Between Chords and Paragraphs (Polin fanfic) EN

Chapter 4

Colin

Days passed, and Marina's mood showed no signs of improvement. She barely left her room, and when she did, her movements seemed robotic, monotonous. She hardly ate, only because she had to. She spent her days in sweats; her long hair no longer cascaded down her back but was always tied up in a messy bun. Her eyes, once perpetually crinkled from smiling, were now swollen and red.

I entered her room to see how she was and how I could help.

— Marina, can I come in? — I said, knocking on the door.

— No, but you're going to anyway. — Before she finished speaking, I was already crossing the threshold.

I sat on the bed next to her and took her hand. She sat up, locking her brown eyes on mine.

— Marina, you can't go on like this. Look at yourself; you don't seem like you. — I said softly. She gave me the saddest smile I had ever seen.

— You have to get out of this. You have to go back to being you, the Marina I know, with her silly jokes, always smiling carefree, making everything a little easier. I know you can, that you can smile again and be happy because you're one of the strongest people I know. — I tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. For a moment, I saw a spark of hope in her eyes.

She remained silent, looking at me with puppy-dog eyes. I noticed how tears began to form at the edge of her eyes. She moved closer to me and kissed me. I couldn't return the kiss. Marina was amazing, truly attractive, and her personality, when she was in a good mood, was simply fantastic. But I couldn't do it, she was my best friend, and in the state she was in, no, I definitely couldn't do it.

— Marina, no. Not now. — I said, pulling away.

— I'm sorry, I'm an idiot. — She covered her face in embarrassment as tears started to overflow.

— You don't have to apologize. — I squeezed her arm gently. — You're sad, you feel lonely, even though you're not, and confused. Don't worry, I understand.

— Why are you so good, Colin Bridgerton? Why couldn't it have been you instead of George? — She gave me another sad smile, caressing my right cheek.

— I... — I didn't know what to say.

— You don't have to say anything, Colin. — She lay back down on her bed, and I took that as a sign to leave her alone.

I left Marina's room with a heavy heart. The situation was overwhelming, and the sadness radiating from Marina was tearing me apart inside. I knew I needed to talk to someone, someone who always had the right words to lift my spirits.

Without hesitation, I picked up my phone and called Daphne. We had always been very close, and I knew she would understand how I felt and offer me the comfort I so desperately needed.

The phone rang only once before her warm, familiar voice answered.

— Colin! — Her excitement at my call was palpable in her tone — What a surprise, how are you?

— Daph, I need to talk to you. — I replied, trying to keep my composure.

Her tone immediately became more serious and concerned.

— Is everything okay in London? Mom? The family?

I sighed deeply, trying to find the right words to describe what was happening.

— The family is fine, you don't need to worry. It's Marina, I don't know if you remember my flatmate. — My voice broke a little at the end, recalling the sadness in Marina's eyes.