“What are you talking about? Nothing’s wrong.â€? Chloe told him but her voice seemed to crack.

“You’re just … acting strange.â€? Alex murmured, “Is everything okay?â€?

“Yeah, yeah, everything’s fine.â€? Chloe lied. Hopefully, Alex was smart enough to end the conversation at that. He really had no idea what-so-ever about what was wrong.

“Chloe, are you sure? I mean, you didn’t eat and now you’re being all silent and you’re never silent. You always talk and laugh and—“ but she cut him off.

“Who are you?! My mom or something?! I don’t need you to be worrying about me! I’m perfectly fine! And if you don’t think so, go ahead and get out!â€? She crossed her arms over her chest and stared intently at the movie.

Alex gaped at her. He had never seen Chloe sad or even angry and this was just scary. He fought against what he really needed to do. There was the forgotten math project but he also thought Chloe needed him. Was she really fine or was it just an act? He couldn’t be sure about either.