Hope or Cope

The wild life Café.

One of the biggest and successful places in Ithaca, having even famous celebrities and vtubers from all over New York visiting to take pictures because of how beautiful the scenery was.

Their food wasn't much to write home about, but their service and every other thing was definitely a 10/10 rating.

Standing at the front of the door, Alaric took a full scan of the whole room.

Not a single person seemed like they were lacking financially. They all had the most expensive dresses on, accessories that could easily buy the cafe itself.

One would have guessed after so many hell cats and BMW's cars were packed outside.

'is this how you face me...universe?' Alaric said to himself, his expression as dead as the money in his bank account.

'I should sit down, I don't remember what Rachael even looks like, but I'm sure if I see her I'll recognise her.'

He sighed.

Making his way through the sits and judgemental looks of the individuals who could definitely smell him, he avoided every single gaze until he sat down on a chair at the far end of the cafe.

'Hurry up Racheal, I can't help but feel I'm not welcomed here.'

He said to himself as he lowered his head on the table, his eyes closed.

A couple of minutes passed...

"Alaric? Is that you?"

Hearing her voice, Alaric immediately raised his head.

Standing in front of him, was an extremely beautiful woman.

Short blue hair, and sparkling blue eyes. Huge milk joggers and small lips.

Yep it was her.

Racheal Weston.

"You came..." He blurted out.

"It really is you! Wow, you haven't changed one bit, still as handsome as I remembered!"

Racheal sat down on the chair, gently placing her purse on the table.

Alaric on the other hand was still trying to maintain his composure. This was the same girl he went to high school with, and yet she looked like a successful model, completely different from what he remembered.

"I ..guess I haven't. You look like you're doing well though, I could barely recognise you." Alaric laughed nervously.

The laugh of utter reality check.

"Really? Awwwn thank you, heheh~ you flatter me." Racheal leaned forward, "So? Go on tell me, how has it been since you dropped out?"

Alaric looked to the side, "T.. there's really nothing much I can gist you on. Just here and there... You know... regular stuff..."

He looked back at Racheal, and noticed she was simply just smiling at him.

"Is that all?"

"I... think so..."

"Awwn even after all these years..." Racheal's smile faded, replaced by a disgusted look, "You still take me for an idiot."

"Eh?"

"What? You think I didn't know? All of a sudden you decided to call me right after I made it big as a vtuber, isn't that suspicious? Isn't it, Alaric?"

'She's a vtuber?'

"Oh, really how you thought you could probably leech off me just because I used to be in love with you. Don't think I haven't noticed you are poor, bitch, did you think you could leave me and get away with it?"

Rachael's eyes widened, be it rage or craziness, Alaric was still confused.

She mentioned vtuber and love. He never knew about any of these.

"Uhm... Racheal... What are you talking a.."

"Sweetie~ don't worry, I know you need help financially, right? I'll help you."

Alaric's face lit up, "For real?"

"Oh sure..." Racheal smiled, "Are you willing to do anything for it though?"

"Yes! You just tell me what, and I swear I'll do it."

"Get rid of your sister."

"What?"

"You said you were willing to do whatever for the money right? Well, get rid of your sister, she's really a thorn in my skin."

Even while saying something like that, Racheal still smiled.

'She's joking right? My sister? Did I hear that right?' Alaric was confused.

"W..hat do you mean get rid?"

Rachel hissed, "Don't act so ignorant. Your sister used to be a pop Idol, I'm sure you knew this, she was good, not going to lie, even I became a fan. I went to all her concerts, top tier fan stuff. At least until I noticed something..."

She pointed at Alaric, "She was a total bro con, always leeching on to you like some kind of bug, getting in the way of our relationship. It always pissed me off how she would forcefully put herself in your life. That bitch irritated me to the core, I'm glad she's dying, never been happier, you don't need a woman like that in your life. Leave her, and come to me, and I'll give you everything you ever wanted."

As Rachael spoke, Alaric couldn't help but wonder...how did all these slip before his eyes?

He knew his sister was training to be a pop Idol, but he never knew she made it big.

Honestly, he was aware his sister was hiding something from him... He just never expected it to be a famous pop Idol. And Racheal, he always knew her to be the kindest girl on earth, seeing her speak like a brat was a new sight for him.

And he was in a relationship with her? How? When?

In that moment, he realised something, all his life, he had been focusing on escaping poverty, that everything else in his life went under his ass.

"What's even the point..." Alaric gave a sad laugh, his finger digging into his hair.

"Point of what? Are you seriously still thinking about it? I'm willing to he--"

"Racheal..."

Rachael went silent, her gaze filled with pride, she knew damn well he couldn't reject her offer. Who on earth would reject free money?

"Appreciate you trying to help me and all, honestly, it means a lot. That said..." Alaric smiled, "Don't speak about my sister like that, I really can kill you for that..."

He stood up, "Thanks again, I'll be going now."

And with that, he walked away. Leaving Racheal on the chair, battling her demons as she fought she urge to scream.

..

Later that night, Alaric sat down in the dark alley way, a new cigarette in his hand, along with a lighter.

Speaking to Rachael was his only way to escape what was coming for him, and he blew it.

There was nothing more he could do.

Running was also not an option, begging was even a dumber move.

If he was going to die, he might as well die with the little pride he had left.

Alaric had never smoked before, but he was willing to give it a try.

He put the cigarette in his mouth, his other hand sparkling the lighter.... Just when he was about to light it up, an old man showed up...

"What is a young man such as yourself lookin for in this place? Are you lost?"