“Stop! Stop it right now! Why are you telling me such lies, Donald?”
“Mandy, you must listen to me. We’ve always been honest with each other and I can be no less now. How can you doubt the truth?”
“Take your hands off me. Are you so spiteful you would hurt me? Can’t you be happy for me? You of all people, my dearest friend in the world, should rejoice I have found love.”
“Oh Mandy, don’t cry. You know I would lay down my life for you. That’s why I must make you see the truth, before it’s too late. Chris isn’t who he seems. The only thing that matters to him is someday he will be wealthy if he marries you. You are too blinded by your need to be loved to see clearly.”
“You’re wrong, Donald. Is it so hard to understand that he loves me for myself? I don’t want to lose your friendship but that will happen if you don’t stop this vendetta against Chris. He fills my life with the flowers and sunshine that surround us. Look around at the beauty of this valley. That’s how he makes me feel. Beautiful. I know I’m not, but it’s wonderful to think I am, at least to Chris. As my friend you should understand. All my life I’ve been shunned because I have this deformity. Only you have been steadfast in friendship and now you would destroy that.”
“It’s because I care that I risk losing your regard. And your deformity is only in your mind. The birthmark on your neck is barely visible to anyone but you. No one shuns you; it’s you who keeps yourself isolated. Your goodness is going to cause you heartache. Chris is a master at deception; he has used his charm and false devotion to cloud your usual good judgment.”
“You don’t see me as others do Donald. You’re blinded by loyalty. Look at me with clear eyes and you’ll see a plain woman, spineless as a worm. My only worth is as the daughter of a wealthy man.”
“Oh come on, Mandy, this self-pity isn’t like you. When did you start feeling so sorry for yourself? At least since I’m as rich as you, my motives can’t be questioned. Chris wants wealth and will say sweet love words to you because he knows you need them.”
“That’s the whole point, Donald. I do need to hear the sweet words of love. Even if Chris isn’t sincere, at least he makes me feel special and loved. The lure of my money is all I have.”
“How can you believe your only attraction is because you will someday inherit millions? Look inside yourself and you will see a woman as beautiful as the wildflowers that abound in the fields around us. You bring happiness to my life. That and more. I can’t bear to allow Chris to destroy you and he will. What kind of a friend would I be if I didn’t protect you from men like Chris?”
“Don’t you see, Donald? You care too much and that distorts your vision of me. I’ve loved you all these years, yet you see me only as your best friend. I need more and Chris will give me that.”
“Mandy, come here and let me hold you. Dry your tears and take comfort in my arms where you belong. I thought you only wanted my friendship. How could you doubt the love I hold in my heart for you?”
“There has never been a day I have not loved you Donald. Chris is a poor substitute but you are still wrong about him. If I were not an heiress, I know he would still love me. I expect him to ask for me in marriage soon. I also know Father will say yes. He is tired of waiting for your proposal and I must marry someone. And I do care for Chris.”
“No Mandy, my heart would break, never to mend, if you were to marry someone else. Knowing you love me makes my world complete.”
“Donald, just shut up and kiss me. Then we will find Father and get him to bless us.”