"Because I loved Her"

I was right. In the last entry I talked about how Charlotte and Irene definitely were some kind of exes---whether it was queerplatonic or romantic I was not sure, but now I know its nature. I was right. This part is even more enlightening than the previous one as I finally had Irene’s side of Charlotte’s story and video. Although I will talk more extensively in later paragraphs, I cannot stress enough how much I loathe the character of Charlotte Pascal.

The relationship between Irene Abraham and Charlotte Pascal is complicated to describe pragmatically, especially when one is not familiar with that kind of situation. Luckily---or rather unluckily---I am, and I will try my best to remain impartial, but as I suggested before, I think I will not succeed on it.

In the case of toxic queerplatonic relationships, there are two main parts and several factors that affect and poison the relationship. The main parts are the individuals themselves---in this case Irene and Charlotte---and the main venomous factors are their society’s context, and internalized homophobia---that is founded in misogyny. This means Irene and Charlotte both grew up in a context in which it was the norm to like boys, it was the ‘natural’ thing to do. This concept was so rooted in their brains they were not aware of the fact the feelings they had for each other were not entirely platonic. The curious phenomenon of internalized homophobia is a concept so bitterly funny, as the affected is completely oblivious of their queerness even if it is explicitly practiced---for example, Irene and Charlotte hooking up and then denying they were interested in girls.

On a lighter note, Irene’s relationship with Scottie has evolved considerately. What Honey-Belle tells Scottie about Irene talking about her just supports my theory that Irene may have been attracted to Scottie even before they talked to each other---and that she secretly likes her now. And I really liked when she talked about her definition of a good gesture of love. She mocked the boombox scene in Say Anything because she found it empty and self-indulgent, and favors communication to these kinds of acts. Although Scottie pointed out Irene’s favorite movie is Dirty Dancing, which could imply she is secretly a hopeless romantic too. I have to say I agree with what Irene said despite loving the boombox scene---what can I say? It is a classic for a reason.

Also, they kissed. They kissed!! And this is the moment their whole dynamic is going to drastically change. I know it. I could not see much of Irene’s point of view as the book follows Scottie, but the way Irene treats Scottie after the kiss just feels different. Like she just noticed something, she feels more vulnerable.

I am really excited to read what is going to happen now that they kissed. Are they going to keep fake-dating or are they going to start dating for real? Are they going to miscommunicate despite Irene's views on healthy relationships? Is Tally going to interfere? Is Charlotte? And for the love of the Gods, are they going to clear up the whole Towing incident? Are they?