"Mmm," I groaned as I started gaining consciousness. We were still in the forest, but my head was on someone's lap.
Karlos.
"Karina, you are awake," Karlos said, a small smile on his lips.
Everything sank in. Daniella was drowning and strangling me. Looking at Karlos pained my heart. The more I pushed Karlos away, the more he came closer to me. I gathered the strength to get up.
"Donde estan todas?" I asked, taking in my surroundings.
"Un lugar apartado de todos," Karlos replied.
Karlos gave me a tight hug, "I am happy you are okay," he said. I stared at Karlos as I hesitantly hugged him.
"Thanks," I said. "Where is Camila?"
"With the others," he replied, "It's just you and me."
Breaking off from the hug, I stood up, "What do you want?"
"What do you mean?" Karlos asked, confused.
"What do you want from me?" I asked. I didn't realize tears were falling from my eyes, "So, tell me what do you want?"
"Nothing---"
"¡¿QUÉ QUIERES DE MÍ KARLOS?!" I shouted, "My life is getting messed up every time. I am sick and tired of being part of girl catfights over you!"
"What are you talking about?"
"Since we were 9, Karlos, girls have been falling for you like crazy! You have no clue about the hurtful words they told me,---"
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"I know Karina, that's why I got drawn to you since we were kids!"
My eyes opened wide. I didn't want to hear it because it made my heart sore.
"Karlos, please!" I shouted. "Just stay away from me!"
"No, I won't!" Karlos exclaimed. "Karina, you think I don't know the hurtful words Elena, Isla, and Lola said to you back when we were kids? I listened to every word they said. And from that day I was determined to never let anyone touch you. Seeing you be so brave and strong... I was drawn to you! The more I saw you, the more I loved you," he said.
Tears flowed from my eyes as he continued his confession.
"Karina, I love you."
He wiped the tears off my face, with a smile on his face.
"And I always will."
I hugged him back. "Karlos..."
"Never doubt that Karina," he continued, whispering in my ear.
Calming down, I buried myself in his embrace. "Thank you, Karlos for saving me back there."
"Anytime Princess," he replied, kissing me on the forehead.
"How far are we?" I asked, "From the others?"
"Not too close," he replied, "But don't worry, the way to go back is simple."
Breaking free from our embrace, Karlos gently grabbed my shoulder, making me face him.
"Karina," he said, "Tell me, is our family rivalry affecting our relationship?"
"Karlos, it's more than that," I replied, "Hearing Daniella's words brought back painful flashbacks. It was as if my pain was caused by you."
Karlos didn't seem upset but allowed me to continue.
"She likes you Karlos, and since our families cut ties with each other, you moved to the other city side," I continued, "And forgetting you was the simplest thing that I could do."
Karlos smirked, as he listened to my explanation, "And...?"
"It's none of your business as to what happened after trying that," I replied, walking away, until I lost my balance.
"Woah," Karlos said, catching me swiftly, "I think your ankle is sprained."
I raised my head, in defeat of the situation.
"But I bandaged it, so it should heal," he continued.
"There were no first aid kits," I said.
"Says who, when the bag I took had everything?" Karlos said.
I chuckled as I shook my head. "Mr. Planner."
I wrapped my hand around Karlos shoulder as I limped our way back to the others.
"Now it's your turn," I said.
"I was waiting to do this," Karlos said, carrying me in bridal style, "But not under the circumstances."
"Karlos, I can walk, you can put me down," I protested, frantically beating Karlos' shoulder, "Put me down!"
"Can't do that Princess!"