I was walking through the quiet street, my mind half on school, half on Carlota. I just couldn't stop thinking about her, which made me realize how much I was struck by her. She does have a lot of effect on me, even though she doesn't know it yet.

I turned a corner, still thinking about all those things. My lips curved slightly, remembering the times she had teased me, pushed me, and yet somehow made me feel like I had to protect her.

Then a voice called my name. “Gabriel!”

I ...