040 | the truth we're afraid to say

The car ride back to the city was quiet, except for the hum of the engine and the occasional noise from Marc's music playlist. Gianna sat in the back, her thoughts tangled with the evening's events, and how Hector's presence had filled every moment in ways she hadn't expected.

When Marc pulled into their driveway, Gianna immediately got out, eager to escape the quiet tension hanging in the air. She didn't realize how much she needed space until she stepped into the cool night air, inhaling deeply, trying to shake the feeling that something was shifting, something she wasn't ready for.

Marc, however, didn't let it go so easily. As she started up the porch steps, he called her name, his voice steady but laced with curiosity. "Gianna. We need to talk."

She paused, feeling the knot in her stomach tighten. She turned to face him, crossing her arms defensively. "About what?"

Marc raised an eyebrow, an expression that was both teasing and serious. "About you and Hector."

Gianna froze. The words felt like a punch in the gut. She had hoped to avoid this conversation, but deep down, she knew it was inevitable. She forced herself to laugh, trying to keep her tone light. "What about us?"

"Come on, Gianna," Marc said, his voice softening. "It's pretty obvious there's something going on between you two."

Her heart rate spiked, and she could feel the heat creeping up her neck. "No, Marc. Absolutely not. Hector's your best friend. We're just-just friends, okay?"

Marc's expression grew more serious. He took a step closer, watching her closely. "I'm not dumb, you know. I can see the way you look at him, the way he looks at you. You can try to deny it, but I see it. And honestly? It's okay if something's going on, but don't try to pretend you're not feeling something."

Gianna turned away, feeling the weight of his words settle in her chest. She hadn't realized how much she was hiding from herself, let alone from Marc. She let out a shaky breath, trying to keep her composure. "Marc, he's my best friend too. I've known him forever, and I don't want to mess that up."

Marc stepped forward, a gentle understanding in his eyes. "You're scared. I get it. But you're not going to mess things up by being honest with yourself."

Gianna shook her head, her hands trembling slightly as she ran them through her hair. "You don't get it, Marc. What if he doesn't feel the same? What if I ruin everything?"

Marc was quiet for a moment, and when he spoke again, his voice was calm, his words carefully considered. "Look, I get it. But the thing is, you and Hector are closer than I am with him. If there's anyone he's going to trust with his heart, it's you. Don't you think you deserve that chance too?"

Gianna swallowed hard, a lump forming in her throat. "I don't know, Marc. I don't know if I'm ready for it."

Marc's expression softened, and he placed a hand on her shoulder. "You don't have to be ready for anything. Just... be honest with yourself. You don't have to rush into anything, but don't ignore what's right in front of you. It might not be as scary as you think."

Gianna stood there in silence, her mind racing. Marc's words echoed in her head. She had spent so long convincing herself that her feelings for Hector weren't real, that it was just some silly infatuation. But now, with Marc's words ringing in her ears, she couldn't ignore the truth any longer.

Maybe it was time to stop running from what she felt.

She looked up at Marc, finally meeting his gaze. "I'm scared, Marc. Scared of ruining everything. But I can't keep pretending it's not there."

Marc smiled softly, a hint of pride in his eyes. "I think you'll figure it out. Just remember, no matter what happens, you've got me. And you've got Hector. You'll always have us."

Gianna nodded, her heart still heavy but a little lighter than before. She knew she had a long way to go before figuring everything out, but for the first time in a long while, she felt like she was on the right path.