to each his/her own

 

Alex was back, but not really. 

"Honestly, I don't know how to act around Ali," Rico found Liv whispering to him in the hallway at school. She hid behind him as if he might be a shield of some kind.

"Oh, you have to just let this play out," Rico didn't think it was real. Sure, Alex had new hair, and new clothes. Yes, something you couldn't take your eyes off. 

"But..." Liv practically heaved.

"You are their friend."

"I think it's just she now."

"Maybe that's for the best," Rico took her hand. They had to move forward. "We have to be glad A..Ali is here and.."

But Liv looked so upset. Rico knew Ali had no idea what she'd put any of them through, yet Rico was the first to greet Ali.

"We have been worried about you," Rico let him know. Ali barely gave him a nod. She peaked over his shoulder just to see Liv turning away.

"Are you OK?" Rico asked.

"I'm fine," Ali told him. "I just needed a break, that's all."

"Oh." 

Finally, Liv came around to Rico's side. 

"You've got a lot of homework," Liv said. "Do you need help?"

"I can do it on my own." Ali looked as if she was eager to be alone. 

"If..if you need.."

"I don't need anything from you," he turned to go. Rico looked to Liv. He could see how much it hurt her for her to witness the arrival of Ali who was a lot angrier than Alex ever was.