The Flipsyde

A different person

-------------start of chapter 23.5------------

Isa's PoV

As I sat down on my bed, I had but one thought- Marcus was acting differently than normal 

This wasn't about how he blanked out at first. This was about his newfound zeal for life. 

After finding out about Alex, I was scared that he'd never be the same.. He had become shriveled up and almost afraid to hurt my feelings. Caring and sensitive despite my best efforts to keep him normal

But now something was different. His attitude had changed. He seemed to be intent on taking in every moment the world threw at him. He was more energized than normal, his smile never faltered and his competitiveness never faded.

I saw this especially in the arcade today where he beat me 35 games to 31. I was no pushover at gaming. On the contrary, I've won a couple of tournaments hosted in the city's biggest game store But his enthusiasm and hunger for life itself seemed to overpower my abilities as he defeated me.

He kept cracking his adorable jokes throughout and we shared many a laugh.. A few days ago, that was something  I thought we might never share again.. 

I should have felt happy for him. But I couldn't.

In between all those moments of happiness, there were times that his eyes told the truth. Not for long, just a flicker of sadness. But it was enough for me to understand. That he wasn't truly happy. That this façade was only to cover up a neverending waterfall of sorrow. One which would never go away.

A guy with Marcus's adorableness and sense of humor would have been enough for a lifetime.. Add the depth and sadness that Marcus was covering up- protecting me from.. In any other life, it would have been enough for me to fall hopelessly in love with him..

But the time was just wrong.. Why now Marcus? Why now?

------------end of chapter 23.5------------

And here ends the second chapter which should take the total to around 750 words.. I kept my promise ChristineLovedale xD (you can thank me now :P )