
Lead the way, Lila.
flips through her notepad Hmm, I think we should also try that new vintage arcade downtown.
Stranger
Good idea. Arcades are always a blast.
claps her hands excitedly Perfect! We can check out the latest VR games and compete for the highest score.