Marchell who looks surprised to meet Alice and vice versa. The two of them were now in the same bookstore and not long after they were seen smiling at each other and starting to chat with each other. The bookstore, which is located across from the bus stop, has a large collection. Currently, Alice is looking for a book she has been coveting for the past few months and her work is starting today. Hearing that of course he immediately came and hunted. Incidentally, it turned out that the book he was after was already in the shop and then without further ado he immediately bought it at this time. However, as soon as he entered this shop he didn't pay for it right away and then left. Alice, who accidentally met Marchell, then they spent time chatting in a library-like seat in the bookstore. They both looked calm and continued to talk to each other. On the other hand, Marchell actually wanted to say something to him but that was all that Marchell could only suppress even until this moment. One day earlier, he had been scolded by Billy and given a lot of lectures to Marchell which he thought he was too cowardly even for such a trivial thing. At the same time, he really wanted to say it but his courage suddenly disappeared as soon as he looked at her face.
"Are you crazy? What are you doing? Why didn't you say so? Good grief. I can't understand what's going on in your head huh?” said Billy who scolded him in a private room at Marchell's house.
"You can't imagine. What if that bright smile suddenly disappeared just because of my words?”
"What are you saying? That's a damn risk. What's clear is you say what's in your head and stop holding it in. You know why?”
"What?"
"You look pathetic. Even compared to that guy named Jay.”
"What are you saying?"
'Oh my god I missed it. I unconsciously said it. Looks like there will be a disaster,' thought Billy
"Not. That is not what I mean. But, did I forget?”
Their conversation was interrupted because Billy had just mentioned the name of that person who was none other than the person he didn't want to hear even his breath stopped. Back then, when they were in grade 12 at school. Their meeting was indeed not very good and it was even that person who often caused trouble and almost committed acts of violence at school. Marchell who was a good boy and never got into trouble, he had to be dragged along with him because of a fight outside of school hours. Several children gathered in one place and they were beating a new boy named Toni because of a fairly trivial matter. Toni didn't introduce himself to them and didn't lend him a tracksuit. However, the group of people immediately beat him to a pulp and the person who did it was none other than Jay. Marchell who witnessed this of course defended the new child and not long after, he also felt the same way before finally their class president reported it to the teacher and punished those involved except the victim. That's when it all started. The two of them who were previously enemies were the exact opposite and it was Michael's intervention.
"How long are you two going to fight?" said Michael
"What are you saying? Who's really fighting," Jay said as he left the room and left Michael with Marchell.
"That girl. it still hasn't changed."
"You're not going? Aren't you two a team? Why are you still here?” Marchell said to Michael who was in front of him. While there, Toni was just silent watching them argue with each other.
"I'm here because I have something to say."
"What?"
"You know that kid? he is arrogant and often childish. However, everything that appears does not correspond to reality."
"Nonsense. He was clearly a bad boy who didn't want to admit his mistakes. Get out of the way,” said Marchell, who then left, leaving Michel who was there. Toni also went along with Marchell.
"Good grief."
A few days later, Jay and Marchell had to be in a task group and it turned out that they really couldn't be put together. It was at that moment that the war started again and even this time Marchell, who usually held back, exploded. Michael who saw it then he along with his other friends just watched their fight and even immortalized it in a photo. His behavior immediately made Marchell angry, apparently he also scolded Michael who at that time took the picture and he didn't care about it at all. Jay who was already fighting then he left the class and headed somewhere. Just then, the other kids saw their fight and it became very famous. Not long after, again the class president reported it to the teacher and they were punished. Marchell was also punished for hitting Jay and vice versa. Their friendship is quite strange. After some time they met and it was time for the three of them to get to know each other and often hang out together. Some people who saw their interactions actually made more and more rumors circulating about them. This is not the first time and indeed they really don't care about it and just do a few things that they find fun.
"How about going to the internet cafe now?" Michael said to both of them
"Great idea."
"I'm not going," said Marchell
"Why? It would be fun."
“I have to go see someone. So, I can't come with you guys today."
"Okay. Well that's that then."
"Who do you want to meet?" asked Michael who looks curious
“My relatives. I had to meet them for a reason.”
"Oh okay. Go on."
Marchell then left the two of them who were hanging out. On his way, apparently he got a text message containing information that his relative had arrived at the promised place. Arriving there, apparently they did come and then said the intent and purpose. Marchell was surprised by this and found that he had to bear it alone. Even though at that time he was still in school and was about to graduate. All the unpredictable things came before him and instantly made him feel there was nothing he could do but obey what they wanted. Even to this day he is still attached to it.
"Good luck," said one of his relatives and then left him.
"Oh, yes."
Marchell who looked full of pressure then he went home. Arriving there, he saw several photos of his family who are currently in a different province and rarely even see him. Relatives who previously came to him only gave some information about what would be his life goals. It all started from then until now. Marchell who now seems to hate Jay is not without reason, but he seems to be approaching the person he likes and apparently has a special relationship with one of the people he has respected at school, namely the counseling teacher. All cases regarding him were wiped out as if they were nothing but dust and there were even more reasons to hate him. But, on the other hand he must be a good person and should not behave like that to his friends. Whoever it was, Marchell had to be kind and even hurt him a lot. His courage that was no longer there and even from the moment that day happened. He saw Alice with him and treating the wound on Jay's forehead. Marchell, who accidentally saw it until now, still felt a heartache that couldn't go away. And one thing that hurts more is because the person he likes is an independent person who is not at all interested in romantic relationships. That's what makes it even more awry to this day. Billy, who had been taking it all this time and now he was just silent, looked at Marchell who was already full of despair in his life.
"Then what are you going to do?" ask Billy
"I do not know. Do you think this is true?”
“Ah, how many times do I have to tell you. Everything you do is just hurting you. Especially other people's problems. that's enough."
"I don't understand why you're babbling like that."
"Hah?"
"Just be honest. I'm doing this for his good. So, it's better like this. That's enough for me."
“Geez, did I just have a problem with my ears? How can you talk like this stupid?”
"I'm not stupid. So stop your bullshit."
“You, what exactly is that in your head? unbelieveable."
"You probably won't feel it. However, this is my decision.”
Billy could only be silent without saying a word. Everything he said and even the look in his eyes were serious. At that time, Marchell had already made up his mind and now he was dealing with Alice looking very happy even though it was just listening to the conversation that seemed casual and without any deeper elements. Marchell, who was looking at him gently, was suddenly surprised because at that moment Theresa came over to the two of them who were talking to each other. It was Theresia who noticed Marchell's behavior when he reacted immediately and provoked her to be more honest.
"Wow, what's with that stare of yours?" said Theresia who came and it took Marchell by surprise
"You?" said Marchell
“Alice, are you done? If not, I think I have to go," said Theresia
"What? why do you have to go Didn't you just come?"
"Not. Not. I just don't want to bother you guys. Isn't that so Marchell?' Theresia said while glancing at Marchell and she seemed to have gasped.
"Oh, yes."
"What's with your reaction? like being in an interrogation room.”
"What are you two talking about?"
"It is nothing."
"Oh yes, Theresa. How about your job? did it go well?”
"Of course. Even Miss Poli gave me lots of gifts and support too.”
"Really? Well, congratulations."
"Thank you."
"Where do you work?" ask Marchell
"Being a model in a fashion brand," said Theresia
"Model?"
"Yes. Why? Is that weird?”
"Not. Yes, you do fit."
“Wow, glad you guys supported me. Thank you friends."
After they finished talking, it wasn't long before they immediately left. At this moment Alice was with Theresia and seeing that she immediately said it to Alice who was beside her. His face looked completely clueless and that made him feel even more sorry for Marchell because he would only be a pitiful man in his friend's eyes. Theresia then started to say it.
"Alice."
"Yes, What is up? why are you suddenly calling me that?”
"Ah, how about we BBQ."
"Okay."
'Not. I don't have to tell her, Theresia thought
The two of them finally arrived at a BBQ restaurant. There, the two of them ordered a lot of food and also didn't forget the beer they ordered. The atmosphere looks beautiful because today is 7 pm. Theresia still looks excited and keeps making her say so many good things that happened to her today. Alice not long after she immediately ate her food and not long after she saw her cell phone ringing. Apparently it was a message from Adeline. Theresia, who was curious, then asked him. And Alice immediately told Theresia who was in front of her.
"Who?"
"Adeline."
"What? Why did he suddenly call you again?”
"I do not know."
"What did he say?"
"Wait a moment. Ah, apparently he was just asking about Billy."
"Billy? Why did he ask you? Wouldn't it be great if he asked Marchell."
"How would I know."
"There is something strange."
"What's weird?"
"Is this just my guess? Wait a minute I'll try to digest all this."
"What are you talking about. Seriously."
Alice at that time also told Adeline that she didn't know anything about Billy. Indeed a few days ago he had visited Alice who was working part time at the shop. Billy had indeed come to visit to buy some cakes and didn't realize the two of them were chatting and talking about many things. Incidentally at that time, he was taking a break and also the visitors who came were not as many as before. Billy who came later he was surprised that Alice was there and they started talking about the current topic. Meanwhile, he didn't mention Adeline at all and soon Billy said something to him.
"Have you been very busy lately?" ask Billy
"Yes. I work and also many tasks. Is there something?”
"Not. I'm just asking. By the way, it's been a long time since I've seen you from school. Are you all right Alice?”
"Of course I'm fine. You are right. you're also busy right? So it's only natural that we never met."
“Oh yeah, are you that close to Marchell?”
"Yes. He's my friend. So what? Are you in the same club with him?”
"Oh, you're right."
'Too bad huh. I feel sorry for you Marchell,' thought Billy
"Then see you later," said Billy who then left.
"Yes."
Alice only remembered that and nothing else about Billy. Adeline then stopped the message and not long after that she was currently somewhere and seemed to be waiting for someone to come. From his face it was obvious that he was annoyed and not long after that the person he was waiting for came. apparently that person was none other than Billy. He who saw Adeline upset of course made him feel happy because he could work on him. That's when Adeline scolded him because he had been here for so long. Immediately Billy said something to him and apparently the reason he took so long to see him was none other than because he had to go somewhere first. Adeline who didn't care and now she was getting angrier made Billy feel lost and then sat down across from him. The atmosphere that felt so annoying then turned into something that looked peaceful and calm. Adeline who saw Billy brought her a flower and some gifts. He was embarrassed because he had scolded him earlier. Her face looks red then she tries not to be nervous because she is embarrassed. Meanwhile, Billy who was in front of him then congratulated him for winning the competition that Adeline had previously participated in. He looked happy and then smiled at Adeline who had been feeling embarrassed. With a flushed face, he soon shed tears and it made Billy who was in front of him surprised by his reaction. Adeline was crying because she was moved and she inadvertently said sorry and thanked Billy for supporting her. Even though he was actually hiding the fact that he previously entered the competition just so that he would be recognized by his family for his efforts. Billy, who knew about it, could have guessed it, because Adeline's life is too tight so she can't play and never even hang out with her friends. Billy, who understood this, then appointed him as club president so he could make friends. And apparently it worked, he is now friends with him and Marchell even though now the kid doesn't come to celebrate his victory because of something sudden but he also gives a message and says he will send the prize later.
"You guys, thank you very much," Adeline said while wiping her tears
"It does not matter. this is the reward you deserve for trying to come this far," said Billy with a smile
"Oh yes. I feel very happy because for the rest of my life, even if I win the contest 100 times no one will care. And now, I feel grateful that you guys care about me.”
"Stop it. Of course I care. Because you are important to me.”
"What?"
"Should I repeat it?"
"Stop it," Adeline said with a slightly red face
Right now he looks so happy and it makes him unable to forget this precious moment in his life. Billy, who sincerely cares for him, makes him happier in living his days filled with challenges in every step he takes. Meanwhile, currently Marchell was in a place that was none other than a port. There he went to a house in the vicinity. Some time ago, when he came home from the bookstore, apparently his relative contacted him and told him to meet someone at the house at the port. Apparently the person he was going to meet was none other than his grandfather. In a house not far from the beach. The house, which was large and had a great view, was none other than Marchell's grandfather's house. During his childhood, he grew up in this place before finally growing up and going to the city center. At this time he entered the house and met his grandfather and then discussed some things with him. Marchell, who felt that his life had never changed, slowly tried to express it in front of his grandfather who had been helping him all this time. Even though the pain kept coming, the memory of where his parents left him here with his grandfather made him hurt and even that wound hasn't healed until now.
"How's grandpa?" Marchell politely said to him
“Of course grandpa is fine. How about you? Have you done much?”
"Thank God grandpa is fine. I also feel good but, my life is still the same as before. I haven't reached the pinnacle of my life yet. That's why I'm sorry."
"What are you apologizing for? You shouldn't be like that, just do what you think is right. Grandpa doesn't demand anything from you. Believe in yourself.”
"What?"
"Don't be surprised. The reason I sent you here is because today we're having a BBQ party. Other relatives are coming, so something is missing if you don't come here.”
"Eh?"
"Are you really that surprised? Don't worry it's just a weekly event I want to do.”
"Ah, that's how it is."
Marchell who was at his grandfather's house then he felt a relaxed atmosphere that had never happened in his life. This time he really seemed to be enjoying it and some of his relatives had started coming there too. The event started in the evening and it felt so warm. However, in another place which is a hospital where Grace is currently being treated. He is currently lying weakly in a hospital bed due to his sudden deteriorating condition. One day before he looked fine only his right arm couldn't move. But, now it looks different. The doctor has examined him and it turns out that the nerves in his muscles have weakened so that he is now helpless. The doctor who treated him this time was the same doctor as before, namely Alexander Cooper. The therapy he has been undergoing has only been for one day and it certainly hasn't had a good effect on his condition. The hospital has also contacted his family and it turns out that they are very busy so only sent a man who is none other than his family secretary to report his current condition. Grace was lying there she felt something as if she was not going to see it for a long time. His eyes were gloomy and his face was pale.
'Is this the end of me?' Grace thought