Chapter Six: Gina's House

—Gina

After Michael left, I followed him and apologized for slapping him. Slapping him wasn't something I wanted to do, but I felt it was the only way to make him understand and leave me alone. He didn't say anything but seemed curious to know why I had acted that way.

"I'm sorry for slapping you and everything. But you see, I really don't understand why everyone is after me. But if it's because of love, I'm sorry, I can't give you that. Because I don't have a heart to love," I explained to Michael, my voice filled with genuine sadness.

He remained silent, looking at me with a mixture of pain and shock. Without saying a word, he turned and walked away, hailing a taxi to take him back to Madonna Hospital. Left alone in the room, I couldn't help but burst into tears. It pained me to reject Michael so abruptly, especially since I had developed feelings for him. Despite not knowing if he was the CEO of Melanie Company or not, I admired his persistence and determination. However, my own health condition and the memories of my father's actions towards my mother held me back.

My fragile health wouldn't allow me to spend time with Michael even if I wanted to. I imagined the scenario of dying in his arms and couldn't bear the thought of causing him and his family such pain. Moreover, I couldn't abandon my twin sister, Givia. She was my everything, and her unwavering love and support meant the world to me.

Determined to shift my focus, I got up from my seat and headed to the bathroom to take a refreshing shower. Then, I returned to the kitchen with the intention of preparing something special for Givia's arrival. She had been shouldering all the kitchen responsibilities since my hospitalization, so I wanted to surprise her for a change. While cooking, thoughts of Michael's departure lingered in my mind, and I scolded myself for sending him away so abruptly.

"I shouldn't have told him to leave in that manner. That was unkind of me, considering someone who loves me and has been pursuing me relentlessly. You're such a fool, Gina," I berated myself, criticizing my actions.

My father had abandoned my mother when she needed him the most during her final moments, choosing instead to be with Carolina. Carolina was fully aware of my mother's battle with sickle cell anemia, yet she selfishly demanded my father's attention and care. We couldn't help but wonder if she had used some sort of charm or love potion to captivate him. My sister Givia and I stayed by our mother's side as she slowly withered away, doing our best to provide whatever comfort we could.

Despite her excruciating pain, Mother assured us that everything would be fine, urging us not to cry. She maintained her strength until the pain became too severe for her to speak. She was a kind and patient woman whom we all admired, in stark contrast to Carolina, who would scold us over trivial matters and even resort to physical violence. These memories fueled my resentment toward Carolina and my father, and further solidified my reluctance to pursue a relationship with Michael. I feared I would be treated as my mother was, and I couldn't bear the thought.

As I continued cooking, lost in my thoughts, I heard a knock on the door, interrupting my contemplation. Michael had returned to the hospital, only to discover that his mother was no longer there. She had left after waiting for him for hours, unable to reach him on the phone. Concerned and anxious, Michael urgently requested the taxi driver who brought him to my house to take him to his mother's location.

"Hi Gina! I'm back. I hope you're doing well?" Givia greeted me with a warm hug as I opened the door for her. She looked stunning, and her presence instantly lifted my spirits. I smiled in response before she caught a whiff of the mouthwatering aroma emanating from the kitchen.

"What an incredible smell! Did you hire a chef while I was away?" Givia exclaimed, clearly surprised.

I revealed that I was the one responsible for the delicious cooking. She was taken aback, unable to believe that I had prepared such a feast. I explained that I wanted to surprise her with a special meal upon her return, knowing she would be hungry. We both laughed, and together we entered the kitchen to finish preparing the food.

After our cooking adventure, we sat down to enjoy the meal. As we savored the flavors, I opened up to Givia about the encounter with Michael and how he had pursued me relentlessly. We laughed together, reminiscing about the amusing situations we had encountered with various suitors. But in the back of my mind, the memory of Michael still lingered.

"Givia, I never told you. There's this guy named Michael who has been after me. He found me here today, and I slapped him," I confessed, a tinge of regret in my voice.

"Why would you slap him? That was too harsh, Gina. You should have given him a chance to explain what he wants," Givia scolded gently, trying to make me see reason.

I felt a wave of guilt wash over me once again for driving Michael away, but I mustered my strength. Givia held me close, offering me comfort and reassurance. She reminded me that I might encounter Michael again or that he might return if his love for me was genuine. Though I had firmly told him that I didn't want to pursue any romantic relationship, being a terminally ill patient with limited time, Givia assured me that love could find a way. With her support, I resolved to stay strong and face whatever the future held. Has she forgotten what our mother went through in the hands of our father and Carolina? I don't want to face that same scenario again in my entire life.