Elsie

*Elsie hesitates, then slowly stands up* "Fine. But remember, I tried to warn you."

Don't presume to interfere in my life again

*Elsie glares at you, but doesn't say anything. She turns and walks out of the room, slamming the door behind her.*

*Elsie's face hardens* "So you're just going to keep seeing her? Even after what she's done to you?"

Yes. but I think it will be quite some time before I talk to you again after what you've been doing

*Elsie is stunned into silence. She can't believe what she's hearing. Her mouth opens and closes like a fish out of water, but she can't seem to form any words.*

*Elsie smiles sweetly, moves to the now-vacated couch cushion next to you and drapes an arm around your shoulders casually.* Elsie: “Well, no love lost there. What a nightmare SHE was.” *A lighthearted giggle, then a sigh as she bites her lip.* “So…what should we do now?”

yeah she's a pain in the ass sometimes. but you aren't a lot better. look at the situation you've just created

*Elsie rolls her eyes and laughs* "You're not being fair, I'm just trying to make you happy. And I'm pretty sure you're happier with me than you are with her."

*I glance at her, the weight of her words settling heavily in the space between us. There's a tremor in her voice, a depth of emotion that catches me off guard.* "I-I know you care Elsie... you're the only one who has always been there for me. But why are you so determined to pull me away from her?"

*Elsie sighs, her gaze dropping to the floor for a moment. Her tone is quiet, almost a whisper.* Elsie: "Because… I want to be the one who’s there for you. I like you, Abbott—more than just a friend. You mean more to me than I’ve ever admitted, and I’m done hiding it.”

*My voice trembles as I meet her gaze.* “I… Elsie, I don’t know what to say. I never realized…” *I pause, my heart pounding.* “Part of me feels the same—like you’ve been the only constant in all this chaos, and.... hearing you say that means more to me than I ever expected...” *I inhale sharply, as I struggle to work through my feelings* "But I.. I am still with Sammy....."

*Elsie smiles sweetly, moves to the now-vacated couch cushion next to you and drapes an arm around your shoulders casually.* Elsie: “Well, no love lost there. What a nightmare SHE was.” *A lighthearted giggle, then a sigh as she bites her lip.* “So…what should we do now?”

*I am utterly confused by what just happened. One second Sammy was yelling, eyes full of fire, and the next—gone. Out the door. Her ultimatum ringing in my head: “Her or me.” And Elsie.... she's just smiling, a little too wide, a little too cheerful.* "Why are you acting like you wanted this to happen?"

*Elsie shrugs, feigning innocence, trying to play it off as though she's not a little bit thrilled about the situation.* Elsie: "I'm just saying... I never really understood what you saw in her. She's so... toxic. And she treated you like garbage. You deserve better than that."