Facing the World
As Chloe walked into the living room, Brady entered the living room with the tray of snacks. He carefully placed the snacks on the table and he sat on the couch. Chloe looked at Brady's flushed face.
Ch: (concerned) Brady, are you alright?
Br: (biting his lip) Yeah, I'm alright.
She noticed Brady's eyes were bloodshot and his face was twisted.
Ch: (sitting next to him) Do you want to talk about it?
Brady shook his head. He began to shake again. Chloe placed Brady's head on her shoulder.
Ch: (quietly) I know about Sami.
Br: (sitting up) How did you find out?
Ch: Phillip told me.
Chloe placed Brady's head on her shoulder and gently touched his cheek.
Ch: Brady, I know that this is a difficult time for you and your family.
Br: (stifling laughter) I… wouldn't say that.
Ch: You don't have to pretend, Brady. It must have been traumatic to see Sami getting dumped by Austin. Just imagine how humiliated Sami must have felt.
Brady began to shake again and his face was getting hotter. He could feel the tears flowing. Chloe felt a tear on her shoulder.
Ch: I know how she must have felt. Last year, when Phillip dumped me, it felt like the lowest point in my life. Sami must have felt worse, considering the many years she had with Austin. Ten years, of loving a man, and in the blink of an eye, it's over. Oh, no. This is a thousand time worse, since this happened on her wedding day. And apparently, she never had a wedding day that ran smoothly.
Br: (shaking in laughter) Yeah, that's true.
Ch: This can't be easy for you, Brady. I mean, Belle and Sami have their parents to lean on, but you have no one. Listen, Brady. Holding it in can't be good for you. Please tell me what you're feeling.
Br: (sitting up) No, I don't think that it's a good idea…
Chloe could see the pained expression on Brady's face. She placed her hands on his cheeks and looked into his eyes.
Ch: Please, Brady. You can trust me. Whatever you're feeling, just let it out.