Adopted Soldier

Rachel who heard Alex's story felt her irritation to her father lessen, but it was still there. She felt pity for Alex, and thought that her problems compared to his was so trivial, but still she couldn't turn off her feeling just like that. Yet now she decided to listen to her Sh*tty excuse of a father, all because of what Alex has said.

Rachel felt like some weight had lifted from her shoulders, as she kept looking at the sky. While doing so Rachel unconsciously held Alex's left hand.

"Sorry Alex, it must've been hard for you. I guess hearing me complain about my trivial problems, made you remember things you just want to forget... I'm sorry." Rachel didn't look at Alex and simply kept staring upwards, trying her best to stop herself from crying.

Alex hearing Rachel's apology made his mouth curve slightly upward. It was only a moment yet it passed by as quickly as it came, Alex returned to his usual stoic expression.

"What are you talking about? That was not my story, it was just something I made up..." Rachel wiped the tears off her face, and looked at Alex's indifferent expression. If it was the first time she saw his face, Rachel would not have noticed it... But in the past week and a half, as Alex was looking at her, she too was looking at him.

Rachel was slowly able to see beyond Alex's stoic face, in his eyes, his body language, Alex was showing relief.

'This guy, even though his situation was so much worse than mine, he only thinks of my well being...' Rachel felt something suddenly bursting forth from within her. She couldn't understand what it was, but it made her a bit scared, at the same time hopeful.

"Really that story was something you made up? Who knew such a stoic guy like you, can actually imagine such a setting... So tell me what happens to the boy, does he gain redemption? Does he really think his parents, wish for him to follow them?" Rachel was now showing an amazed expression, alongside a forced smile. Her tears have stopped flowing, but one could tell she had cried, since her eyes where so red.

Alex was surprised by the unexpected question. At first he didn't want to answer, but then he saw Rachel's gaze. Alex's expression didn't change much, but Rachel could somehow discern the slight twitch Alex did.

"Hmm, are you really interested in a story, made by such a boring guy? How about I bring you home, so you can hear the explanation your father has for leaving." Alex tried to divert the topic, but it was no use. Rachel right now felt like this chance was the only one she would get, to understand even a tiny bit about Alex.

"Boring guy? A guy like you is boring? You have little to no common sense, you're smarter than most, and your fighting prowess is off the charts. If you're a boring guy then I can't imagine what an interesting guy would be like. Don't worry about that shit*y father of mine. The reason for leaving his family, he will explain it to me one way or another, but right now I'm much more interested in the story you just made... So tell me Alex, how does the story end? Tell me does the boy gain the redemption he sought? Does the boy really think his parents wish for him to follow them? A story needs to end right? I for one, want to know the ending of the story you made."

Alex couldn't help it, but his mouth once again curved upwards. This time he didn't notice it, but Rachel saw it, and it made her do the exact same action.

"Fine then. The story doesn't have an ending yet, so I can't really tell you how it ends... What I can tell you is, the boy, even now is still looking for redemption... He is still blaming himself for what happened to his parents. He keeps on thinking, if only I had the strength... Now that he gained the strength he desired, he felt nothing... The boy once thought if he gained strength the weight of his sins might lessen, but it did not. The stronger he got the more pain he felt... He kept on thinking, if only I had this strength back then. But what ifs are nothing more, than a dream, a very sad dream."

Rachel could see the sadness in Alex's eyes, and she felt pained for him. Alex on the other hand still kept his poker face, but inside of him, various emotions where trying to break out.

"So the simple answer to your question is, no, the boy hasn't found redemption. Then let's move on to the other question, does the boy really think his parents wish for him to follow them?... The answer to that is a no as well. The boy obviously knows his parents who love him very much, wouldn't want their son to follow them. It was the boy himself, who wanted to follow his parents, but knowing the moment he does follow them... He was sure his parents will be very disappointed in the boy. So knowing that, the boy never really does follow... So there, does that answer your questions? Can we head back to your house now?"

Rachel who had listened to Alex's story, felt her understanding of him grew a bit. Of course she can never claim to understand his loss, and his hardships, but she might as well try.

Rachel stood up from the bench and started to stretch her body. The talk the two had didn't seem long, but the sun was now starting to rise.

"Hey Alex, that story of yours was dumb and depressing." When Alex heard Rachel speak that way about his very own story, he felt at a loss, and could only wryly smile.

"So allow me to help you write, the latter half of it. I'm sure with me helping, the latter half of your story will be much better. We could even ask Oliver for help, that guy seems like he can make any story funny. If we add Saya, and Niel they might be able to make the story even more interesting. We can even ask Evangeline to help us, even though she's a pain to deal with, I think she can help make the story better. Heck why don't we ask everyone in the club for their own opinions in creating a better story. I'm sure with everyone's help your story will have a great ending." Rachel whose back was facing Alex, suddenly turned and she faced Alex with a bright cheerful smile.

Alex didn't know if it was because of the sun rising up, or if it was because he was affected by Rachel's enthusiasm, but the smile she was showing, at this very moment was the brightest thing Alex has ever seen.