Birthday Confessions
(Straightening up the tiny party hats on the table)
Noel
Everything looks perfect. Arnold’s going to love this
Leaning against the kitchen doorframe
Robert
You’ve been watching the door a lot tonight.
Noel
What? No, I’m just… making sure everything’s okay.
Robert
Sure, you are. Waiting for Bond?
Noel
Jwell’s the one who’s been hyping him up, not me.
Robert
Just don’t feel like you owe anyone anything, Noel.
Noel
Why does everyone keep saying that? He’s just a guy, Robert. I’m not jumping into anything.
Robert
I know. I just… care about you. Sometimes these things get messy, that’s all.
Noel
Messy? You mean like Jwell and… her situation?
Robert
Something like that. Relationships can be tricky, especially when you’re not ready.
Noel
Is this about Bond or something else?
Robert
Maybe I’m just projecting. Ignore me.
Scene shifts to later in the evening, after Bond arrives.
Bond
Noel, right? Jwell’s told me a lot about you
Noel
She’s told me a lot about you too. Nice to meet you
The conversation is pleasant but forgettable. As Bond mingles, Noel drifts back into her own thoughts.
Jwell
So? What do you think of him?
Noel
He’s nice. Just not… I don’t know
Jwell
Not sparking joy? Give it time.
Noel
Maybe. Or maybe not everything needs to be forced.
Later, in the quiet of the kitchen.
Robert
Bond didn’t sweep you off your feet?
Noel
(Laughs softly, shaking her head) No. But that’s okay."
Robert
It’s more than okay. Don’t settle for ‘nice,’ Noel. You deserve… more than that
Noel
More than nice? Like what?
Robert
Holds her gaze, his eyes soft but searching) "Something real. Something that doesn’t need nudging or convincing. You’ll know when it’s right.
Noel
Heart skipping a beat, feeling the weight in his words) "Have you ever… known?
Noel
Faintly smiling, unsure of her own feelings) "You’re full of cryptic advice tonight
Robert
Grinning, stepping back) "Just looking out for you.
As the night winds down, Noel watches Robert from across the room, his words still echoing in her mind. Something real. She wasn’t sure what that meant yet, but for the first time, she thought maybe, just maybe, she’d already found a glimpse of it.
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