I think that Ryder's love for Marley is really sweet, so in my story Ryder is still hopelessly in love with Marley. I see Ryder and Gina as best friends who have each other's backs, but well… who knows?

CHAPTER NINE

It is a brand new week at McKinley. The Glee club has just finished practice for the day, and everyone is heading home. The seniors, huddled in groups, talking about their next performances. The newbies – Marley, Jake, Kitty, and Unique – walking together, discussing about possible song choices for Regionals. Everyone looks tired, and they all seem eager to go home.

Everyone, except Ryder and Gina.

They wait until everyone is out of the choir room before grinning at each other.

"So," Ryder pulls up a chair and sits in front of her.

"So?" Gina raises her eyebrows questioningly.

"Looks like someone was happy on Friday," Ryder teases. "I know I said that the attitude won't work, but hey, I might be wrong, who knows."

"I feel like my cheeks are burning whenever he's around," Gina confesses, grinning and fanning herself with her hands. She is beyond excited. "I mean, I think that was the first time he ever complimented me! And he was friendly, and I was civilized, so… eek!"

"Yeah, yeah, you're happy, I get it," Ryder laughs. "So, what's next? Do another song that'll blow his mind off?"

Gina frowns, thinking for a moment. "I don't know," she admits. "I mean, Ryder, Marley has been such a great friend for me. She helped me with the slushie thing, she's been very welcoming to me, and she's such a sweet and nice person. I went over to her house on Friday, and we just had tons of fun! I feel guilty whenever I think of my feelings for Jake. I feel like backstabbing her."

She sighs. She sneaks a glance at Ryder to see his reaction. Gina can't help but wonder if he knew that Marley still has feelings for him. What would he do once he found out? He would probably be ecstatic, but then what? Chase her again, steal her away from Jake, break their friendship and trust? Letting Ryder know would only torture him again. Besides, a part of her doesn't want Ryder to find out about Marley's jealousy. It's a secret she intends to keep to herself, as long as possible.

Is it wrong for me to act like this? She wonders.

"Marley is… perfect. She's beautiful, she's kind and friendly and amazing… and she's everything I've always wanted to be." Gina shrugs. "How can I ever compete with her?"

Ryder bites his lip. "I know what you mean," he says slowly. "Marley is a sweet and nice person. You… you can't break a heart as kind as hers. You just look up at that beautiful face and know that you would do anything to keep her smiling…" His voice trails off. Gina waits for him to snap back to reality patiently. "Anyway," he finally says. "Just keep it cool with both of them. Be their friend. Get to know them. Just take things slowly. Everything will fall into place sooner or later."

"Gee, thank you, Oprah," Gina snickers.

"Don't mock me, or I swear I'll scream your dirty little secret at the top of my lungs in front of the whole school," Ryder says with a laugh.

Gina laughs too. "And I swear I'll kick your ass for it," she says. She lets out a tiny sigh. "Damn you, Jake Puckerman. Damn you, heartbreaker."

"Yeah," Ryder says quietly. "Damn you."

Things are going well with Gina and Jake… what about Marley then?