DEUTERAGONIST

Chapter 6: Camila's

"Hey, Layla," Alex began with a smile, "I wanted to tell you about the latest update on that webtoon you like so much." my eyes lit up with interest. "Oh, really? Which one?" Alex leaned in closer, as if sharing a secret. "It's Queen of the Sliver Monarch,' the one about Stella, the model." Layla’s heart skipped a beat, and her eyes widened in surprise. "Oh, um, I haven't had a chance to check it out yet," I stammered, my voice trembling. Alex raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Really? That's surprising. I thought you'd be the first one to read it. You're also a big fan of the story." I nodded, forcing a weak smile. "Yeah, I've just been really busy with school lately." Luckily, Alex seemed satisfied with my explanation and continued to gush about the latest developments in the webtoon's plot. I listened intently, my confusion growing with each passing moment. I couldn't understand how episodes were being published without my knowledge or consent. "Wait, what happened in the latest update?", I asked. Alex, leaned back, clearly excited. "Well, in this chapter, Stella gets an offer for modeling, but guess what? It's not Stella who gets the offer. It's Luna!" My surprise deepened into confusion. Luna? But that's not what the story is supposed to be. As Alex shared more details about the latest episode, I couldn't help but feel a sense of detachment from my own creation. The events he described didn't align with my original storyline. I wondered who was behind these unauthorized updates and what their intentions were. What do you think will happen next?" I tried to sound casual, "Let's see what the author wants." I had poured my heart and soul into "Queen of the Silver Monarch," and seeing it continue without my control was causing me great distress.

When Alex left, Camila, one of our classmates, approached me and leaned in, her voice hushed as she voiced her concerns. "Layla, I've noticed you've been getting closer to Alex lately, and I just want to make sure you're being careful. Sometimes, guys like him can take advantage of a girl's kindness and intelligence." I looked at Sarah with a surprised expression. "But Alex is really nice, and we just enjoy each other's company. He's not like that at all." Camila, however, remained adamant, her concern etched on her face. "Pretty faces can sometimes hide ulterior motives, Layla. Just promise me you'll be cautious. I don't want to see you getting hurt." I sighed, feeling a bit conflicted. "I appreciate your concern, Camila, but I trust my judgment. Alex is a great guy." Camila decided not to push the matter any further, respecting my choice while keeping a watchful eye from a distance.

One sunny afternoon, as the final bell rang, Alex approached me with a hopeful smile. "Hey, Layla, I was wondering if you'd like to join me for dinner tonight. It's just a small way to say thank you for all the help you've given me in my studies." My heart skipped a beat at the invitation. I had always admired Daniel from afar, but I couldn't help but feel a pang of insecurity. I didn't own any fancy dresses, and I couldn't help but compare my hideous looks to Daniel's handsome appearance. I was worried that we might become a laughing stock among our peers. "Oh, Alex, I appreciate the offer, but I'm actually a bit busy tonight," I replied, my voice tinged with disappointment. Alex's smile faded slightly, but he was understanding. "No problem, Layla. Maybe some other time then." As Alex walked away, my heart felt heavy. I couldn't help but wonder if I had offended Alex by rejecting his invitation.

The next day, during our lunch break, Alex approached me with a box of homemade chocolate chip cookies. "Hey, Layla, I remember you said you liked those cookies. I made some last night, and I thought you might want to have some." I looked at the cookies with surprise and gratitude. My heart melted at Alex’s thoughtfulness. "Oh, thank you, Alex. That's really sweet of you." Alex’s eyes lit up with relief and happiness. "I'm glad you like them, Layla." Alex was watching me, he was expecting me to take a bite of the cookie, but his excitement quickly turned into concern when he noticed my expression change. I felt uncomfortable, and my eyes began to well up with tears. “Layla, what's wrong?" Alex asked, worried. With a heavy heart, I confessed, "Alex, I appreciate your kindness, but I need to tell you something. I'm actually allergic to chocolates." Alex felt a pang of guilt wash over him. He couldn't believe he had overlooked such an important detail. "Oh no, Layla! I'm so sorry. Are you okay? Did the cookie last time make you feel unwell?" I shook my head from left to right, trying to hide my disappointment. "It's okay, Alex. I didn't want to hurt your feelings, but I didn’t eat it. I just accepted it because I didn't want to let you down." Alex sighed with relief, “It would be better if you didn’t accept it, Layla. I felt terrible for putting her in such a situation.” He placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Layla, I appreciate your honesty, but please promise me you'll never do something like that again. Your health is more important than anything." I nodded; my eyes filled with gratitude for Alex's concern. "I promise, Alex. I'll be more careful in the future." Alex's worried expression turned into a warm smile. "That's a relief. I don't want you getting sick because of me." Wanting to lift the mood, Alex decided to change the subject. "So, Layla, now that I know about your allergy, what's your favorite food that won't send you to the hospital?" My face lit up with a smile. "I absolutely love strawberry-flavored snacks. They're my favorite!" Alex grinned. "Strawberry it is then! I'll make sure to bring you strawberry treats next time." I smiled warmly, putting his worries to rest. "Don't worry, Alexl. Helping you with your studies is a pleasure for me, and I don't need anything in return." Alex’s heart swelled with gratitude for my kindness. He realized that our friendship was built on mutual respect and support, rather than grand gestures. He spoke from his heart, "Layla, I appreciate your help more than you know. From now on, let's make sure our friendship never ends."

As we were engrossed in our conversation, the cafeteria doors swung open, and in walked Bella, a girl known throughout the school for her striking beauty. Today was different, though. As soon as Bella entered, Alex's heart raced, and he felt a sudden burst of confidence. With a charming smile, he called out to Bella, "Hey, Bella! Over here! Join us for lunch!". Bella hesitated, her eyes revealing her desire to decline. "Actually, I have plans, and I was just about to leave." But Alex, persistent as ever, gently pulled Bella down into the chair between himself and me. "Come on, Bella, it won't take long. Layla’s great company." My heart sank as I realized Alex's eagerness to have Bella join us. I couldn't help but wonder if there was something more between them. Still, I decided to put on a friendly face and make Bella feel welcome. With an amicable smile, Alex introduced me to Bella. "Bella, this is Layla, my friend who helps me in my studies; Layla, meet Bella, one of the goofiest people I know." Bella chuckled and teasingly responded, "Oh, Alex, you don't have to exaggerate. Layla and I have actually crossed paths before." I gave a polite smile but didn't seem particularly interested in our exchange. I couldn't help but feel a tinge of sadness. I had hoped that Alex might have seen me in a different light, but it appeared that he only saw me as a friend. The conversation flowed effortlessly between the three of us, but I couldn't shake the feeling of being left out. I watched as Alex and Bella engaged in light-hearted banter, their laughter filling the air. It was clear that they had a connection, and I couldn't help but wonder if they were more than just friends.

After school, as I was walking home alone, lost in thought, I heard a voice call out to me. "Hey, Layla! Wait up!" I turned around to find Bella jogging toward me. My heart raced as I wondered why she would be interested in me. "Hi," Bella said with a warm smile. "Alex told me how much you love reading. I do too! What's your favorite story?" I couldn't believe it. Bella was talking to me, the girl who had always been invisible to everyone else. "I love “Queen of the Silver Monarch," I replied. Bella's eyes lit up. "I adore that webtoon too! Would you mind if we walked home together and talked about it?" As we strolled along the quiet streets, we discovered our shared love for literature. Bella was nothing like the shallow girl I had imagined her to be. She was kind, empathetic, and genuinely interested in getting to know me. I was taken aback by how kind and down-to-earth Bella was. Despite my initial insecurity, I couldn't deny that I enjoyed Bella's company.

One afternoon, as we were sitting in a library, I finally mustered the courage to ask. I turned to Alex with a playful gleam in my eye. "Hey, Alex," I said, my voice filled with curiosity, “You mentioned that you liked someone else. Can I ask who it is?" In a moment of panic, Alex blurted out, "I, uh, actually, I have to go now. Sorry, Layla." "Is it okay if I leave now? Bella's here to pick me up." I felt a pang of disappointment and jealousy, though I tried to hide it behind a forced smile. "Of course, Alex. Have a great time with Bella," I replied, my voice masking my true feelings. With that, he hastily turned and began to walk away, leaving me sitting there, a look of surprise and confusion on my face. As Alex left, I couldn't shake the feeling of sadness and insecurity that had settled in my heart. I couldn't help but wonder if Alex and Bella were more than just friends. My thoughts spiraled into a whirlwind of doubt and fear.

After third class, Camila couldn't hold back any longer and approached me again. "Layla, I know you trust Alex, but there's something about him that just doesn't sit right with me. Please, be careful. "I sighed, growing frustrated with Camila's persistence. "Camila, I get that you're trying to look out for me, but I've known Alex for a while now, and he's been nothing but kind. You don't need to listen to these baseless concerns." She nodded, realizing that I wasn't going to change my mind easily. "I understand, Layla. I just want you to be happy and safe." As Camila left, I couldn't deny the truth that had become clear to me. Alex had eyes only for Bella, and I was simply a friend to him. I couldn't help but feel a sense of resignation, realizing that I wouldn't be surprised if Alex told me someday that he was in a relationship with Bella.