Bittersweet Candy Bowl

39. Love My Way, original chapter posted 6/27/07

Page 6 of 22

Transcript

*Tess and Paulo sit at a nicely-decorated table with a crowd in the distance. Tess drinks the punch.*
Tess: Whew!
*Paulo leans his elbows on the table and looks around, smiling.*
Paulo: This is a really nice spot you picked..

*Tess grins at Paulo.*
Tess: Well, it was either a quiet table for two or the crazy table for fifty over there!
*Paulo glances fondly at Tess, smiling.*
Paulo: Haha.. Yeah..

*Paulo looks into the distance, a worried frown on his face. He folds his hands together and rocks them. Tess watches Paulo, worried.*
Tess: …

*Tess leans over to Paulo.*
Tess: What’s wrong?
*Paulo panics. He drops his hands to the tablecloth and pulls it back towards him, anxiously.*
Paulo: Oh, it’s nothing!
*Tess looks worried.*
Tess: You sure?

*Paulo grins nervously, tenting his hands together. He looks away from Tess.*
Paulo: It’s just.. haha.. y’know..
*Tess watches him and frowns.*

*Tess looks sad.*
Tess: Were people talking about me again?
*Paulo clenches his hands into fists. He looks down with a determined face.*

*Paulo turns to Tess with a bright smile.*
Paulo: ..YOU? Oh, nonono! Never! Why would anyone ever..
*Tess glares at him and slams her fists on the table.*
Tess: Paulo!

*Tess scowls at Paulo, upset.*
Tess: You don’t have to lie. Just be honest with me.. What happened?

*Paulo looks tiredly at Tess.*
Paulo: …

*Paulo looks away from Tess.*
Paulo: It’s just.. I..
*Tess watches Paulo closely, concerned.*
Tess: What did you hear..?

*Paulo looks up at the ceiling, pursing his lips in discomfort. He gestures with one hand.*
Paulo: I.. err.. heard you went to some kind of dance when you were a freshman..
*Tess’ eyes go wide with shock.*
Tess: !

*Tess puts a hand to her mouth and looks away, nervously smiling.*
Tess: Wow.. they still remember that..?
*Paulo looks at her with wide eyes.*

*Paulo leans close to Tess, watching her closely.*
Paulo: Did something HAPPEN to you?
*Tess shrugs and waves him off, smiling sheepishly.*
Tess: Oh, that was my own dumb fault. I was a stupid kid at the time.

*Paulo looks away, eyes downcast.*
Paulo: Tess..
*Tess giggles and puts a hand on Paulo’s shoulder, smiling.*
Tess: It was nothing! Come on, sweetie. We’re supposed to be having fun tonight, not dwelling on the past!

*Paulo looks at Tess, smiling a little.*
Paulo: Yeah, I guess you’re right..

*Paulo’s expression falls and he looks away again. His ears are down.*
Paulo: Although.. I’m.. You know.. Better than any of your exes, right?

*Tess’ mouth drops open in surprise. She balls up a fist, looking worried.*
Tess: .. What? Are you kidding me?! You’re one of my best friends..
*Paulo’s back is to Tess, hiding his face from her.*
Paulo: No, Tess..

*Paulo looks back at Tess over his shoulder, blushing nervously and pouting.*
Paulo: That’s not really what I’m asking..

Author commentary

Veronica: PAULO DID YOU SPIKE THE PUNCH WITH DRAMA AGAIN

It’s kinda horrifying that Tess acknowledges the rumour but doesn’t fully confirm it or talk about it!! I guess she’s understood at this point that there’s no point trying desperately to debunk the rumours because people will continue spreading, and it just becomes an impossible game of telephone. You just hope that the people around you who care about you will believe you and be on your side!