Flooded Waters

𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟗

Carla and Gabriela had always been really close but ever since Gabriela became obsessed with taking revenge on Mabel, something in their relationship disappeared forever. They spent less and less time together since Gabriela always thought about some diabolical plan and Carla was sick of it. Ever since her boyfriend, Josh, and she broke up, there was an empty space in her heart. Gabriela had been there for her and whenever she felt lonely, Gabriela was the one she would immediately call, but that time was over.

"Gabi..."

"What's wrong, Carla?"

"I don't know. Josh and I broke up."

"Are you at your house?"

"Yes."

"Don't move, I'll be there in a couple of minutes. I love you, Carla."

"I love you too."

Less than ten minutes later, Carla heard the bell ring. Before she could move, her mother was already downstairs and opened.

"Hello, Mrs. Rodriguez. Is Carla in her room?"

"Yes, please talk to her. She needs someone to get through this. I have tried to but when it comes to boys, she never tells me anything."

"I will."

Gabi headed her way, giving her a smile. When she grabbed Carla in her arms, Carla couldn't help herself but cry. Her relationship with Josh had been toxic since day one, but the feelings took over Carla's reason.

"Carla, you know you deserve better. One day, you'll find the One. I promise."

Gabi had always been there for her and Carla thought it would always remain that way.

Since the school year had begun, Carla felt like each day was worse than the previous one. Not only did Mabel leave their group but she joined the Elites. Carla never really had anything against her but when Gabriela asked for her help, she could not help herself but agree. In normal times, she would have refused to just get involved once but because Gabriela had been there for her, she felt like she needed to do something in return.

"Carla! I need your help."

"What do you want me to do, Gabi?"

"I know you like Mabel but I can't stand her. Tara has rejected me and she has taken interest in that girl. I thought she was my friend, Carla, but she betrayed me. She thinks that everyone loves her because she is so perfect but I am going to prove her wrong."

"I don't know, Gabi-"

"You'll be there for me, right?"

"Yeah, I guess, it's just that it does not feel right. Technically speaking, Mae did not do anything to you."

"That is my point. She is too perfect and I am doing that to help her. I am going to bring her back to reality, not everyone has to love her. You better be with me or else-"

"Fine, fine."

That day, something changed between Gabriela and Carla's friendship. Gabriela had become obsessed with popularity and joining the Elites and she couldn't care less about anything else, not even her best friend.

What was difficult for Carla was to face Mabel everyday knowing what she had done to her. Whenever she was around Gabriela, she felt strong, fearless and protected but when her eyes locked with Mabel's her insecurities and fears came back to the surface. She was lost and ashamed of herself. She felt manipulated by her own best friend but after all she had done for her, did she really have a choice?