Second Chances ~ An Alternative Ricky & Gina (Rina) Story

After The Show

They had done the musical finally. Everyone was outside, celebrating.

Jet: Dude, I totally forgot! You got an opening card, too. It had fallen behind the couch...

Ricky took the card with his heart pounding. He hadn't thought about Nini for a while now.

Gina: Open it.

He looked at her. She was smiling in a way that made him feel comfortable about opening the card. He teared the envelope. It was a lottery ticket, the last thing on his bucket list "Things To Do Before You Turn 18."

Ricky: She remembered, the lottery ticket.

He looked at the card. It was a nice gesture from Nini. And it also felt like a sweet closure. They were each others past and that was never going to change. But he finally felt okay to move on.

EJ: Guys, we are trending in Brazil!

Everyone cheered and decided to celebrate it with a song.

(...)

After the singing, the crowd dissipated and everyone walked back to their yurts to pack up for tomorrow, to leave the camp. EJ approached Gina.

EJ: Hey, you...

Gina turned around to see EJ.

EJ: You were amazing tonight! I don't know how you weren't the lead before, you absolutely deserve it...

Gina: Yeah, thanks. I finally felt like I was somewhere I belonged. But being with you guys is the part where the magic happens. Speaking off... We are trending in Brazil?! How does that make you feel?

EJ: Well, I think it's the start of something new for me. (They both chuckled.) Thank you for being understanding about everything. I mean, I couldn't have done it without you, you know...

Gina: Oh come on. Of course, you could! You learned from the best! (She was talking about Ms. Jen). And you have it in you.

EJ: Yeah, but you were so supportive about everything and I appreciate that. 

Gina smiled bittersweetly.

EJ: Hey, Gina, may I ask you something?

Gina: Sure, what is it? (She felt like something weird was coming.)

EJ: It will be weird but I have been wondering for a really long time and I think I can finally ask it...

Gina: Okay... You're scaring me. (She chuckled awkwardly.)

EJ: I saw the way you two looked at each other during the show... You and Ricky. 

Gina: (She kind of froze but also tried to save the situation.) EJ, we were acting... 

EJ: No, Gina. You weren't on stage. During "Kristoff's Lullaby."

Gina looked down silent. 

EJ: And it wasn't just that, I mean I saw you the whole summer, Gina... (He took a deep breath.) Okay. Please be honest with me. Because then I will feel like I was delusional and jealous for nothing.

Gina: Wait, why would you be jealous?

EJ: Because I thought you still had feelings for Ricky while we were together? And it's one of the reasons we broke up?

Gina looked at him instantly. She wasn't expecting that question at that moment.

Gina: EJ... I'm so thankful for everything you've done for me. And I care so much about you. And you were beside me at my lowest this year. And I have to admit my lowest was kind of because of Ricky... But you made me feel so happy, I didn't think about him when I was with you...

EJ: Okay, but... Do you think about him now?

Gina froze. She didn't think she would ever consider herself with Ricky again. She had forced herself too much not to think about it.

Gina: Well... I mean we just broke up, EJ... I think it's too soon for me to think about anyone else... And I don't really understand what he is feeling. I have promised myself to never go after anything that is unclear again, I respect myself that much... But why are you asking me all this?

EJ: I really don't know. (He chuckled.) I know that our roads are parting with you at this point... And I still want you to be happy, even if it means it's with someone else. And I don't think you should hold yourself back because it didn't work out with us. 

Gina: I don't know what to say...

EJ: You don't have to say anything. But it's your life. You know the best for yourself. I'm just thinking about you.

Gina: (She sighed.) You really are a good guy, EJ. 

EJ: Thank you. And so are you. Not a guy, but a good girl. (They both laughed.) Have a good night.

Gina: You, too.

And they both walked back to their yurt.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

EJ opened the door.

Ricky: Where have you been, dude?

EJ: I've been talking to Gina, actually.

Ricky: Oh... Is she, I mean are you, okay?

He gulped. I hope they are not back together, he wished.

EJ: Yeah, Bowen. (He sighed.) At least I hope I will be. I just wish... I hope she becomes happy. She really deserves the best.

Ricky: So do you, dude. Don't underestimate yourself.

EJ looked at him. 

EJ: You know Bowen... I never regret anything. I'm still proud of myself for telling Gina how I felt after the show rather than running away. If I didn't, I would feel sorry for myself every day that I never even tried.

Ricky nodded. He was doing the same thing right now.

EJ: (He turned to Ricky to say a last word.) Take that as a hint. 

Ricky was confused. Is he trying to give me his blessing right now, he thought. He looked at him questioningly.

EJ: I think you get what I mean.

And then he went to his bed. Ricky was shocked EJ talked to him this way. He then went to sleep, thinking all night.