[15]: the extra

________________________ 15 the extra "A new arrival with an old flame; an old story with a new addition.” ________________________ It's been exactly five days since Aurora left for her summoned presence at her father's house. And in those five days, a lot has already happened—both good and bad. She's still pretty shook from Alexander's sudden arrival, and their progress hasn't really fared well, what with their constant banters and fights that always end up with the both of them hurting each other and making the bakery kitchen a complete mess, something that always makes Sally feel like she's dealing with a bunch of children instead of two grown adults—she still gets through it though. But how she’s even able to do that is still a mystery to her. And so, to get through the day and make it at least bearable, Aurora keeps in mind that she's going to see her little brother every time she gets home--the only rose in this life she’s currently living. She always makes sure that when the clock strikes five, she would not let Alexander's stupid and annoying tactics get to her to make sure that she's in a completely good mood when she gets home. Her being in a bad mood is definitely not something that she wants to be when she’s in the presence of her little brother because not only does he pick up on his sister’s sour mood, it also lessens the interaction she only gets to have him with after working hours. Too bad it hasn't really worked out for her despite her best efforts—the guy she's trying to co-exist with at the bakery is just persistent like that. It drives her completely insane that sometimes, she feels like her head is about to explode due to all the stress she’s receiving from the guy. So while she's thinking of ways on how to get back at Alexander's stupid antic, their friends seem to be contemplating about her conflicted feelings and thoughts. She hasn’t really told it to them in a lot of words, but she didn’t really need to; just one word from her about Alexander’s sudden arrival was enough for them to be notified about what her emotions are at the moment.  Alicia set her eyes on the rack full of dresses, her fingers touching each clothing and looking at which one would suit her best. "How do you think Aurora's holding up? She hasn't contacted us since Saturday and it's already Wednesday." She wondered aloud, eyes never leaving the rack as Dexter and Kent looked up from their own racks to gaze at the red-head. "Maybe she's just busy." Dexter offered, getting a dubious look from his red-headed woman friend and a thoughtful look from his Raine-obsessed man friend. Being the ever optimistic one in the group, he's the only one who ever really knows how to feel light of a situation in spite of it being a very tense one. Maybe that's why he's also able to calm down his slowly aching heart about the thought of Aurora and Alexander being together—not that he would ever openly admit that he's hurting despite him saying that he's fine. Still, he’s pretty sure that his hidden feelings are obvious to his friends. After all, they’re the ones he constantly talks to when he feels certain emotions about certain situations--except for this current one. While he’s glad that he would be able to see his friend again after so long, he still feels slightly jealous that he still gets to spend time with the woman who still loves him with all her heart (whatever her denials may be). He would never admit this out loud, but he does find it kind of unfair that even though Alexander’s basically ghosted all of them, all it takes is for him to come back and everything is already playing in his favor.  "Maybe." Kent replied. "But who knows? This is Aurora and Alexander we're talking about. They're very much capable of killing each other in a matter of seconds—especially when they get into a fight." Alicia released a sigh and finally looked up from her own rack, her gaze setting on her two friends who offered to help her with her weekly shopping. It wasn't exactly unusual for them to do so since the both of them have always been such a gentleman to both her and Aurora (and their girlfriends or potential girlfriends)—just not so much to the rest of the girl population. But despite that, girls still somehow find themselves worshiping the very ground they walk on, even when they are pointedly ignored, harshly rejected or rudely called out. Both Alicia and Aurora think it's ridiculous because who would still want a guy who's rude to you? It's either you're stupid, blindly in love or downright masochistic. But of course, who is Aurora to say that when she's in (somehow) the same situation?—just not so much since she actually fights back when Alexander starts being all aggressive and angry. "Kent's right. That's what I'm worried about. Sure, they can be affectionate at times—which I doubt is something that is happening right now since Aur now hates Alex with every fiber of her being—but when they start fighting, they really do start fighting. They're both extremely stubborn." She looked at her friends with a scrunch of her nose. Just the thought of her two friends getting into a fight again is enough to make her head hurt even more than it already has. It’s crazy how even when Aurora and Alexander aren’t physically present, she could still feel the after-effects of their fights weighing down on her. How Edward is able to handle all of that without even batting an eye is a complete mystery to her. Still, she’s grateful that there’s at least one person who is willing to deal with the stubborn duo. "You know that, don't you?" "Well yeah, but Aur is also sensible. She wouldn't be stupid enough to fall for Alex's childish antics." Kent said, but the dubiousness in his tone of voice could still be heard. His words might be saying one thing, but his head is definitely saying another. As much as he believes in her blonde-haired friend’s ability to withstand anything, he knows for a fact that that capability of hers instantly crumbles when faced with old, capable opponents--Alexander in this matter.  The three of them became silent for quite a while. They were too caught up in their own thoughts, but not once voicing any of it out. What's the point anyway? They probably just have the same thought running through their minds. Besides, the silence was a good way for the three friends to gather their thoughts and think of possible scenarios that either of their two sparring friends might need help with. When it comes to them, being prepared with all the repercussions and retaliations is the best way to go. But however great that silence may be, Dexter still took the liberty of breaking that silence. "I wouldn't really blame her if does fall for it--which she probably already has." Kent and Alicia's gaze snapped up to meet his. "I mean, this is Alex. As much as she tries to deny it, it's clear as day that she's still smitten with him. And aside from that, she was never really one to back down from a challenge or a taunt either." Kent and Alicia know that the words coming out of Dexter's mouth are all true. But the moment he said those words, they also noticed one thing that he's always been trying so hard to hide from them. With shared looks, Alicia and Kent silently came to an agreement that one of them should probably address the other pressing matter they have with regards to the Aurora-Alexander situation. The two friends kept their gazes for a few seconds, before Alicia finally released a sigh, signifying their decision about her being the one to bring that certain topic to light. With a nod of encouragement from Kent, Alicia told Dexter, "Well yeah, we know that. But Dex," She paused as she looked at him with an unfathomable look in her eyes. "now that Alex is back in the country, how do you feel about the situation?" "What do you mean how do I feel about the situation?" Dexter gave off a carefree laugh that sounded a bit off—especially for him. "I feel fine. It's Aur I'm worried about since she's the one who's stuck with the person she despises the most." With a sigh, Kent ran hand through his smooth hair before settling it back on his side. The worry brewing in his eyes was something that neither of them failed to notice since the way he looked at his friend with such expressive emotion was quite blaringly blatant. "No. What Aly means is how you feel about Alex's return." Playing dumb is the one thing Dexter is insanely great at no matter the situation. So yes, of course he knew what Alicia meant when she asked him that question—he just opted not to really answer it. Three days back, Alicia, Kent and their other halves decided to go out for drinks with him ending up as a fifth wheel, but he didn't really mind; he enjoyed the company the people he were with were providing. However, in that little get-together they were having, he had one too many drinks, which ended up with him acting a little bit not like himself. So in his drunken state, he somehow managed to tell his friends about how Alexander is awfully lucky to be able to spend some time together alone with Aurora and how he should definitely not blow his chance since it's completely unlikely that Aurora would want to spend some time with him after Frank and Sally returns. But what does he know, really? He knows deep down that Aurora would want to spend some time with Alexander since that's the one person she's definitely taken with, no matter how long of a time has passed. And he knows that she would choose Alexander, no matter how much she claims to hate the guy. She'll always choose him. And he knows that. He really does—the fact that he has accepted the harsh truth with him having a zero chance with the girl who brings out the best in him is a testament to that. So with a heavy heart, he grabbed the unfinished bottle perched in the middle of their table, not noticing the surprised looks he was getting from the people he's with, and downed the whole drink in one go. He found that everything seemed hazy after that, but he remembered so clearly how he ranted on and on about how Aurora would always choose Alexander and never look at him in any other way other than a friend and a brother. Not that he didn't try his best, the girl's heart just isn't with him and nor will it ever be. God, unrequited love just sucks. That certain memory has been etched on his and his friends' minds ever since, neither of them bringing up what happened, when all Alicia and Kent wanted to do was comfort Dexter and help him with his broken heart that has been with him for quite some time now. However, they know that although Dexter would probably appreciate the gesture, he still wouldn’t enjoy the reminder that he’s fighting a losing battle. They don’t even need to tell him that since he probably already knows that himself as well. "I'm perfectly fine." Dexter finally said after a long silence. "I don't know why the both of you are so worked up about that certain thing." Alicia put her hand on her hip, eyes never leaving Dexter's. "That's because we know how hard it is for you. The one guy you're competing with for a girl's affection suddenly coming back? How is that not hard?" "I think you're misunderstanding one thing here." Came his immediate reply. Kent looked at him with a raised eyebrow, urging him to expound his words, Alicia mimicking the former's action. "I'm not competing for anything—never have. In the first place, I have no right to compete. Aur belongs to Alex and vice versa; they’re a match made in heaven. I'm just some extra character in their story, who is made to just be on the sidelines and help the both of them when the going gets tough because I happen to be both of their friends." "You're wallowing in self-pity again." Kent told him while Alicia just gazed at him with a look that was almost filled with pity. "Not self-pity." Dexter scoffed. "I'm simply telling the truth. I don't want to intrude in whatever they have anyway. I'm content with just simply letting Aurora know how I feel in a joking kind of way." "But do you not want to be with her?" Kent pressed, feeling equally frustrated and understanding about how Dexter views his situation. He knows that being in that type of situation isn’t easy, but being the one to back down and give way to another guy is still harder to do. "Of course I want to be." Dexter sighed, finally relenting on his friends’ efforts in trying to make him admit his buried feelings. He thinks it’s about time anyway since there’s nothing he can even hide from the duo. To them, he’s a complete open book despite him being perceived as a closed-off person to the rest of the population. "But I wouldn't really feel all that ecstatic about it if it does happen because I know that her heart's not really with me." Kent released a sigh, digging his hands further down his jean pocket, feeling how deep Dexter’s words cut his heart even though he isn’t in the same situation. “I guess that does kind of suck. You want to do everything to make her happy, but in order for her to be just that, she has to be with another guy.” “But maybe it’s changed now?” Alicia suggested, trying to sound more encouraging about the whole situation. Despite knowing that it’s a futile attempt, she still wants her friend to feel less depressed about what’s happened. A simultaneous scoff came from both Kent and Dexter. “We all know that’s a lie.” Dexter replied, shaking his head in the process. He appreciates Alicia’s attempt at trying to cheer him up, but giving him false hopes like that just isn’t what he wants. Besides, moving forward with a mindset like that would lead to even more heartbreak in the future, so might as well prepare and steel himself now and then to lessen the damage he is sure he’s going to receive. “She still loves the guy even after years of being apart.” “Well, as they all say, first love never dies.” Kent said in the same dejected manner his friend executed just a moment ago. “That does apply to them more than anyone, does it?” Alicia continued her clothes browsing, hands going over each fabric in the rack. “Childhood friends turned lovers? Is there any more cliche happening than that?” Kent let out a small chuckle. “Nothing, I guess. That was bound to happen anyway, especially with how close they were.” “And with them seeing each other almost all the time.” Dexter chorused. “Not to mention that Aurora was extremely persistent about making the stoic guy her friend. Alexander was probably moved by that gesture.” “If it were you, would you have been moved as well?” Alicia asked, looking up from the rack of clothing she was looking at and raised an eyebrow at her two friends. “I guess.” Kent replied. “I don’t exactly know how Alex saw things when that happened, but not a lot of people were probably that willing to befriend him because of the intimidating aura he exudes.” “Just like how we weren’t exactly bothered by his dismissive attitude?” Dexter questioned, mirth quietly lacing in his words. “I’m pretty sure he felt the familiar annoyance bubbling inside him when we were as persistent as Aurora.” “Well he relented in the end, so it’s still our win.” The smirk that was starting to form on Alicia’s lips grew. “Still, he probably just accepted it because we wouldn’t leave him alone.” “That, and because Aurora was constantly reprimanding him about how he shouldn’t drive away the people who are willing to be friends with him.” Kent said with a chuckle, recalling the incidents in the past where the stoic-looking guy would be told off by a blue-eyed woman who was smaller than he is. It was definitely a sight to see, and not one that he would ever forget either. After all, it isn't everyday that he gets to witness something like that--before he befriended the both of them that is. After that though, that was all he saw. It was still entertaining, but at times, all he really wanted was some peace and quiet that he hardly ever gets anymore. He probably should have expected that though the moment he decided to befriend them. “And what a sight that was.” Alicia chuckled.  “But Dex, are you sure you’re alright?” Kent asked, eyeing the guy with a curious glint in his eyes. “We’re back at this again?” Dexter let out an uneasy chuckle. “I’m fine. Don’t worry about me too much. I’m not that weak-hearted, you know.” “We know that, but there’s really no harm in trying, you know? Despite all your takes about how Alex how is made for Aur and all that, we all know you still want to try your shot.”  Dexter rolled his eyes at his friend, not knowing how to get it through to him that no matter how hard he tries, his efforts still won’t be fruitful. Besides, what’s so bad about just being her friend? At least he still gets to be part of her life--even though being something more than that is what he truly wants. “Just shut up, Kent.” Alicia rounded the rack she was looking at and stepped closer to where her two friends are. Both guys looked at her with curiosity before she looped her arms on Kent and Dexter's arms, effectively dragging them out of the store and said, "Why don't we continue this talk over lunch? I'm sure both of you need food in your system just as much as I do." She looked at Dexter, who stood on her left, and sent him a wink that made him release a sigh of relief. Leave it to Alicia to save him from anything that he finds unsettling. He would forever be grateful for Alicia's ability to know what he wants, even if it does get annoying at times. It gets him out of a sticky situation that he has no idea how to get out of, as well as gauging what his current emotions are about the matter. It’s like the woman can read him with no problem. While the rest of his friends can do that as well, Alicia just does it better. He doesn’t know how she does it, but she does and it’s always delivered with utmost proficiency. But now? He's just thankful she's here. “Well, I guess food is in order.” Kent said. “It’s getting late anyway and we still haven’t had lunch.” “I know. Which is why we’re going to have our lunch right now.” Alicia told him, her arms still looped on her two friends’ arms. “Oh Kent, by the way, I heard you and Raine had an argument last night?” An exasperated sigh immediately escaped Kent’s lips as soon as he heard the words that came out of the red-haired woman’s mouth. “She told you that, didn’t she? She called you?” The only reply Kent received was a cheeky grin from her friend. That action alone was enough to tell him that his girlfriend did indeed seek refuge in his friend’s arms. “Well, she was being unreasonable.” “Not what she told me.” Alicia replied in a sing-song voice. “And you’re going to believe her words over mine?” Kent gave her a pout. “I thought you’re my friend? You’re supposed to be taking my side.”  “I’m not taking anyone’s side. Her words just seemed more believable than yours after all.” “Well if it was really Kent’s fault, I wouldn’t be all that surprised.” Dexter chorused, receiving a scowl from his friend right after. However, he merely ignored it and continued, “Kent does tend to do stupid things; mostly at the wrong times.” “Hey!” Kent protested. “I do not.” “You do.” Alicia interjected, making Kent’s scowl deepen. But like what her friend did a moment ago when he uttered words that are against the guy in question, she merely ignored it altogether. “A lot of us are witnesses to that with your girlfriend being the recent one.” Dexter chuckled. “What did you do anyway, you dunderhead?” Kent opened his mouth to answer Dexter’s query (and to prevent Alicia from saying anything), but Alicia was quicker. “He was throwing a hissy fit because Raine wouldn’t give him attention.” The group was silent for a while, the three of them trying to absorb the gravity of Alicia’s words. Before either of them knew it, Dexter was already laughing his insides out, Alicia was watching in amusement, and Kent was groaning in his place--most probably stemming from his feelings of embarrassment about the revelation. “Who knew you were the clingy type when you’re in a relationship?” Dexter said in between laughter. Kent let out a growl. “Shut up, Dex.” “It was pretty obvious.” The mirth lacing in Alicia’s words wasn’t lost on either of them. “He is the one who greets us every morning and he’s the one who always suggests that we spend time together.” “I object!” Kent exclaimed. But just like always, his two friends ignored him, acting like they heard nothing from the guy throwing them a glare. “Hey! Stop ignoring me!” “See?” Alicia howled in laughter. “He’s even asking us to give him attention.” “Sorry Kent, but we’re not Raine. Maybe try asking her? Oh right. You did but you got rejected in the end.” Dexter chuckled, giving the guy an innocent grin right after. “Sorry, that was mean.” “Well he would have gotten what he wanted if he just waited.” Alicia looked at Kent with a raised eyebrow, whose cheeks are already starting to stain with pink. “Maybe be more patient next time?” “I was being patient.” Kent muttered, refusing to look at any of his friends in the eye. “Being patient how?” Dexter let out a snort. “If you were, then an argument with your girlfriend wouldn’t have happened, right?” “He’s right. Being patient takes more than just waiting a few minutes and then whining some more.” Alicia looked at Dexter, an excited glint shining in her eyes. “Did you know that he got kicked out?” “By Raine?” Dexter’s eyes mirrored the excitement that shone in Alicia’s. “Man, that’s got to suck.” “Stop telling Dex all the things Raine told you!” Kent said, directing his words to his red-haired friend. Honestly, this woman is going to be the death of him one these days. Her ability to irritate someone is still as potent as ever. A wicked laugh escaped Alicia’s lips. “Why would I? It’s a fun pastime.” As the friends shared a laugh (except Kent who kept his glare), Dexter relaxed slightly in his place, knowing for a fact that Alicia just did all those stuff to save him from further questioning done by Kent. He couldn’t be more grateful for her presence right now. Whispering in her ear, Dexter said, “Thanks, Aly.” “No problem.” Alicia whispered back, winking at him in the process. “However, I do also think you should somehow still try. Who knows? Maybe Aurora can change her mind." Alicia said cheekily. He rolled his eyes. Of course he thought way too soon.