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Barbie hates losing, particularly when it comes to Gloria's "husband." The mere thought of him makes her cringe.
They don't play games... in a sense. but the way he maneuvers his actions feels like a constant competition for Barbie. She always feels like she's falling behind his little plans. He somehow always seems to one-up her. Whether it's taking Gloria out or sharing light-hearted laughter, Barbie can't help but feel a pang of envy whenever he steals her moments with Gloria. She hates it even more when it's done right in front of her. To make matters worse, his attempts at speaking Spanish are laughably awkward, which irks Barbie even more.
Observing him struggle with Duolingo for three whole months, Barbie can't help but think that he's only putting in a half-hearted effort. How can he still mispronounce basic sentences after all that time? It frustrates her to no end.
Barbie had once invited Gloria to go to the beach with her, only to be met with, "Oh," Gloria says, taking a breath as she chops up some onions, "we're actually going out to have a little reunion with Richie's friends."
Barbie lets out a small "oh"; she falters a smile, The disappointment on Barbie's face goes unnoticed as Gloria's back is turned.
Putting on a brave front, Barbie musters a small smile. "Yeah," she replies, trying to hide her disappointment.
-
Barbie searches "How to get a man away from my best friend" later that night.
Unable to shake her feelings of frustration and insecurity, Barbie decides to seek advice on how to handle the situation. She turns to the internet and stumbles upon a post on ‘Quora' titled "I want to spend more time with my girlfriend. Help!" Reading the post, Barbie is taken aback by how precisely it captures her own feelings and thoughts.
She doesn't think twice and clicks on it, and Barbie thinks it's a good thing. Advice. That's exactly what she needs right now. Hoping she can find it here.
She starts reading the post — "How do I get this man that keeps bothering me and my best friend's hangouts away? My best friend always hangs out with this guy, and I want to spend time with her, but he just keeps getting in the way. I feel like he's somehow going against me. Like he hates me or something?? I think he wants my friend all to himself... how do I get this man away? I just want to spend time with my friend!"
Barbie feels relieved and somehow shocked, she thinks smiling, "Exactly how I feel. Wow, we think so alike." She mutters, completely baffled at how this post completely captured her feelings and thoughts, As she scrolls down to read the comments, her heart races with anxiety. Barbie braces herself for any revelations or uncomfortable truths. The responses range from supportive to humorous to brutally honest.
One comment stands out, suggesting a "Man away" repellent to deal with the intrusive guy. Barbie finds herself nodding in agreement but also chuckling at some of the witty remarks.
Until she lands on a few comments that stick.
- "Bro, I think you're in love with your best friend. Praying for you, babe." She scrolls down again,
- "I got something to tell you luv. And u might not like it."
Barbie's breath is caught in her throat. It suddenly goes dry, and she doesn't want to scroll down anymore, afraid of what she'll see. And the realization she'll (soon) come to, but she does, too curious for her own good.
Someone else adds, "Posted into the wrong community, should've gone to Reddit and posted this in the r/Asklgbt."
A sudden realization hits Barbie like a ton of bricks. She quickly closes the tab, feeling overwhelmed by what she's come across. "It's probably just a coincidence," she nervously laughs, trying to brush off her own thoughts. Biting her lip, she gazes at Sasha's laptop, which she had borrowed earlier. She nervously taps her nails against it.
A few seconds pass, and she's immediately back on it, her curiosity gets the better of her, and she finds herself back on the website, sifting through countless pages and posts. Anxiety starts to build up inside her, making her feel like she's on the edge of a precipice.
"This can't be,” she murmurs, her hands growing clammy. In a futile attempt to see the screen better, she tries to increase the laptop's brightness, but it's already at its maximum.
She rushes to find an update on the original poster, and she does.
"I always stare at her; what does this mean? I also don't feel anything for men because it's just... bleh.”
Barbie's mind races, and she feels her heart pounding. "Could it be?" she wonders. Her hands tremble as she reads a reply to the poster's comment,
- "Girl, you just answered your own question LMFAO. I saw a lesbian in the wild just by reading the first five words."
The reality of the situation dawns on Barbie, leaving her in a state of disbelief. She can't help but bite her nails nervously as she closes the laptop and quickly returns to Sasha's room to thank her. Sasha, concerned about Barbie's demeanor, watches her leave in shock
---
Barbie tries to function normally after the aftermath of her revelation. Barbie attempts to carry on with her daily life while also grappling with her newfound understanding of her feelings for Gloria. Though this knowledge doesn't alleviate her competitive streak, it intensifies her desire to be closer to Gloria.
She still loses to Gloria's "husband" from time to time; she understands it, of course. But it's not gonna stop her from feeling a bit disappointed and sad. But she pushes it away; she doesn't want to ruin anything. You win some, you lose some.
Barbie wins in some... ways, sometimes, like that one time Gloria wanted to go to Six Flags.
-
"That's a fantastic idea!" Barbie exclaims, her enthusiasm evident as she turns to look at Gloria. The sight of Gloria's happiness makes Barbie's heart feel full, and she can't recall a time when she felt so elated.
Sasha, with a hint of disbelief, interjects, "No way," and motions to her dad, who is engrossed in yet another Duolingo session on the couch. "What about Dad? I mean, he's practically allergic to the sun," she comments, pointing to him.
Gloria playfully leans in closer to Barbie, whispering with a smile, "He looks more immersed in that than he probably will be on any rollercoaster." Barbie nods, trying to focus on Gloria's words, but she finds herself mesmerized by the closeness of Gloria's face. Her heart flutters when Gloria turns to look at her, and their proximity makes Barbie's body tingle with anticipation.
She's so close.
Gloria's laughter brings Barbie back to the moment, though she still can't understand the words. Nevertheless, she lets out a small laugh in response to Gloria's infectious joy. As Gloria places a comforting hand on Barbie's back and leans in to whisper something else, Barbie's senses are overwhelmed by the closeness and warmth of Gloria's breath against her ear. The moment feels intimate, and Barbie's heart races with both excitement and nervousness.
Suddenly, Sasha's stern glare breaks the moment, and Gloria withdraws playfully, raising her hands in defense. Barbie awkwardly laughs, trying to regain her composure as she's pulled back to reality.
‘What the hell is going on.’ That is all Barbie can think.
"Dad," Sasha calls out, redirecting the attention to her father.
He looks up from his Duolingo session and glances at Sasha, then at Gloria. "Do you want to go to Six Flags with us?" Sasha asks.
He considers the invitation and then asks, "Is everyone going?”
Barbie already hates where this is going, the strange feeling of hotness fills her stomach, it's not like when Gloria's disappointed, or happy with her. an irritating feeling. It's a confusing mix of emotions, but she musters a smile and nods. "Even me," she adds, trying to appear enthusiastic.
He shrugs with a nonchalant "Why not" before getting up and high-fiving Sasha. He then approaches Gloria, placing a gentle kiss on her cheek, causing her to laugh and playfully push him away. As he turns to Barbie, he rests his hands on Gloria's shoulders, and the sight of them together only adds to Barbie's internal struggle.
They all laugh, and Barbie attempts to join in, but the strange sensation of warmth mixed with pressure in her stomach distracts her. She musters another smile and manages to croak, "That's amazing." However, the awkwardness is evident in her voice, and she can't help but feel self-conscious under the sudden pressure she's experiencing.
As she sneaks another glance at Gloria, she catches the other woman staring back at her, and a small sparkle in Gloria's eyes sends a rush of emotions through Barbie. The two share a moment of unspoken connection, and all Barbie can do is smile, her heart fluttering with anticipation.
To her delight, Gloria sends a warm smile back, and it feels like a private exchange between just the two of them, making Barbie's heart soar with hope
---
Barbie feels a sense of contentment as she stands in line for the roller coaster alongside Gloria and Sasha. The sun is beating down on them, and though the line isn't under any shade, (Barbie had specifically picked this ride for that reason, but she'll never admit that to anyone.) wanting to keep it as her own clever strategy.
"I can stand in line with my umbrella." He tries convincing Gloria and Sasha, However, Barbie quickly interjects, "What about when you're on the ride? Can't hold it then. That's a safety hazard."
Barbie can't help the smile that forms on her face when he tells them to go along then. Sasha eyes her weirdly when she notices Barbie looking proud of herself, and when Barbie clings to her mom's hand and is already pulling her towards the busy line. Barbie laughs and reassures Sasha that she's genuinely excited for the thrilling roller coaster.
"Okay..." Sasha responds skeptically as Barbie tries a bit too hard to prove her excitement. "It's just a roller coaster," Sasha mumbles.
Barbie steals a glance at him, standing just outside the coaster's line, holding an umbrella. Their eyes meet briefly as he waves at them, and Gloria reciprocates with a small smile. Barbie can't help but focus on Gloria, observing every movement and expression. When Gloria turns back to her, playfully asking, "What?" Barbie shrugs and replies,
"Nothing."
"Okay." Gloria smiles warmly at her, and Barbie can't help but feel a flutter of happiness in her chest. She takes a quick glance around, trying to spot "him" amidst the crowd, but it's challenging now that more people have joined the line.
Gloria turns her attention back to Barbie, a deep smile on her face. "Excited?" she asks. Barbie nods, "Me too," Gloria adds, leaning her head gently against Barbie's shoulder. It's a simple gesture, but it fills Barbie with a rush of warmth and a tinge of longing. She savors the moment until the line starts moving again, and Gloria lifts her head. Barbie can't help but miss the comforting sensation of Gloria against her.
Throughout the wait, Gloria holds onto Barbie's arm, a gesture that sends both reassurance and excitement through Barbie's veins. She feels a mix of joy and nervousness, trying to process the closeness she shares with Gloria, even amidst the bustling crowd.
Sasha glances at them awkwardly from behind, contemplating whether she should let the people behind her take her spot in the line, just so she doesn't have to witness this potentially awkward situation unfold. However, she can't help but notice the genuine connection between Barbie and Gloria, and it leaves her with a mix of emotions as she wonders what this might mean for their friendship and their family dynamic.
---
As they step off the roller coaster, Gloria tightly clutches onto Barbie's hand, visibly shaken but unable to stop laughing. Each smile Gloria gives Barbie sends her heart into a flutter, and it doesn't help that Gloria looks stunning with her wind-tousled hair.
Her smile seems to knock more air out of Barbie's lungs than the exhilarating ride did, and witnessing Gloria in such a joyous state fills her with a giddiness that surpasses the adrenaline rush of the coaster's drop.
Despite the thrill, Barbie had thoroughly enjoyed the ride, especially when Gloria sought comfort, leaning against Barbie with her eyes closed, only to scream with a mix of fear and excitement as the coaster sped forward. Barbie, too, had held on tightly, feeling Gloria press against her as they both clenched the safety measure bar, designed to keep riders secure during the ride.
Apologizing for clinging onto Barbie for dear life, Gloria expresses her gratitude for Barbie's steadying presence. Barbie simply shrugs and beams at her, playfully remarking, "It's okay; just consider me your backup plan in case the safety bars fail to work. I'll keep you grounded.”
Gloria's face turns a shade of red, which only adds to the charm in Barbie's eyes. Barbie wonders if Gloria's cheeks feel as warm as they look, tempted to reach out and touch them, but Sasha interrupts their moment by throwing her hands up in the air, expressing annoyance at the girl beside her who couldn't stop yelling about missing her ex.
"You guys don't need to be together ALL the time," Sasha exclaims, voicing her frustration. Gloria apologizes to Sasha and wraps her arms around her, planting a tender kiss on her head. "I'll ride with you the next few times," Gloria assures Sasha, trying to make up for the distracted attention during the coaster ride.
Barbie watches the exchange between Gloria and Sasha with admiration. She appreciates the strong bond Gloria shares with Sasha and the kindness and care Gloria shows towards her daughter. The way Gloria balances her love for Sasha and her connection with Barbie leaves Barbie feeling both grateful and emotionally stirred.
---
Several months have passed, and Barbie finds herself seated on Sasha's bed while Sasha diligently works on her laptop, creating a PowerPoint presentation for her class. Barbie had offered her help, but Sasha dismissed it with a frustrated plea for assistance in making a particular shape move into a circle. With a shrug, Barbie now sits at the edge of the bed, observing Sasha's struggle from a distance.
"I'm here if you need help!" Barbie reminds Sasha cheerfully. Sasha waves her off, engrossed in her task, feeling the weight of frustration building up inside her as she mutters complaints about the slow progress. "You know, if my group mates would actually help me with this, I'd make my life so much easier. Oh my god, why is everybody so useless—"
Suddenly, Barbie's thoughts shift, and she blurts out an unexpected question, "Is Gloria like... in love with your dad?" The words slip out before Barbie can think twice, and even she is surprised at her own audacity. Sasha turns to her with furrowed eyebrows, clearly taken aback.
"Uhm..." Sasha hesitates, slowly turning around to face Barbie, her face displaying a mix of confusion and curiosity.
"I mean, obviously, she loves your dad. I mean, it is your dad. Why wouldn't she love him, right...? I — I don't know why I asked that question, actually," Barbie stammers, feeling a tad embarrassed.
A beat.
Sasha immediately laughs. Barbie feels embarrassed.
"No way! They're just friends, or... something like that. Friends with Benefits—" Sasha immediately regrets her choice of words, scrunching up her face in disgust. "Not like— not like that. They've been contemplating getting a divorce for a few months now, and it just keeps getting postponed. They spend time together but aren't really together. My mom—" Sasha leans in closer to Barbie, lowering her voice, as if sharing a secret. She glances at the front door briefly before returning her attention to Barbie.
Barbie can't help but lean in, intrigued by the possibility of juicy gossip between friends.
"— She's been over him for a while now; I don't really know about my dad. It seems like he's still in love with her, but he knows it's over now. Or maybe they never really... loved each other, it's just—" Sasha sighs, struggling to articulate the complexities of her parent's relationship. "He still loves her, though, so that doesn't really go away."
Sasha then adds, almost as an afterthought, "Plus, he knows you're in love with my mom. So, he's already accepted that." Barbie doesn't catch the last part of Sasha's mumble, prompting her to ask, "What did you say?”
Sasha rolls her eyes and dismisses Barbie with a wave of her hand. "Nothing, just never mind." She looks back at her laptop. "In simpler terms, no, they aren't in love anymore... at least not really. Or maybe they never were...?" Sasha shrugs, trying to sum up her thoughts.
Barbie just nods, not knowing what to say or do with this information.
"I'm pretty sure my mom is in love with someone else, though. He's totally cool with that," Sasha says, playfully wiggling her eyebrows at Barbie, who laughs along. However, Barbie's laughter fades into a small frown as she processes the idea.
She finds herself moving closer to Sasha, her curiosity piqued, "She is? With who? Why didn't she tell me?" Barbie inquires, her eyes filled with genuine interest. Sasha seems taken aback by Barbie's sudden proximity, pushing her away gently. "Personal space," she exclaims, and Barbie quickly apologizes, respecting Sasha's boundaries.
"Right, sorry," Barbie says, taking a step back and giving Sasha some space. She waits for Sasha to answer her question.
Sasha takes a deep breath, realizing that Barbie's inquisitive nature might prevent her from getting the presentation done. She gives Barbie a slightly judgmental look before explaining. "She doesn't have to tell you everything, you know? Some things people keep to themselves.”
Though Sasha's tone is a bit blunt, Barbie understands that Sasha is just trying to convey a point. However, she can't help but feel a bit hurt.
“Oh," Barbie mutters softly, trying to mask her hurt feelings. She knows that everyone has their secrets, and Gloria is entitled to keep some things to herself. So, hearing this isn't necessarily new for her. It's not the part where she doesn't tell her everything, it's...
Never mind. It's fine, Gloria has her secrets. That's perfectly fine.
And her secret is being in love with a man, a man. A MAN. Barbie tries to run through her head a few times but can't seem to get it. Only bad things come from men,
Barbie lists them: abandonment, endangerment, government, and the list goes on.
"Do you have any idea... who...?"Barbie asks tentatively, sensing that Sasha is growing frustrated with the conversation. Barbie starts to feel defeated, unsure if she should continue probing.
“He must be a really nice guy to have Gloria like him," Barbie adds with a faint smile, trying to shift the mood. However, Sasha's blank stare suggests that her comment doesn't quite resonate. Sasha groans and mutters something about ‘not being a mean,’? leaving Barbie feeling a bit confused.
Whatever she means by that.
"Well, I'll leave you alone now. Hope it goes well!" Barbie says, attempting to end the conversation on a lighter note. Sasha waves her off with a dismissive "Bye Barbie."
Barbie heads to her room, or, more so, Gloria's room. she recalls how Gloria insisted on sharing the bed with her. Barbie had offered to sleep on the couch, but Gloria had refused Barbie thought it was 'too much.' Gloria insisted, 'No way! I can't let you sleep there. You're a guest, in my house — actually, you're practically my roommate now.'
'She makes him sleep on the couch.' Sasha whispers to Barbie when she walks by her mom's room and sees Barbie fixing the pillows, Barbie looks back to the bed and then to Sasha. "You must be special," Sasha had said, leaving Barbie intrigued but uncertain about the meaning behind those words.
Sasha's remark about Gloria's husband, or ex-husband, or whatever their relationship status might be, echoes in Barbie's mind. Barbie can't seem to find a good word for it, so she guesses she'll just stick with "him."
Well, he doesn't sleep on the couch anymore. Or at the house, to be exact. Barbie finally realizes why after Sasha's whole explanation. Makes sense why she doesn't see his toothbrush in the bathroom anymore.
-
As the day stretches on, Barbie remains seated on Gloria's bed, seemingly doing nothing productive. She shifts restlessly, alternating between gazing at the ceiling, trying to resist the urge to bite her nails, and convincing herself that it's 'ay-okay' for Gloria to like someone else, as long as it's not "him." She repeats this internal mantra over and over until the sound of the front door opening startles her.
"Back so soon?" Barbie inquires as Gloria walks in. She observes Gloria setting down her bag on a drawer and casually tossing her blazer into the laundry. However, Barbie avoids making direct eye contact with Gloria, feeling somewhat awkward and uneasy.
Gloria lets out a small chuckle. “Barbie, it's nine,” Gloria says like it's the most obvious thing ever. (It is.)
Gloria chuckles at Barbie's remark, finding her behavior amusing. "Barbie, it's nine," Gloria states, her tone carrying a hint of amusement. "Oh, right, right right. Sorry," Barbie responds, letting out an awkward high-pitched laugh. Gloria pauses for a moment, raising an eyebrow at Barbie's peculiar behavior. Concerned, she asks, "Are you... okay? Is there something you want to tell me?”
Barbie quickly waves off Gloria's concern, trying to hide her true feelings behind a facade of enthusiasm. "Nope, I'm great! You're great, everything's great. I love the world. Everything is fantastic. You look very pretty, by the way," Barbie rambles, her hands gesturing animatedly, and she punctuates her sentences with nervous laughter.
Gloria gives Barbie a warm smile in response to the compliment, but she can't help but feel perplexed by her friend's erratic behavior. "Okay, what's going on?" Gloria asks, hands on her hips. "You're acting really weird." She takes a step closer to Barbie, but to her surprise, Barbie suddenly stands up and takes a step back. Confused, Gloria halts in her tracks, about to question Barbie when Barbie interrupts her.
"I'm not acting weird, you're acting weird," Barbie retorts, pointing at Gloria defensively. Both of them are taken aback by the unexpected turn in their interaction, and Barbie doesn't sound entirely convinced by her own statement or the accusation she's making toward Gloria.
Gloria furrows her eyebrows, trying to make sense of the situation. "Wh— What? How am I acting weird? You're acting weird," Gloria responds, motioning towards Barbie in confusion. Barbie scoffs, and Gloria mirrors her reaction, matching her attitude. Barbie gasps, and so does Gloria, both surprised by the kindergarten-like behavior they've stumbled into. Gloria shakes her head in disbelief. "Okay, enough of this. What is going on?" she exclaims.
Fidgeting nervously, Barbie hesitates for a moment. Gloria looks at her with kind and comforting eyes, seemingly about to reach out and touch her shoulders. However, Barbie abruptly waves her off, stopping Gloria's hands mid-motion. A fleeting look of hurt crosses Gloria's face as Barbie denies her touch. Now facing a confused expression from Gloria, Barbie doesn't know how to explain her behavior.
Barbie has never turned down Gloria's touch before, and it makes her feel guilty for pushing her away. Uncertain of what to do, Barbie glances down at Gloria's fingers fidgeting at her side. She gives a nonchalant shrug and then plops back down on the bed, avoiding Gloria's gaze.
A few seconds pass in silence until Gloria breaks it, mumbling something about taking a shower. Barbie simply nods, giving Gloria the space she seems to need. After a few minutes, Barbie hears the bathroom door open, and she instinctively looks away, feeling her face flush with embarrassment. She touches her cheek, trying to hide the fact that she blushed at the sight of Gloria in a towel.
Unaware of Barbie's reaction, Gloria searches through her closet while Barbie attempts to find a way to cool her heated cheeks. She stands up, then sits back down, and then she gets up again, even considering the idea of making a run for it. Eventually, she settles back down on the bed, uncertain of how to handle the situation.
The situation becomes even more challenging for Barbie when Gloria drops the towel to her hips, unintentionally exposing her back. Barbie squeaks a little at the sight, feeling flustered by the unexpected view. She tries not to think about Gloria's body, but her mind wanders, imagining what it would be like to touch her.
The lines, her back is so… toned? Barbie wants to reach out and trail her fingers up and down Gloria’s back, maybe feel her —
Feeling practically mesmerized, Barbie doesn't realize that Gloria is speaking to her until she turns around and finds Barbie's face buried in a pillow. "Barbie?" Gloria calls out, approaching Barbie in concern. She wonders if Barbie is crying, but upon listening closely, she hears only breathing. Then, a muffled "umm" and a soft laugh escape from the pillow.
"I'm great! Just—just amazing," Barbie quickly sits up, surprising Gloria with her sudden change in demeanor. Gloria is puzzled by Barbie's behavior, but she remains patient, offering support. "Do you want to talk about it?" Gloria asks, her voice gentle and understanding.
Barbie’s body shivers, like an electric current, had just electrocuted her again and again, when Gloria places her hand on Barbie’s back and slowly moves it around. Sometimes trailing her fingers down it as well.
Barbie's body shivers with an electric jolt as Gloria places her hand on Barbie's back, moving it in a comforting and soothing manner. Barbie is still unable to articulate her feelings, her face burning with embarrassment. She can't help but bite her lip as Gloria pushes some of Barbie's hair away to get a better look at her face, still buried in the pillow.
Gloria leans closer, her concern growing. She's about to utter a small "Are you okay?" when her breath accidentally tickles Barbie's neck. This unexpected sensation startles Barbie, causing her to shoot up, catching Gloria off guard.
-
It takes a few minutes of convincing for Gloria to believe that Barbie isn't experiencing a heart attack or an allergic reaction. It's clear that Gloria hadn't even considered those possibilities, and she feels a bit guilty for not thinking of it earlier. But Barbie assures her with sincerity in her voice, gently touching Gloria's shoulder and promising that she's perfectly fine.
As the minutes pass, an awkward silence settles between the two of them. The lights in the room go off, and they both lie down against the pillows, facing away from each other. Barbie feels a lingering sense of guilt, gnawing at her stomach and plaguing her subconscious. She contemplates reaching out to tap Gloria's shoulder to break the silence and reassure her once more, but hesitates, unsure of how Gloria might react.
Barbie fears she’s ruined everything.
In the end, Barbie decides against it and lets the silence envelop them. As she tries to sleep, her mind swirls with conflicting thoughts and emotions. She can't shake the feeling that she missed an opportunity to connect with Gloria on a deeper level, and the guilt continues to eat at her.
Barbie's mind is a whirlwind of uncertainty, and her stomach churns with a nauseating sensation. She desperately wishes she could find the right words to express herself, to let Gloria know how much she cares about her. However, fear and doubt hold her back, leaving her feeling frustrated with herself.
‘Being a lesbian is so much harder.’
-
A few weeks pass and things slowly start to go back to default. Barbie tries to convince herself that she was merely overthinking everything, chalking up her feelings to a momentary bout of confusion. However, deep down, she knows there's more to it, and she can't ignore the lingering thoughts and emotions.
She explains to Sasha how she can’t help but feel like everything’s going to go wrong and leading to a rather morbid thought of waking up dead. Sasha's eyes widen in shock, Sasha looks at her completely shocked. contemplates whether she should suggest seeking help from a therapist.
The tension between Barbie and Gloria is palpable, and it's evident that things are not as they used to be. Barbie finds herself holding back, barely touching Gloria's shoulder or any physical contact at all. Although she still smiles at Gloria, it feels forced and lacks the genuine warmth it once had.
Barbie notices Gloria's subtle frown when she refrains from holding her arm or leaning on her shoulder, making her question if she's just being delusional or if there's something more to Gloria's reactions.
Fueled by uncertainty, Barbie turns to the internet for answers, searching phrases like "Am I imagining things?" in hopes of finding some reassurance or explanation for her conflicting emotions.
Unfortunately, her search leads her to an article about hallucinations, which triggers a moment of panic and prompts her to quickly click away, not wanting to delve into something that might worsen her state of mind.
With her mind still racing, Barbie tries another search, this time typing in the words, "I have feelings for an older woman." She hopes to find stories of others who have experienced similar emotions, seeking solace in the shared experiences of strangers. However, the universe seems to have a sense of irony, and her search leads her to a MILF-loving forum.
The sight of the explicit content startles her, and she contemplates staying out of morbid curiosity, but she quickly shakes her head and closes the tab. “No, no no,” Barbie murmurs to herself flustered. This isn't what she needs right now, and it certainly isn't helping her make sense of her feelings for Gloria —
-
Barbie joins Gloria on a grocery store run, it’s interesting. They don’t say much during the ride to the store, (is she supposed to?)
From the corner of her eye, Barbie notices Gloria stealing glances at her. She wonders if Gloria can sense her inner turmoil or if she's just being overly self-conscious. Instead of facing Gloria's gaze, Barbie keeps her eyes fixed on the road ahead, trying to appear composed on the outside, even though her insides feel like they're in knots.
-
As they enter the grocery store, Barbie's heart rate increases, and she feels like she's walking on thin ice. She's hyper-aware of everything around her, especially Gloria's presence. Each time Gloria's near, Barbie's senses seem to heighten—the faint scent of her perfume, the soft sound of her laughter, and the way Gloria's eyes always find her first when they share a joke. And then, of course, there are the occasional glances at Gloria's legs when she's feeling bolder.
Gloria suggests that Barbie pushes the cart while she picks the groceries, playfully mentioning that Barbie's height is an advantage. Barbie chuckles, happy to have something light to focus on for a moment. Gloria's smile in response warms her heart, even though the turmoil inside continues to bubble.
As they navigate the aisles, Gloria asks Barbie to grab an item from a nearby shelf. Barbie obliges without hesitation, but when she returns, she's taken aback to find Gloria engaged in a conversation with a random guy—a bit taller than her, but not quite as tall as Barbie herself. An unexpected surge of jealousy washes over her, and her hands start to tremble.
Insecurity gnaws at Barbie's thoughts as she stands on the sidelines, watching them interact. She feels like an outsider, unsure of where she stands in this equation. When Gloria introduces the guy as her friend Ryan, Barbie's discomfort intensifies. She forces herself to be cordial, shaking Ryan's hand and trying to act normal, all the while suppressing the flood of emotions swirling inside her.
Feeling like a third wheel, Barbie stands on the sidelines, observing the interaction between Gloria and Ryan. The unexpected hug between them sends a pang of jealousy through Barbie's heart, and she squeezes the can of soup in her hand tightly.
-
As they load the groceries into the car, Gloria tries to engage in small talk, but Barbie is seething inside, her emotions on the brink of explosion. A headache starts to form, and she feels her heart ache even though anger swirls within her.
The boiling point arrives when they run into Ryan again after loading the groceries into the trunk. He winks at Gloria, eliciting a laugh from her. Unable to bear it any longer, Barbie slams the trunk shut with force, catching Gloria off guard.
Without saying a word, Barbie swiftly moves to the passenger seat and buckles herself up, a storm of emotions raging inside her.
Gloria immediately follows afterward, looking at Barbie in disbelief. She throws her hands up in the air, frustration is evident in her voice. "What is going on with you? You’ve been acting so different and distant these past few weeks and then this?" Her stern gaze softens as she continues, "I don’t know why you're acting like this. Is it something I did? Or do you just not want to hang out with me anymore? Do you hate me? I— I just..." Gloria's voice trails off, and tears start to well up in her eyes.
The sight of Gloria on the verge of tears tugs at Barbie's heartstrings, and she feels her own heart pounding in her chest. "I don't know why you… why do you hate me," Gloria mumbles, tapping the steering wheel in frustration
"I just miss you," she confesses, and Barbie's heart seems to be racing even faster, outpacing her thoughts. Seeing Gloria like this, vulnerable and hurt, Barbie can't bear it any longer. She reaches out and gently touches Gloria's shoulders, attempting to turn Gloria's gaze toward her.
Barbie shakes her head, her throat feeling like it's on fire, and her eyes starting to sting with unshed tears. She knows this feeling all too well and tries to sniff away the emotions threatening to spill over. "Gloria, I could never hate you… I, I just..." Barbie's words falter as she struggles to find the right way to express herself. In that moment, she's overwhelmed by emotions she can't fully comprehend.
Gloria's open and vulnerable expression draws Barbie in, and without even thinking, she cups Gloria's face in her hands and presses a soft, tender kiss on her lips. The kiss is gentle, filled with unspoken emotions, and Barbie instantly regrets her impulsive action. But then, to her surprise and relief, Gloria reciprocates the kiss, and Barbie's heart soars with a mix of joy and uncertainty.
The car seems to disappear around them as the moment between them lingers. For a brief instant, they're lost in each other, the weight of unspoken feelings finally finding an outlet. But reality quickly catches up, and they both pull away, their eyes locking in a mix of confusion and realization.
Barbie's mind races, trying to make sense of what just happened. She opens her mouth to speak, but the words escape her. Instead, she swallows hard and takes a deep breath, hoping to steady her racing heart.
Gloria looks both surprised and contemplative, her lips parted slightly as if trying to find the right words too. "I… I didn't expect that," she admits, her voice barely above a whisper.
“I'm sorry, Gloria," Barbie finally manages to say, her voice filled with genuine regret. "I didn't mean to... I don't know what came over me.”
Gloria's eyes soften, and she reaches out to gently touch Barbie's hand. "It's okay," she replies softly, "I just didn't expect it, that's all.”
The car seems to cocoon them in a bubble of uncertainty as the weight of their unspoken feelings hangs heavy in the air. Finally, Barbie breaks the silence, her voice tentative yet determined. "I guess, I've... I've just been confused about how I feel about you," she admits, taking a deep breath to steady her nerves. Gloria instinctively reaches out and holds Barbie's hand, offering silent support.
Barbie continues, her words flowing with newfound honesty, "I... I don't know." She awkwardly laughs, trying to ease the tension. "I really, really like you, Gloria." Barbie's admission is met with a warm grin from Gloria, and she feels her cheeks flush with nervous excitement.
"I like you too," Gloria mumbles softly, her voice barely above a whisper. She leans closer to Barbie again, her eyes locking onto Barbie's lips as if drawn by an irresistible force. The air between them crackles with anticipation as Gloria pulls Barbie into a deep, passionate kiss. Their lips meet with a mixture of longing and hesitation, each exploring the uncharted territory of this newfound connection.
Gloria's hand, once holding Barbie's, now finds its way into Barbie's hair, entangling her fingers in the soft strands. Barbie's heart races, and she lets out a small gasp of surprise when Gloria playfully bites her lip and drags it slightly, sending a thrilling shiver down her spine.
Gloria pulls away, a smug smile playing on her lips as she looks at Barbie's flushed face. Their eyes meet, and a silent understanding passes between them, speaking volumes more than words ever could. It's a moment of vulnerability and newfound closeness.
Barbie kisses Gloria’s hand once more before Gloria starts the car.