You shouldn't cry over this
Author's pov
"Sarah, I'm telling you, I couldn't believe it. I was emotionally violated." Gianna paused, anger evident in her gestures.
"Don't tell me Dylan touched you without your consent."
"If he had touched me, it would have been easier to handle," Gianna replied, standing up. It was the weekend, and she had come to visit Sarah at home.
"Please, help me understand. What actually happened? You stayed at Dylan's place, how did it go? But first, please sit down."
Gianna couldn't bring herself to sit. She took a step back and walked to the back of the couch, appearing restless. Sarah allowed her to express her feelings, letting her move around without saying a word. She thought it might help Gianna. However, when Gianna continued pacing and tapping the floor with her feet, Sarah caught her attention.
"I know you're hurting, but this won't solve the issue you're facing. Did Dylan touch you or not?" Sarah's voice became more intense, drawing Gianna's focus. Gianna took a deep breath and looked at Sara.
"Come and sit down. I understand how you feel."
Gianna placed her hands on the couch and slowly walked around to the front, finally sitting down.
"Did he sleep with you?"
"No. Can you believe it? Even though he saw that I had offered myself to him, he still didn't want me. It hurt," she blinked her eyes, trying to hold back tears.
"There was no way he could send me home after I had already told him I was a little drunk. Fortunately, when I called you, you played along. Dylan told me to sleep in one of the guest rooms, which I initially did. But when I realized it wouldn't help, I went to knock on his door and told him I was afraid to sleep alone in a new bed. I have a phobia of sleeping alone in unfamiliar places. Then he asked, 'Where do you want to sleep?' I pointed at his bed or asked if he would join me in the room where I was staying. Dylan got out of his bed and asked me to sleep while he slept on a couch in the same room. I feel so foolish now, thinking about what I did. Now you can understand my anger."
Gianna waited, keeping her gaze fixed on Sarah. When Sarah was still contemplating her response, Gianna added,
"Are you not going to say anything?" she said, brimming with anger.
"I understand you're hurt..."
"Not just hurt, but humiliated. I've never stooped so low before. What was I even thinking?" She covered her face with her hands and buried it in Sarah's lap. Her trembling body showed her struggle to hold back tears. Sarah gently tapped Gianna on the back.
"You shouldn't cry over this. Dylan might be going through something that you're unaware of. This is the same guy who loves you and constantly texts you. What you should do is find a way to help him. Who knows if Dylan is dealing with depression right now? You don't know. It would be more productive to calm down and try to support him. Expressing your frustration in this manner won't improve things. Dylan needs help. Find a way to assist him. He can't reject you. His previous text messages clearly showed that you're special to him."
Sarah's words resonated with Gianna, and she lifted her face to ask,
"How can I do that?"
"Have you ever cooked for him?"
"No."
"Have you surprised him by taking him out? Like showing up at his office right after work and offering to drive him home? Or you can come up with numerous exciting ways to be close to him. By doing so, he will love you even more than before. This isn't a lost cause. Sometimes, rephrase his love messages and send them back to him. These messages will remind him of the emotions he had for you. Don't let his current negativity consume you. Remember, he was once a nice guy with amazing pickup lines."
Gianna suddenly chuckled, battling with her emotions.
"You're right. You've made things clearer now. Hmm... that's why you'll always be by my side. Your words have rejuvenated me, and I can see a way forward. Thank you so much. I really need to be closer to Dylan. He may be struggling through something. Dylan could be going through a lot, especially after his visit to his parents. Who knows what happened there? I still regret not going with him to his parents' anniversary…”
"All hope is not lost. You still have a great opportunity to meet him, so make use of it."
"You should consider being a psychologist. You've boosted my confidence." They both shared a laugh.
"Why sit alone? This calls for a little celebration," Sarah stood up, heading towards the bar. As she was about to reach it, Gianna spoke up.
"But..." she paused, causing Sarah to turn back and ask, "And what?"
"I think the way I left Dylan's house the next day wasn't cool."
"How did you leave?"
"I left before he even woke up, and when he started calling me, I didn't pick up..."
"Is that all?" Sarah asked.
"Yes!"
"Then take your phone and call him right now."
"What should I say?"
"If you're unsure, just tell him you love him," Sarah replied sarcastically.
"Oh no, I mean, help me out." Gianna pleaded.
"Hmm..."
"Sarah, I know you'll come up with something cool. I trust you on that. Okay, let me call him and tell him that I appreciate the fact that he allowed me to stay over at his house."
"Good start," Sarah clapped her hands, observing as Gianna retrieved her phone from her bag. Gianna dialed Dylan's number, and when it started ringing, she put it on speaker mode.
"Hello, Dylan."
"Hi, Gianna..."
"I called to tell you that I am so grateful for allowing me to spend a night at your house," she quickly interrupted him.
"What are friends for?"
"I... I will call or see you later." She stammered and was carried away by his lovely voice.
"Okay, you're welcome. I was so surprised I didn't see you when I woke up in the morning."
"I didn't want to wake you.” She smiled without knowing it and continued, “When will it be convenient for you so that I can come over and prepare dinner for you..."
"Are you serious? Don't worry about it," there was a hint of laughter in his tone. At the same time, Sarah gestured to Gianna, indicating that she should tell him she'll come and surprise him. Gianna felt confused, her eyes fixed on Sarah, who deliberately remained silent to avoid Dylan overhearing her.
"What are you trying to say?" This time, Gianna had already ended the call.
"I was demonstrating that you should tell him you're coming as a sign of gratitude."
"Oh sorry, I didn't understand what you meant. But I did tell him I'll be coming to his place."
"Yeah! I hope we can enjoy some wine now," Sarah asked with a smile, awaiting Gianna's approval.
"Yes," Gianna shrugged, displaying her beautiful smile. Sarah fetched a bottle of wine from the bar along with two glasses. She filled the cups almost to the brim, and just as they were about to take a sip, Gianna's phone started ringing. When she looked at the screen, she was shocked and showed it to Sarah.
"Look! Dylan is calling!" They both widened their eyes, surprised by the unexpected call.
"I told you. Please pick it up. Maybe he wants to invite you," Sarah encouraged her with both hands.