“Her Truth , His Mate

Broken Promises

A sense of excitement and wonder filled the air as Crystal, Kay, and Jenny eagerly talked about their epic camping trip over the weekend. They had followed Mr. Matthews' advice from their class assignment and witnessed the mesmerizing meteor shower in the great outdoors.

But even now, back in the classroom, Crystal couldn't shake off the feeling of being watched while in the woods. However, she also felt a deep connection to the wilderness, as if it was calling out to her to explore further.

As they sat down in class, Kay couldn't help but think back to the urban legends and myths her grandmother had shared about supernatural beings. She had excitedly shared these tales around the campfire with her friends, adding to the sense of adventure and mystery of their trip.

Jenny couldn't resist mentioning Crystal's funny expression when she seemed lost in thought, gazing off into the dark woods. Crystal had eventually retreated to her tent, but the memory of that moment stayed with Jenny.

As the bell rang, the girls settled into their seats and Mr. Matthews began his lesson. However, his attention soon turned to Crystal, who he asked to come up to the front of the class. Everyone's curiosity piqued as she shared her experience of watching the meteor shower.

CRYSTAL:

It was truly an extraordinary experience. The sheer beauty of it all made me realize that there's so much more to life than what we know. It felt majestic, magical, and spiritual all at once.

But just as Crystal finished her sentence, the obnoxious school bully,Gary , interrupted with his rough tone.

Gary:

Who cares, weirdo? Just sit down and shut up, nerd.

Mr. Matthews quickly intervened, silencing Gary and reprimanding him for his behavior.

Mr. MATTHEWS:

That's enough, Santino. Be quiet or I'll have to send you to the principal's office.

The tension dissipated as Mr. Matthews continued with the lesson, but the girls couldn't help but exchange knowing glances, grateful for their fantastic camping trip and the memories they would cherish forever.

As the final bell rang and school , Crystal walked home continuously replaying the events that happened this past weekend. She knew it was different, special even. Little did she know, it would be a life-changing experience.

A few weeks passed and Crystal found herself back at that same spot, hoping to once again feel that strong connection with nature she had experienced before. But as she stood there, surrounded by towering trees and peaceful silence, she couldn't help but feel disappointed. The call that had beckoned her before was absent, leaving her feeling lost and disconnected.

Determined to recapture that feeling, Crystal made a habit of going camping at that exact spot every couple of months. With each visit, she hoped to reignite that powerful connection to the woods. And although she continued this ritual well for four years straight, that initial spark she had felt as a teenager remained elusive.

When Crystal hiked to the camping grounds often by herself,, she would often take time reflected on her childhood and upbringing.

Crystal, was raised by her mother Kelly until the age of two, she grew up without knowing her birth father due to her mother's drunken encounter at a bar. However, at the tender age of two, Crystal's mother left her and took her own life, leaving Crystal in the care of her great Aunt Stella. Despite facing challenges such as minor medical issues and financial instability, Crystal and her aunt persevered. Unfortunately, Aunt Stella fell ill, causing Crystal now 21 to put her dreams of attending Harvard on hold. She returned home to take care of her aunt and stayed in touch with her friends Jenny and Kay. When Kay's family, who owns The Shepherds theater, informed Crystal that they were short-staffed and looking for help, she saw it as an opportunity to make ends meet.

OLD SHEPHERDS THEATRE

The old Shepherds Theatre stands tall and majestic, with a sign that reads "Now Hiring"., Crystal nervously walks towards the entrance. Crystal landed a job at the renowned Old Shepherd Theatre in Strafford, and little did she know, this would mark the start of a new chapter in her life.

Crystal enters the theatre, warmly welcomed by the manager who introduces her to her co-worker, Darren (25). He may not be conventionally attractive, with his messy blonde hair reminiscent of a mix between Adrian Brody and Michael Sierra, and his baggy black jeans and tight purple shirt that accentuates his slim figure. However, Crystal can't help but smile back at him. She's not use to being flirted with, but she falls for Darren's charming demeanor.

MANAGER:

Crystal, this is Darren. He'll be showing you the ropes.

DARREN:

Hey, nice to meet you.

CRYSTAL:

Nice to meet you too.

They shake hands and Crystal can't help but blush.

By the end Crystal first shift. she’s exhausted and can’t wait to go home to relax, however, she’s really enjoying her time that she spent shadowing Darren showing her how to do her job, right

Crystal and Darren exit the theatre after their shift.

DARREN:

So, do you want to grab dinner sometime?

CRYSTAL:

(smiling) I'd love to.

They exchange numbers and walk away with a spring in their step.

As the evening progresses, Crystal arrives back home from her first official day at work, where she had been caring for her aunt Stella. She eagerly shares the news of her new job and upcoming date with Darren. As she makes her way out of her aunt's room to give her some much-needed rest, the house phone begins to ring. Crystal heads to the kitchen and picks up the phone from its place on the wall, answering it with a hint of excitement in her voice.

CRYSTAL:

Hello?

KAY:

Hey, it's Kay. So, how was your first day at work?

CRYSTAL:

It was really great. And guess what? I also got a date with Darren.

KAY:

That's fantastic news! Just be careful though, I've heard he can be a bit of a player.

CRYSTAL:

(smiling) Thank you for the warning, I'll definitely keep that in mind.

COZY COUNTRY KITCHEN

Crystal and Darren sit across from each other at a small, intimate table. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, the perfect setting for their long-awaited date. It's been a week since Darren first asked her out and after coordinating their busy work schedules, they were finally able to make it happen.

They both have the day off and it's a peaceful Sunday evening. The restaurant is known for their delicious chicken fried steaks and the smell of home-cooked food fills the air. Crystal and Darren are laughing and enjoying each other's company, completely engrossed in their conversation.

DARREN:

(smiling) You know, I've never met someone quite like you before. You're different.

CRYSTAL:

(smiling) Different in a good way or a bad way?

DARREN:

(smiling) Definitely in a good way.

As the night goes on, Crystal can't help but feel herself falling for Darren.

JENNY'S APARTMENT -late afternoon four months later from the first date.

Darren and Crystal have been dating for four months now. Crystal, determined to not bother her aunt who is resting at home, suggested that Darren pick her up from Jenny's apartment instead. She paces around nervously, waiting for him to arrive.

KAY:

What's going on? You seem really anxious.

CRYSTAL:

(sighs) I am. I'm late.

JENNY:

Late for what?

CRYSTAL:

My period. I think I might be pregnant.

KAY:

(surprised) Oh my god, what are you going to do?

CRYSTAL:

I don't know. I haven't even told Darren yet. I'm scared of how he'll react.

KAY:

I've warned you about him. He's not exactly the most responsible guy.

JENNY:

Let's not jump to conclusions. We don't know how he'll handle this situation.

KAY:

But let's be real, he's a known player. You can't trust him.

CRYSTAL:

Look, I know it may have been impulsive to give up my virginity to him after only three months, but he's different with me. He's never shown any red flags. And he's assured me that all those rumors about him are just that - rumors.

Darren arrived at Jenny's apartment and knocked on the door. Jenny answered it.

DARREN:

Hey, why did Crystal want to meet me here instead of at her place? Is everything okay?

JENNY:

Yeah, she's fine. But let's leave it at that. Call us if you need anything, Crystal.

As Jenny and Kay squeezed past Darren and Crystal, Kay whispered something in Crystal's ear before they walked out the door.

KAY:

You know we've got your back, girl.

Crystal nervously looked at Darren and invited him to take a seat on the couch.

CRYSTAL:

Please, have a seat. Can I get you something to drink?

DARREN:

Is there any decent beer in the fridge?

CRYSTAL:

Yes, let me check.

Darren's voice dripped with sarcasm and annoyance as he watched Crystal rummage through the fridge. He couldn't understand why they had to meet at Jenny's apartment in the first place.

DARREN:

(scoffs) Is everything okay? Or did your dear Aunt Stella kick the bucket already? I mean, I know she's not exactly in the best of health, but you could have just texted me and let me know.

CRYSTAL:

(relieved) No, no, she's doing okay, knock on wood.

Crystal returned from the kitchen, watermelon white claw in hand.

CRYSTAL:

(handing him the drink) Here, this is all Jenny had.

DARREN:

(rolling his eyes) Great, just what I wanted, a girly treat. But I'll take it. So, why did you want to meet up here? I have plans today to go hunting with a couple of guys.

CRYSTAL:

(surprised) Wait, you don't hunt or even own a gun. I thought you were going to visit your cousin this evening.

DARREN:

(dismissive) Plans changed. I'm here, aren't I? So, what's so important that you had to drag me to this dump to talk?

CRYSTAL:

Well umm… I umm

DARREN:

Okay… Cat got your tongue “

CRYSTAL:

I'm pregnant “we . We are pregnant Darren“

Crystal admits with slight fear, and hope as she looks into Darren’s lovingly eyes.

Darren's face turns from shock to anger. He jumps up from the couch, knocking over the white claw, spilling her all over the coffee table and floor. And really shaken his finger at Crystal as he yells at her profusely.

DARREN:

(angrily) No not we … How could you be so careless? We're not ready for this! I’m definitely not ready for this. how could you be so stupid. I got you those birth control pills I assume you’re taking them what the hell.

CRYSTAL:

(tearfully) I know, I just forgot I’m sorry but we'll figure it out together. look we are both adults here we will be fine. it’s a Blessing.

DARREN:

you did this s**t on purpose , Blessing my Ass …….No “ ya know what, you'll figure it out. I can't handle this right now. You either get rid of it or I'm leaving. is flaming we have is over anyway.

CRYSTAL:

what about those talks that we had about our future together you said you cared about me.

DARREN:

oh, come on seriously… look at you you’re pathetic you were vulnerable and I was horny that’s all this was just because I f****d you doesn’t mean I’ve loved you.

Crystal is devastated and heartbroken by Darren's hurtful words. she gets up and walks towards the front door opening it for Darren to leave.

DARREN:

I’ll see you in work tomorrow you better be smart about this and get rid of that damn thing you’re not gonna inconvenience me that’s for damn sure.

Crystal closes the door and heads to the kitchen counter to grab her phone. She quickly texts her friends Jenny and Kay, filling them in on what just happened. Feeling overwhelmed, she then makes her way to the couch and curls up, tears streaming down her face as she tries to process her broken heart. realizing she was a full to fall for someone who can never truly love her, and only took advantage of her because he knew she was an innocent virgin.