Episode 56: Scene Two
The fresh lake breeze hit Gemini full force. She found herself smiling into the cool, refreshing air that gently caressed her olive cheeks. At such a time, she was content with the world. There were no worries, no Sloanes, and certainly no Barretts to worry about. It was just her , the lake, and the wind.
"Gem! Gemini!" a blithe voice called out to her.
Gemini reluctantly turned around to see her friend Robin running down the pier to catch up with her. She managed to put on a smile as the giggling Robin finally met up with her. "Hey, Rob. What's going on?"
"Well, I was looking for Sloane, then I thought I'd find you to see if you'd seen him lately," Robin gasped, breathless from running so far and so fast. "So have you seen him?"
"No," Gemini put a careless shoulder between her and Robin. "How would I know where he is? It's not like I talk to him or anything."
"Gemini."
"What? I don't know why everyone thinks that I'm supposed to keep track of Sloane twenty-four/seven. He and I aren't speaking to each other, if you haven't noticed."
"Yes I have, and I don't like it," Robin's voice took on an edgier tone, causing Gemini to look up in confusion. "I don't want you being mad at Sloane because of something that happened to him in the past."
"It's not just that! There are many other things that I'd rather not get into right now. Besides, why does it matter if I'm out of the picture, leaving you and him free to...explore your relationship."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
Gemini quickly recalled the scene of Sloane and Robin caught up in each other's eyes in the lobby of the photography building. She pursed her lips and merely said, "I just know that you seem to be rather interested in Sloane, and I don't think that you should let me stop me. I sure as heck don't want him, so he's yours for the taking."
"I don't know, Gem. It just doesn't feel right."
"Sloane and I were never a couple. We never were, aren't, and never will be, okay? So why don't you go ahead and get together with him if you're up for the risk."
Robin's eyes narrowed. "What risk?"
"It's obvious the boy's a roamer. I just don't want you to get hurt when he decides that he's bored with your relationship and moves on to some other girl."
"Why do you think he'd be bored with the relationship? Do you think I'm uninteresting?"
"No, Robin."
"Look, I think we'd better end this situation before one of us says something that we'll regret," Robin began backing slowly away from Gemini. "I'm going to find Sloane. I'll see you around."
Gemini's lips parted as if to say something else, but Robin had already turned around and began sprinting in the opposite direction. She could only sigh as she turned back to face the comforting wind. She hoped Robin could find happiness where she couldn't, but Gemini wasn't too sure if her chance was over.