The room felt smaller than it should have.
Every shadow stretched too long.
And whatever Larry had just said… couldn’t be taken back.
1. The Line He Crossed
Bethany stopped pacing and turned on him.
Bethany: “Why would you tell me Lynette would handle me if I caused a scene?”
Her hands shook as she pointed at him.
Larry stayed calm—but didn’t step away.
Larry: “I didn’t mean to mislead you.”
The word landed wrong. And she felt it.
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2. No More Cushion
Bethany laughed, sharp and bitter.
Bethany: “Mislead me? You practically handed her permission to humiliate me.”
Larry exhaled, rubbing his neck.
Larry: “I thought about stepping in.”
She waited.
Larry: “But you know how things go when tensions rise.”
The pause between them said more than his words.
3. The Truth Hurts
Bethany stared at him.
Bethany: “What are you saying… that I’m the problem?”
Larry didn’t dodge it.
Larry: “Every small thing becomes a fight. Every disagreement turns into a storm.”
Her breath caught.
Bethany: “So that’s what I am to you? A storm?”
Larry: “Not you. The way situations spiral around you.”
And suddenly, there was nothing left to misunderstand.
4. Stepping Back
Bethany’s voice dropped.
Bethany: “So you’re just letting her deal with me?”
Larry stepped closer, lowering his tone.
Larry: “I’m stepping back. I can’t shield you from everything anymore.”
The words hit harder than anger ever could.
Bethany looked away, wounded—but listening.
5. On Her Own
Bethany: “I thought you’d always have my back.”
Larry softened—but didn’t retreat.
Larry: “I do. Just not by jumping into every fight.”
She turned back, eyes glassy.
Bethany: “So what—just let her walk all over me?”
Larry: “No. You stand your ground. But you do it smart. Without letting anger take over.”
That silence afterward wasn’t empty.
It was heavy with realization.
6. The Choice
Bethany sat down slowly, staring at the floor.
Bethany: “So this… this is mine to handle.”
Larry nodded.
Larry: “Some battles are.”
She looked up.
Bethany: “And if I mess it up?”
A faint smile crossed his face.
Larry: “Then you learn. And I’ll be here after.”
Bethany stood, shoulders straightening. Something hardened behind her eyes.
Bethany: “Okay. Then I’ll face her.”
She moved toward the door, paused, and looked back at him.
Nothing needed to be said.
Larry watched her leave, exhaling once the door closed.
Larry (quietly): “She’s stronger than she knows.”
The room stayed still.
But whatever came next… wouldn’t be.
TO BE CONTINUED…
Continue reading Part 2 to see what happens when Bethany finally faces Lynette.