Jennifer doesn't talk about it, but she's seen Alex cry before. Quite a few times actually, but neither of them will admit to that. They're both embarrassed about it, and Alex is just grateful Jennifer hasn't told anyone.
This time, however, Jennifer isn't sure if she can keep this to herself. This time Alex isn't just angry with slips in his perfect facade, or worrying himself sick about things that haven't happened (and mostly likely never will). It's real, this time, Jennifer thinks, but she can't be sure of it.
She sees his lamp on and creeps quietly towards the door, the back of Regan's picture frame glowing eerily in the lighting. The door is open so she doesn't bother knocking.
"Alex?" She whispers quietly and feels the room tense.
"Yeah, Jen." She hears him, and that's enough permission to come inside. She flops on his bed beside him and curls into a little ball.
"Why are you sad today, Alex?" Jen asks softly, and Alex turns to look at her, propping his head on his hand. She doesn't see any tears, but it might just be the darkness covering them up.
"I think I miss being a kid." Alex says, and takes a moment to pause. "Actually, I don't think I ever was a kid."
"You were definitely a kid, Alex." Jen says, playing the shrink. "You still are."
"That's just it-- I'm not." Alex says, and scrunches his eyebrows together. "I feel like I've missed all of it. Childhood."
"You didn't miss it Alex. You just liked different things from other kids." Jen says, and Alex has to admit she makes a good point.
"I just wish I could go back… if I could just be your age again and try something else… I wonder how I would turn out."
"You wouldn't like it." Jen points out. "It wouldn't be you. I wouldn't like it either." Alex smiles sadly, and Jen hates it when he does that. She tries another tactic.
"My piggybank's full again. Could we go to the bank after school tomorrow?" Alex actually grins this time, and musses her hair while Jen fends him off.
"Definitely. But remember, I charge for being your chauffeur."
"That's alright. I charge for my good company." Jen says, and Alex pretends to ignore her.
