Chapter 48: Chapter 48

Alex who had been filled with emotion left the dinner table. Then he stood on the second-floor balcony. Staring at the night sky while wiping away his tears that just kept flowing. He was relieved to have told his heart what he couldn’t say.

Sometimes the heart overflows we must do it to eliminate the feeling that is in the heart, rather than let it be buried for a long time. Although at first it will be painful and make the tears drain, but after that we will feel more comforted and calm. Even the rocks on the side of the road had to be removed so that it hurt no one.

Alex wanted to be alone and ease his sorrows with the night air blowing and blowing. But a mother never leaves her sad child only. Gretta, who always strives to be a good mother, walked up to Alex, and then she embraced her son’s shoulders while rubbing his shoulders. Alex can also feel his mom’s affections, and he also holds his mom’s hand, rubbing his shoulders.

“Don’t hate your father, he just can’t express his heart. Actually, we’ve spoken before. You must think we didn’t realize you had a problem. For the past few days, you’ve been locking yourself in your room and then just going out to dinner. You said nothing and you didn’t smile either. So, how come we don’t know?” said Gretta, making Alex stare at her with a moving stare.

“Your father is the one who worries about you a lot. It’s just that he’s not the person who can show his attention. You also see he’s speechless. So forgive him.” Said Gretta.

Alex hugged his mother. He couldn’t say anything else and could only cry. Gretta hugged Alex and rubbed his back. She allowed Alex to cry because it was better than having to keep him from harboring all him pain.

***

Meanwhile, Ruby, who was so tired of spending the midnight in the hospital, sneaked outside while her father was on night duty. She climbed the wall and came out. Actually, she didn’t want to do anything. She just bought a few bottles of beer and some snacks.

Ruby just wants to do things like any other teenager. It’s like drinking beer alone. But on the way home with her grocery bag, she saw Drake playing alone on a public basketball court. Ruby then sits in the audience seat and watches Drake recite himself.

Drake’s mind is focused on the ring in front of him. He’s dribbling the ball like an opponent wants to grab the ball. After walking a little Drake launched his shot from the three-point box, but the shot was still weak and fell under the ring.

But Drake didn’t give up he kept throwing the ball indeed though it was sideways, up, or down. His sweat was pouring, and he kept throwing. Until his 30th pitch. He closed his eyes for a moment and then came back to throw and the ball went into the ring. Drake was thrilled, but he was even more surprised by the sound of applause and loud shouts from the audience sat. Drake turned around, and he saw Ruby standing applauding while smiling broadly at him. Drake walked up to her.

“What are you doing here?” asked Drake.

“Want a drink with me?” asked Ruby, holding out a can of beer with her sweet smile.

Drake smiled thinly, and he accepted Ruby’s invitation by accepting a can of beer presented by Ruby. They also sat in the audience while enjoying beer and snacks. A brief smile adorned their faces. Maybe it’s the night air, or maybe that night’s beer tastes sweeter.

“I was going to drink it myself, but it tasted better when I was drinking with friends.” Ruby said with a big smile, but her eyes were already seen starting to lose her focus.

“Are you drunk? We just finished a can of beer. Is this your first time drinking beer?” replied Drake and Ruby smiled as she nodded her heads.

“Yes, it’s the first time. I was so curious that I bought it.” Say, Ruby.

Ruby wants to drink another beer, but Drake grabs the beer right away. Ruby even squeals and begs for another drink but Drake still doesn’t allow her to drink more. He doesn’t want Ruby to get any more drunk and make a mess of it.

“You’ve drained just one can, how can you plan to drink all this yourself... Ah, basic...” Murmuring Drake.

Drake decides to take Ruby home. But Ruby was too drunk to stand up, so Drake held Ruby. He doesn't know where Ruby's house is. So, he found the nearest hospital.

Drake smiled and started laughing. He never thought he'd have a beer with Ruby and ended up carrying her home. But he just wanted to vent his emotions by throwing a basketball. But Ruby has made her day feel better.

“Can't you make up with Alex? It's been hard to look at you getting hurt in the last few days. That girl is evil, so why do you have to suffer...” Murmuring Ruby.

“Do you want us to make up?” asked Drake.

“Yes, I'd love to see you guys as happy as you used to be.” Say Ruby.

“All right, I'll do it.” Drake said.

***

The long night passed and the new morning came back. New mornings ever come as usual, but invariably give fresh energy to people who want to do their best. Including for Alex, who also hopes today things get better.

Meanwhile, Helena comes with unrest in her heart. She was scared after she came home Natty had a big fight with her mother. But it's not what she thinks Natty gets to school like she doesn't have any problems. She just ignores Helena because she's still angry and it makes Helena felt more relieved.

Time is running out, and it doesn't feel like it's time for lunch. With the support of Ruby, Alex ventured to approach Drake to invite him to eat together as they always did. This time Drake didn't avoid him, and he even allowed Alex to talk. And it quite surprised Alex when Drake accepted his invitation although of course he was pleased.

But he was so shocked that he fell silent and showed his stupid face. Alex feels he has done nothing yet, so he's confused how Drake can accept his invitation as if all his anger has gone away. The happiness and shock he felt at the same time made his brain stop working.

“Wait what else? Let's go to the cafeteria!” said Drake as he embraced Alex's shoulder.

It still confuses Alex even he doesn’t know how to respond to a warm invitation from Drake. But before she could think of anything, Ruby had pushed him first. Without him realizing it now, the two of them have walked together again like three corridor lords who make everyone pull over and make way. Of course, Stellar was there and stared at Drake in the crowd. But Drake turned his gaze as if he didn’t care at all.

They sat together at the middle table of the cafeteria and enjoyed their lunch as before. Even though it was only a few days they didn’t have lunch together, but it felt like time had passed. Feeling homesick and nostalgic is a natural thing. But the few days they went through with that brief fight drove them appreciate the time they shared.

But someone came and drove them to feel awkward again. That girl is Stellar, and she makes Drake’s mood change. It’s clear that Drake doesn’t want her presence, and even Alex and Ruby are disturbed by snakes that have ruined their friendship.