"That's right, isn't it? I think I said it at your house yesterday. You know what I mean, right? Why are you so busy thinking of yourself as a loser?" asked Avril.

Avril's voice softened at the end. Matt could hear the disappointed tone at the end of Avril's sentence. Why did this girl seem to care about him? Matt wasn't even anyone. Matt hoped Avril would laugh. All the sincerity that shone in Matt's eyes was not real until the man could walk back slowly and return to his world.

"Are you trying to brainwash me?" Matt asked.

Avril smiled wryly. "No, I'm not. I want you to see the truth. I told you, it's not fair to call someone a loser for something they love."

That remark struck Matt again. Why was this girl always thinking positively? Avril was so different from the other Los Angeles girls he had met. His stepbrother didn't even bother to notice Matt. Avril was almost like a lotus that Matt found in a muddy pond. Her actions and even her words were completely sincere and this girl thought it was unusual.

"I think we'd better chat while sitting Matty," Avril said with a gesture.

Matt complied. He sat back down and Avril smiled with satisfaction. "I'll say it again. Peter Parker won Mary Jane. We're all the leads in our story."

Matt understood what Avril meant. Since meeting Avril, not only his life has been different. Slowly, Avril broke down the principles that Matt had been holding on to. Avril seemed to be slowly inviting Matt to explore. Only, he wasn't even sure what he wanted. Everything was too sudden. Matt wasn't sure what he felt was real. Just like Avril's feelings weren't real. Matt was just being challenged. So, after he succeeded, would Avril just leave? What would Matt do afterward?

"But, we're not compatible. After all, Peter Parker does like Mary Jane," Matt said. Before his weird feelings grew, wouldn't it be better to stay away from Avril?

Avril let go of Matt's hand. Did Matt say something rude again? Matt didn't wait any longer. He grabbed his bag and intended to get out of there as soon as possible. Avril couldn't be handled anymore. One of the most dangerous things is love and hope. People can become fools just because of those two things.

"Stop disguising yourself! Just be yourself" Matt hissed.

Having said that, Matt walked away, leaving Avril alone. Matt glanced at the popular table. Yes, Avril could handle it well. Avril had good friends, a good life, and even a guy who liked her. Matt knew Zed liked Avril. He was almost always watching Avril wherever she went. He didn't even seem alive when Avril wasn't around. Avril also had Evan and Alex. Avril had a series of people who liked her.

Matt walked towards the corridor. The corridor was a little quiet because it was lunchtime. Almost everyone spent their time in the cafeteria. It looked like Matt was going home early today. His chat with Avril ruined his mood.
After all, Avril's existence had almost changed Matt's mind. Matt didn't have to worry about his mom anymore. His stepfather loved him dearly and Johanna was never rude to him. Matt had never seen his mother this happy in his entire life. His mom was clearly in love with his stepdad.

Walking towards the exit of his school, Matt heard footsteps echoing behind him. Matt tried to ignore the sound. It must
be Avril. However, the closer the footsteps got the worse Matt felt. It was as if something he didn't want was about to happen.

Matt's body jerked. Avril withdrew her hand with a gasp. Matt was shocked while watching Avril who was trying to catch her breath. Why was Avril so explosive? Why couldn't Matt stop whatever Avril was doing? Why was Avril unpredictable? Why was Avril running after him? Matt hated being a pubescent boy just because of one Avril Miller.

"Okay. I'm going to be my usual self. But, I'm not giving up," Avril said. "I'll make you give up on rejecting me. I
told you I can be reckless, didn't I?"

"Avril..." Matt called lazily.

Avril let go of Matt and put her hands behind her body. It seemed Avril knew her smile was her biggest charm because Matt was now mesmerized by her smile again. In fact, a second ago the girl couldn't even breathe normally. Avril was truly amazing.

"I wish I were a fairy. It would be easier if I bewitched you" Avril joked.

And Avril teased Matt again. No! Matt couldn't melt that quickly. Avril was dangerous.
Avril sighed and looked at Matt with her big brown eyes. "Just accept it! You're my type and I like you. I'm just trying to get you to like me and you can't stop it."

Matt stared at Avril in disbelief. She's, like, totally crazy! Wait a minute! Does Avril Miller like Matt?

"Did I surprise you?" asked Avril casually.

Matt didn't answer right away. The way Avril spoke casually to him confused Matt. Was it that easy for Avril to say she liked him? Why was everyone on television showing different symptoms to Avril just now? Matt furrowed his brow unconsciously in response. Avril walked closer, watching Matt and then the girl's fingertips touched the boy's forehead with a wide smile.

"You better not do that often, Matty dear! You'll get wrinkles in no time" Avril joked.

Avril watched Matt. He blinked his eyes and tousled his hair in frustration. Avril knew how Matt felt. He was showing them clearly. Matt had rejected her several times. But, as Avril recalled, she had also explained it to him. Avril Marie Miller would not give up at all.

"What am I supposed to do with you?" Matt said giving up.

Avril looked at Matt. "Nothing."

Avril smiled at Matt. Who said Avril would give up? Giving up is not in Avril Marrie Miller's dictionary. If Matt has difficulty accepting that, then Avril will continue to convince him until Matt gives up. Avril has already set her target!