Chapter 13: Chapter 13

“ How? If you don't want to, I'll offer it to someone else. “ Said Natty.

“No, I'll give you the schedule later after school. But you have to promise to meet Jane with me. “ Said, Drake.

“Of course, you don't have to worry. Once you give me the schedule, I will arrange your date. “ Said Natty.

Natty leaves with a satisfied smile leaving Drake, who is already crazy about the thought of going out with Jane for one day. Natty immediately rushed to meet Helena to tell her that she had succeeded in persuading Drake to provide Alex's daily schedule.

Helena, who heard the excellent news from her friend, immediately danced cheerfully. Helena was really filled with joy as if she had forgotten everything around her. No matter what other people thought when she saw herself lose control in her joyful dance, Helena still danced with a big smile. Her energy was so overflowing that she hugged Natty very tightly as she thanked her best friend.

“Thank you very much, Natty.” Replied Helena.

“There is no need to be grateful, after all this is only natural for a friend to do.” Said Natty.

***

In a room where many glass bottles containing chemicals are being studied, Mrs. Maxwell, wearing a white robe and clear glasses, is going around examining the research process of a drug. She looked so charismatic as she walked and listened to the explanations of the researchers of her faith.

“Okay, I entrust it to you. Keep doing your best. “ Said Mrs. Maxwell, and she returned to her room.

She also took off the white robe she was wearing and put it on the shoulder of the chair and sat down and struggled with the documents piled up on her desk. Mrs. Maxwell is a hardworking professor. She went to great lengths to find medicine breakthroughs and come up with plans to market them.

She constantly manages and is very kind to her employees. She even became a role model for her employees because she was regularly nice to them. But because she is someone who works hard and constantly looks to her goals, she repeatedly forgets her surroundings like today. She was so focused on her job that she forgot her eldest son's birthday.

Mrs. Maxwell is struggling with some paperwork, and she is so absorbed in her job that her cell phone rings and catches her eye. She also reached for her cellphone was in the corner of her desk. She opened her eyes wide when she saw the reminder she put on her cell phone saying that today is Alex's birthday.

She was very surprised and panicked a little because she had forgotten her son's birthday. She didn't like to prepare anything. Mrs. Maxwell was indeed more worried because it wasn't the first time she'd forgotten Alex's birthday, she'd forgotten it several times. She called her husband to talk about Alex's birthday. The noise of the cellphone ringing was heard and the noise stopped.

“Hello, what are you calling me at this hour? Hurry, I have little chance because the trial is just around the corner. “ Replied Eddie when he picked up the phone from his wife.

“What should we do now? I forgot that today is Alex's birthday, and I prepared nothing. “ Said, Gretta.

“We just give him happy birthday wishes and apologize for not preparing everything., Alex is no longer a child, and this hasn't happened just once. “ Replied Eddie casually.

“Precisely because we have often forgotten his birthdays, I panicked even more. I don't want Alex to figure out we never consider him because we always forget his birthday. “ Said, Gretta.

“Don't worry, Alex is old enough to understand that his parents are busy. A long time ago, the trial has started. “ Replied Mr. Maxwell then hung up his cellphone.

Mrs. Maxwell could only sigh, and then she held her head, which felt dizzy. She could only gasp and lean her head against the back of the chair. So many things filled her head and it made her feel very dizzy. Being a mom and a career woman at the same time feels very hard because she has to think about her family and work. Although she is successful in carrying out both roles, Gretta realizes that there is something she should pay more attention to.

As a mother, Gretta knows very well that she has an obligation to make sure her kids grow up well. Making their children someone who has a bright future and become great men. She thinks she knows everything, even what makes her children happy. But somehow she felt something was wrong as if all she was doing was creating a gap little by little between her and Alex. The thought made her headache even more.

***

After enjoying the beautiful scenery for a long time, Alex and Ruby went back to school. They went down the hill because they didn't want Ruby to fall down when Alex took Ruby's hand. They kept holding hands until they were downstairs.

“Thank you ...” Ruby spoke to Alex.

“You're welcome, let's run back to school.” Replied Alex with a thin smile

Ruby also nodded her head. They also walked side by side, Ruby's eyes couldn't quit staring at the route they were on. The breeze that blows shakes the leaves of trees and flowers on the side of the street. Ruby's mind also occurred to her, and it caused her to feel worried until she stopped walking while holding Alex's hand and made Alex stop too.

“ What is wrong?” asked Alex as he stared at Ruby with an astonished look.

“Is it okay to go back to school now? Looks like we already missed 3 classes. We will be in trouble if we return now.” Said Ruby with a concerned face.

Seeing Ruby's concerned face made Alex smile. Alex also rubbed Ruby's head until Ruby stared at him. Alex, who smiled, seen so charming along with the sunlight that hit him, making Alex even more dazzling, making Ruby's heart flutter.

“Nothing will happen, so you don't have to be afraid.” Alex's words dispelled the worry in Ruby's mind.

***

The third class is in progress and Alex has not returned. Drake felt lonely, now that he couldn't ask anyone about a difficult math problem. Usually, Alex will explain to him back in a way that is easy to learn but Alex hasn't come back yet. Drake who tries to figure out math formulas only with the explanation of his teacher who is teaching in front of the class feels that his brain is almost on fire. He didn't get any of the teacher's words, as if he was listening to a foreign language that he couldn't get.