Soulmates

Chapter seventeen - This is not the end

Melanie's POV:

I don't know what is going on with Dylan. He seems broken. I understand if he dated someone and had problems. This is not the reason. I have no idea what is going on with him. He barely talks to us. I have noticed this for more than a month. Initially, I thought Chelsea was the problem. They didn't seem close. Now, I think she has nothing to do with that. Something makes him act this way, but I don't know what. I can't help him if he doesn't talk. If he keeps living like that, he might lose everything. Dylan doesn't have a job. He quit it. At least he didn't get fired. I'm not saying that being jobless is a good thing. He wanted to move out and live alone. There is no way that I will let this happen. He is our friend. I can't let him struggle. Somehow, I convinced him to come and live with Jordan and me. It's not what he wanted, but at least he won't pay rent. I know he doesn't have money. Jordan doesn't mind letting our friend stay with us. After all, this will be temporary. He might be right for one thing. Chelsea is the one who can help him. If she admits how she feels, he might feel better. There will be someone by his side. I believe this is what he needs. We are his friends, but it's not the same. It's time for them to have a serious conversation. I hope that Dylan will get better with time.

Dylan moved home yesterday. We don't know for how long he will stay here. It's not like we mind. Jordan and I plan to go and start working on our new shop. We'll take him with us. He can help us paint the walls. Cassie and Josh will be alone. Soon, we should find other workers. They can't deal with everything alone. Sadly, I don't know anyone who is looking for a job. I would love to hire a friend again. I can do interviews, but I have no idea what to ask the candidates. This is not a complicated job.

Currently, all of us are having breakfast. Dylan is not eating much. I understand he is not in the mood, but this doesn't mean he shouldn't eat. This is not healthy for him. I don't know what to do to make him feel better. It's like he lost his motivation. Hopefully, the work in the shop can cheer him up. I looked at Jordan. He had his head down. No one was talking. I know he is worried for his best friend. All of us are, especially Chelsea. She cares about him a lot, more than anyone else.

- What is the plan for today? - Dylan asked

- Jordan and I will go to work in the shop. We'll paint the walls. You will come with us to help us finish faster. Later, we can go for lunch. In the afternoon, both of us will go to work. You can come if you want. - I said

- I will come to help, for sure. Do you need anything else?

- I don't think so.

- Count me in. I will help with the new shop.

- What will you do in the afternoon?

- I don't know. I haven't planned anything.

- Why don't you come with me? We'll work and talk. Well, mostly me. - Jordan said

- I will think about this.

- You have time until lunch. Later, I will go. If you want, you can go with Melanie.

- Yes, I won't mind. I won't deny some company.

- Can I decide this?

- Sure.

- I know you want to help me, but don't push me too much.

- I'm sorry. I didn't want to offend you.

- What? I'm not offended. Let's say I need a little bit more time to decide what I want to do.

- You can count on us for everything. We'll help you.

- Thanks. I appreciate it.

- Why don't you choose an activity for tonight? You will be the boss.

- It sounds great. I'm not in the mood for anything.

- We can watch something.

- Melanie. - Jordan said

- I'm sorry. It will take me some time.

- I'm not a little kid. I can take care of myself. - Dylan said

- It wasn't intentional.

We went to the new shop and started working there. First, we'll repaint the walls. There were some stains on them. They were small but still visible. I prefer a clean place. We covered the floor so we didn't spill paint on it. Dylan was helping a lot. Jordan and I were checking on him from time to time. It's like he had no emotions. He looks so drained. I want to help him, but I don't know how. When we finished here, Jordan and I took him for lunch. I'm not sure he will eat, but I'll make him. He can't starve himself. No matter what is going on, he can't give up. Our friend was silent.

- Dylan, are you ok? You don't talk much. - I said

- I have nothing to say.

- What do you think about the shop? Will it be successful?

- Of course, it will. Look who the owner is.

- What will you do in the afternoon? Have you decided yet? Jordan and I will go back to work.

- I can come with you.

- With us? Me or him?

- I'll stick to my best friend. No offense.

- I'm not offended. He can teach you how to make an angel wing shot. - I said, chuckling

- That is not a good idea. - Jordan said

- Why?

- Because he will start drinking.

- I won't. I might get a coffee.

- In that case, you can help Josh while I clean at the back.

- No problem. I'm glad to help with what I can.

- We are not obligating you. If you have plans, you can go. - I said

- No, no. I will stay with you. It makes me feel better.

- I'm glad to hear that. What do you want us to do for dinner?

- I don't know. We can cook something and watch a movie.

- No problem. Have you cooked before?

- No. The girls take care of everything.

- I think you need to appreciate what they do for you.

- I know, but I don't know how.

- Saying thank you or I appreciate it won't hurt you.

- Is that enough?

- You can start with it.

- I will think about this. Thanks.

After lunch, I went to work. Dylan left with Jordan. He seemed a bit enthusiastic to come with us. That is a good sign. Hopefully, it will make him feel better. Cassie and I continued working. I went to take out more products from the staff room. I need to find someone to work with Cassie. I can't keep leaving her alone. The problem is that I don't know anyone.

- How is the shop going? - Cassie asked

- Good. We painted the walls. One friend came to help.

- That is great.

- Look, I need to find someone to work with you.

- I can help with that.

- How?

- My cousin has some problems. All I will say is that she lost her job.

- If you trust her, she can come. Of course, I have to meet her.

- No problem. At least she will have a job again.

- Hey, girls.

- Chelsea?

- Do you know where Dylan is? I called and texted him, but he was not answering.

- He left his phone at home.

- Great. Do you know where I can find him?

- Yes. He went to the coffee shop with Jordan.

- What?

- He came to help us with the new one in the morning. After lunch, they went to work together.

- You are a life savior.

- Is everything ok? You look worried.

- How am I not supposed to be? I don't know anything about him.

- If you want him to feel better, tell him how you feel.

- What?

- Chelsea, you are the only one who can fix him.

- Me? No, no. I have no idea what you are talking about.

- Everyone knows that you care about him the most. It's not a secret. Also, you are making it way too obvious.

- He feels better. Right?

- I think so. He is not talking much.

- I don't understand why he doesn't want to tell me. We are friends.

- Did you make him tell you? I mean, you two don't talk much. What do you expect?

- For him to forget what happened that day. It was only once.

- But it was enough for both of you to feel something. Go and talk to him. There is no other solution. Trust me.

- I hope you are right. I will go back to work.

- What? What about Dylan?

- I will do this another day. - she said and left

- Is there a problem? - Cassie asked

- As if it was only one.

- I see.

I don't know what to do anymore. Jordan and I should move on with the shop, but we can't leave Dylan alone. He needs our help, even if he will never admit it. Hopefully, Chelsea will talk with him soon. I believe that she is what he needs. She cares about him a lot more than he will admit. Otherwise, she wouldn't have come to ask about him. All my best friend needs to do is to be brave enough. She should tell him the truth.

After work, I went home. The boys were already there, making dinner. I won't lie. I'm surprised to see them cooking. Dylan looks in a good mood. He looks happy. Soon, he left.

- What is going on here?

- That was his idea.

- Really?

- Yes. He helped me a lot in the shop.

- That's great.

- Call me crazy, but I think I found a worker to help Josh.

- Dylan?

- Yes.

- Where is he?

- In his room.

- I'll be back. - I said and left

- Hey, Melanie.

- Do you have a minute?

- For you always. How can I help you?

- I don't need anything. I only came to check on you.

- Thanks. I'm good.

- How was the rest of the day?

- I learned many things. Josh is a good guy.

- I'm glad that you liked him. Chelsea has called you.

- I know. I checked my phone.

- Why don't you talk to her? She is worried for you.

- I can't do this right now.

- Why? You are hurting her this way. She might never say it, but it's true.

- I don't know what to tell her. We should keep a distance.

- No. You two deserve to be together.

- I don't think so.

- But I do. Whatever has happened is in the past. Please, talk to her. She is my best friend, and I can't leave her like that.

- Then do something.

- I can't.

- Why?

- Because of you. Dylan, please fix her. Only you can do that. This is not the end.

- It won't be now. - he said and left

That's it for my hopes. I wanted them to sit and talk, but I don't see it happening soon. I don't mind Dylan being home, but we can't help him. Not when it comes to her. Chelsea is the only one who can do it. I don't understand why they are so afraid to admit the obvious. No one will judge them. It's even the opposite. We'll be happy for them. At least they should try. I'm sure things will work out. After all, they are not that different. It's better if I don't mess with this. Also, I can't do anything. They need each other a lot. I hope that they will realize it before it's too late.