I was lying in my bed staring at the ceiling, thinking about her words… Gina's words.
Earlier, in Gina's car:
"I'm sorry… I dragged you into all of this," Gina said.
…While I looked out the window, I couldn't reply.
"I know it's stupid of me, but… can you forgive me, Emma? I can't believe I upset you like that. But trust me, I'm not like that. I just wanted to see him… and I didn't want anyone to see me."
"Fine…" I said. Then I asked, "I want you to tell me everything, Gina. What happened in your life before coming to this school? And who is Noel? And why did you even go to that party?"
She frowned. "Aren't you interrogating me too much?"
"You want me to forgive you? Then answer this! So everything can go back to normal and I can ignore this scandal!"
Gina sighed nervously.
"Is it that hard?" I asked. "To just tell the truth?"
"Fine… I'll tell you everything. But promise me you won't tell anyone!"
"I won't. I promise," I said.
"When I was at my old school, I had friends who knew Noel, and they were the ones who told me about him. But when I saw him myself, I felt… like I was in love. For the first time I understood that feeling. Do you believe in love at first sight, Emma?"
I was surprised by the question, but I had to stay logical.
"No," I answered. "I don't believe people fall in love instantly. Everyone is different, sure, but let's be real — this is just infatuation, not love."
Gina exhaled in frustration.
"Maybe you are the only one who sees it that way, Emma. But I really like Noel. And what hurt me more is that he ignored me. I kept spying just to see what he was doing. I became obsessed with him. I don't want him near anyone else, and I want him to notice me. But something always stops me. I don't know what it is… I want him to see me as someone he could love, or at least see as a friend… but he gives me nothing. He doesn't even want to talk to me. It hurts so much…"
"Gina…" I said, shocked. How can someone cling to a guy who hasn't done anything for her? I can't believe this.
"You can't judge me," Gina snapped, tears in her eyes. "You don't know anything about my life. I only told you about Noel — how can you judge from just one conversation?"
She was angry, as if she didn't want me to wake her up from whatever illusion she was in.
"Fine. If you don't want that, Gina, I won't force you."
She swallowed hard and looked at me. "My friends… they're leaving anyway. They're going abroad for school."
I was surprised. What awful timing…
"But it's okay," she said. "You're here, right Emma?"
I looked at her for a moment, then forced a smile. "Yeah… I'm here."
"I know maybe you're wondering if I'm happy, but honestly I'm so worried about everything. I don't know why I like him this much. Who is he to make me fall this fast? I feel helpless…"
Gina started crying.
I didn't expect someone to carry all these feelings for a guy who didn't even look at her.
How can someone fall in love this quickly?
Without thinking, I hugged her.
"Gina… you didn't do anything wrong, trust me. Even if I'm against it, we all know love isn't something you choose."
She stayed quiet.
"Falling in love isn't a crime, and it's nothing to be ashamed of. The real mistake is lying to yourself. But you told me the truth — all of it. So all I'll ask is… try to distance yourself from this feeling. Try to erase it from your heart."
I pulled away gently.
"We're here. I'll see you later, okay?"
Gina nodded, her eyes still full of tears.
Back in my bed… that's all I could think about.
Gina… Gina… Gina.
Why do you make me care about your life this much?
Damn it.
I sat up. "Good thing no one caught me today… it was such a tiring day. But fine — I guess this is part of my 'adventures' too."
To be continued…