#relationship struggles | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

rickie-the-storyteller · 9 months

Text

Steph's Crew - Part 20: Hold On

Intro:

What's up, folks?

So last time Bret and Steph had a little bit of a moment. Which is bad, because both of them are taken lol. I mean, nothing too crazy happened... but the fact that something almost happened is bad enough, right?

Today, we're going to kind of see the aftermath of this (how it affects the relationships between the group, especially Elise), and we're also going to get a bit more context for Bret and Rachel's fight last time, and development for his family drama. It's going to be quite tense all round, but hopefully still enjoyable!

In the silent study room

(The bell rings for break. Dylan, Alice and Bret are walking into the common room together, when all of a sudden, Elise comes by)

Elise: Morning, folks!

Dylan: Hey, Elise!

Alice: What's up, El?

Elise: (smiles) Oh, nothing much, nothing much.

Bret: Did you have a lesson?

Elise: (immediately stops smiling) Yes. Textiles.

Bret: (awkwardly) Cool.

Elise: Yeah. (pauses) So, I think we should talk. Don't you?

Bret: I guess.

Elise: Great! I'm glad you agree. We'll try and catch up with you guys afterwards, is that ok?

Alice: Uh, yeah. Ok.

Dylan: See you later?

Elise: Of course! Now, come with me. (pulls Bret away to the silent study room)

Dylan: Looks like somebody's in trouble…

Alice: It's Bret. He's used to it by now.

(In the study room, Bret and Elise continue their conversation)

Bret: So…

Elise: So.

Bret: You're upset.

Elise: Obviously!

Bret: Why?

Elise: Are you being serious?

(There's a silence as Bret tries to figure out what to say next)

Bret: …No?

Elise: (sighs) Bret, what's going on? With you, I mean. And your aunt.

Bret: Nothing's going on, El.

Elise: It seemed like a big deal at the time…

Bret: I don't want you to worry about this.

Elise: I wish you'd talk to me. If something is up, you can tell me about it. You know that, don't you? That's what I'm here for.

Bret: I know.

Elise: (takes his hand) Have you and your aunt made up yet?

Bret: Not exactly. But we live together. We've got to get over it at some point, you know?

Elise: Hmm. (pauses) And you didn't mean what you said back then, did you?

Bret: When?

Elise: When I found you at Stevie's?

Bret: What did I say again?

Elise: You don't remember what you said? About how I wouldn't understand your problems because of how privileged I am?

Bret: Ah.

Elise: Yeah. You were all like, "I'd love to see how your life advice applies to someone who hasn't been handed everything on a silver platter. Your life is perfect. You have great friends, a whole family full of legit good people, rich and successful parents, and an older brother with a flat that you can go stay at when your parents are driving you insane. You have a nice car, a big house, perfect grades. You'll probably go on to study at Cambridge next year. You have everything. You won't know what it's like to lose everything. So don't even try to advise that person now."

Bret: Wow. I said all that?

Elise: Yup.

Bret: I don't even remember saying half of that…

Elise: But you did say all of that. And more. That part stuck with me the most, though.

Bret: Huh. It's freaky how good your memory is.

Elise: Adam tells me that all the time.

Bret: Your brother's a hoot.

Elise: Yeah. Look, when you said that, it… well, to be honest, it hurt. A lot. Mostly because I was only trying to help.

Bret: I know you were. Come here. (hugs her) I'm sorry.

Elise: Are you?

Bret: Yeah, of course.

(Elise stops hugging Bret)

Elise: Because not only was it unnecessary, but it was kind of uncalled for. You don't know everything I've been through. You might believe that you do because we've known each other for years, but you don't. And you don't know what my parents have had to go through, either. You know, to get us to where we are now. You haven't seen the journey. All you know is the destination.

Bret: I get that, but-

Elise: No. I don't think you do. Look, as much as I dislike the pressure I tend to get from my family, I understand why I get it. That's all I'll say. My parents made sure Adam and I knew the importance of hard work because that's how they became successful. I appreciate everything my family has, and what my parents do for me. And I do know what loss feels like. You already know about my grandparents. You know, the ones that gifted us that vase you broke?

Bret: Ok, did you really need to bring that up?

Elise: I'm not done yet. I also know a thing or two about dealing with family issues. (sighs) You know about Adam getting his high school girlfriend pregnant, don't you?

Bret: Yeah, you told me about that.

Elise: Did I tell you that he got kicked out of the house because of all that?

Bret: …No. You didn't. Is that the reason why-

Elise: He doesn't live with us anymore. Yeah. He couldn't to go to university like my parents wanted. He got into a bunch of fights with mum and dad about it. Eventually, he couldn't take it anymore. Neither could they.

Bret: Damn…

Elise: To this day, he hasn't said a word to my parents. I'm the only person in my family that's still in contact with Adam. He hasn't got a relationship with anyone else. And I've kind of kept it a secret.

Bret: I… don't know what to say.

Elise: I think you could start by saying something along the lines of, "I suppose even people with certain privileges have to deal with problems in their lives sometimes."

Bret: Yeah, what you said. (laughs)

Elise: I know that I'll probably never truly understand exactly how you feel. I haven't experienced the things that you have. But I promise you, all I want to do is be there for you. 'Cause I love you.

Bret: You do?

Elise: (blushes) Yeah. I do.

Bret: (smiles) 'Kay, now I don't feel embarrassed by what I told Stevie.

Elise: (giggles) What did you tell Stevie? (pauses) Wait, wait. When was this?

Bret: Over the weekend. Before you met me, I went over to his and we hung out for a bit.

Elise: Why, though? You don't work during weekends.

Bret: I know. I just wanted to talk.

Elise: What about?

Bret: About how my aunt was driving me nuts. I just needed a break from being in the house, that's all.

Elise: So, let me get this straight. You needed to talk to somebody about your issues with your aunt, so you go talk to your boss?! Not a friend?

Bret: Stevie WAS my friend before he hired me… he's allowed to be my mate outside of work hours, isn't he?

Elise: I mean, I guess. But seriously? Not anyone else? Like your school friends? Or your girlfriend? It seriously had to be Stevie?

Bret: Dave was there, too. You know Dave - the dude from the record shop next door? And his brother, Colin.

Elise: And you thought that all of those guys were better people to confide in than me…

Bret: It seemed like a good idea at the time, but it didn't work out. But it's ok, 'cause then later on that night, I went to Steph's place.

Elise: What?!

Bret: What?

Elise: You went to my best friend!

Bret: Yeah. I mean, she's my friend, too. What's wrong with that?

Elise: Well, what did she say about it?

Bret: To talk to you.

Elise: Hmm. The only thing that's come out of your mouth that I can fully get behind. And it technically didn't even come from you!

Bret: Huh.

Elise: Only thing is, you should've done that from the get-go. You went to Stevie, Dave, Dave's brother, and Stephanie? You should've just come to me! Why don't you feel comfortable talking to me about deep stuff like this?

Bret: 'Cause I don't want you to worry!

Elise: Bret!

Bret: I hate talking to people about Gordon! It hurts to talk about it. And I don't want to hurt you with all my issues… you care so much about people that you kind of make their problems your own. I guess I just wanted a break from just feeling constant pain… so I went places where I knew I could forget about my problems and feel better instantly, instead of forcing myself to face them.

Elise: Well, you know what? You not being honest with me and coming to me when you need support hurts me a lot more than your problems could. I hate that you feel the need to keep stuff from me, Bret. I don't want you to do that anymore. If this is going to work out, then we need to be straight with each other.

Bret: I agree. I'm sorry. No more secrets?

Elise: No more secrets.

(The two share another warm hug, longer than the first)

Bret: Oh, wait. Since we're being honest, there's something you should probably know real quick.

Elise: Oh, yeah? (breaks the hug) What is it?

Bret: It's about Stephanie.

Elise: Ok…

Bret: When I was hanging out at her place, she and I drank a lot of beer. And then we stayed up late, talking about random stuff.

Elise: I don't know where this is going…

Bret: We had this weird moment where we almost kissed.

Elise: WHAT?!

Bret: But we didn't! Nothing happened. I'm just saying, it almost did.

Elise: Oh my God… oh, my-

Bret: Please don't be too upset… me and Steph weren't going to say anything to anyone, but you wanted us to be honest with each other. I just thought you deserved to know about it.

Elise: I-I… thanks? I guess. I just- I need…

Bret: I'm really sorry!

Elise: I need a minute. Yes! That is what I need. I just need some time, and-and space to just process this whole conversation. Yeah.

Bret: Ok. El, are you alright?

Elise: (shakes her head) Of course. I think I'll go now. Thanks for the talk. I think. (leaves the room)

Bret: Ok. Bye. I- (the door slams shut after Elise leaves) love you, too.

In the common room

(Dylan and Alice are sitting on a table in the common room at break. Alice is showing Dylan a funny cat video on her phone. Stephanie joins them)

Stephanie: Hey!

Alice: Oh, hey! (stands up and hugs her) How are you?

Dylan: Yeah, and where have you been? We haven't seen you in ages! (hugs Stephanie as well)

Alice: Poor Ellie was getting so worried about you… she called you a bunch of times.

Stephanie: Yeah, I know. I called her back as quickly as possible. I've just had to take care of a few things. But I'm good now! Mostly. (pauses) Where is Elise anyway? I haven't seen her yet today. Or Bret.

Alice: Did you just come in now?

Stephanie: Yeah.

Alice: Right, 'cause she was here this morning. You would've seen her then.

Dylan: I actually saw her go to the silent study room with Bret a few minutes ago. So they're probably still there.

Stephanie: Huh. Wonder why.

Alice: To talk?

Dylan: Or to do something else, if you know what I mean…

(He and Stephanie both start laughing at this)

Alice: No, no, 'cause El told me that she and Bret really needed to talk. I think they're going through something right now.

Dylan: Oh, yeah?

Alice: Yeah… she didn't give me any specific details about it, though. I don't know what's going on with them.

Dylan: Man… I hope everything's ok.

Stephanie: (gasps) I think I know what's going on with them.

Alice: Wait, what? How?!

Stephanie: 'Cause Bret came round my place this weekend.

Dylan: My gosh… was he ok? What happened?

Stephanie: A lot of stuff happened. I don't know if I should say everything, though.

Alice: (annoyed) Steph!

Stephanie: What? It's for them to say, not me.

Alice: That's never stopped you before…

Stephanie: I'm trying to turn over a new leaf?

Dylan: Bruh-

Alice: (angry) Don't give me that bullsh-

Elise: Hey, guys.

Alice: (instantly cheers up) Hey! (the two hug)

Dylan: How's it going, El?

Elise: (sighs) Not great. I have no idea what I'm even doing here.

Stephanie: What, in school?

Elise: No, with Bret!

Stephanie, Dylan and Alice: OH.

Elise: It's so weird. I've known him for almost my entire life, and yet, it's like I barely know him at all.

Alice: Oh, honey…

Elise: Yeah. I love him, but I don't understand him. And it's not like he makes it easy. He never tells me anything! Not when it matters… like it does now. Can you be with someone that you don't fully get? Or trust?

Dylan: Hmmmm. Like, I would say yes, since I've experienced that before. You know, with Robyn? But as you guys know, that didn't end too well, so…

Alice: I'm sorry, El. That sucks.

Dylan: What happened between you two, anyway?

Elise: I don't want to talk about it anymore. But hey, here's an idea. (glares at Stephanie) Why don't you ask Steph? (leaves the common room)

(There's an awkward silence between the rest of the group. Stephanie looks shocked and slightly guilty)

Alice: (calls out to Elise as she walks away) But we just did!!

Meet me at our spot (Flashback to the weekend)

(Elise gets off the bus at Tipton Street and spots Bret sitting at a seat outside Stevie's restaurant. He eventually notices her staring at him. After a moment of the two just looking at each other in silence, Elise nervously approaches him and sits down beside him)

Elise: Hey.

Bret: Hey.

Elise: Thought I'd find you here.

Bret: Hmm.

Elise: So, there was a bit of excitement over at your place!

Bret: (sighs) That's one way to put it.

Elise: (chuckles) That's what my dad says every time I fight with my mum. "That was a bit of excitement!" Not the good kind, obviously.

Bret: Nope.

Elise: How are you doing? You ok?

Bret: I don't know.

Elise: You want to talk about it?

Bret: Not particularly, no.

Elise: Why not?

(Bret doesn't answer her. Elise isn't sure of what to say next)

Elise: Look, I know it's not really any of my business, but… I don't think you should keep whatever this is to yourself. Nobody ever solves problems by bottling them.

Bret: I know…

Elise: And I'm here! I'm here for you because I care about you. You know that.

Bret: Yeah.

Elise: So talk to me. I mean, that fight with your aunt sounded pretty crazy.

Bret: It was…

Elise: How are you feeling about it?

Bret: Like nobody in my family has ever given a crap about what I have to say.

Elise: Ok… what do you mean by that?

Bret: Exactly what I said.

Elise: Right. Could you maybe explain that a bit?

Bret: Well… you know that letter you found in the sofa?

Elise: Yeah.

Bret: Well, I read it. And it turns out that it was from my uncle. Gordon Turner.

Elise: Gordon Turner. Why is that name so familiar?

Bret: He worked in broadcasting for a couple of years. And he has a show on the radio.

Elise: Ah! Cool!

Bret: It's not THAT cool. Anyway, neither me nor aunt Rach stand the guy.

Elise: How come?

Bret: Well, he and aunt Rach were married for five years before they split up. She never told me why they split up, necessarily… but I have a few theories.

Elise: Like what, Bret?

Bret: Hang on a sec. (gets his phone out) I've got a whole list on my notes app.

Elise: Oh, for goodness sake-

Bret: Number one - Gordon is a workaholic. Maybe he got so busy with his broadcasting job that he had no time for Rachel. Number two - cheating scandal. Number three -

Elise: STOP! (snatches his phone away) Focus on what's really important right now.

Bret: I am, El! I'm trying to tell you that my uncle sucks.

Elise: Right, well. you could've just said that from the beginning.

Bret: Sorry.

Elise: What's your problem with Gordon?

Bret: Uh, that he sucks. Come on, El. Pay attention!

Elise: Alright, you really need to elaborate on that. I get Rachel's problem with him, but what has he ever done to you?

Bret: Every time he meddles in my life, he ruins it. He's the reason my 13th birthday party went down the drain!

Elise: Oh, yeah! I remember that… The firemen were a ton of fun! They were all so nice.

Bret: And he's the reason my project for the young songwriter competition didn't go through. He knew how important it was for me, and he didn't give a flying fuck-

Elise: Yeah, but there was no full guarantee that you would have won it even if you did submit your song on time. The competition was intense that year.

Bret: That's not the point, El. And he's kind of indirectly responsible for my parents dying, too. But apparently, it's wrong for me to think that, according to aunt Rach. Whatever.

Elise: Wait, he what?!

Bret: He had a party that night. My parents were invited. So they took me to aunt Rach for the night, and then they left. They didn't make it back.

Elise: Wow.

Bret: Yeah.

Elise: So you associate your uncle with pain and loss. That's why it's a bad thing to you that he reached out to your aunt. I see.

Bret: I guess. I never thought of it in that way.

Elise: Did you explain that to your aunt?

Bret: Well, yeah! (pauses) Poorly.

Elise: I'll say.

Bret: (slightly offended) What's that supposed to mean?

Elise: You do love constantly meandering about an issue without properly addressing it. I mean, even now, it's taken you ages to explain this to me with actual information, so I can see why you ended up fighting with your aunt over it-

Bret: (annoyed) What the hell…

Elise: Dude, don't be mad. I'm just telling you as it is. A little word of advice, though - if you actually want to get somewhere with your conflict resolution problems… or just any problem in general, then don't avoid it. Actually be clear on it from the jump. Face it head-on. Don't take any detours. Do go off on unnecessary tangents. Just address the problems you have in a clear but respectful manner. See where things go from there!

Bret: Right. Well, I'd love to see how your life advice applies to someone who hasn't been handed everything on a silver platter.

Elise: (upset) Bret… listen, I'm not saying that-

Bret: No, Elise. You listen to me. Your life is perfect. You have great friends, a whole family full of legit good people, rich and successful parents, and an older brother with a flat that you can go stay at when your parents are driving you insane. You have a nice car, a big house, perfect grades. You'll probably go to study at Cambridge next year. You have everything. You won't know what it's like to lose everything. So don't even try to advise that person now.

Elise: Bret!

Bret: I can't talk about this anymore. Not with you. You won't get it. (sighs) You know what? I'm out of here. Don't follow me. (walks away)

Elise: (welling up with tears) BRET!

Bret: See you at school, El.

(A bus pulls up at the stop where Elise got off. Bret gets on it. Elise watches as it drives off. Tears make their way down her face. She doesn't know what she did to cause this to happen)

Library lunch break

(Alice and Elise are sitting together in the library, studying for an upcoming test. Alice can see that Elise is still upset about her argument with Bret, so she tries her best to take her mind off it)

Alice: I don't know why I chose A level Physics… sixteen-year-old me was a fucking idiot…

Elise: (laughs in spite of herself) Come on, Ally. It's not so bad. You're doing a great job with this stuff. A much better job than I likely would've done.

Alice: Highly doubt that, but thanks for the confidence boost!

Elise: No, I'm being serious. That's why I didn't go for A level Physics.

Alice: Ah… I see.

(The two girls laugh for a bit… before immediately stopping as the librarian passes them)

Alice: Remind me why you think studying in the library is a good idea?

Elise: It's a nice and peaceful space. And it has all the books and supplies we need. And computers. And Wi-Fi!

Alice: Yeah, but the librarian is so creepy…

Elise: Oh, don't start this again-

Alice: Why is she always everywhere?! Always watching, listening, lurking in the shadows… I'm not the only person that feels this way, you know. Ask anybody. Like Dylan. Or Kenny. Or Connor. Or Stephanie.

Elise: Or Bret.

(There's a slightly awkward and sad silence between the two girls)

Alice: Yeah, him too. Ellie… are you ok?

Elise: I don't know. I'm confused. My mind is all over the place… I'm feeling a million things at once. Like, a part of me wants to hate him, but I know that I never will. A part of me never wants to see him again, but another wishes he was here right now.

Alice: But if he WAS, then we wouldn't get no work done, so maybe it's a good thing he ain't around.

Elise: Maybe I'm overreacting. He DID say that nothing happened. And I believe him. But it doesn't change the fact that it COULD'VE happened.

Alice: Yeah, but he came clean. That counts for something, doesn't it?

Elise: He said he wasn't going to say anything, though. He and Stephanie promised each other they wouldn't say anything about it to anyone, but he changed his mind when I told him that I wanted no secrets between us anymore. Which means he was this close to cheating on me with my best friend, and then he planned to keep that from me.

Alice: …But he didn't?

Elise: I know he didn't. And I'm glad he was honest about it. But it still hurts to hear.

Alice: (sighs) I know. You know what, though?

Elise: What?

Alice: We don't know the full story of what happened that night between Bret and Steph. All we know is that they got all drunk and had a moment when they almost kissed.

Elise: It's still bad, though.

Alice: I know. But I just think that you should stop avoiding each other and actually get to the bottom of this once and for all. Have a proper conversation about it, so that you know how serious this whole thing actually is. Maybe if you knew the whole story, you wouldn't be so in your feels about it right now, punishing yourself with all these thoughts. Making it out to be a bigger deal than it actually is.

Elise: I get what you mean. But it still sucks. I feel let down by two of the people I trust more than anything.

Alice: Yeah. This was a big shock to find out. I mean, I'M freaked out by it, and it didn't even happen directly to me. I can only imagine how you're feeling right now. Just keep what I've said in mind, yeah? I mean, you and Bret are so great together. You two care about each other so much. Earlier at break, you said you love him. And that's huge. You shouldn't give up on that just yet.

Elise: (trying to remember) I said that?!

Alice: Yeah! Bret told me he said that to you. But then later on, you said that to the rest of us. You were all like, "I love him, but I don't understand him." Or something like that. And you know I wasn't the only one that was there. Dylan heard it, Steph heard it-

Elise: Oh my gosh…

Alice: What does being in love feel like, Ellie?

Elise: Right now, it sucks. But I'm probably not the best person to ask. (sighs) And the worst part is that I can't even talk to my best friend about it, 'cause she's part of the problem!

Alice: Oh, yeah. I'm sorry, Elise. But you'll always have me! If that's any consolation.

(Elise rests her head on Alice's shoulder, and Alice leans her head on Elise's head in return)

Alice: You're not going to be mad at Stephanie forever, are you?

Elise: Probably not. Mostly, I'm just confused as to how she managed to get involved to begin with. Why would she even want to get with Bret? She has Ben… and Ben's a great guy.

Alice: Maybe she was feeling lonely. Long-distance relationships are difficult.

Elise: I know. But still…

Alice: You can't avoid Steph or Bret. You'll have to face your problems eventually.

Elise: (voice breaking) I know…

Alice: Just talk to them, El. Work this out. You're good at that.

Elise: (smiles) I'll try my best.

Alice: That way, at the end of the week, we can all go to prom together and have fun as besties with no issues at all!

Elise: But Ally, Steph isn't going to prom. Remember?

Alice: Oh, yeah. Right. But the rest of us are, and I want us all to be good by then. Ok?

Elise: Ok.

Alice: You want to come to my place on Friday to get ready for prom? Dylan's going to be there, too. It'll be great fun.

Elise: Sounds like a great idea. I'm in!

Alice: YES!

(The two girls hug. Their mutual friend Dylan comes into the library at this point and heads towards them, but they don't notice)

Elise: Thank you so much, Ally. For everything.

Alice: Anytime.

Dylan: (jokingly) Now, kiss!

Alice and Elise: SHUT UP.

(The three all laugh together as Dylan sits at their table and joins them in their study session)

Evening at the Johnson's house

(It's in the evening, just after dinner. Dylan and Alice are chilling on the sofa at Alice's place. They're both excited for prom tomorrow)

Dylan: So what time are we meant to be at school, again?

Alice: 10 AM. And then they're letting us out like, an hour later so that we can get ready to party at prom! Which I'm pretty sure starts at 7 in the evening.

Dylan: It just sounds so pointless, though… like why not just give us the day off?

Alice: 'Cause they're jerks. But anyways, before I forget, I invited Elise to join us at 12. That's ok, isn't it?

Dylan: Yeah, yeah!

Alice: Cool. (sighs) She really needs this.

Dylan: She does, yeah. I'm kind of worried about her.

Alice: Me too. I hope she's doing alright with everything that's going on with Bret.

Dylan: Yeah. Man, that guy's an idiot. I love him, don't get me wrong. But still.

Alice: I know! How do you mess things up with someone as sweet as El? She doesn't deserve what he's put her through at all…

Dylan: And they've only been together for what? A month now?

Alice: Just about. I don't know how to feel about them. I don't want them to break up, just because I know how much they care for one another. And they love being together so much. You can tell. Their relationship is so special, but at the same time, some things just aren't meant to be.

Dylan: Yeah. Sometimes in life, two people who aren't meant for each other end up finding each other.

Alice: True… that's what happened with Mary and her ex. She's always saying that it's a good thing that it didn't work out between them 'cause they probably weren't meant to date in the first place.

Dylan: Well, the fact that she was keeping that relationship a secret from your parents certainly didn't help matters…

Alice: Yeah… man, for a smart person, my sister can be a real idiot, huh?

Mary: (from across the hall) I heard that!

(Dylan and Alice burst out laughing)

Alice: (calls back) Sorry, sis! (turns back to Dylan) Anyway, they're better off as friends if you ask me. But it's crazy to me how unpredictable life can be. You never know who you're going to meet, or who you're going to fall in love with.

Dylan: Yeah.

Alice: It's scary… I don't want to end up with the wrong person.

Dylan: Nobody wants that, Ally. But I personally don't think you will.

Alice: Why not? You're not just saying that, are you?

Dylan: No, no. I mean, I don't know what's going to happen, but I do know who you are now. You're this amazingly smart, strong and sensible girl. You know what you want out of life, and you know what you're looking for in a person. You've got a good head on your shoulders, and you're more than capable of figuring out any craziness that life throws at you.

Alice: (smiles) Aww. Stop.

Dylan: I mean it. You'll be fine. Nothing can defeat you. Not even heartbreak or failure. You're like an unstoppable force. Never forget that, ok?

Alice: (blushes) You're too kind. Thanks, bro.

(Alice rests her head on Dylan's shoulder. Dylan briefly glances down at her. He swallows, shifting awkwardly in his seat. He slowly moves his hand towards hers, but then stops when Alice starts talking again)

Alice: Well, I think I'm going to go to bed. (yawns) Good night, buddy! (leaves the living room)

Dylan: (sighs, disappointed) Good night.

That's all for today.

Poor El. And Bret. And Dylan at the end lol.

Things aren't looking too good for Brelise... but on the bright side, they've both said the three magic words to each other for the first time (you know... "I love you"). That's a big deal! A month doesn't seem like long enough for this milestone, does it? I looked it up, and I found out that on average it takes about four months to fully fall in love with someone. These two took a quarter of that time haha. But when you take into account the fact that they've known each other for ages, they've been friends for years, they had been spending lots of one-on-one time together before they started going out, etc... it's not SO bad. I wanted to give them a few moments of cuteness before bringing in some more chaos lol. But don't worry too much - next time, it's prom! And everything will be ok by then, I can assure you.

Dylan and Alice get a bit more development in their relationship, too. I'm super proud of that scene at the end. I love moments like this in stories, when two people are comfortable around each other and clearly care about each other a lot, but get nervous while hesitating and trying to make a move. Unfortunately, at this point, it's mostly one-sided lol.

Feel like I should have included more of Steph... especially since she won't be present at all during the prom post lol. But The one right after is actually going to be a Steph-focused one (it's prom night, but from her perspective!), so I'm looking forward to sharing that one with y'all.

See you next time!

11 notes · View notes

imnotgoinghome · 10 months

Text

Alive or Just Breathing?

Yes, it’s me. I’m back. So, hope y’all enjoyed your break from me because this series was really hard for me to write and took a while sooo. Chapter 2 will be coming out soon but no guaranteed day yet.

Chapter 1:

I Can’t Do This Anymore

————————————————————————-

Summary:

Most days you were okay with Peter leaving, but it could only happen so many times before you finally broke….

Warning:

Yelling, Crying, Sad

————————————————————————-

Peter Parker didn’t have an easy job. He didn’t have an easy life. Being Spider-Man wasn’t exactly a walk in the park. Sure, it had its perks, but it also had a downside.

Most days it didn’t bother you. Peter normally had better things to do. Peter constantly had to ditch you for some bad guy. Someone who robbed a bank or sold something illegal. And normally, it didn’t bother you. You were use to it. Normally Peter would give an excuse for leaving and disappear for several hours.

Most days you were fine. But, was this really what you wanted? A life of wondering if Peter would make it to your date. A life of feeling like a nobody. A life of being alone.

Sure, Peter was there. And when he was, he was happy. He never let you see that he was hurting. He never let you see that he was concerned about the crime of New York. He never talked to you. Which is what bothered you the most.

You understood the responsibility. You understood that he had to be there. That the people of New York City were counting on Spider-Man to be there to save their lives. To keep them safe. You understood. But what you didn’t understand was why Peter wouldn’t let you be there to save him.

No one cared about who was behind the mask. No one cared about the toll this job took on the people subjective to it. All they cared about was Spider-Man. All the wanted was him to be there.

You normally questioned your relationship. You always did. You had your doubts. Everyone does. No one was safe from the doubt that rested in the back of their mind. And no one could save them from it. Because it wasn’t like an other villain. It was stronger. It was there to make you worry. To reak havoc in the lives of those who let it consume them. And after 3 months of fighting the doubt, you were ready to give into it.

You had had it with the excuses. You didn’t want to put up with it anymore. You wanted answers, and you wanted them now. Nothing was more important to you then your and Peters relationship, and if he was going to continue to try to destroy, you were going to find out why.

You made a deal with yourself. If Peter couldn’t give you an answer to why he was gone. If he didn’t care about the effect it had on you, you agreed that you were done. You had always thought the two of you would last forever. But maybe the word forever was meant for memories, not people.

After hours of waiting, you finally heard a knock on your window. The same knock you heard every night. Peter’s knock.

Peter wore a smile, something he did quite often, even if he didn’t mean it.

You slowly got off your bed, placing your phone on your nightstand before walking over to your window. You looked at him sadly, opening your window as you backed up quietly.

“Hey,” Peter said, looking at your face with hesitation as your eyes slowly traced over the floor. “Is something wrong? You seem off” he asked as he stepped closer to your still figure. He quickly removed his mask before returning his attention back to you.

“Peter…” you mumbled softly as your eyes met his. He stared at you for a moment, taking in your features as you stilled in front of you.“We need to talk.”

“Y/N, is everything okay? Your scaring me” He replied as he let his mask fall to the floor. You took a deep breath, desperately trying to prepare yourself for the conversation you were about to have.

“Peter… I think,” you closed your eyes, “I think we need to— to break up”

“What?” He asked quietly.

“I think we need to break up” you repeated. You impatiently waited for him to say something, and when he didn’t, you continued.

“Peter, I don’t know if you can remember the last time we went on a date,”

“May 22nd” he quickly interrupted.

“Or the last time we had a day of just us”

“A couple weeks ago”

“Or the last time we saw each other”

“Few days ago…” this time, you didn’t continue, only looking at him with a concerned expression.

“Y/n, I don’t think I understand” Peter stated hesitantly.

“Peter, do you not hear yourself?” You asked, a little mad that he missed your point. Of course you remembered your last date, the last day you had to yourselves, the last time you had seen each other. But that wasn’t the point.

“We haven’t been on a date in two months. We haven’t had a day to yourselves in three weeks, we haven’t even seen each other an six days!” You explained, your voice breaking as you tried to continue. “Do you know why?” You asked the confused boy standing in front of you.

“Why” he finally questioned.

“Because I tried, you didn’t. Because I cried, you didn’t. Because you left, I didn’t.” You stated. Your felt your angry raising. You felt the tears in your eyes become harder to keep from falling.

“What are you talking about? I have responsibility Y/n. I can’t just drop everything because you miss me. I can’t let someone die because I was with you! I can’t believe you think that I don’t try. Because I do try!” He attempted to defend himself. “Your just being sensitive” he said, rolling his eyes as he crossed his arms.

Oh , that was it.

“IM BEIGN SENSITIVE???” Your voice raised. You were mad, and Peter knew it. He knew he shouldn’t r have said that. He knew, but it was to late. If you had been holding back, Peter could only hope you wouldn’t kill him.

“Peter, I cannot BEGIN to tell you how many times you’ve left me. How many plans have been cancelled because you have to leave. Because you have bigger problems to worry about. And I understand that you have responsibilities as a super hero, but did you ever stop to think about how it makes me feel? Do you ever think about how I feel?” It’s not easy being the girlfriend of a super hero, and the fact that you don’t ever think about me before you just run off hurts. I get that you can’t stay. I understand you have to go. But when you leave you don’t even bother to come back and talk to me after your done. You don’t even tell me when you finish or when your safe. You just let me assume because apparently you have better things to do. You never talk to me anymore. You never make time for me Peter! It hurts, ok! So maybe I am sensitive, maybe I am overreacting. But you don’t get to tell me my feelings. That’s not for you to decide” You told him, tears beginning to run down both your faces. You quickly turned around, quickly walking to sit on your bed, not wanting to make eye contact with your boyfriend.

Peter looked at the floor, no longer able to look at you. He felt like his body had been taken away from him. Like he wasn’t really in this situation. But, sadly, here he was. Tears on his face, hoping, praying that things would work out. That he could make things right.

“Sometimes I wish my life was a book. So that I could take a peak at the last few pages. So I could know if things work out. So I can know if we’re ok” you slowly said, toying with your fingers as tears ran down your cheeks.

Peter looked at you with sad eyes, tear stained cheeks, and nothing but excuses. He knew it wasn’t going to be easy to get out of this one. He knew what was going to happen. But more importantly, Peter knew you. He knew that when you were confused about something, you were gonna find an answer. He just hoped you find the answer you both wanted.

“You know Peter, I always thought we were gonna be forever,” at that Peter sat down on your bed beside you, “but I’m starting to think that maybe the word forever isn’t meant for people” you looked at him, desperately searching for a reaction. Anything.

Peter tried to find words. He tried to find something to say. All he could think of do was say sorry. But he knew that wasn’t good enough.

“It’s sad when someone can walk right past you and pretend that you were never a big part of their life. And right now, I can’t help but feel like a stranger,” Peter finally admitted. “You were right, you know? No one has the right to tell you how to feel. And I’m sorry if I ever made you feel like you couldn’t be yourself. But this whole time, my biggest fear has always been that one day you’ll walk about see me the way I see myself,” he told you, looking at your face as he desperately tried to fix the relationship he ruined. “I’ve always feared that you’d walk up one day and it would all be over. Because the saddest part in life is saying goodbye to someone you wish to spend your life with. And for me, that’s you. I never planned for this to happen. It was never supposed to come to this” He explained to you.

“What was supposed to happen? You left me, Peter. You practically just ignored me. You pushed me so far away it took everything I had to come back” You finally told him.

“I know, and I’m sorry for that. I just got so busy that became all I did. And I’m sorry that I wasn’t there for you. I got busy, I just wanted a break, and I guess I took it alone when I could’ve been with you. I know I made mistakes, and I know that they hurt you. But just please, please give me a second chance” he tried. Peter knew that he wasn’t getting out of this. So he made his only play. He just had to pray it was enough.

“Peter… how do I know this won’t happen again? How do I know I can always count on you if your never there? How do I know you’ll make it back? How I know you won’t die?” You brought your knees to your chest. You knew what you said wasn’t what he was expecting. But it was genuine concerns you had. You had to know if he could give you an answer.

“I — I don’t know…” he admitted. “I can’t guarantee it won’t happen again. I can’t tell you it’s gonna be okay because I don’t know if it will be.”

“Then, I don’t know I can do this Peter. I don’t want to have to worry all the time. I don’t wanna have to be alone all the time. I don’t wanna have to wonder if your okay. Because I do. I want you to come home. I want you to be okay. I need you to be okay. Because I — I don’t know what I would do without you…” you told him as you took sudden interest in the floor.

Peter Parker was at a lose for words. He didn’t know what to do or say. He wasn’t sure if you even knew what effect your words had on him. Peter continued to think. He continued to try to think of what he could do, until he heard a small “I love you…” escape from your quivering lips. He whipped his head to look at you. Had you meant it?

“I love you too” he slowly replied. You didn’t say anything, causing Peter to take that as a hit that you were done talking. You had said all you want to say, all you could do was hope he understood.

#peter parker #readers pov #peter parker x reader #fluff #sad #crying #breakup?#break up #relationship stuff #relationship struggles #couple goals #chapter 1 #chapter one #series #tom holland #tom holland peter parker #peter parker blur #peter parker series

4 notes · View notes