Alex can fool everyone, but not with Drake, who can find out that Alex is currently trying to run. However, there is no point in running because the more he runs, the more Ruby’s shadow keeps coming towards him. The more Alex tries to forget Ruby, the more he can’t forget Ruby. That’s what happens when we get heartbroken for the first time because it’s the first time so it’s very hard to forget and Alex doesn’t know that rather than forgetting its better to let it live with it.
The break bell rang, Drake approached Alex and asked him to go to the cafeteria with him, but Alex refused his invitation because he wanted to go to the library and borrow new reading materials. But Drake didn’t give up straight away and kept following Alex while continuing to talk to Alex, even though Alex continued to ignore him while continuing to read the book he was holding. Until when they were in front of the library, Drake became lost his temper and snatched the book from Alex’s hands so that Alex would stop ignoring him.
“What are you doing? I’m reading that book.” Alex said it sounded a little upset.
“ Don’t fool yourself, you think I can’t see it? Alex, you’re not reading this book, but you’re just trying to escape. You keep trying to get your brain to work and understand about what’s in this book you already know why? Is it because you can’t stop thinking about Ruby so you’re trying to get away with these books?” said Drake with a frustrated stare.
“Stop talking like you know everything.” Alex replied while staring at Drake with his sharp stare that looked hollow.
“ I know, did you forget that I’ve experienced it? I know what it’s like, that’s why I’m here. I want to help you, Alex... I’m going to help you through all this so stop trying to escape with these books and force yourself.” Drake said earnestly.
Alex fell silent, unlike usual he couldn’t argue with Drake’s words easily. He would have been able to easily argue with Drake and make him give in to his logical words, but Alex now can’t think of anything. He could only remain silent and immediately agreed to Drake’s invitation.
Deep down in his heart, Alex felt very tired. He’s not stupid, and he knows what he’s been doing for some time is cowardly. Alex knows that his cowardly act of trying to escape Ruby’s shadow keeps coming to mind, even though he wants to deny that and says that he’s just excited to learn. Giving a sweet, hollow excuse seems better than giving an honest but smearing answer to his face. But wanting him to give any reason it won’t matter in front of his best friend is because Drake has known him since they were very young.
***
Time went on and as Drake and Natty had planned after school, they went straight to a shopping mall with Alex and Helena to buy camping equipment. Drake looked so matching, walking side by side while holding hands and smiling all the way. Everyone who sees them pass by will be envious of their love. Alex and Helena, meanwhile, walk behind them, despite walking side by side, but they look a little awkward. Alex, who still looks cool and caress, walks while Helena keeps her head down as if watching her move to keep her distance from Alex.
Alex sounds fine to walk alongside Helena, although he has tried to give Helena a confession and was rejected. It’s just that Helena looks so awkward indeed she looks careful not to get too close to Alex. Even Alex can realize Helena’s awkward behavior. With just one glance he can see Helena’s nervous face as if she is uncomfortable to walk next to Alex.
“If you don’t enjoy walking with me so much, you shouldn’t have to come. I will not eat you, so why are you putting on that sacred face?” Said Alex in a piercing tone as he used to do to Helena.
“I’m not afraid of you, I just want to keep my distance so people don’t think there’s anything between us,” Helena replied she tried to put limits firmly.
Alex smiled, he couldn’t believe Helena would say that. Helena said it as if she didn’t like it if someone chattered about them both. Helena used to love it when someone gossiped about them both. Even Alex still remembers how Helena ever tried to make a scene between them, so people thought they were together. Then when she finds out someone is coming near Alex, Helena always gives strict warnings to the girls, and often Helena makes the girls she meets come home crying. If you think about it, Helena has always been a beast to girls who approach Alex.
“You say it like you don’t want it when someone gossips about us, when in fact you’re the one who likes it the most,” Alex whispered into Helena’s ear in her signature flat voice while smiling with one corner of his lips.
“ What, you’re going to kill me? No! I’m not!” said Helena, denying while putting on an upset face and developing her cheeks.
Alex chuckles at Helena’s adorable child-like behavior. Alex laughed for the first time in days and it made Drake and Natty smile maybe because they thought Alex and Helena had become closer. While it upset Helena herself because she feels she’s been played.
The sound of the phone ringing stopped Alex’s laughter and with his tail Alex glanced at Helena. While pretending not to care, Alex tries to find out who called Helena. Alex seems curious about who contacted Helena because all Alex knew was Helena never gave her phone number to anyone else.