CHAPTER TEN: UNKNOWN JEALOUSY

August 6, 2005

 It’s now August, and No Rules are at their final stop on the British Isles leg of their now-world tour (Australia, Japan, Mexico, Canada, and USA were recently added). The next stop was to Madrid, Spain. So far, their concerts have sold-out in some cities across Britain and Europe.

 After NR’s concert at the O2 Arena was over, Erica’s boyfriend, Evan, went backstage to meet her. Evan had a backstage pass. Erica decided to introduce him to the members.

 All of the members gave Evan a warm welcome, then he met Alex. Alex didn’t look too impressed when Evan greeted him. He just glared at him.

 Evan, feeling nervous and uncomfortable, asked, “Erm Alex, are you okay?”

 Alex grew a cold smile as he replied, “Of course I’m fine. Maybe you’re not, but I am.”

 That made both the NR members and Evan feel uneasy. Erica told Alex, “You don’t seem fine.”

 Alex reacted by gritting his teeth, “Look, I said I’m fine. I’m fine!”

 Sophie told Evan hastily, “I’m sorry for Alex’s behaviour. He’s usually very nice, unless some of his male fans hit on him.”

 Evan said, “Erm, I’m not hitting on Alex. I’m just saying ‘hi’.”

 With that, the NR members stared at Alex. He looked at ground, avoiding their stares.

 Evan then turned to face Erica, and told her, “Anyway. Erica, you were really good. Your singing and dancing are great. Plus, you looked very pretty.”

 Erica blushed, then kissed Evan. Alex clenched his fists when he watched Evaca (Evan/Erica) kiss. Sophie noticed this, so she took him aside. She asked him, “Alex, are you okay?”

 Alex said in an irritated tone, “I said I’m fine, okay?”

 With that, Sophie backed off. She wasn’t sure what was going on in his head, but she wasn’t about to argue with him.

 A few minutes later, Evan left. Erica and Edward took Alex to another room to confront him. Edward asked him angrily, “What the fuck is your problem?”

 Erica asked Alex, also angrily, “Yeah! Why are you acting like Evan is one of the male fans who are gay for you?”

 Alex said defensively, “Look, I don’t like Evan. He shouldn’t be with Erica.”

 She asked sarcastically, “Let me guess: You should be with me?”

 With that, Alex stammered, “Yes…no…I don’t know!”

 Edward told him, “Alex, you’re with Sophie. You do love her, yeah?”

 “I-I do…maybe…I don’t know! I’ve never been this confused. Besides, Erica, weren’t you all over me before?”

 Erica replied, “I fancied you and I kissed you, but I wasn’t ‘all over you’.”

 “Then why did you fancied me, and yet dump me for another bloke?”

 “Dump you? You’re with Sophie! Look, I fancied you for two reasons: 1) You were unbelievably sweet to me, and 2) you reminded me of my boyfriend Evan. I’m going back to the dressing room.”

 So Erica left Edward and Alex alone. He said to Alex sternly, “I’m gonna tell you this again: Get your priorities in order. Be with the girl that saved your life, not the girl you just met who happens to have a boyfriend.”

 Then Edward returned to the dressing room. Alex just stood there, sulking and confused. He feels more lost than ever, having feelings for both Erica and Sophie. Will he stay with the girl who saved him from himself? Or will he go after the girl who recently joined No Rules?