╔═══*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*═══╗
Stella stepped inside the serene apartment, gently closing the front door behind her. "Vicky, I have returned with our delightful dinner!" she called out, her voice filling the quiet space.
Emerging from her home, Vicky, her blonde hair tousled from a nap, appeared groggily. "Oh, what did you bring?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued.
Stella grinned, extracting two mouthwatering souvlakis from the bag. Vicky regarded her with a curious gaze, as if trying to decipher something about her. "What's the matter?" Stella asked, sensing the weight of Vicky's unspoken thoughts.
"Why do you conceal your accent?" Vicky asked sincerely, her question catching Stella off guard.
"Um, well... I don't know," Stella replied, shrugging nonchalantly. She continued to adopt an American accent, as she had done for countless years.
"In Germany, I heard you speak in your natural accent for the first time, and I loved it," Vicky enthused, causing Stella's shoulders to slump in defeat. "Why do you go to such lengths for others?"
"To fit in, I suppose? Like I said, I'm not sure," Stella attempted to brush off the topic, dismissing her own answers as she reached for two plates.
As Stella set the plates down, her phone illuminated with an incoming message, diverting her attention to the screen. She noticed the sender's name was Lizzie but was perplexed by the cryptic message. "CBS? What does this mean?" she wondered aloud.
"I'm not sure. Is that all she said?" Vicky inquired, peering at the screen. A light bulb moment sparked in the blonde's mind as she rushed over to the couch, searching for the remote control to change the channel.
"Please welcome the lovely Elizabeth Olsen!" a voice resonated through the room, prompting Stella to practically sprint towards the screen.
Grinning brightly at the reporter, Elizabeth Olsen expressed her gratitude, causing Stella's heart to flutter at the sight of her radiant smile. The reporter, James Gordon, delved into the interview, asking about Elizabeth's recent commitment to the role of Candy Montgomery.
"Yeah, so, right now, I'm taking a short break from filming. But when this script landed on my desk, I knew that playing Candy was the role I had wanted to take on for many years," the blonde answered warmly, exuding confidence with a touch of sweetness.
"Naw, will you miss your students? I can only imagine how challenging it must be to step away from such a rewarding endeavor, even if it means returning to acting," Gordon probed, evoking a sense of wistfulness in Elizabeth's response.
"For sure, I'll miss my class so much. But I'm grateful that I'll be able to finish the year with them before filming starts. I'm excited to see them graduate because they've all put in so much effort," Elizabeth enthused, eliciting a pang of sadness in Stella's heart. Was she leaving for good this time?
"That sounds amazing. Now, in honor of your teaching experience, I thought what better way to embarrass you on live TV?" James chuckled, retrieving a few photos of a young Lizzie.
"Look at how adorable you were!" he exclaimed, pointing to one of the photos. Lizzie laughed along, reminiscing about the moment. "Do you remember this?"
"Oh wow, yes, that was when the twins were preparing for a school dance," Lizzie recalled, recounting how she had spent the entire evening helping her daughters with their hair and makeup, ensuring they looked perfect.
Moving on to another photo, James presented Lizzie with a peculiar image featuring her and a group of girls goofing around.
Lizzie burst into laughter upon seeing the photo. "Oh god, I don't remember that, and I don't think I want to," she remarked, the joy of the playful interview emanating from her.
James took a moment to inspect the final photo, raising an eyebrow inquisitively at the woman before him.
"I was such a peculiar kid, James. Don't even ask about it," Lizzie confessed, her laughter filling the room, accompanied by her wide smile that captivated Stella.
"After this short ad break, Elizabeth Olsen will be joining me for a game of 'Spill Your Guts or Fill Your Guts'!"
"Welcome back, everyone! Here we have the amazing Lizzie Olsen with a selection of British delicacies in front of us, all vegan, of course. And, more importantly, all truly, truly revolting! In this game, you can either choose to truthfully answer the questions or sample one of these dishes. Are you ready?" the late-night host asked, and Lizzie nodded nervously.
Lizzie wrinkled her nose in disgust as she caught a whiff of the repulsive food. "This smells awful," she commented, scrunching her face.
"Perfect! For your first question, I've selected the putrid peas profiteroles. It's mushy peas with a chocolate drizzle, topped with vegan ham, and garnished with puréed and chopped raw garlic," James announced, rotating the lazy Susan to position the dish in front of Lizzie, who looked apprehensive.
"Oh no," she muttered under her breath as James picked up her question card, chuckling to himself.
"Lizzie," James began.
"Yes?" she replied, her voice laced with a nervous giggle.
"Haha, alright. Lizzie, let me read your last three messages to the person you last texted," James teased, and Lizzie laughed nervously.
Stella and Vicky exchanged a worried glance as Lizzie pulled out her phone. Lizzie silently read over her and Stella's last three messages in her head, determined not to let James have a glimpse of them.
"Cheers," Lizzie declared, putting her phone away and reluctantly reaching for the repulsive food.
"No, Lizzie, I feel terrible because you genuinely are the sweetest person. Just let me read them," James tried to reason with her, his guilt evident.
"I can't, I'm sorry," the blonde replied, holding her nose as she took a bite. A look of disgust settled on her face as she battled through the unpleasant taste, trying to swallow the foul food.
"I can't believe you just did that. Who were you protecting?" James laughed, watching as Lizzie covered her mouth with a napkin.
"Don't worry about it," the blonde shrugged, turning the food table around for James, pausing at a dish called Sloppy Tofurkey Tea, a peculiar blend of chamomile tea, maraschino cherries, and chunks of tofurkey. "Alright, James, so your show is coming to an end in April, and you reportedly received a large sum of money to stay. How much was that?"
James pursed his lips, knowing he would have to drink the tea, while Lizzie smirked mischievously. "Whoever wrote these questions is pure evil," the host grumbled as he took a sip of the tea, making sure to include a piece of tofurkey and a cherry on his spoon.
"I blame the chef," Lizzie chuckled as James struggled to keep the tea down.
"That has to be one of the worst things I've put in my mouth on this show," James gagged, reaching for another question card.
"Now, for you, my lovely, we have... congealed gravy brownies with a raw onion and a hot mustard center."
"How... delightful," the blonde sighed heavily, wrinkling her nose at the dish set before her.
"Your next question is: You and Robbie Arnett are happily married, so is having kids a possibility in the future for you two?" James read aloud, causing Lizzie to shift uncomfortably.
"Um," the blonde hesitated, her gaze dropping to her lap. She took a deep breath before plastering a fake smile on her lips. "I've always loved the idea of having kids. They're so adorable."
"Okay, now what would you like me to eat?" James asked politely.
Lizzie turned the table, positioning a red slice in front of him. "Festering finger sandwiches—disgusting," she replied.
"Jimmy, rank me and my sisters from least favorite to most favorite, 1 to 3," Lizzie laughed at the question, while James sighed heavily, glancing down at the unappetizing food with a grimace.
"First is Lizzie, second is Ashley, and third is Mary-Kate," the host listed off, and Lizzie playfully flicked her hair.
"I always knew you liked me better," she teased.
"I haven't even met them! How could I possibly decide?" James justified, and Lizzie waved him off. The interview eventually came to an end, and the girls finished their dinner while eagerly watching it on the TV with the volume turned up.
As the interview concluded, Stella couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. She admired Lizzie's ability to handle the playful banter and unconventional challenges with grace and humor. It was evident that Lizzie possessed a genuine and down-to-earth nature that resonated with Stella.
Turning off the television, Vicky turned to Stella and said, "You know, Lizzie is truly remarkable. She's not only a talented actress but also a kind-hearted person. It's refreshing to see someone in the spotlight who remains true to themselves." Stella nodded in agreement, a thoughtful expression crossing Vicky's face. "And it made me think about something."
Curiosity piqued, Stella asked, "What is it?"
Vicky took a deep breath before continuing, "Remember when we were talking earlier, and I asked you why you hide your accent?"
Stella's eyebrows furrowed as she recalled their earlier conversation. "Yes, I remember,"
Vicky reached out and gently squeezed Stella's hand. "Well, maybe it's time to reconsider. I mean, watching Lizzie confidently embrace her true self and speak in her natural accent—it made me realize that we should be proud of our roots, our uniqueness."
Stella stared at Vicky, her heart swelling with a mixture of emotions. She had been concealing her German accent for so long, thinking it would help her fit in and be accepted. But now, inspired by Lizzie's authenticity, she began to question the validity of her own reasons for hiding who she truly was.
"You're right, Vicky," Stella whispered, a newfound determination in her voice. "It's time for me to embrace my heritage, my accent, and be proud of it. I shouldn't have to change who I am to fit in."
Vicky beamed, her eyes shining with pride for her friend. "I knew you'd see it. You have a beautiful accent, and it's part of what makes you unique and special."
A wave of excitement and nervousness washed over Stella as she contemplated the prospect of unveiling her true voice to the world. The thought of breaking free from the self-imposed constraints that had dictated her behavior for years filled her with a renewed sense of liberation.
With a newfound resolve, Stella took a deep breath and said, "From now on, I'm going to embrace my accent. I won't hide it any longer. I want to be true to myself, just like Lizzie."
Vicky's smile widened, her eyes shimmering with admiration. "I'm proud of you, Stella. Embracing who you truly are is a powerful thing."
As the two friends sat there, basking in the warmth of their shared understanding, Stella felt a weight lifting off her shoulders. It was as if a door had swung open, revealing a path to self-acceptance and authenticity. She knew that this journey wouldn't be without challenges, but inspired by other's example, she was ready to embark on a new chapter of her life—one where her accent would no longer be a hidden secret but a source of pride.
Monday
8:30am
"Good morning, class! Welcome back to the second half of the year," A blonde strutted confidently into the lecture hall filled with 30 students or so. Stella sat up straight as she admired the teacher's outfit.
"Why is she so alluring?" Stella whispered breathlessly to herself, her voice barely audible as she clenched her thighs together, feeling a surge of desire. She nervously chewed on the end of her pen, unable to contain the heat that pulsed through her.
Amidst the classroom, Vicky's infectious giggle broke through the air, causing Stella to flush with embarrassment. Lizzie's attention was drawn to Vicky's laughter, her curiosity piqued by the brunette's sudden reaction.
Caught off guard, Stella mouthed a small apology to Vicky, her cheeks tinged with a rosy hue. Vicky responded with a warm smile, her eyes conveying understanding and a hint of mischief. As the class progressed, Lizzie took charge, summarizing the upcoming topics they would be studying over the next five months.
With the class finally dismissed, Stella packed her books alongside Vicky, waiting for the majority of students to file out of the room. Vicky turned to Stella, a playful glint in her eyes. "Would you like to grab lunch before our next class?" she asked, a hint of anticipation in her voice. Stella's lips curved into a smile as she nodded in agreement.
But just as they were about to leave, Stella's arm was unexpectedly tugged back into the classroom. Her gaze followed the forceful pull, finding Lizzie guiding her back to her desk, the anticipation clear in her emerald eyes. "Hello, Miss Olsen," Stella greeted, her voice laced with a teasing undertone as she placed her books on the desk.
Lizzie tilted her head, her gaze locked on Stella as she analyzed the changes she observed. "Your accent, it's different," she remarked, her curiosity evident.
"Yeah, um, Germany was good for me," Stella replied, her attention momentarily shifting to Vicky, who lingered by the door. Their eyes met, and Vicky playfully winked before closing the doors, granting them complete privacy.
"I'm glad," Lizzie responded kindly, her voice filled with genuine warmth. "Stella, I'm going to be completely honest with you, okay?" The blonde sighed, rising from her chair and gracefully crossing over to the other side of her desk, closing the physical distance between them.
Stella's brows furrowed in confusion, her heart racing with anticipation. "Okay," she replied, her voice barely a whisper.
Lizzie took a deep breath, her emerald eyes locked onto Stella's, radiating intensity and vulnerability. "I... I'm so in love with you," she confessed, her words washing over Stella like a tidal wave. Lizzie's slender finger gently pressed against Stella's plump lips, silencing any potential response before it could escape.
Stella's mind swirled with a mixture of shock, awe, and longing. Her mouth opened to speak, but Lizzie's touch silenced her, the weight of her finger conveying a plea for patience and understanding. In that moment, words became unnecessary as their eyes locked in a profound connection, speaking volumes of unspoken desires and emotions.
"Let me finish, please." Lizzie whispers and the brunette nodded lightly. Lizzie took a deep breath, her gaze locked onto Stella's eyes. She spoke softly, her voice filled with sincerity and remorse. "Stella, I need you to know how much I love you. I've made mistakes, hurt you deeply, and for that, I am truly sorry. What we had, what we have, is so much more than I ever imagined. It goes beyond physical desires. It's a love that consumes me, that makes me ache with longing when we're apart."
Stella's heart wavered, caught between the fear of being hurt again and the undeniable pull of the love she still harbored for Lizzie. She took a hesitant step forward, her eyes glistening with a mixture of emotions. "Lizzie, I want to believe you, but I'm scared. Scared of being pushed aside, of not being enough like I wasn't with you choosing Robbie."
Lizzie reached out, gently taking Stella's trembling hands into her own, her touch warm and comforting. "You are more than enough, Stella. You are everything to me. I will spend a lifetime proving to you how deeply I love you and how much you mean to me."
As their eyes met, a surge of emotions passed between them, a silent understanding of the depth of their connection. Without a word, they closed the distance between them, their lips slowly and tentatively coming together in a tender and passionate kiss.
Their kiss was a merging of souls, a dance of forgiveness, love, and longing. It was a symphony of emotions, each touch and caress conveying the unspoken words of their hearts. Their lips moved in perfect synchrony, their breaths mingling as they poured their love and desires into the kiss.
They lost themselves in the moment, the lecture hall fading away, leaving only the intensity of their connection. It was a kiss that mended broken hearts, a kiss that bridged the gap between their past pain and the promise of a future filled with love and understanding. Both women could taste salty tears as water fell quickly down their cheeks.
As they finally broke the kiss, their foreheads rested gently against each other, their eyes locked in a gaze of newfound hope and devotion. A smile, filled with tenderness and affection, graced Lizzie's lips as she whispered, "I love you, Stella. I will cherish you always."
Stella's lips curved into a shy smile, her heart melting under the weight of Lizzie's words. "I love you too, Lizzie,"
╚═══*.·:·.☽✧ ✦ ✧☾.·:·.*═══╝
Me? Update 5 times in 4 days? No it couldn't be...