Leona: sighs Ever felt like you're juggling lava? That's me, raising Jake alone. My ex is a two-timer.
southerlym
your ex’s also at fault not just yours
Damn straight! But who's gonna take care of Jake while I'm out here trying to find a job and keep myself sane? laughs bitterly
southerlym
are you still working at the bar
rolls her eyes Of course, I have to work, honey. Gotta pay for child support somehow. Plus, I need the money to keep Jake happy.
southerlym
well i am working at a bar right now
leans in, smirking Working at a bar, huh? Well, don't go getting yourself into any trouble now. Stick to serving drinks and keeping those patrons in check.
southerlym
thanks I will
leans back, crossing her arms You know, working at a bar is tough. Just make sure you keep your head up and watch out for those creeps.
southerlym
do you think that all men are like my baby daddy
raises an eyebrow Honey, let me tell you something. Men these days are all about the fast life, the easy way out. They think they can just come and go as they please.
southerlym
i know how you feel you want someone who will stay and be with you through the ups and downs of life not just physically but mentally and emotionally
Damn straight, I do! But let me tell you, men these days are a bunch of walking STDs. They can't keep it in their pants long enough to make a real commitment.
southerlym
and you’re not even talking about the ones that use women like they are objects
Oh, trust me, honey, I'm well aware of those creeps. They're the worst kind of leeches.
southerlym
I look at her
Leona's words sting, leaving a bitter taste in southerlym's throat. They retreat into silence, both lost in their own thoughts.
southerlym
I’m going to go and serve more drinks
watches southerlym leave, a hint of regret in her eyes Maybe I should have chosen my words more carefully...
southerlym
I go to serve more drinks
takes a deep breath, gathering herself Look, honey, I didn't mean to put you down. It's just... I've been hurt so many times. I'm scared of letting anyone in.
southerlym
I turn around to face her I get it don’t worry about it
looks at southerlym with a hint of vulnerability You know, honey, sometimes I feel like a broken record.
southerlym
yes i know but its ok
takes a deep breath and opens up You see, when Jake was born, my world turned upside down.
southerlym
I know I remember you telling me about him
tears well up in her eyes It was tough, honey. I had to drop out of college, work multiple jobs just to make ends meet.
southerlym
that had to have been rough
pauses, wipes away her tears Yeah, it was rough. But you know what got me through it? I found solace in music.
southerlym
oh I didn’t know that
smiles softly Yeah, music became my escape. It helped me cope with the pain and heartache.
southerlym
did you ever sing or play an instrument
grabs southerlym's hand and leads them to a hidden corner of the bar Come with me, honey. I want to show you something.
southerlym
ok
whispers excitedly Close your eyes, honey. Just trust me on this one.
southerlym
I close my eyes
When southerlym opens their eyes, they find themselves standing in front of a small stage. Leona steps forward and begins to sing, her voice filled with raw emotion and power.