Give Me Some Love" Part 1

Everything about Nadine stood out, from her unusual name to her extraordinary beauty. She was almost 15 and attending high school on Hope Street, where she had also lived all her life. It was 6:30 a.m., and Nadine was sitting at her dressing table, slowly and carefully combing her long, jet-black hair. She liked to be meticulous in everything she did. She began applying lip gloss. Her lips were naturally a deep red, so she didn't need to wear tons of lipstick like other girls. She also didn't need to apply mascara, as they were the same color as her hair, and although they weren't as long as her hair, they were very long for eyelashes. She wore glasses, but these enhanced her beauty by bringing out her blue eyes. Nadine was a very kind girl, always willing to help and always smiling. Her classmates liked her. At school, she achieved good results even in her least favorite subjects. You'd think she lacked for nothing. Life was like a fairy tale, wasn't it? But one thing, perhaps the most important thing in life, was missing: love. And I'm not talking about the love a boy and a girl feel for each other in their teens. Nadine missed her mother and father. Her mother died giving birth to Nadine, so she didn't even remember her. Yet she loved her with all her heart and felt guilty for her death. Her father was there, but it was as if he weren't there. He was away for days, and when he was, it was drunk. He worked when he was sober. He earned just enough to feed Nadine and her sister, Kirsten, who was three years older than her. She had one trusted friend, Mark. But her greatest friend, the one she told everything to, was her diary. She knew he wouldn't tell anyone, would always listen, would always have time for her.

Suddenly, Nadine heard a gentle knock on her bedroom door. The door opened, and Kirsten's head appeared, followed by the silhouette of her sister, Kirsten, who was as beautiful as her sister.

"Nadi, get up, breakfast's ready," she whispered

. "Okay, I'm coming down. Why are you whispering?" Nadine asked, even though she knew the answer perfectly well

. "Father's drunk again. He's sleeping.

" Kirsten left, and Nadine was alone again. She began to wonder if she'd ever had a normal life before? Had her father ever bothered to check on his daughters? She didn't know... She carefully checked the contents of her backpack, then slung it over her shoulder. She left the room and ran down the stairs. The Bluerames had a very large house. When Mr. and Mrs. Bluerame got married, their parents bought it for them as a wedding gift. Back when Mrs. Bluerame, Molly, was still alive, the house was always full of joy. The three of them, the whole family, would go outside, play, and have fun. Nadine, however, wasn't familiar with this image. It was hardly surprising, after all, she'd never been a part of it.

The girl sat down at the table in the old-fashioned kitchen. She began to hurriedly eat the sandwiches her sister had prepared.

"What are you rushing about?" Kirsten asked, surprised

. "Oh... I don't know, something like that," she said, embarrassed, slowing her pace.

They ate in perfect silence for a moment. Finally, Kirsten spoke up.

"How's Zack?"

Nadine didn't answer immediately. For a moment, she debated whether to tell her sister the truth or lie.

"Nothing... everything's fine," she chose the latter. She lied.

Zack, her boyfriend, had once been practically perfect. He always walked Nadine to the door, defending her even when it was just trivial matters. He was like a brother, a boyfriend, and a guardian angel to her. However, for about a week, Zack had started acting completely differently. He also changed his friends. He had less and less time to spend with Nadine. Two days ago, something happened that really stuck with Nadine. Two overgrown guys approached her. They started teasing her. Laughing at her, then making moves on her. Zack stood nearby. He saw everything perfectly. However, he didn't react at all. Fortunately, Nadine somehow managed to cope, and since then, she hasn't spoken to Zack. He hasn't made a move on her either. What's more, he started teasing and whistling at other girls. Nadine couldn't understand it. After all… they weren't breaking up, nor had they even had a fight. She told herself it was just a transitional period. That Zack would soon be the old, beloved Zack. She finished her sandwich and left, saying goodbye to Kirsten. She

walked along the sidewalk and thought. About everything. And above all, about what it would have been like if she'd never been born. Such thoughts had been haunting her quite often lately. And she found only one answer: her mother would be alive. This answer was her biggest tragedy. On the way, as usual, she met Mandy.

"Hey!" Nadine greeted.

"Hey! How are you?"

"Everything's fine."

And that was their daily conversation. Every day, they entered school together, and Nadine went to the third-grade locker room, and Mandy to the second. It was monotonous, true, but neither girl wanted to break it. Maybe it was just habit. In the locker room, she saw Zack. She decided to wait for him to approach her first. And apologize. She changed her shoes, from comfortable sneakers to school sneakers. There were a few people in the locker room, including Marc, her friend. He approached and said hello. Zack approached right after.

"Hey, babe!" he said, trying to kiss her. However, Nadine moved away so Zack couldn't reach her.

"What's up, little one?" he asked with surprise in his voice.

Marc watched this carefully. Nadine, on the other hand, was in horror. Babe? Little? He'd never called her that. "Zack, what happened to you?" she wanted to ask, but she couldn't say anything. "

Hi Zack," she replied quietly.

A silence fell, broken by Marc.

"Listen, Nadi, I'm throwing a party on Saturday. Of course, I can count on you being there, right?"

Nadine was about to reply when Zack interrupted.

"Sorry, buddy, Nadka already has something planned

." "Really?" Nadine asked, surprised

. "Yes, little one. You're spending Saturday with me, ALL THE TIME! "

They both looked at him in surprise. Marc looked hopefully at Nadine.

"Mmm... Zack? But... we can go to Marc's together, right?" she asked her friend

. "Of course. You're both welcome!" he shouted happily. "

NO! Can't you hear what I'm saying? WE'RE GOING ALONE! End of discussion!"

"What happened to him?" Marc asked

. "I have no idea, it's been like this for a week..." Nadine said sadly. "

You can't let him treat you like that!"

"But... he was never like that. Besides, you know how wonderful he was... he'll surely be over it soon, you'll see," the girl said, but she seemed more concerned with convincing herself than her friend. "I'm sorry I won't... I'll try to do something else..." but you can see how he reacts

. "Okay, well, whatever. My birthday isn't that important anymore, and it'll happen again next year." He smiled and headed to her classroom. Nadine also headed towards her classroom.

Nadine's week passed in uncertainty. Zack kept disappearing. He didn't speak to Nadine. And she still waited. Every day when she got up, she hoped that Zack would greet her the way he always did. He would hug her, ask how she was, how she was feeling. Or at least that she would find out why he had changed so much. She confided in her diary every day.

"24/04/2004

Dear Diary!

Remember when Zack was… normal? He was so sweet back then. I still remember the day we met. It'll be a year in October. He immediately intrigued me. That look in his black eyes… It seemed like he was looking through you, not at you. His hair was also dark and he was tall. Just like the perfect man. And he loved me. You remember how he used to come over every evening, how we'd go for walks, hold hands… and now? Does he still love me? I don't know anymore… he's acting strange. I heard from his classmates that he's starting to get better at English. He even got an A in English recently, and he hates it so much. Maybe that's why we see each other so rarely? Maybe he wanted to improve but is ashamed to admit it? But no… that's stupid! If he told me, I would have helped him… like I used to. Diary, does he still love me? Zack, please come back! I'm waiting for Saturday, maybe he won't forget..."

On Friday, as usual, Nadine entered the school with Mandy, then parted ways and headed for her locker room.

"Oh, Nadi! Hi!" a familiar voice greeted her.

It was Zack. He came over and hugged her. She didn't resist. She wanted it so badly.

"I'll wait for you tomorrow at 12 at the park entrance, okay?" he asked politely. Nadine couldn't utter a word. She nodded.

"See you then, sweetie!" He kissed her on the cheek.

Nadine stood frozen. Marc had been watching the entire scene, but he didn't know what to say, so he remained silent.

On Saturday morning, Nadine woke up feeling positive. After all, if Zack had been so… normal yesterday, nothing could change today. She was happy that it was just a temporary phase. She woke up refreshed and full of laughter. She prepared breakfast for herself and Kirsten. She didn't want to wake her sister. After all, she deserved a good night's sleep every now and then. She ate her share of scrambled eggs, took out the trash, and lightly tidied up her room, which was mostly tidy. She had to be at the meeting point in half an hour, so she sat at her vanity and started freshening up. First, her hair. She thought it might be best if she didn't wear her usual thick braid today. She decided to let her hair down today. And that was all she really needed to freshen up. She hoped Zack would like it and that he would explain why he'd been so rude all this time. At eleven-fifteen, she left the house, leaving a quick message asking where she was and when she'd be back. It was completely unnecessary. Her father would probably be sleeping late, as usual, and her sister had her cell phone number. Nadine practically ran to the meeting, she was so happy. The weather, however, was not cooperating. Black clouds hung gloomily in the sky, effectively blocking out the sun. It was chilly. "It'll be worst when it rains," Nadine thought. She glanced at her watch and worriedly realized that if she didn't hurry, she'd be late. So she quickened her pace. She didn't want Zack waiting. She reached the place precisely at twelve. She thought Zack was already there, but he wasn't. She waited, and time passed inexorably, dragging on mercilessly. And she waited still. Suddenly, she felt a cold drop of rain on her cheek, which ran down. A passerby might have guessed it was a tear. But Nadine wasn't crying. She still believed Zack would appear around the bend… but he wasn't. "It's impossible... he can't do this to me!" she repeated over and over in her mind. After an hour of standing in one place, and in a heavy downpour, she was tired and soaked. She sat down on a bench. She kept looking. She still had hope, but it was slowly fading. Her tears were now indistinguishable from the raindrops streaming down her cheeks. Her loose hair was a mess, soaked to the last strand. She checked her watch. She could go to Marc... He would definitely take her. She glanced one last time at the corner where Zack was about to emerge and headed towards Midnight Street.

She knocked on the white door. A smiling Marc opened it. However, when he saw Nadine's condition, his face immediately fell.

"Nadine! What happened? What are you doing here? Why aren't you with Zack?!" Marc was firing questions like a rifle. Nadine just looked at him pleadingly and said very quietly,

"Can I come in?"

"Sure! Don't even ask!"

In the hallway, she took off her shoes and jacket. Unfortunately, it was so soaked it couldn't hang with the other jackets, so Marc quickly hung it by the radiator. They went upstairs together to Marc's room. They closed the door behind them. Nadine stood at the desk and Marc sat on the bed.

"Sit down," he said

. Nadine remained silent.

"Okay, if you prefer to stand, stand, but tell me what happened?"

She didn't answer. She brushed her hair back from her forehead. She looked at her friend and burst into tears.

"Nadi, don't cry... or cry... you have a reason. Just tell me, maybe I can do something

." That was exactly what Nadine disliked about Marc. He was always asking questions. He was incredibly curious. But that was the only flaw she saw in him. Marc was like a teddy bear. She could always snuggle up to him when things were tough. But she didn't feel the same affection she felt for him as a girl usually does for a boy. She felt like Marc was like a brother to her.

"Zack... he didn't come," Nadine continued to lament.

Marc hugged her and tried to comfort her, but to no avail.

"Nadine... I think you should have a serious talk with him

." "But how am I supposed to talk to him when he's never anywhere?!

"Nadine, I've been thinking about this a lot... New company, irritation, explosiveness... Do you understand what I mean?"

She understood. However, she was so reluctant to admit the thought that she shook her head.

"He could have started taking drugs."

Nadine suddenly felt faint. She fell to her knees, soaking the carpet. Marc knelt beside her.

"Nadi... Don't worry... there's a way out of this, and besides, we're not sure yet!"

The girl, however, remained silent. After a moment, she simply said

, "Could I sit here with you? I'll help you prepare for your birthday, if you want... Just... could you lend me some of your clothes for now, because these are soaked

?" She spoke quietly and slowly, as if her mind were completely elsewhere. Because, in reality, it was. Nadine tried to understand Zack. He didn't have any problems, and even if he did, he could have turned to her for help...

She changed into Marc's dry clothes and began bustling around his spacious room, hanging colorful garlands and round balloons. Then she began setting the table. She always does. When she's very nervous, she has to do something. Anything. She can't sit idly by.

"Nadi, leave me alone, you're my guest.

" "It's nothing... I'm just helping..."

When everything was carefully arranged and cleaned, the guests began to arrive. Everyone brought colorful packages containing gifts. And then Nadine came to her senses.

"Marc, but I don't have anything for you! I'm sorry... it just happened... I'll buy something else, bring it to school," she began to explain.

"Stop it, what are you doing? I'm so glad you're here!"

After a moment, Nadine asked

, "Do you think Zack will come?"

Marc didn't have the heart to tell her what he really thought. There was so much hope in her eyes. He just shrugged.

Nadine had no desire to talk or have fun at all. She sat alone at the table, still waiting. She tried to imagine why Zack hadn't come. Maybe something had come up? Maybe he couldn't tell her? "Maybe he preferred the company of his new friends to yours?" a small voice said maliciously in her head. She quickly pushed the thoughts aside. It was impossible. Zack would never do such a thing. He couldn't. And again, just like this morning, time began to drag. Nadine would love to go home, but she couldn't hurt Marc like that. Suddenly, the birthday boy entered the room with a cake. Everyone gathered around the table and began applauding, and Nadine's loneliness was over. She stood with everyone else, singing a cheerful "Happy Birthday." After a moment, Marc blew out all the candles, cut the cake, and handed out the champagne. Nadine ate slowly, sipping every now and then. And just when everyone thought they were about to go back to dancing, something unexpected happened. Someone started banging on the door. When the host opened it, Zack and a few friends, whom no one knew, entered without being asked. They approached the table in a throng. The guy in the green baseball cap was clearly leading the way.

"What? The party's getting started, isn't it? And we weren't invited?!

Everyone stood transfixed. No one dared to move.

"Just like you said, Zack, the party's dead, as you can see!" he continued mockingly.

Nadine's heart was pounding. They're not behaving normally, and Zack's with them?! She kept looking at her beloved. She wanted to find something of her old "teddy bear" in him… but she found nothing.

"And where's that girl of yours you said?" "Zack !" the leader asked Zack.

Zack casually walked up to Nadine, put his arm around her, and said,

"What's up, little one? We have to liven things up somehow, right? "

Nadine couldn't believe what was happening… Zack reeked of alcohol!

"Zack! You've been drinking!" she shouted in disbelief.

"Ugh, don't get all hysterical! I only had a little! Look who I'm introducing you to: Charlie, cool guy!"

The guy in the green cap approached her with a strange smile.

"Hey, girl! You got some serious loot, Zack!" he said, slowly looking Nadine up and down.

"What's your name, little one?

" Nadine remained silent. She had no intention of hanging out with someone who had led Zack down such a path.

"What? The Grand Princess is silent? Zack, lighten her up a bit!"

At that moment, Zack grabbed Nadine by the shoulders, pulled her to him, and began kissing her passionately. Even though Nadine knew she had no chance against him, she still tried to break free from his strong embrace.

Everyone in the crowd watched as if spellbound. No one reacted. Zack suddenly stopped and turned to Charlie

, "It's your turn now!"

Nadine froze. "That's not my Zack!" She wanted to scream, but her voice caught in her throat. Charlie quickly grabbed Nadine and began slowly licking her neck. She still struggled in vain.

"Don't struggle, little one, or we'll talk!" someone shouted. At this, all the uninvited "guests" began clapping, applauding, howling... Nadine felt dizzy.

And suddenly, Marc came to his senses. He snatched Nadine from the boy's arms.

"Get out of here!" he shouted.

Nadine was terrified. Even though she knew Marc was strong and fit, that he went to the gym three times a week, she had a feeling she wouldn't be able to handle them all.

Zack pushed Marc onto a small glass table next to the couch, which shattered into smithereens under Marc's weight.

"Ugh, your stick is numb! Let's get out of here!"

They all headed for the door, and Zack followed. And they left.

Nadine didn't say a word. She quickly ran up to Marc, helped him up, and immediately asked,

"Did he hurt you?

" "No… wait a minute

." Then he turned to the others

, "Listen, guys! I'm sorry this was so stupid… and I think we'll call it a day. See you next year!"

Everyone began to say goodbye to their host in near-perfect silence and leave. And Nadine? She stood there frozen. She had no idea what to do. A stranger had just licked her, Zack had almost hurt Marc, and on top of that, it turned out he was following in her father's footsteps, if not worse. Nervously, she began slowly picking up the broken glass from the carpet.

"Leave it, I'll vacuum it later. My parents won't be back until tomorrow.

" "No, I'll take it now," Nadine said, so quietly that Marc barely heard her.

"Nadine, do you want to talk about it?"

The girl didn't respond. Mainly because she wasn't sure if she wanted to or not. She had a vague feeling that if she hadn't been there, Zack and his gang would never have been here...

"Did you smell something on him? Maybe he was on something? Was he drinking?

He was drinking..." it was on the tip of her tongue. But she was so terrified of it. She knew exactly how someone reacted under the influence. She remembered those terrible arguments between her father and sister perfectly well. She remembered the bruised arm and the broken glass...

"Nadine? Say something!"

But she remained silent. She continued to collect pieces of glass. When she had collected so many that they couldn't fit in her hand, she grabbed the first plastic bag she could find and began storing there not only the glass, but any other debris she could lay her hands on.

"Nadine!

Enough already." "I want to be alone," she thought.

"I don't know, Marc! I don't know anything! Do you understand?! Nothing! And I'd finally like to know something concrete! And nothing more!" she exclaimed in despair and ran out of Marc's house, grabbing her jacket along the way.

She ran home, threw herself on the bed, and began to cry. That was no understatement. Nadine was in despair. Eventually, however, exhausted by crying and her own intrusive thoughts, she fell asleep.