#rivervale_lodge

"Ok, then you can get better if you want to, for -you-. And if you want to date, I'd like that, but it should be something you want. With or Without.. you know."

"And Dag, if you don't want to date, that's ok. Remember, we said friends first, right?"

"...I like being your friend." Softly.

"I like being your friend." He echoes, putting a hand on her shoulder. "I am proud to be."

A shaky smile.

She gets a grin back.

"You want to leave it at that?" Gently.

She hesitates and nods.

"Ok." Softly. "You say the words, though."

He does not seem hurt in the least; if anything, he is taking pains not to hurt -her-.

She tenses. "I... I do like you, but I..."

"I don't think I'm a very good girlfriend."

"Maybe I'm not a very good boyfriend. Or maybe I'm not for -you-. Or maybe you could be good for someone else." Reasonably.

"You aren't mad?"

"No. Kinda sad, but.... I want you to be happy more than anything."

She frowns and looks down. "Didn't want that, either."

"I know you didn't. It's... it's like when Zane and N adeen broke up, Yeah? I'll get better."

"...There's Piper?"

"Huh?"

"If you wanted a girlfriend..."

A shrug. "Maybe."

"...Sorry." She reaches out, touching his arm, before she slips out of the car.

"Dag? Say it. I can't. "

"Say what?"

"You gotta break up with me." Gently.

Dagmar quietly breaks.

Adam blinks.

"I guess that's it."

"I'm sorry."

And she bolts into the house.

Indeed, Tove turns as her daughter shoots in "Dagmar? Baby what's wrong?"

Nope, up to her room. Door slam.

Tove looks out the window, and sees Adam's car. Her eyes darken

Then a deep breath, and it's 'make comfort food' time

Adam watches her go sadly, sighs, and goes home.

When Adam goes home, he sees.. his father of all folks who picks up a vibe, "Hey, why the long face?"

"Sam and I broke up."

"Ah shit. I'm sorry, Adam. She's a nice girl" he says "You staying friends or more of a 'let's see'?"

"Friends. At least, supposed to. And yeah.... " A big sigh. "She's really nice. She's great."

"mm " he says thoughtful, "you know one girl I broke up with ended up at your mother and I's wedding. She gave a great toast. "

"That's cool."

"But not helpful huh?" he smiles sadly

"Not really." Another sigh. "I mean... it'll be ok. Just takes some time, I guess?"

"Exactly. I don't know if it was mutual, or oen let the other go, or a mix, but I bet she's stinging too. If you handled it as kindly as you could either way, then you're...doing great for your age.. Trust me"

"She's upset." Sadly.

"Well, be there as a friend if she's ready, and try not to be too hurt if she's not yet and is cool or distant for a week. " A pause "You want me to order pizza tonight?"

"Yeah, I'm gonna be cool. When she's ready, then...... Pizza? Yeah, that'd be great. Meat Lovers, double cheese?"

"You got it" He says

A grin. "Thanks, Dad." And he lunges up to his room.

Mr. Thomas watches his son go, Adam is resilient, good kid too.