Problem Solving

"maybe happy"

Marina's POV

After just two more days, Dad goes home. I think that he's mad that I still haven't given a firm answer about London, but he didn't say much about it.

I'm glad that he went back to Greece. Me and Laf can be normal again. It's fucked, but we feel like more of a family without him there. I appreciate her a lot.

I haven't seen Lizzy in person since she dropped me off back at my house after I spent the night at hers. We called and seemed to reveal a lot to each other, in terms of how we feel..

I think that she's scared to see me. Honestly I'm a little nervous to see her as well. What if it's different..? I'm inclined to say that it won't be, because we've been texting and calling. But she hasn't come over whilst my dad's been here. Now that he's gone, our excuse is invalid, and we're going to have to see each other again..

It isn't that I don't want to see her, because believe me I wouldn't rather spend time with anyone else. It's that when I'm with her, I can actually feel how much I feel for her. It's there and unmoving. And I'm scared she doesn't feel that for me.

"What's wrong?" Laf asks, in my bedroom doorway. I look at her and put on a fake confused face. I don't want her to worry. "You're mopey."

"I am not.." I mumble. Fuck, she's worrying.

"Your lack of Lizzy gave you away" she smiles a bit. I don't. I do the opposite. "What's up? Talk to me" she sits on my bed next to me

"I don't think you'll understand." I say, she rolls her eyes "don't be mean.."

"I'm sorry, I just want you to stop making excuses and let me in. What's wrong? Why isn't Lizzy over? I miss her so you must"

"I like her too much" I tell her. She thinks a second

"Oh.. is that why it's difficult to decide on London?"

"Yeah but it's more complicated than that even. She wants to go to London too but I don't know if she's actually going to, and I don't know if she'll want anything to do with me over there." I explain, she looks genuinely confused. Maybe she doesn't have the hang up about love that Lizzy and I have. "I told you you wouldn't understand."

"I think she feels exactly the same about you as you feel about her. You shouldn't be scared to like people too much, it could lead to something really amazing. Not everyone's out to screw you over. I especially don't think that Lizzy is.." She messes with my skirt a little, pulling it down where it's ridden up. "Is that why she isn't over right now? Because you're scared?" She asks. I can't tell if she's mocking me or not.

"It just hasn't been suggested by either of us. I think she's more scared than I am"

"Well you can't wait for the problem to solve itself. Have her over, I'll get out of the house for you" she says, I kind of groan

"But Laf I'm nervous"

"Why?"

"We pretty much made a deal not to fall in love and I can feel I'm closer to breaking that deal."

"That's quite a stupid deal, people fall in love for a reason." She pauses "but what do I know? Would you like me to get you anything whilst I'm out?"

"Maybe some strawberries?" I suggest, she nods

"Just because you're feeling off."

"Thanks Laf" I lean my head on her. She puts her arm around me

"You're welcome. Make sure you do have her over. I like her too much for you to let go"

"I'm glad you like her." I smile a little. I shouldn't though.