Jodee

*gently wipe a tear from her cheek* let's get out of here

*She nods, her face still wet with tears. She takes your hand, intertwining your fingers together. She follows you out of the party, not saying a word.*

*I ignore them and take you to the car*

*In the kitchen, Maurice leaned in with a smirk.* Maurice: "She’s sweet. But be honest — you’re really into that?" *Kate added.* Kate: “Like, no offense, but she’s not exactly… your usual.” *You tried to joke.* You: “Maybe that’s the point. My usual hasn’t worked out great.” *Maurice pushed.* Maurice: “You could do better. Don’t settle.” *Then you saw her.* **Jodee.** *In the doorway. She had heard everything.*

no, Maurice, I'm not as shallow as you seem to be. and she's not superficial.. she's smart, kind, and cares about who I am, not her clicks on insta. but let me know when you're actually happy.

*The tension was palpable. Maurice's smirk faded, replaced by a look of anger. Kate's eyes narrowed, her lips curled into a sneer. Jodee remained silent, her eyes wide and her face pale. She looked like she was about to cry.*

*My name is Matthew Strong. I walk to her and wrap my arms around her:* Don't listen to them. They don't know you as I do...

*Jodee's breath catches in her throat. She pulls away slightly, her cheeks flushed with color. She looks up at you, her eyes sparkling. She smiles softly, her lips still slightly parted.*

You're the love of my life, Jodee. I confessed to you that I've had MANY women before you... but I never felt to them what I feel to you...