Chapter Seven - Catching up with the Past

“You betrayed me” Gina said sternly.

“No, I saved your life” Carla corrects, “They were going to kill you and the rest of your out of touch family and your welcome.”

“I have a duty to protect my kingdom” Gina protests.

“You don’t have a kingdom.” Carla shoots back, “That patriarchal misogynistic kingdom you feel loyalty to was wiped off the face of the Earth hundreds of years ago and I say good riddance. You have the chance to live a real life, right here. We both do. Your life may have been all daffodils and roses but I worked hard and for what? To work like a slave so other people could enjoy life. Here, I don’t have to do that. Here I’m getting an education. I get to take showers every morning. I get running water and chocolate. I get a hot meal more than once a day. I have boys giving me attention. The day the wizard chose me to 'abduct' you was the best day of my life. I’m not your enemy. I’m the best friend you will ever have.”

Gina was speechless. She didn’t know what to say. She knew she lived a privileged life, but she never really thought about the hardships of others. She thought of herself as the hero of the story. The one who would make everyone’s life better. She had a hard time thinking that her subjects thought of her as the villain. She had a hard time wrapping her head around that.

“Nothing to say princess. You’re NOTHING here but that’s not a bad thing. You know that young man who was tied up with you in that cave. He could never have you back in the kingdom, the rules wouldn’t allow it. Your father wouldn’t allow it. But here it’s different. Here you can have anyone you want, and it doesn’t matter what class they are born into. Don’t you see how much freer you are here. I never liked the princess much, but I like Gina. Gina is my friend.” Carla continues.

“I have to get back.” Gina finally answers.

“There is no way back.” Carla insists smiling, “You’re stuck just like I am.”

“Hey babe,” Gina hears a voice coming from behind her. She turns around.

“Oh, hi” Gina says half heartily.

“I’m glad to see you too, I’ve been worried about you. You haven’t seemed like yourself lately.” Mark continues.

“I’ve been feeling a bit ill. That’s all” Gina explains, “I’ve got to go. I’ll catch up with you later.” When Gina gets out of earshot, Mark speaks to Carla.

“What’s up with her?” Mark asks.

“She remembers.” Carla answers.

“Really? Isn’t that interesting.” Mark shoots back, “Does she remember me?”

“I don’t think she ever got a good look at you.” Carla answers.

“Does Loverboy know?” Mark follows up.

“I’m not sure. I don’t think he’s ‘awake’ yet.” Carla concludes.

“How did the princess get her memories back?” Mark goes on.

“I don't know. I thought the wizard said that wasn’t possible.” Carla supposes.

“Maybe she found a powerful wizard here to give her back her memories.” Mark thinks out loud.

“Don’t be stupid, they don’t practice magic here. This is an age of science and reason.” Carla mocks.

“She didn’t do it by herself, she had to have help from somewhere.” Mark says.

“We can’t worry about that now. If she can find a way to get her memories back, she can find a way to get back to the kingdom and if she does that, she will ruin everything. We have to keep an eye on her.” Carla says.

“Are we still on for Saturday night?” Mark asks.

“Yeah, we’re still on. Is Loverboy going to make it.” Carla asks.

“Oh, yeah, he’ll be there.” Mark answers.

Gina had a lot to think about. This new idea that Gina was a pampered brat that everyone had to serve because she happened to be born into royalty bothered her. She never thought of herself as a brat but then no one would ever have dared to accuse her of being one. She had always thought of herself as someone who was thoughtful but then she never really experienced the mundane drudgeries of life. She knew that a lot of people had to work to maintain her standard of living but now that she had thought about it, she had no idea what their lives were really like.

Depression overtook her. Carla caught up with her later that day. “I know you have a lot to think about. If you need to talk about it, I’m here for you. You know I’m the only one who can really understand what you are going through.” Carla says seriously.

“I know.” Gina responds, “I need time to think. Maybe later” As Gina walks away. Carla grabs her and pulls her in for a hug.

“I’m your friend. I’ve been watching your back this whole time. Don’t ever forget that.” Carla says. Gina pulls away from her without responding.

“Hi. Mom” Gina says when she gets home.

“How was your day at school?” Gina’s mother asks.

“It was fine. I am so excited about having a sleepover with Carla this weekend.” Gina says.

“Are you sure there aren’t going to be any boys there?” Gina’s mother asked.

“No boys. Promise. Just us girls.” Gina recites.

“Good! I don’t want a surprise addition to the family just yet.” Gina’s mom states.

“Mother!” Gina exclaims as her face turns a bit red.

“That Mark is kind of cute, though” her mother continues.

“Stop it!” Gina says fully embarrassed now.

“I’m just having a little fun with you. I’ve got to take it when I can get it.” Gina’s mother says as she gives her daughter a hug.

“You know, now that I think about it, something did happen today.” Gina says matter-of-factly.

“Oh, what was that.” Gina’s mom asks.

“I don’t remember” Gina says trying to collect her thoughts.