she tries not to display the shock, the confusion of the other women’s words, the impact they have on her. desdemona has never exactly had friends to rely on. to be fair, it’s her own fault, for only being known for manipulating people and using them until she could no longer get anything from them. who would want to be friends with a person like that ? friends weren’t something she ever thought she needed, not when she could do anything she wanted. when she could do everything herself. too stubborn, too prideful. why would someone like hayley want to align herself with her ? truly, the question burns, but she doesn’t voice it. she doesn’t want to chase her friendship off. but that doesn’t make desdemona any less weary of true intentions. she’s been holding onto a healthy paranoia for as long as she can remember. even more so when it comes to her children, her family. she’s sure hayley understands that. ‘ some would call you crazy for the sentiment alone. ’ desdemona is well aware of alexander peaking from behind her leg at hayley. ‘ - but i know you don’t mean it lightly. thank you. ’