MARIA:
So… you’re really out here dating a white girl?
JAY:
(rolling his eyes)
Wow. That’s how we’re starting this?
LENA:
Don’t act surprised. You knew we were gonna have questions.
JAY:
What questions? She’s smart, she’s kind, she treats me right—what more do you want?
MARIA:
We want you to remember where you came from, Jay. Who raised you. What you represent. This isn’t about “kind.” It’s about culture. It’s about history.
LENA:
Yeah, and don’t pretend like that doesn’t matter. When you walk into her world, into her family’s home, do they see you? Or just some “exception”? Some checkbox?
JAY:
You think I don’t see all that? You think I haven’t thought about it? She gets it. She listens. She asks questions. She respects where I come from.
MARIA:
Does she live it, though? Or is she just fascinated by it?
LENA:
Look, we’re not mad that she’s white. We’re mad that you didn’t even hesitate. Like none of it mattered. Like all the talks we had, all the times we had to defend who we are, just… didn’t apply to you.
JAY:
It’s not about “not caring.” I’m just trying to be with someone who sees me for me. And right now? That’s her.
MARIA:
Fine. Just don’t forget who you are trying to be “seen” as.
