He tucked an open palm behind his head and typed with one hand.
Elizabeth: Me neither. I’ve let you in more than anyone else. Except my best friend, obviously. You can trust me, you know. Even if I knew who you were, I wouldn’t go telling people things you’ve told me. I’m trustworthy.
Linc: I know, and I feel safe talking to you. Guys aren’t supposed to be mushy on the inside, y’know? We’re supposed to be like Elsa.
Elizabeth: Elsa?
Linc: Oh man. You haven’t seen Frozen? Have you been living under a rock? She has these like freezing capabilities, but she’s taught ‘conceal don’t feel’ her whole life. That’s what men are taught. If not by their families or friends, by society.
Elizabeth: That’s so sad. I kinda know how it feels though.
Linc: Women have it way worse.
If he could steer the conversation away from himself, he’d be safe. While he trusted her, something still tugged in the back of his mind, telling him not to let her in, not to let her see the real him. But another part of him, a bigger part, was screaming to let her in.
Linc: I’m kind of glad we don’t know who we are outside of our phones.
Linc: I don’t mean that in a shitty way.
Linc: There are no expectations. We’re safe to be who we really are.
Linc: I’m not happy with my life as it is. I’m suffocating. My dad… he’s…
He scrubbed a hand over his face and shook his head. “Can you maybe try coming out with a complete sentence, Lincoln?”
Elizabeth: Is he hard on you?
Linc: He’s trying to extend his youth by living it through my life. Or something.
He let out a frustrated growl and covered his face with his palm.
Linc: I don’t want to be who he wants to be.
Elizabeth: Who does he want to be?
Linc: An athlete.
Elizabeth: Who do you want to be?
Linc: An artist. What do you want to be?
Elizabeth: You’re the only person who’s ever asked. I’ve never questioned what I was doing until lately. I just followed what my mom wanted for me ‘cause she knew best, right?
Linc: And now?
Elizabeth: Now I’m not so sure I want to do what my mom does.
Linc: Same. Do you think we can get out from under their shadows?
Elizabeth: Y’know, when I talk to you I think maybe. It’s possible. You make me feel like I have something more to offer the world than what my mom wants me to give.
Linc: Shit, Lizzy. That’s deep AF. FWIW you make me feel the same way. Like I could walk right up to my dad and say, ‘this is what I want’ and it would be okay.
Linc: I’m falling asleep my dear Miss Bennet, I’m sorry. It’s been a long day and I don’t have any gas left in the tank. I’ll talk to you on the morrow. Maybe we won’t feel so glum with the rise of the sun.
Elizabeth: You should add wordsmith to your list of mad skills, Mr. Darcy. Chin up. As Elizabeth Bennet herself said: My courage always rises with every attempt to intimidate me.
Linc’s courage always disintegrated every time his father spoke. Oh, to be as brave and strong as his own Miss Bennet. Maybe then he could live the life he wished to.
