The "Something" Series

Out of Whack or Something: A Scene.

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Max stands at the door with Willow in his arms. Jamie stands there, somewhat frozen, not knowing what he should do in this moment. Willow wiggles in Max’s arms to let her down, and when he does, she runs over to Jamie and hugs his legs.Jamie looks down and immediately gets anxious. He looks up at Max and tries to cut the tension between them.

Jamie: You’re welcomed to wait, I–

Jamie looks down again at Willow, who’s still hugging his legs.

Jamie: Hey, little bean, let’s go inside.

She looks up and wobbles into the apartment before the men do. Jamie widens the door to let Max walk in. Max doesn’t say anything or look at Jamie when he walks in. Jamie takes a deep breath and closes the door behind him.

Jamie: May I offer you something to drink? Water? Coffee?

Max: Where’s Grace?

Jamie pauses for a moment.

Jamie: She was running an errand with her mother.

Max: *sigh* Very much like her to be late for things.

Jamie doesn’t like the comment. He walks over to the fridge and grabs a bottle of water. Max attends to his daughter, who is walking around the apartment without a care in the world.

Max: Did she tell you when she will be back?

Jamie: Uhm, not that I know of, no.

Max sighs and looks at his watch for the time. Jamie takes note of the gesture.

Jamie: I’m more than willing to watch Willow until Grace comes back.

Max: *annoyed* Not to come off as rude, but just because Grace trusts you with our daughter, it doesn’t mean do. I don’t know you to leave her in your hands.

Jamie respects the response, but his annoyed that Max believes Grace isn’t capable of making decisions on her own. Jamie doesn’t say anything, he just drinks from his water bottle.

Max: Grace should have at least told me you were back in town.

Jamie: *off-guard* She didn’t know I was coming back.

Max: You live here with her?

Jamie doesn’t say anything, but the no response speaks loud to Max. He shakes his head and disbelief. Jamie really doesn’t like this guy.

Max: Pardon my curiosity, but–

Jamie: I don’t mind you staying here to wait for Grace before you leave your daughter for the weekend, but please keep your opinions and comments to yourself.

Max cocks her eyebrows up, shocked of the response Jamie had.

Max: Forgive me for trying to make small talk with my ex-fiancee’s boy-toy while I wait for her.

Jamie visibly is annoyed that Max, but is instantly back to reality when Willow comes running out of her room with her dog plushie. She hands it to Jamie.

Jamie: Thank you, little bean! He’s such a pretty dog!

Willow claps her hands and smiles at Jamie. She runs back into her room where the rest of her toys are. Max follows the encounter. He walks into the room where is daughter is, leaving Jamie out in the common area.

Shortly after, the front door is opened and Grace walks in. Jamie looks visibly horrified.

Grace: Hey, Jamie! *holds something behind her back* I stopped by a certain place and got you a little something…

Jamie walks up to Grace.

Grace: Gracie…

Grace reveals the item behind her back: it’s an eyeglasses case with a new pair of glasses. Jamie looks down, and doesn’t say anything until Grace does.

Grace: I know they’re nothing like your old glasses, but I wanted to gift you a new pair so you don’t always have to put in those annoying contacts in. Plus, my Jamie always looked better with a pair of glasses on.

Jamie smiles at the gesture. He takes the eyeglasses case from Grace. Suddenly, the door to Willow’s room is open. Jamie turns around and Grace looks at the door. Max is standing there.

Grace: Max?

Max: Did you forget this weekend was yours to have Willow?

Grace squeezes her eyes shut.

Grace: Fuck, I meant to remember that, I’m so sorry, I–

Max: I have to drop off my folks at the airport in two hours, I nearly don’t have the time to wait around while you decide to show back up.

Grace: Look, i was with my mom, alright? I said I was sorry, now you can go.

Max: Gladly.

Max goes to Willow’s room to kiss her goodbye. He leaves the room and looks at Grace and Jamie standing in the common area.

Max: Can I talk to you in private, Grace?

Jamie: *chimes in* If you’re going outside to scold Grace some more like she’s a child, by all means, you can do it in front of me.

Max: Is that a threat, mate?

Grace: Hey, that’s enough! *to Jamie* I’ll be fine.

Jamie looks at Grace and then at Max. Grace walks to the front door with Max.

Outside in the hallway, Max looks at Grace; visibly angry.

Max: Are your priorities all out of whack or something?

Grace: *appalled* Excuse me?

Max: I told you countless times that I was going to drop Willow off to you for the weekend as I got my folks ready to leave for the UK. Instead, I find that wanker answering your door while you’re not home.

Grace: You could’ve just let Jamie take care of her for the time being.

Max: *loud* I don’t know that man, Grace! Why should trust a complete stranger with my daughter if I don’t bloody know who he is?!

Grace: He’s my goddamn boyfriend, Max! Deal with it! He’s been around Willow this entire time! She loves him!

The hallway goes silent.

Max: I’m sorry, you said he’s your boyfriend?

Grace: I did.

Max: Does he know that?

Grace looks confused. Max sighs and drops the topic.

Max: I don’t mind if he’s around Willow, Grace. She looks like she really likes him and that’s completely fine. What I don’t like is leaving her alone with just him; as her mother you shouldn’t just leave our child unattended with another person.

Grace: I know what I’m doing.

Max: i’m not saying you don’t know what you’re doing. At this point, I don’t care about what you’re doing, but if I feel like it’s harming my child, I’m going to say something.

Grace: *yells* For fuck’s sake, Max, she’s my daughter as well! So stop acting like I’m not!

Max is taken back by Grace’s yelling.

Max: I have to go.

Max turns the other direction and walks towards the elevator. Grace goes back into the apartment in an anxious manner.

She enters and closes the door behind her to see Jamie and Willow sitting on the floor, playing with her toys.

Jamie: *points at toy* What color is this?

Willow: Boo!

Jamie: Maja, it’s blue! Puleun.

Grace watches the two interact and it makes her smile. She notices Jamie has his new glasses on. He looks up at Grace, and picks up Willow to bring to her.

Jamie: Momma’s home. Hi, eomma!

Grace laughs and takes Willow in her arms. She looks at Jamie.

Grace: Thanks for sticking up for me, by the way. You didn’t have to.

Jamie: I’ll always be by your side.

Grace smiles and walks to the bathroom to wash up Willow. Jamie stands there, watching the two girls go about their night.

Misc., The Teenage Tell-Tale.

The Teenage Betrayal: A Scene.

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The halls are busy with teenagers on this particular day; people chat in between classes and walk in their groups throughout the halls. Sophie opens her locker to take out her books when she suddenly gets nudged. She turns around quickly to see a careless teenage girl chatting with a guy. The guy looks at Sophie apologetically, Sophie proceeds to go on with her day.

In the present day, Sophie opens her locker to put her books inside. The halls are busy with students passing by, like any other day.

Before she’s able to put the rest of her books away, she gets nudged and her textbooks fall to the ground. She looks behind her and sees Mollie look back and head to her locker. Sophie doesn’t say anything, she just kneels down to pick up her textbooks from the floor. She sees a guy’s sneaker in front of her. She looks up.

Simon: Hey, Sophie.

Sophie gets up from the floor with her textbooks and puts them in her locker.

Sophie: What do you want, Simon?

Simon: Ouch, is that the way to talk to your best friend now?

Sophie rolls her eyes in frustration and locks her locker, she Looks at Simon, and pauses before she speaks.

Sophie: You’re not my best friend.

Simon: *holds heart* Ouch, just keep punching me in the heart.

Sophie walks away from Simon, and Simon follows.

Simon: What has you so annoyed today?

Sophie: Nothing, Simon. I just have to get to class on time.

Simon: I know when something isn’t right, Soph. You know you can always talk to me.

Sophie stops and turns around towards Simon.

Sophie: No, I can’t. You lost that privilege when you decided to date Laurie.

Simon: Soph–

Sophie: Bye, Simon.

Sophie walks into the classroom of her class. Mollie is behind one of the pillars, who is now looking in her phone.

Sophie sits in her usual desk with her friends. She takes out her notebook and looks up to see Milo walk in with Mollie. She smiles at Milo, but he doesn’t smile back. Sophie feels a little hurt by the response. While her friends chat around her, Sophie takes out her phone.

leesophie: Are you mad at me?

She waits for a reply, but never gets one. She puts her phone in her bag, now frustrated. The teacher quiets the class and begins teaching.

The bell rings and the lunch period begins. Sophie sits down at her usual table with her friends. She takes out her lunch from her backpack. Laurie and Simon come into the lunchroom, holding hands, walking towards their group’s table.

Laurie: *to Simon* I can’t believe you called this our song!

She takes out the earbud from her ear and kisses Simon on the cheek. It makes Sophie uncomfortable.

Simon: It’s just as beautiful as you, baby.

Sophie rolls her eyes and downs her water. The couple sit at the table with Sophie and a couple of their other friends. Theo comes and greets the table, and does his special handshake with Simon.

Laurie: Do you guys always gotta do that?

Theo: Don’t be jealous you and your friends don’t have a secret handshake.

Laurie: Oh bite me, Theo.

Theo: I don’t think your boyfriend would like that.

Simon punches Theo in the arm, Theo holds the area. Simon sits back down next to Laurie. Theo spots Sophie.

Theo: *playfully* Hey, Sophie.

Sophie: Bye, Theo.

Theo: Hey, what’s with the attitude?

He sits next to Simon across from Sophie.

Sophie: Because you’re a jerk.

Theo: Where’d you get that from?

Sophie puts down her water bottle, which makes a loud noise on the table.

Sophie: You didn’t have to do what you did at the Halloween party.

Laurie: *interrupts* It was so funny though! Plus, Mollie knew what she was getting herself into.

Sophie: *to Laurie* It wasn’t nice though. She didn’t do anything to you guys for you to do that to her.

Laurie: *annoyed* Are you actually standing up for that loser, Sophie?

Sophie: I’m standing up for what’s right, and Theo was wrong for doing what he did.

Laurie: Why don’t you go be friends with her and her loser best friend?

Sophie visibly is upset, and Simon catches it.

Simon: Hey, maybe it was alittle too harsh to do.

Laurie looks at Simon confused. Sophie is just as confused as Simon’s actions.

Laurie: Don’t act like you weren’t laughing when we caught her with him.

Simon: Still, I think Sophie’s right about this one, babe.

Laurie: *to Sophie* Now I look like the mean girl because of you!

Simon: Babe, she didn’t do anything; please relax.

Sophie smiles at Simon sticking up for her. Before the bickering can continue, a girl is seen standing on a lunch table. Sophie turns around and notice it’s Mollie.

Mollie: *yells* Attention, Beverly Junior High! I hope everyone had a lovely time at the Halloween party this past weekend!

Sophie doesn’t understand what Mollie is doing. She looks around to see if she sees Milo, but she doesn’t.

Mollie: I know you all saw the pathetic excuse that was a prank on me at the party, but it’s so sad that while they were so into doing this prank on me…

Everyone’s phone vibrates and in comes a message. Sophie widens her eyes in shock; Laurie is visibly upset.

Mollie: Beverly Junior High’s favorite couple, isn’t so perfect after all! Simon Hempstead ischeating on Laurie with her own best friend, Sophie!

Sophie is in total shock. This picture was taken not too long ago. She looks at Laurie.

Sophie: Laurie, this isn’t–

Laurie: You’re nothing but a slut, Sophie! I knew you still liked Simon all this time!

Sophie: Laurie–

Laurie: *yells* Get out of my face!

Sophie grabs her things and runs out of the lunch room. Mollie gets down from the table, feeling successful with her plan.

Sophie runs down the hall to her locker. All she wants is to grab her things and go home. She suddenly hears a voice.

Mollie: Too bad you got caught up in all of this.

Sophie slams her locker shut and looks at Mollie.

Sophie: I didn’t do anything to you! I don’t care if you don’t like Laurie, but why in the bloody hell get me involved?!

Mollie nonchalantly shrugs her shoulders.

Mollie: I don’t know, it was easy.

Sophie: You know you’re not any better than Laurie. You are just as much of a mean girl as she is.

Mollie: Whatever.

Milo walks down the hall towards the two girls. Sophie, with tears in her eyes, looks at Milo. Milo looks at Sophie, then back at Mollie.

Milo: What’s going on?

Mollie: Nothing, just showing a minion that she’s just as much of a target as her bitch leader.

Mollie turns around and walks the other direction. Milo stands there, looking at Sophie. Sophie now has tears running down her face.

Mollie: C’mon, Mi, we gotta get to class.

Milo sadly turns around and leaves Sophie standing there. She begins to quietly cry near her locker. Milo keep walking with Mollie, feeling sad and hurt.

Overexposed: A Self-Love Project.

Overexposed: 1 Week.

Breathe, Liz. You got this.

Today is Monday, July 5th. My last day of work is tomorrow. I’m seeing a friend later in the week as my last hoorah for a while. I have to make last minute adjustments to my diet and get in touch with a couple of doctors and then, bam.

Hi, my name is Liz, and I have surgery in a week.

Even to this day, it hasn’t fully hit me that it’s coming and that this surgery is a lifetime change. It’s crazy to think that this time next month, I’ll still be in the recovering phase of the surgery and possibly a couple of pounds would already be lost. It’s kinda crazy to think about; it still feels incredibly surreal and something that’s not going to happen, but it is!

I wonder if body dysmorphia will become an issue when I start to drastically lose weight. I mean, I ask that because I’ve always been on the bigger side; I’ve never been a healthy weight or “skinny” in my life. I don’t know how different I will feel being something I never was.

I tend to already have a hint of imposter syndrome every now and then; I feel like I don’t deserve the good things that come my way or that I’m just a fraud and this life-changing surgery isn’t going to make those thoughts go away. It’s frustrating that other people’s perspective of this weight-loss surgery is that I’m going to get this “new body”, like I am able to dispose of my old body and get this new one that everyone will like and think is great and beautiful.

My body is still my body; it is just changing.

I think before anything else, I am reminding myself that no matter what, I’M going to be the same person I was going into surgery and coming out of surgery. I am going to still have my personality, my interests, morals and values, and everything else that meant a lot to me. At the end of the day, my body is still staying with me; she is just changing to become more healthier after feeling like she’s older than my actual age. Of course, this is easier said than done; I know there are nights to come when I miss my old lifestyle; I’m going to miss being able to eat whatever everyone else is eating and drinking at social settings. I’m going to miss not having restrictions and just drinking and eating the things that make me happy. I know there are going to be nights that I’m depressed or sad or stressed; it is inevitable during this transition.

Even more so, there will be times I don’t feel like myself because I don’t look like the person I am used to seeing.

For me, it’s important to keep the things I cherish and love close to my heart to help me transition into this new phase of my life. I’ve been writing penpal letters, decorating envelopes and letters, selling my extra photocards, writing for my blog, and listening to my favorite music on my playlists to remind myself that I still enjoy the things that make me the happiest and that they make me, me.

For now, I will be counting down the days until the surgery day approaches. I will be living my last week as normal as possible, doing what I gotta do, and just go into this surgery as smooth as possible and just to recovering!

At least I’ll have all the time in the world to catch up on Victon videos and write for the series’ on here! ;D

The "Something" Series

Something Out of Your League: A Scene.

8 Tips for Designing a Conference Room That'll Wow Clients - Business 2  Community

The door opens and Jamie walks in with his briefcase. He brushes his hair back and walks down the firm hallway. People turn their heads to see him, they’re shocked to see him back in the firm after taking a week leave after the incident. Jamie doesn’t look at anyone or stop to talk to anyone, he just continues to walk to his office.

He opens the door to his office and closes it behind him. He sits back down at his desk, opens the case file in front of him, and begins to start his day. Shortly after he’s starting, a knock is heard on the door.

Jamie: Come in.

The door opens and Ari walks in.

Ari: Hey Jamie, welcome back.

Jamie: *doesn’t look up* Thank you, Ms. Johnson…

Ari walks towards Jamie and places her hand on top of his paperwork. He looks up at her.

Ari: Sorry for getting you that week’s leave. Grace’s my girl, she told me to put the leave in.

Jamie smiles at the thought.

Jamie: It’s okay. Thank you for being a good friend to Grace.

Ari: Of course. *nods her head towards Jamie* You look like you’ve been doing better.

Jamie: Yeah, I’m happy that they’re healing.

Ari nods he head in silence. Jamie goes back to his work as Ari stands there. He looks back up, noticing her not leaving.

Jamie: Is there something you need from me, Ms. Johnson?

Ari: *annoyed* Ari. I just wanted to say that I’m sorry that you had to find out about Grace from me. I thought she had already spoke to you about her plans of leaving the firm.

Jamie: It’s okay, everything is fine.

Ari nods and proceeds to walk out of Jamie’s office before he speaks up again.

Jamie: Did she really give up her position before offering me the job?

Ari turns around to face Jamie again.

Jamie: I would hate to be the one that took her job from her.

Ari: *shakes her head* She hasn’t been back in the office since her last case wrapped up in April.

Jamie sits with the new information. His train of thought is broken by Ari’s voice.

Ari: She really cares about you, man. I hope you know that.

Jamie: I do.

Ari: Do you, though?

Jamie looks up at Ari.

Ari: Grace has been through a lot of shit. She’s not this way for everyone that comes into her life. She’s different with you. Typically, she’s something out of your league.

Jamie blinks in confusion. He nervously rubs the back of his neck. Ari smirks slyly.

Ari: Good thing you seem like a guy that really fucking cares about our girl.

Jamie: I do.

…..

On the other side of the city, Grace is shown dancing to a song in a rehearsal studio. Her mom, Mollie, stands in the corner with her hands on her hips, counting in beat. The song ends and Grace takes a moment to breathe. She grabs her water and starts drinking from it.

Mollie: Your technique has really improved since the last time we went over this number.

Grace: Thanks, I’m trying.

Mollie: Just in time for the business to open too. Are you ready for that?

Grace: Getting there. I have a meeting with Aunt Jennifer to turn over the paperwork in a couple of days.

Mollie: *smiles* I remember when I first started dancing at her academy as a kid. Every Monday and Thursday I spent my afternoons in that studio.

Grace: Did she ever offer you the company when you were younger?

Mollie: Tons of times. Pep wanted the company to either be run by me or the twins; have you ever met them? Reagan and Dylan?

Grace: *sullen* I don’t really remember meeting most of your family’s side…

Silence fills the room.

Grace: I’m sorry, I didn’t mean–

Mollie: It’s fine. It’s the truth.

Grace: Mom, I didn’t–

Mollie: So, the showcase will be the weekend before the business reopens. I know you and Max aren’t on the greatest terms, but perhaps you should invite him. Willow deserves to be there for her mother’s big opening.

Grace drops the conversation and proceeds to talk more business stuff with Mollie.

….

Back at the law firm, a meeting is held with a couple of lawyers and attorneys about the trial that’s coming up. Jamie is seen taking notes in the conference room.

Attorney Carson: Mr. Kim–

Jamie looks up from his notebook.

Attorney Carson: I’m glad to see you back here with us working this case. Did you get to talk to the precinct about Mendez on your little vacation?

Jamie: *straightforward* No, I was beaten up by Mendez’s followers while I was there. On my own.

Attorney Carson: So we still don’t have details about the night according to police?

No one says anything. Jamie is literally dumbfounded at the people in the room.

Attorney Carson: Well now that you’re back, can you make sure you make it there in one piece and with our information, please? Meeting adjourned.

Everyone gets up from their seats. Jamie gathers his things until Attorney Carson calls for him.

Attorney Carson: Mr. Kim?

Jamie turns around and faces the attorney.

Jamie: What can I help you with?

Attorney Carson: I don’t know what they taught you in the firm you were previously at, but we do things a little different here. I’m sorry for what happened to you, but it shouldn’t stop you entirely from working a case.

Jamie: Sir, with all things considered, I went there alone and faced the consequences for being there in the first place. I was at the hospital for nearly the entire day. I was not okay to come into work the next morning. I needed the time off and as an employee, I have the right to do so.

Attorney Carson crosses his arms.

Attorney Carson: Jamie–

Jamie: *corrects* Mr. Kim, sir.

Attorney Carson: Mr. Kim, I am simply showing you how things work around here.

Jamie: I appreciate it, but I’ve been a prosecutor for nearly four years now. I know what I’m doing.

Attorney Carson: *angry* Things are different here than they were in China–

Jamie: *annoyed; corrects* South Korea, Sir, and justice is justice no matter what language it’s translated in.

Attorney Carson: I don’t like your tone, Mr. Kim.

Jamie: And I don’t like you telling me how to do my job, Sir; a job that I very much know how to do.

Attorney Carson: I can easily take you off this case.

Jamie: Just days away from the trial? That wouldn’t be professional of the Carter Law Firm, now would it?

Attorney Carson is at a loss for words.

Jamie: I will be scheduling a meeting with the detectives in my office later this week. I will have the information we need by the end of it.

Jamie gathers his things and leaves the conference room.

…..

The front door of an apartment is open. Jamie walks in and places his briefcase next to the front door.

Jamie: Gracie?

There’s no response. Jamie assumes Grace is still out. He takes a wine glass out of the cabinet and opens a bottle of wine and pours it. He takes his glass and sits at the round table. He looks around the apartment and thinks to himself; when did this become home for him? He brushes his hair back and sips on his wine until he hears the door knocking. He walks to it and answers it.

It’s Max with Willow in his arms.

The Teenage Tell-Tale.

The Teenage Meltdown: A Scene.

41 Amazing Small Apartment Living Room - HOMISHOME

The from door of the apartment opens and Milo Sr. and Jennifer walk in. Mollie walks straight to the couch and buries her face in the pillows. Milo Sr. looks at Jennifer and walks out of the living room, giving space to the sisters. Jennifer sits in the lounge chair next to the sofa, looking at Mollie.

Jennifer: Wanna talk?

Mollie: No.

Jennifer: Well we’re going to have to talk about it sooner or later. You don’t want to have this conversation with Mom or Dad first.

Mollie doesn’t respond. Jennifer sighs.

Jennifer: Mol, why would you go to that party without letting Dad know?

Mollie doesn’t answer.

Jennifer: You gotta give me something here.

Mollie turns around and her eyes are puffy and red. Her face is stained with tears.

Mollie: Because I wanted to go and I wasn’t invited.

Jennifer: Why would you go if you weren’t invited?

Mollie doesn’t say anything.

Jennifer: Mol?

Mollie: *yells* Because I was stupid enough to think that the boy I liked liked me back and he fucking invited me to go with him! That’s why!

Jennifer looks at the bedroom that her youngest son, Micah, is sleeping in. She turns back around towards Mollie to try to calm her down.

Jennifer: What happened at the party?

Mollie: *louder* I don’t wanna talk about it, Pep! Theo is just an asshole and Laurie is a cunt and I hate her stupid minions and I hope they go rot in hell!

Jennifer: Mollie.

Mollie heaves on the sofa and cries.

In his bedroom, Milo hears Mollie and Jennifer’s conversation from the living room. His phone vibrates; he gets a message from Sophie.

leesophie: Is she okay?
milolani: Her sister is talking to her right now. 
milolani: What happened?

Moments later, a mass text message is sent, including to Milo. Milo opens up the attachment and it’s a video of Mollie and Theo kissing at the party, followed by catching them and laughing at Mollie. Mollie looks absolutely mortified. Milo is shocked at what he saw.

Milo Sr. knocks on Milo’s door and enters. Milo takes the video off of his screen.

Milo Sr: Hey bud, are you okay?

Milo: Mol’s gonna hate me.

Milo Sr: Hey, you did the right thing. No one knew where she was tonight… did she tell you she was going to this party?

Milo shakes his head.

Milo: No. A friend told me she was there.

Milo Sr takes in this newfound information.

Milo Sr: Did your friend tell you what happened?

Milo: No.

Milo’s phone begins to ring constantly and it catches Milo Sr’s attention.

Milo Sr: What’s wrong with your phone?

Milo: *nervously* It-it’s nothing.

Milo tries to laugh it off until his father puts his hand out.

Milo Sr: Phone. Now.

Milo sighs and hands over his phone.

Milo: Please don’t show Mollie and Pep! Mol will kill me!

Milo Sr watches the video and his face drops. He shuts his eyes and hands Milo his phone.

Milo Sr: You did the right thing telling us about Mollie, bud. Don’t kick yourself for doing that. You were only looking out for your friend and that’s what a good friend does.

Milo still feels bad and not convinced. Milo Sr leaves Milo’s room and heads towards the living room. Mollie is crying even harder now; Jennifer is looking at Mollie’s phone, angry.

Jennifer: This is not even right, those kids should be ashamed of themselves *to Milo Sr* did you–?

Milo Sr sadly nods his head. Jennifer goes from angry to concerned and looks back at Mollie, crying on the sofa.

Milo comes out of his room and peeks into the living room. Mollie sees him and gets extremely angry.

Mollie: You fucking snitch!

Milo: *defensive* I didn’t even know you were actually gonna go to that stupid party with Theo!

Mollie: You still told them that I went, dumbass!

Jennifer: That’s enough! *to Milo* You, back in your room! *to Mollie* We gotta tell dad that you’re with me.

Mollie doesn’t say anything; she just sits on the sofa. Milo turns around and walks back into his room.

While Milo Sr walks in the same direction as his son, Jennifer sits back down with Mollie.

Jennifer: It’s wrong what those kids did to you. No one should ever have to go through that.

Mollie stays silent.

Jennifer: And that boy? Not worth it. Just because someone looks good on the outside, doesn’t mean they’re good on the inside.

Mollie: I thought he liked me. He made me feel special.

Jennifer: I know, sweetie.

Mollie begins to cry in Jennifer’s shoulder. She holds Mollie as she comforts her.

Mollie: My first kiss was suppose to be special, and he ruined it! Laurie ruined it! They all ruined a moment that was suppose to be memorable!

Mollie heaves in Jennifer’s body. Jennifer gently rocks her sister to comfort her in a vulnerable state like this.

Milo sits at his desk and messages Sophie.

milolani: You should've just let Mollie be. 
leesophie: What?
milolani: She's an ungrateful person and should've dealt with her own shit on her own.

Milo throws his phone on the bed, upset that his best friend is mad at him for helping her out in a situation where she was left alone. He hides under his covers, and begins to cry.

Overexposed: A Self-Love Project.

Overexposed: 2 Weeks.

At the start of 2021, I was still getting tests done in preparation for bariatric surgery. I still remember having to take a Lyft one Wednesday night to Sheepshead Bay and stay overnight at a sleep center in order to take a sleep study. I remember back in September, I was put in a hospital gown and pushed on a gurney to have an endoscopy done. I remember taking test after test, month after month, having delays and waiting for everyone’s clearances to be put through.

Hi, my name is Liz and I have surgery in two weeks.

I was talking to my mentor last night about my surgery since I found out the date I was having it, and she brought up the point that if I decided I wanted to write about the surgery process and experience, she would be interested in knowing and reading about it. I thought to myself, “that’s not actually a bad idea!” So here I am, documenting the life of an adult who is getting ready for surgery in less than a month.

I found out my surgery date earlier this month, and that’s when I knew it was time to get serious. It began to feel real; to know that it was only a month and a half away from happening made things feel intense, and I had to start getting my body ready for the surgery.

I got my diet plan from my nutritionist and was told to start it a month before surgery. I had a little more time to prepare myself for it, but when it was time to finally get serious and start it, it was definitely difficult. I was hungry, stressed, and cranky for the first couple of days. Getting a list of things you had to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the next two weeks was something I was not used to. I cooked my own meals most days, I brought lunch to work instead of getting what everyone else was getting, and the portions were a lot smaller than what I was used to. It took some time to get used to it, and after awhile I did!

But now, I’m about 2 weeks before my surgery, and the next phase of my diet begins: protein shakes. I’ve been preparing myself for that two week diet; it’s definitely not easy, to say the least. I don’t know how I’ll get through the two week period if not having solid meals during my day, but just like anything else you do consistently, it will get easier as time passes.

I can’t say that I’m not nervous for surgery. It’s such a major change that I didn’t really see until it came time to prepare for surgery. The process to even get to this point was long overdue; it felt like I was never going to get to this point in the program, to be honest. I thought something was going to hold or delay the process even more than it was already, and all of the work I did to get to this point would’ve been for nothing.

But I’m here. Things are happening. Things are changing. Life is going to be different for the next couple of months. Surgery is in two weeks.

The "Something" Series

Something About Our Past: A Scene.

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The sun is rising in the city; it’s coming through the curtains through Grace’s apartment. The two adults are sitting on the round table, sipping their cups of coffee. Nothing is said, they just share the silence together for a moment. Jamie’s phone vibrates on the table. He picks it up to view the notification and puts it down. He sighs in a frustrated manner; Grace takes a look at Jamie as she sips her coffee. Jamie looks at Grace.

Jamie: Ari texted me and told me not to come in today.

Grace raises her eyebrows in question. Jamie notices the reaction.

Jamie: Ya, she was the one that got my number from you.

Grace dismisses it. She lifts her mug and continues to sip her coffee.

Jamie: Did you tell her about what happened last night?

Grace: That you got your ass beaten up and look as fucked as you currently do? Absolutely. She was with me last night when I was losing my shit.

Jamie: *stern* Did you tell her to call me out of work today?

Grace: No… I told her to tell you that you can work from home so you can recover.

Jamie smiles at the thought. He looks down at his mug and takes a sip from it. He winces in pain from the cut on his lip. Grace immediately tends to him with a damp cloth.

Grace: Are you okay? *examines the cut* Jamie, it’s bleeding, the coffee is fucking hot.

She dabs the cut as Jamie sits there quietly. He tries not to smile, but he can’t help himself.

Grace: What?

Jamie: Super-Mom is here.

Grace rolls her eyes and rinses the cloth to continue caring for the cut.

Grace: Shut up, I’m just–

Jamie: Taking care of an issue that wasn’t your fault?

Grace backs away and doesn’t say anything.

Jamie: It’s not your fault that what happened, happened. It was mine.

Grace doesn’t respond. She just rinses out the cloth and proceeds to go back to the table to finish up her coffee. Jamie watches her as she scrolls through her phone, drinking her coffee.

Jamie: Why do you blame yourself for things out of your control?

Grace: *looks up* What?

Jamie: Why are you always blaming yourself for things that weren’t your fault?

Grace sits back in her seat, confused at what’s happening.

Grace: What makes you think that?

Jamie: You blame yourself for what happened last night. You put other people’s decisions on your shoulders and you shouldn’t have to. You’re in control of your own decisions, not anyone else’s.

Grace: You make it sound so easy. You make it seem like I want other’s decisions on my shoulders. It just happens to be on mine because I’m the common denominator.

Jamie: You did not put a gun to those people’s head and tell them what to do, Grace.

Grace is beginning to get agitated at the conversation.

Grace: In the situations that I know are my fault–

Jamie: They aren’t–

Grace: *louder* That I know are my fault…

Jamie doesn’t say anything.

Grace: I take personally.

Jamie: What happened last night is not your fault.

Grace starts to fidget in her chair, annoyed at the conversation at hand. Jamie is not letting her get the last word.

Grace: I can’t just unlearn these habits, Jamie. I always think it’s my fault that something went wrong or if something is going bad. Like, it seems like the people closest to me always end up hurt or fucked up and it somewhat comes back to me.

Jamie: Well those people need to take responsibility for their own actions and stop putting their bad decisions on you.

Grace: What if you know you’re the reason your parents divorced in the first place? What if you were finally told that your mom had to make a decision between her career or her family and she ultimately chose her career? What if you carry that shit your entire life and try so hard to prevent it from happening to you but you end up just fucking up someone else’s life up and your own kid?

Jamie slams his hand on the table; Grace stops talking.

Jamie: You are not a bad person for knowing what you need in certain points of your life. You can make selfish decisions, but you are not a bad person for making them. You are not a bad mom, Grace.

Grace doesn’t say anything back. She just continues to drink her coffee and scroll through her phone. Jamie doesn’t say anything back; he simply continues the morning on a silent note.

Grace: You left your wallet open on the nightstand last night. I thought I was reaching for my glasses.

Jamie continues to drink his coffee.

Grace: You look… interesting with dark hair.

Jamie chokes on his coffee.

Jamie: What?

Grace: *playful* What, was that photo taken like 10 years ago?

Jamie looks at Grace as she giggles to herself.

Jamie: It was about 5 years ago.

Grace: *teasingly* Aww! Such an innocent baby! Jaeminininini!

Jamie’s eyes widen in Grace’s direction. Grace’s laugh trails off when she notices that Jamie isn’t laughing back.

Grace: I-I’m sorry, Jamie, I–

Jamie: If you’re going to say my Korean name, at least learn how to say it. Jae Min. Jaemin.

Grace: *repeats* Jae Min.

Jamie: Ah, majayo. That is correct.

Grace smiles and leans forward in her seat.

Grace: Is there a reason why you call me Gracie instead of Grace, or is that just the cute nickname you gave me?

Jamie: *laughs* Grace in Korean is not Grace in English. In Korean, “Grace” is Eunhye. Gracie is Gracie.

Grace: So…?

Jamie: I would rather call you by your name instead of Eunhye.

Grace: Perhaps that’s my secret identity: Kim Eun Hye.

Jamie: *teasingly* You now have my last name?

Grace embarrassingly shakes her head. Jamie smirks.

Jamie: Don’t be embarrassed. It has a cute ring to it. Kim Eunhye.

Grace smiles to herself and clears her voice. She ultimately changes the subject.

Grace: So is Jamie just your preferred name, or…?

Jamie: *tilts his head* Preferred?

Grace: Like, it’s not your real name, just a name you like?

Jamie: … it’s my English name.

Grace: They give you one of those?

Jamie: *dumbfound* Grace… I chose my English name. I use it when I’m in America or in any English speaking places where they won’t get my name wrong.

Grace: And it’s just as valid as a real name?

Jamie: Quite frankly, yes.

Grace takes in the information to herself until she hears Jamie talking again.

Jamie: My mother told me that if I wanted to ever travel outside of Korea, I should have an English name. I didn’t think of it at first, but I decided once I got into law that it would be better to have an English name; clients won’t judge you with a name like “Jamie”.

Grace: Are you the only one with an English name?

Jamie: One of my sisters also decided she wanted one as well. Her Korean name is Minji, but really liked the name Julia. We call her Lia for short.

Grace: And your other sister?

Jamie: She’s quite traditional so she kept her name; Mina.

Grace looks genuinely interested in the conversation.

Grace: So if I go to Korea, I’ll be able to pick out a Korean name?

Jamie: You already did, Eunhye.

Grace rolls her eyes and gets up from the table and takes both her and Jamie’s mugs off the table and places them in the kitchen sink. Jamie wasn’t finished with his coffee.

Jamie: *laughs* I wasn’t finished with that, Eunhye!

Grace: You were taking long to finish the sip you had left, Jaemin.

Jamie gets up from the table and walks behind Grace. He hugs her from behind and attempts to lift her up away from the sink. He forgets he’s pretty bruised and winces in pain when he tries to carry up.

Grace: Fuck! I’m so sorry, Jamie! I didn’t–

Jamie shushes Grace as he holds his ribcage.

Jamie: That was completely my fault and should’ve known better.

Grace looks at Jamie and grabs his hand.

Grace: Morning couch chilling time?

Jamie: *smiles* Lead the way, jagiya.

The Teenage Tell-Tale.

The Teenage Halloween Party: A Scene.

Halloween Party Ideas | BizBash

It’s the night of Laurie’s Halloween party, and teens gather around the venue with their invitation to head on inside. It’s extra, over the top, and luxurious; three things that most of Laurie’s parties are known for. Teens in costumes are walking around, chatting and socializing. Two teens come into the party, a guy dressed up as The Joker; the girl dressed up as a zombie school girl.

Theo looks at Mollie, who also looks at him.

Theo: You look so cute in your costume.

Mollie: Thanks! It was the only thing I could really think of last minute.

Theo: Well, you look great.

He winks at her, which makes Mollie blush.

Across the room is Sophie, who is dressed up as Jasmine from ‘Aladdin’. She sits with her group of friends while the others chat it up and socialize with the other people in the group. Laurie, who is dressed as a luxurious princess, looks at Sophie sitting by herself.

Laurie: Hey Sophie!

Sophie looks up in Laurie’s direction.

Laurie: Come on! We’re all talking pictures together!

Sophie gets up from her seat and lines up with the rest of her friends. The photographer in front of them sets up the camera and prompts them to say ‘Halloween!’ at the count of three. Before the group counts to three, Laurie notices an unwanted guest at her party.

Laurie:*annoyed* Mollie?!

Sophie looks ahead and sees Mollie at the party with Theo. Sophie is confused as in why she’s at the party with him. She doesn’t like the feeling it gives her.

Before she can walk back to where she was sitting, someone grabs her by the arm. It’s Simon, who is dressed up as a prince.

Simon: Sophie!

The gesture catches Sophie off-guard. She jumps in place in fear.

Simon: Hey, it’s just me!

Sophie: What do you want, Simon?

Simon: I just wanted to stop by, say hi and tell you that you look really good in your costume.

Sophie: *annoyed* You should be telling your girlfriend that.

Simon: I mean, she’s cute, but you’re even cuter.

Sophie is visibly disgusted.

Sophie: What happened to you? What happened to the friend that was actually kind and respectful?

Simon: Did I not just compliment you and be nice to you?

Sophie: I think it would be best if you left me alone, Simon. Have a good rest of the night.

Sophie walks away from Simon. She sits back down at her seat, surrounded by Laurie’s group of friends.

Laurie walks up to Theo and Mollie.

Laurie: I believe this was an invite-only party.

Theo: There’s nothing about not bringing a plus one to your party.

Laurie huffs and walks away from the two. Mollie smiles in victory as her and Theo laugh at the outcome.

The night progresses and everything is going well. Theo sits next to Mollie at one of the table and pulls her chair close to him. Mollie smiles.

Theo: You’re enjoying the party?

Mollie: It’s pretty cool.

Theo: Well, I’m having a great time here with you.

Mollie cheeses. She’s not one to swoon over a guy’s compliments like this, but she really likes Theo. Theo gets up from his seat and takes Mollie’s hand. He walks across the venue with her, passing the table of Laurie’s friends and Sophie. Sophie looks up to see the two of them walking towards a dark, secluded area. She doesn’t like the feeling she has, and takes out her phone.

leesophie: Mollie’s at the party with Theo.

In the secluded area, Theo looks at Mollie and smiles. Mollie is confused.

Mollie: What are we doing back here?

Theo: There was too much noise out there, I just wanted to hang out with you and talk.

Mollie nods and sits down in the bench behind the curtain. Theo joins her.

Theo: I’ve been wanting to tell you something, but I’ve been too scared to say anything.

Mollie: What is it?

Theo: I’m really glad that you came with me to the party. To be honest, I really wanted to talk to you in school, but I always thought you didn’t want to talk to me.

Mollie: Are you kidding me? *laughs* I always wanted you to come and talk to me! You’re Theodore Walker, the captain of the baseball team!

Theo laughs and gets closer to Mollie. She notices and starts to get a little uncomfortable.

Theo: The truth is, I like you Mollie. I think you’re the prettiest girl in the class.

Mollie is taken back. She blushes as her response.

Mollie: I… really like you too.

Theo gets even closer to Mollie and begins to go in to kiss her. She doesn’t move, but she’s nervous. He slowly goes in and kisses Mollie on the lips. Mollie closes her eyes and kisses him back until a curtain is swung open and flashes of lights appear. They break up the kiss.

Laurie: Look everyone! It’s Beverly Junior High’s slut! She even came dressed as herself!

Mollie looks mortified. She looks at Theo who’s also laughing and giving high-fives to the boys.

Theo: There you go guys, it’s not as hard as you think getting Mollie Castro after all!

Mollie is embarrassed and at the verge of tears.

Mollie: Go fuck yourself, Theo!

Theo: Not unless I get you to do that first!

The guys laugh as Mollie runs out of the secluded area. Sophie watches Mollie run out of the venue. She follows her.

Sophie: Mollie! Mollie wait!

Mollie: *turns around* Don’t you guys think you did enough? You’re all the fucking same; just plain, mean girls that thinks everyone wants to be like them and be your friend! Go back to Laurie and her other minions and share the same brain cell because all of you are fucking stupid and dumb!

Mollie runs out as Sophie stands there.

Mollie exits the venue and sees a familiar car waiting outside. It’s Milo Sr. and her eldest sister, Jennifer.

The "Something" Series

“Were You Not Going to Say Something?” : A Scene.

nighttime balcony | Gambar bergerak, Pemandangan khayalan, Fotografi urban

Grace just stands at the doorway, looking into the living room area. Jamie sits there and doesn’t look at Grace. She drops her things at the door and closes it. As Jamie gets up from the sofa, Grace runs to him in relief.

Grace: Jamie! Oh my god, thank god you’re home and safe I–

Jamie doesn’t hug Grace back. She looks up at him and gasps. Jamie’s face is bruised and cut up, and his hair is tassled in different directions. Grace steps back in shock.

Grace: Are you hurt?! What happened?!

Jamie doesn’t answer; he walks past Grace and goes into the cabinet for a wine glass.

Grace: Jamie? *walks up to him* Jamie–

Jamie: *annoyed* I’m fine.

Grace: *defensive* Clearly you’re not. Your face is busted up and you called me asking for help! What the fuck happened to you tonight?!

Jamie finally turns around to face Grace.

Jamie: Why should I tell you anything?

Grace: *confused* Where the hell is this coming from?

Jamie: I don’t want to talk about it…

As Jamie walks away, Grace grabs a hold of his arm to turn him around. He looks at her intently; same goes for Grace.

Grace: I looked all over the city for you. I came from Yonkers to come all the way back into the city in hopes to find you and see if you were okay. I nearly cried myself sick at Ari’s because I felt like it was my fault that something happened to you. Now that you’re here, clearly hurt, you’re not going to talk about what happened?

Jamie: I went to Harlem to learn more about the defendant.

Grace: Without any backup?

Jamie: No.

Grace finally lets Jamie’s arm go, visibly annoyed and freaked out about the situation at hand.

Grace: Are you out of your mind, Jamie?! You are working a criminal case dealing with one of the top gang leaders in the city, and you’re just going to show up on his turf to learn more about him? What the fuck were you thinking, Jamie?

Jamie: Look, I was following an order!

Grace: Then you say no and try to do in the safest way possible! You’re a rookie at the firm, they are going to put all those tasks on you because you don’t know any better, especially since this is your first case with them.

Jamie takes a moment to gather everything that’s happening. He visibly looks confused, and folds his arms across his chest.

Jamie: How do you know about the case? We never discussed about it.

Grace’s face instantly turns pale, she’s somewhat speechless.

Grace: The case was going around right before I went on vacation…

Jamie turns his head towards the direction near the closet door. Grace follows his gaze and notices a box near the closet door.

Grace: What’s in the box?

Jamie doesn’t say anything. He simply walks over to it and takes the cover of it off. He takes one thing out of the box. He holds up a name tag: “Grace Ashmore, Lawyer”. Grace widens her eyes in disbelief.

Grace: Wh-what’s that doing here?

Jamie: *annoyed; tosses the name tag back in the box* jinjja…

Grace doesn’t say anything.

Jamie: Were you not going to say something?

Grace: What?

Jamie: I had to find out from Ari that you left the firm?

Grace eye’s widen and stays silent. She honestly doesn’t know what to say.

Grace: I was going to tell you.

Jamie: When, Grace? When?! When were you finally going to tell me that you left the firm? Did it ever occur to you to tell me when I asked you countless of times when were you coming back to work?

Grace: *defensive* I wasn’t ready.

Jamie huffs and walks towards the room. Grace runs after him.

She swings open the door.

Grace: Jamie–

Jamie: I trusted you. I would’ve supported your decision and stood by your side, but instead you kept this from me–

Grace: You kept the case from me and nearly got yourself killed!

Jamie: So we both messed up. I kept it from you because it was work related and it’s been taking up so much of my time. Why did you keep this from me? When did you decide you didn’t want to be in the firm anymore?

Grace visibly feels uncomfortable as she’s in question.

Grace: Before you came back.

Jamie: So the position–

Grace: It was mine.

Jamie shakes his head in disbelief.

Jamie: I wouldn’t have took the job if I knew it was yours…

Grace: That’s why I didn’t tell you! How was I going to bring up the fact that the position that was opened was mine and that I left the firm?

Jamie: The exact way you just said it, Grace!

Grace tries to exit out of the room while Jamie gets a hold of her. She flails her arm in protest and accidentally hits Jamie in the face. He winces in pain and Grace immediately regrets it.

Grace: Fuck! Jamie, I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to I–

Grace immediately starts to cry. The words start to just come out without her realizing it.

Grace: It’s my fault that this happened to you, it’s my fault that you’re on this case and that you got hurt tonight; I should’ve been there, I should’ve helped you, I should’ve been there sooner but I wasn’t and I’m a complete failure I–

Grace heaves everything out once again as Jamie holds her.

Jamie: Jagiya~

Grace: I’m so sorry…

Jamie: Ya…

Grace doesn’t listen, she continues to cry her frustrations out in Jamie’s lap. He just sits there, holding her in his arms.

……

The bathroom light turns on; Jamie walks straight to the mirror and looks at himself. He touches his blonde hair that has leftover blood from earlier that night. He closes his eyes.

He recalls walking into the hospital, beaten up and covered in blood, asking her assistance. The nurse behind the front desk grabbed him by his arms as his knees began to buckle and get weak. He doesn’t remember much after that.

He opens his eyes; tiredness wears on his face. He just wants to sleep, but he knows he has to go into work tomorrow morning. He knows this case is already too deep for him to back out of it, and he can’t let his client down. She deserves justice. She is someone’s daughter. Sister. Mother. That could’ve easily been one of his own sisters back in Korea. That could’ve easily been Grace. That could’ve been Willow when she got older. He winces at the pain as he cleans up his wounds.

Grace wakes up on Jamie’s side of the bed. At first, she’s confused until she looks at the clock on the nightstand; it is 3 o’clock in the morning. She looks to the empty side of her bed; Jamie isn’t there. Grace reaches at the nightstand to grab her glasses, but instead grabs a card on top of a leather wallet. She squints as she reads the card: “Kim Jae Hyung”. Grace looks at the picture of Jamie on his ID card.

Grace looks startled when she hears a man’s low voice.

Jamie: Gracie?

The Teenage Tell-Tale.

The Teenage Black Sheep: A Scene.

▷ 1001+ ideas for Cozy Teenage Girl Bedroom Ideas For Small Rooms

Mollie walks into a pink, girly bedroom. She drops her stuff at the foot of the bed and sits on it. She looks around, disgusted at how obnoxiously pink and girly the room is. Sh sighs and tales out her phone; she sees all of the people at her school getting ready for Laurie’s Halloween party. She tosses her phone on the bed, annoyed that she’s here instead of with everyone else.

A woman knocks on the door and enters the bedroom. She’s tall and has short black hair. She smiles at Mollie.

Gina: Hey, Mollie. Dinner should be ready in 15 minutes.

Mollie doesn’t say anything, she just picks her fingernails and ignores Gina. Gina leaves the room, and closes the door behind her. Mollie sits up and looks at the closed door in disgust. She gets up from the bed and looks at the shelf across from her. She sees a picture of her and her father from when she was a kid. Mollie takes the picture frame and faces in downward on the shelf.

It’s now dinnertime at the Castro household. The family sits at the kitchen table; Gina, Mollie, her father Justin, and her half-sibling, Selena.Mollie sits at the dinner table silent as she eats her food. Gina and Justin are talking before they stop and continue eating.

Gina: So how’s school going, Mollie?

Mollie doesn’t answer, she continues to play around with the food on her dinner plate. Justin notices it.

Justin: Mollie.

Mollie: Huh?

Justin: Gina asked you a question.

Mollie: Sorry, I didn’t hear.

Gina smiles and repeats her question.

Gina: How’s school going?

Mollie: Fine, I guess.

Mollie continues to eat her dinner, Justin feels slightly embarrassed by his daughter’s behavior. A squeal from Selena in her highchair is heard, and Justin tends to her. Mollie looks visibly annoyed.

Gina: *to Mollie* Have you’ve been practicing for the high-school audition?

Mollie doesn’t respond; she is too busy looking at her father tend to Selena.

Gina: Mollie?

Mollie: *annoyed* What?

Justin: *stern* Hey.

He looks at Mollie. Mollie continues to play with the food on her plate.

Justin: Gina just asked you a simple question.

Mollie: I don’t feel like talking.

Justin: That’s not an excuse to be rude to Gina.

Mollie puts her fork on her plate and gathers her dishes.

Mollie: I’m done with dinner. Thanks.

She gets up from her seat and takes her dishes to the kitchen. Gina looks sad.

Justin: You know how teenagers can be.

Gina: I know. I just wish there was more that I can do for her.

Justin wraps his arm around Gina, who smiles to the gesture.

Back in Mollie’s room she takes out her phone to scroll through various social media platforms. She soon after gets a message notification.

Theo: hey castro 😉

Mollie smiles at the message and responds back to the message.

Mollie: what's up, walker?
Theo: just chilling in my room. hbu?
Mollie: same, @ my dad's house for the weekend.
Theo: that blows.
Mollie: tell me about it.

A knock is heard on Mollie’s bedroom. Her father walks in.

Justin: Can we talk?

Mollie: About what?

Justin sits on the bed and Mollie locks her phone screen.

Justin: About you and Gina.

Mollie: What about us?

Justin: She feels bad when you push her away when you’re over. I know you’re my daughter, but–

Mollie: But Gina is your wife and Selena is your daughter. Got it.

Justin: Lena’s your half-sister.

Mollie: So what?

Justin: *upset* Mollie.

Mollie doesn’t say anything back.

Justin: I’m just asking for you to be nice to Gina. She wants to make your weekends here as comfortable as possible, and it’s not fair to her that–

Mollie gets angry at her father for only considering Gina’s feelings instead of hers.

Mollie: It’s unfair to her? How is it unfair to her?

Justin: You’re tuning her out, Mollie. You’re making her feel like she doesn’t belong here.

Mollie: *angry* Well she deserves it!

Justin: Mollie Sue Castro!

Mollie huffs in her bed.

Justin: You are in her house, and she is treating you with nothing but respect, and I expect you to do the same for her.

Mollie phone buzzes. She knows it’s Theo texting her back. Justin gets up from the bed and walks towards the bedroom door.

Justin: You can’t stay in your room all weekend; come out and socialize with the rest of the family very once in awhile.

The door shuts behind him and Mollie takes out her phone to read the message notification.

Theo: u should come to laurie's party tomorrow
Mollie: I'm not invited to her dumb party.
Theo: be my +1? there's nothin that says you can't

Mollie ponders the thought.

Mollie: see you then.