Alvin's breathing was quiet as usual but he isn't comfortable. It felt awkward and very weird for him. He kept swallowing, getting sweaty hands and even picked up random magazines for the last twenty-five minutes.
Conclusion: He's not his usual self.
Simple yet obvious. And Max noticed it. Howie did but she didn't mention it like it's a big deal. He's like that when he experiences uncomfortable situations and she doesn't want to know it, even if she's curious.
This afternoon, Howie had left by the window as usual, a grin worn on her face. It's a successful ending with their new latest invention; The Translator 101.
Howie named it, much to Alvin's dismay. The Translator 101 could identify what kind of language is being used, determine if it's a slang word and such, could translate what the person or animal you don't understand is saying and even use it for translation obviously- from humans to animals.
After leaving, Alvin did what was mentioned earlier- picking random magazines. He couldn't focus to at least two magazines. He even tried reading those Lifestyle magazinesthat his mom, Diane, forgot to claim but even when it's too easy to understand, he couldn't get it.
Want to know why? His mind is preoccupied... with what? More like who.
"Hey Shred." Max' voice finally stopped the train of thoughts. Alvin looked up from his magazine and then greeted back. "Hey Max."
With that, Alvin went back to reading or focusing on what is written, but then later felt someone's weight sit by the foot of his bed. "What?" He asked and sat up properly, leaning on the headboard and eyes still on the magazine he holds.
"Tell me." Max muttered, making Alvin raise an eyebrow in wonder. "Tell you what?"
He heard Max release an audible breath. "I saw it."
Alvin's full concentration from the magazine broke down. His palms began to sweat again instantly and he felt his breathing lose more air than previously. 'Saw what?' He asked mentally.
"What do you mean?" Alvin asked and brought down his magazine on his lap. Max stared at him with a face that he uses whenever it's time to give advices. Alvin swallowed at what Max said next.
"I saw you and Wendy."
Wendy... Wendy Chong.
Alvin stared back at Max' eyes, hoping he was joking and hoping Max didn't realize that his joke is actually true. But no. Max remained still, waiting for him to speak.
And then, his memory started to flow back at yesterday's event- the fight, the touchy subjects, close contacts, awkward staring moment, leaning forward and that unexpected disturbance. Unbelievable, huh?
Max rolled his eyes. "You're having those flashbacks again, aren't you?" He asked.
Alvin answered after a long moment. "How'd you know?" He asked. Max sighed. "Because you do that everytime you think of something. I know you Shred... kinda."
Alvin swallowed and felt a bead of sweat slide down on his forehead. 'Please don't remind me!' Alvin mentally screeched and held his magazine tightly.
"Dude, you almost kissed her!"
Silence... then,
"I know."
Two words... only two words... made Max' eyes widened. He looked like he was about to curse, swear, throw a trantum or yell at Alvin, but what he released was just an irritated voice.
"She's your nemesis, Shred. Why can't you understand that!? You two almost kissed-"
"I know." Alvin firmly said again, silencing Max. Max stared at him, surprised at how different Alvin's voice is.
"I know." Alvin repeated in a much more gentler way, his breath coming back to the normal move. Max stood up from Alvin's bed and then crossed his arms. "So what're you planning to do? I mean, bro, you're Alvin Ackerman so maybe you could fix it."
"I don't see the problem here." Alvin suddenly said again, making Max surprised, again. What is with Alvin today?
"Wha- what's wrong with you dude? You're not acting like yourself." Max muttered, stammering when he began.
"I'm not gonna rub this on your face for many times bro, but you almost kissed Wendy Chong, your nemesis. Get the point Shred?"
Alvin's eyes flickered from his hands to Max' eyes. 'Oh God, this is going to get wrong.' Max thought like he could predict what Alvin will say just by looking at his eyes.
"Maybe there is something wrong with me..." His voice trailed off a little like he wants to say more but finds it pointless.
Max dropped his arms by his side. "Just... maybe Mister P could help you."
Alvin's hazel eyes lightened for the first time ever since that incident, and then jumped off his bed. He started to do... scienc-y stuff which only made Max think that Alvin is just opening the... computer thing. Whatever it is, Max doesn't really care.
Mister P popped in the screen, a bright smile worn. "Good morning Alvin. Good morning Max."
"It's afternoon." Max corrected and went beside Alvin. Mister P chuckled. "I know. I'm just testing you."
"So," Alvin began and cuts to the point. "I need you to know what my problem is."
Mister P's smile started to fade off. "Is there something wrong? Did you two fight?"
"No." Alvin muttered immediately. "I just don't feel... good- right."
Mister P nodded and then asked. "Uhm, perhaps you could tell me unusual actions you do, symptoms or signs."
Alvin nodded. "My hands sweat when I'm nervous, I keep swallowing, I don't feel comfortable in school and my breath gets caught in my throat... whenever I think of something though."
"Or rather someone." Max mumbled which made Mister P's eyebrows furrow and Alvin shoot him a look.
"Hmm... this seemed to be similar from the previous case you've encountered along with Max." Mister P said, referring to the 'Whoever Quinn picks gets to officially date her' situation which made both boys nod. "Except... this one is a lot... more complicated than before because Max isn't included, and as Max said, someone is included."
Alvin patiently waited and Max bit his lip, tapping the floor with his heel.
"What- or who, rather, are you thinking of anyways?" Mister P asked curiously. Alvin hesitated for a moment... but answered.
"Wendy Chong." He said her name like it souded funny and unfamiliar.
Mister P's eyebrows shot up, which made Max stand up properly in curiousity. "What is it? Did you find out what my problem is?" Alvin asked immediately, getting closer to Mister P.
Mister P nodded slowly. "Do you want me to get straight to the point?"
"Yes." Max instantly answered.
"You have a crush on Wendy."
Mister P answered, immediately making Alvin's breath stop. Max' jaw almost dropped low but maintained it because of Mister P's pained face.
"You might even be in love with her, Alvin."
"Dude," Max called Mister P's attention. "This has gotta be an... error or something wrong. There is no way Shred could have a-"
"Max." Alvin cuts what Max was saying and all the attention focused on him. "Max... I... I think he's right."
(=_=)
I wrote this story and 'Smile' because I actually find Alvin Ackerman and Wendy Chong a good pair. They've got similarities and differences, and they're like... Patricia Williamson and Eddie Miller (House of Anubis). They look good together.
-d00dlequeen15