Chapter 10: Chapter 10

They told a guy had to be as solid as a mountain to be a role model in his family. They also stated that a guy must have a strong character and not cry. The guy must always be tough and must not give up whatever he is facing. A guy is a warrior who should not shed tears because he must be a leader and role model in his family.

But aren't men human too? Whether it's a boy or a girl, if it hurts the heart, tears will flow. Crying doesn't mean weak, it's just a natural part that can happen to humans when their hearts are pained. All humans are the same, no one is greater than the other.

It's just that society loves to criticize other bodies. Label everyone and categorize individuals as they like. They think they are doing the honorable thing because they assume that anybody has a certain position and rank. Judge others by their standards as if it were a good thing.

Then we are stuck in those rules and live our lives according to other people's rules. We underestimate ourselves and put very heavy pressure on ourselves. Without realizing it, we lose our smile and even our identity because we have thrown it away just to meet the rules set by society.

***

The clock shows 7.30 in the dawn, the birds are chirping in the dawn sun. As usual, Alex was sitting at the dining table eating breakfast with his family. There was cut off and only the sound of a knife rubbing against a plate. Alex ate the feed on his plate in silence, as did his family. They particularly focus on their meal and don't pay attention to each other.

If other families were going to stare at each other and talk to one another, the Maxwells weren't like that. They particularly focus on eating the meal is on their plate without speaking at all. If anyone talks, it's only Gina who asks about all the things that interest her.

“How did Newton find the theory of the law of gravity from a falling apple? I mean, when he saw an apple fall how could he think there was a gravitational force that made an apple fall to the ground, whereas people would take the apple, clean it and eat it without thinking about anything else. “ Gina said, saying things that bothered her so much that everyone looked at her except Diana, who didn't seem to care enough.

“Yes, that's why he's called a genius.” Said Alex, looking into Gina's eyes while smiling.

Gina nodded her head, then fell silent again. Alex also breathed a sigh of relief, as if it had freed him from a big problem. Gina was constantly like that, she was constantly interested in something that other people wouldn't indeed see as something. Sometimes she asks about how air can blow, or how a person can figure out. She asked about many things and when she couldn't get a satisfactory answer, she would keep asking questions until it satisfied her with the answers she got. Even though it feels difficult sometimes but that's what makes Alex smile in the morning.

Even though Gina always made Alex smile, it only lasted for a few seconds. The cold dining table atmosphere was so sharp that it was hard for Alex to breathe. He glanced at his father and mother who were sitting in front of him in turn, but they seemed to only care about their work by looking at their cellphones even while having breakfast.

Indeed though he experiences this every day, Alex yet can’t look at used to how coldly his parents treat him. Their attitude is stiff and always indifferent to him makes Alex very hurt. A child only needs the attention of both parents, but Alex never got all that. He tried hard to get his parents’ attention by being the perfect child, but he yet didn’t get the attention he wanted.

“I’m done, I’m leaving for school now.” Said Alex put down his spoon and fork, then stood up and took his backpack.

“Remember not to play around.” Replied Mr. Maxwell without even glancing at Alex.

Alex was silent for a moment, then he walked back out of the house. Alex understood what his dad meant. For his dad what he was doing was just playing around because he should be more serious when learning. Every time he had to spend learning and maintaining his rank as number 1 in school because it was his duty as a member of the Maxwell family. Obligation to be the best.

Alex also started the day in a foul mood. He ignored the crowds around him because it dissolved him in the anger that filled his soul. There are many things hidden in his mind and it makes him annoyed if someone offends him. Her foul mood was visible on her face. Alex keeps looking at a sour face and away from guys who wish to approach him as if he doesn’t need to be approached.

Alex sat at his counter and opened the notebook trying to bury himself in the formulas and theoretical physics of the text on his counter. He tried to drown himself in understanding the hard theory of physics so he could relieve his anger.

“My friend, Alex! Let’s walk through the school and have a look at the pretty ladies!” Drake said even as he smiled very broadly.

The thought of the schoolgirls staring at them with eyes sparkling with admiration as if they were like a celebrity passing by made Drake pleased. In his life, Drake has one of the most wonderful moments of walking down the corridors class by class and feeling a warm welcome with the admiring gazes of the female students. He felt so radiant that it even seemed like wings had grown on his back and allowed him to fly high. All because of Alex, who walked beside him.

Alex is very popular as the most handsome and smartest guy in school, they also know him to have a very kind heart but the best thing is he is the eldest son of the great Maxwell family. If they are in a fairy tale world, then Alex is the gracious Prince and Drake is someone who is too famous for being Prince's friend. She knew most of the attention was for Alex, but Drake was yet delighted even though he only got a fraction.

Drake was even smiling, thinking about the joyful memories before the first class bell echoed that he had been getting. Several minutes had passed and Drake realized that Alex had not responded at all to his invitation. Alex keeps on struggling with the physics book on his desk.

Drake, who turned to Alex because he was curious why his buddy did not respond. And Drake saw the dark aura surrounding Alex's body. He who had known Alex for a long time realized that his best buddy was in a foul mood.

“Ok, looks like we can't go for a walk right now ...” Drake muttered as he turned around.