“Can I trust you?” Matt asked.

Avril's words did sound cool and soothing. The only thing that kept Matt from getting close to Avril was their different worlds. Avril was the center of attention who was always shunned by a Matthew Connor. Avril's promise just now gave Matt something he wanted. Her quiet world. But, how? After all, what's the harm in trying if Matt is still in his comfort zone?

“You don't trust me?” asked Avril offended.

“We just met, Miller! I don't even know your true nature yet. All I know is that Avril is the vice-chair of the choir, the lead actress of the theater, the head of our school cheers and the radio announcer on Thursdays.” Matt said while counting his fingers.

Avril didn't take offense at all. Somehow, Avril liked Matt's bluntness. Matt's every word was like a challenge to Avril. If they didn't know each other yet, wouldn't the solution be to get to know each other? That sounded good! Avril smiled amusedly.

“I didn't know you knew my schedule!” Avril teased. “I guess Matty Connor doesn't even care that I exist”

Matt was silent. Avril's smile and teasing was not something that was easy to avoid. Moreover, the teasing girl was smiling so sweetly. Curse men and their eyes! Even when Matt walked away, he was still busy complimenting Avril Miller.

“With all that commotion, there's no way I wouldn't know” Matt said. “You're the center of attention, A. No offense to you, but I need to know the source to stay away.”

Avril responded with a nod. Matt couldn't read Avril's expression but the girl looked fine now. “Well, if you think about it, my life was full of commotion. I can't remember a single quiet experience except being in Johanna's room with her reading a book.”

“You admit it yourself, A!” Matt said softly.

Matt knew his world was different. But, he imagined Avril's sparkling world today. No quiet experiences, huh? Come to think of it, there are times when Matt doesn't want to be alone. There were also times when Matt wanted to go to his friend's birthday party. But when Matt realizes things aren't going well and he's just an extra actor who doesn't matter, he steps back and creates his own world. Matt would be safe in his world and no one would hurt him.

“Are you okay?” asked Avril. Matt daydreamed for a split second and Avril could see the fog in Matt's eyes from behind his glasses.

Matt immediately nodded while correcting the position of his glasses. “I'm fine. Why do you ask?”

“It's fine!” Avril replied.

Matt was relieved that Avril didn't ask further questions. This is bad! It had been a long time since Matt had thought about something like that. Matt thought he was numb to it. Were his feelings so obvious that Avril would ask such a question?

“Why do you want to accompany Johanna to read a book?” Matt asked to distract Avril.

Avril looked thoughtful. She didn't answer right away. “Actually, I went to Johanna's house to rest. Like yesterday, after we went to the beach, I decided to stay overnight. Sometimes, my parents aren't around. My brother is also busy and decided to move home after he finished his studies at Oxford. Yeah, I guess I just don't like being alone.”

Matt listened. Don't like being alone. They were definitely different. Matt even tried to be alone. It was because Avril threatened it that Matt tried to stay away at first. Warren didn't bother him at all and neither did Kim. Wait a minute, did Matt really only know those two people?

“Alright” Matt replied.

“I guess that's why I met you” Avril said quickly.

Matt looked at Avril confused. “To annoy me?”

Avril snorted. “Don't you remember I promised not to intrude on your world, Matty?”

Matt raised his hand. “Okay. I'm sorry.”

Avril chuckled. “Don't freak out like that. You're adorable!”

“I'm not adorable” Matt argued.

Avril nodded. “Well, you're not adorable.”

“Why am I not satisfied with your approval?” Matt said more to himself.

“oh, my gosh! You're cute! You should realize that!” Avril said and laughed sweetly.

Matt just pulled the grass around him. “I think we should avoid that topic.”

“Fine, but you shouldn't do it too often. I know you don't trust me and I like your outspoken nature. It's just that being repeatedly called untrustworthy and annoying makes me uncomfortable” Avril said frankly.

“I'll keep that in mind” Matt replied.

“Let's go home! You intend to go home, right? Our houses are in the same direction,” said Avril.

Avril stood up and brushed the grass off her pants while Matt just watched Avril. Avril looked at Matt and held out her hand. “Come on!”

At first, Matt hesitated to reach Avril's hand. However, the girl did so patiently. She waited for Matt to actually reach out to her. When he reached her, Avril couldn't help but smile. isn't this a good start? Matt was no longer pushing Avril away and it seemed like he was starting to trust her.

Matt couldn't believe he was doing it. As soon as he reached for Avril's small hand, he felt the warmth flowing from the girl's hand. Avril's smile was also calming as if telling Matt that he didn't need to worry about anything. As if, Matt had made the right decision to start accepting Avril. Was Matt really able to open his heart to someone in the end? Even with Warren, Matt couldn't get too close.

They walked leisurely towards the bus stop. As they were about to pass through the main door of the school, the popular students burst out in a childlike fashion. Evan skated on the banister pole while the others laughed loudly. Avril watched her friends. Come to think of it, Avril was usually that busy. Avril turned to Matt. He was walking stiffly and Avril was desperately trying to hide her laughter.

“Calm down! They won't know,” Avril said.

Johanna passed by still holding a book. Beside her, Albert was trying to get her attention but she ignored him. Didn't Matt say he had a cool half-sister? Even with his behavior, he was still the center of attention. Zed walked behind Johanna. The man didn't look excited at all. Then, he stopped for a moment. His eyes watched Avril and Matt.

“oh- oh! Being transparent” Avril whispered to herself.

Avril tried to act casual and Matt almost laughed at Avril's words. but, Avril could really disguise herself. The girl even changed her confident walk into a shy nerd who was busy looking down and not paying attention to the road. But, Zed didn't seem to notice Avril at all. the boy stepped up and followed his friends.

“oh, my! That was thrilling!” said Avril.

Matt glanced at Avril. “You still want to go undercover?”

“Don't negotiate with me, Matty! I've made my decision,” Avril said.

Matt raised his hand. “Alright!”