Bittersweet Candy Bowl

*Abbey clasps his hands in front of his chest, smiling mockingly. Sparkles surround him.*
Abbey: You’re so good at paying attention to friends in need, aren’t you, Michael? Leave it to you to come to the rescue!

*Abbey smiles crookedly, shaking.*
Abbey: It’s only those OTHER, more SELFISH people that ignore the problems around them.

*Abbey is red with anger.*
Abbey: It’s just NOT like you to avert your eyes when you see GIANT RED FLAGS RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOUR FACE!!

*Mike looks at Abbey in shocked confusion.*
Mike: What on earth are you saying?! Is this about you? I don’t--
*Abbey clutches a fist threateningly and leans toward Mike.*
Abbey: AND THAT IS THE PROBLEM!!

*Abbey scowls, tapping his head with one finger.*
Abbey: You genuinely have no idea! It’s like you only pay attention to girls you have a CRUSH on!
Mike: What?!

*Abbey looks down, crossing his arms over his chest.*
Abbey: You’re so dedicated to Sandy.. and you maintain that highly questionable relationship with Lucy.
*Mike puts up a hand in agitation, staring angrily at Abbey.*
Mike: She follows ME!!

*Abbey looks skeptically at Mike.*
Abbey: Does she? It’s not just a coincidence you spend so much time consoling her, comforting her, callously keeping her hope alive?

*Mike angrily waves his hand, his ears folded back.*
Mike: What the hell are you getting at?! That’s not MY problem!
*Abbey clenches his fist in Mike’s direction.*
Abbey: Are you THAT dense?!

*Mike freezes as Abbey puts both hands on his shoulders and gets in his face.*
Abbey: Answer me this.. Where do you suppose Daisy’s been all these lunch periods? Have you even tried to find out?
Mike: What??

*Mike looks away, embarrassed.*
Mike: I.. don’t know..
Abbey: And after ALL she’s done for you?

*Abbey shoves Mike away and turns his back. Mike staggers.*
Abbey: No matter how much she pours into your friendship, she always falls short of your two girlfriends, doesn’t she? Isn’t it OBVIOUS why she’d run away from you?

*Mike holds up his hands, looking frantic.*
Mike: There are no two girlfriends!
*Abbey spins around to snarl at him.*
Abbey: Such CRAP!! Those two are the only girls you pay ANY mind to!!

*Abbey stares accusingly at Mike.*
Abbey: Earlier today, before you burst in to remind me of this stupid essay, Daisy was crying. I wanted to reach out..

Abbey: But the two of you left her feeling like NOTHING! As per usual..
*Abbey recalls a moment from earlier. Daisy looks down, squeezing her eyes shut. A tear escapes anyway.*
Daisy: At least Mikie’s happy hanging out with YOU..

*Abbey glares at Mike, whose eyes are wide.*
Abbey: She’s felt abandoned for the longest time.. and here you are, pleading “I don’t know!” “It’s not MY problem!”
Mike: ..!

*Mike scowls, his ears back.*
Mike: What do you expect me to do, give her a wedding ring?! I’m just not interested in her, okay?!

*Abbey curls in on himself, shaking. His fist is clenched and his face is red.*
Abbey: It’s.. it’s not about that.. You just need to CARE.

*Mike watches Abbey tremble, worried and confused.*
Abbey: How can you possibly justify ignoring a friend who needs you?
Mike: Ah..?