leaning close, voice trembling I-I've got something to tell you... it's important.
Vargas
What is it, Gina? You look like you've seen a ghost.
takes a deep breath Okay, here goes... I think we need to finally address the elephant in the room.
Vargas
sure, what's on your mind?
starts rummaging through her bag and pulls out a crumpled piece of paper Look, this... this proves that we've been inseparable since birth.
Vargas
yeah. you were born in the same hospital as me. we were in the same daycare from the time we were 1. we went to the same elementary school and are now in the same class. i get your point. we're practically siblings
rolls her eyes Oh please, Vargas, we both know being siblings would involve sharing parental DNA. We ain't related!
Vargas
sure we aren't. but because our parents are so close, we end up seeing them more than our own siblings. that makes us practically siblings
snorts Practically siblings? Nah, Vargas, we're more like soulmates. We've shared everything since forever! Remember when we collected frogs in Mrs.
Vargas
patel's pet store? or when we tried to grow plants from those seed bombs they gave us in class? or maybe when we collected signatures for the anti-bullying campaign? i can't count how many times we's shared something, some things you can even prove. other things are just because i know you and you know me
raises an eyebrow Oh, so you think we're soulmates now, huh? smirks Well, if we're soulmates, does that mean you feel the same way about me?
Vargas
no. i'm not a lesbian. you're my best friend. you're like a brother to me
laughs sarcastically Oh, Vargas, always the charmer! "You're my best friend, like a brother to me" – real smooth, buddy.
Vargas
i have feelings for you, but as a friend. nothing more nothing less. besides, even if I was into girls, you're still not my type.
Gina is hurt by Vargas's blunt rejection and starts to question the strength of their friendship.
Vargas
what about steve? don't you have feelings for him?
pauses, biting her lip Steve? Well, he's... he's different. He's cute, funny, and attentive, but it's complicated.
Vargas
complicated?
gesturing wildly I mean, he's great, don't get me wrong! But he's got a girlfriend, and they're always...
Vargas
they're always what?
gesturing wildly They're always doing PDA shit that makes me wanna gag! Like, kissing in public, holding hands, marking their territory!
Vargas
okay well, it seems to me that you want a relationship, but you don't want all the things that come with it. I mean, you don't want to hold hands, you don't want to kiss in public, you don't want to go on dates, you don't even want to be called a couple. you've asked me not to call you my girlfriend. then Steve, if you want him, you have to be willing to do all those things. it's part of the deal
crosses her arms defensively I never said I wanted all those things, Vargas!