Falling for the nerd

Chapter twelve - Dinner with his parents

Elle's POV:

The last week Alex and I spend our time together in his house. Now he is calmer and not that nervous. To be honest I liked his house. It's smaller than ours and it kind of looks like the house, which I want to have. I like mine, but it's a little bit too big. If there were more than five people living it, ok I understand, but we are not that much. I guess that my parents have to use the money, which they earn. I won't complain, because there are people who can't have all of that. Alex's room is very nice. I like that he is reading books as well. At least I can have someone with who to talk about this. I only wonder why I didn't meet him earlier. This is the type of friend for which I am looking. 

Today is another day of school. Why do they have to be more than the weekend? Anyways, I got up and went for breakfast. As usual, there were only Martha and Andrew. I think that I haven't seen my parents for the last two weeks or even more. They always go early in the morning and come home when I am already in bed. No wonder why Martha and Andrew know what is going on with me. 

I sat down and started eating. Both of them joined me. No one was talking. What is going on here?

- Are you ok? - I said looking at them

- Yes, why? - Martha answered

- Because no one is talking. You two are always bickering. - I laughed

- Said the girl who is almost never at home. - Andrew said

- Hey, I am here. I have to sleep somewhere. 

- Speaking of which, how are things with Alex? Anything new? I haven't seen him here in a while. 

- Yes, because now we are spending time in his house. 

- He let you in? - Andrew asked surprised

- Yes, he finally did it. The house is very nice. It's smaller and it's full of many things. I also find out that Alex reads books as well, which is perfect. 

- At least you have found how to occupy yourself. 

- Yes. Otherwise, I was going to stay here bored waiting for my parents who never come home on time. 

- That's true. How is school? Alex is ok, right? You know what I mean. - Martha said

- I understood and yes he is ok. No one has talked with him in a while. I am sure that this wasn't the last time, but while I am with him, they won't do anything. I won't let them. 

- That's a great friend. To ask you are you sure that Alex is only your friend? I haven't seen you that happy before. Even with your boyfriend. 

- EX boyfriend and yes he is only my friend. I might be happy, but this doesn't mean that there is something else. Alex and I are only friends. 

- For now. 

- Andrew, what do you mean?

- You have watched movies. Even once, I watched one with you. The two best friends started dating. 

- That's why it's called a movie. It's not real. Everything is planned. 

- I will agree with him. You never know what life will bring you. 

- Can we switch the topic? It makes me feel uncomfortable. 

- If you say so. - both of them said in sync

How many times do I have to tell them that Alex is only my friend? Yes, I like him a lot, but only in a friendly way. I don't think that we can be together. I am not sure should I start a new relationship. My first one was a disaster. I know that Alex is nothing compared to my ex-boyfriend, but for now, I don't want to do anything. Moreover, I don't know how Alex will feel. He is still a little bit shy in school and I am sure that this won't make him feel better. I don't want people to start making fun of him again. 

When I was done with my food, I walked to school. Today I woke up early and when I arrived there was almost no one. There is half an hour until my first class. I walked to the football field. To my surprise, Alex was already there. What he is doing here so early? I walked up to him and sat down.

- Good morning. What are you doing here so early?

- I woke up and I didn't want to stay at home. 

- Did something happen? You know that you can tell me. 

- No, nothing happens. I just wanted to take some fresh air. 

- And you couldn't use your backyard? - I chuckled

- I wanted to walk. Anyways, why are you here that early?

- It's kind of the same reason. I woke up earlier and when I was done I just came here. 

- Here you can escape from Jasper and his friends. 

- I agree. He is very annoying. I don't know why Maddie is with him. 

- Because they are the same. Since she became the main cheerleader and he the captain of the football team, they think that they are untouchable. 

- I don't understand why the principal is allowing this. 

- He needs sponsors for the school and their parents volunteered. He has no other choice. Otherwise, he risks losing them. 

- Ok, I get that, but there are other ways in which he can do that. 

- I don't know. It doesn't matter. Soon they haven't talked with me and I like that. 

- They won't do it since I am always with you. 

- For which I am very thankful. - he said and gave me a hug

Alex is not that shy boy anymore. Well, when we are alone. If there were people probably, he was going to blush or feel nervous and awkward. I like when he blushes. It's cute in its own way. Soon I haven't made him, but maybe I should. I like how his whole face becomes red when I start laughing. 

- Do you want us to go home after school? Martha has been asking for you. - I laughed

- Yeah, why not? I have nothing to do anyways. 

Later we walked inside for our first class. No one was talking. I don't know what is going on. Usually from the backseats, there are always people who are talking, but now everyone is so quiet. I won't lie that this way is better. I continue listening to the teacher without saying anything. 

Until the rest of the day, no one was talking. I swear that something is going on. I asked Alex, but he didn't know. The other people won't tell me, because since he is my friend, they don't want to talk with me. Not like I care. I am happy with Alex and that's what matters. He hasn't done anything, but for some reason, people still don't like him. 

After school, we went home. In the moment we walked in Martha came and greeted us or mostly Alex. I think that she gets very excited when he is here. I find this funny. It's like she is his biggest fan. I'm glad that he feels comfortable at home. Well, most of the time we are alone with Martha and Andrew. My parents are never here. I don't know why they don't live in their offices. 

- I'll go to my room to leave my things. You can do whatever you want. - I said and went upstairs

When I walked into my room, I saw a small box on my desk. I already know why this is here. I opened it and saw a gift card of 100 dollars for milkshakes and the usual apology note. I sighed and sat on my bed. They don't have to buy me things. I already have enough. Moreover, this won't make me feel better. I am used to their absence. I grabbed the teddy bear, which was on the bed, and hugged it tightly. Soon Alex walked in and sat in front of me. He lifted my chin and made me look at him. 

- Is everything ok?

- Yes, I am fine. Thanks. 

- Are you sure? Because I don't think so. 

- What do you mean?

- Every time when you are sad, you hug this teddy bear. 

- Really? I haven't noticed that. 

- But I did. What is going on? Did I do something?

- No. Look there. - I said and pointed to my desk

Alex got up and walked to my desk. He picked up to box and gave it to me. I looked at him and he smiled. 

- At least you love milkshakes. 

- That's not the point. 

- I'm sorry. I know that this is upsetting you. I think that you should leave them a note in which you will write that you want to talk with them. Maybe this way they will listen to you. 

- They don't have time for these things. 

- Why you are so sure?

- If they had time, I would receive gifts like that almost every day. I don't need money or presents. I need them, but they don't need me. - I said and felt tears in the corners of my eyes

- That's not true. Every parent has a different way to express their love to their child. 

- They don't even know me. I don't want presents. They don't make me happy. I want people. To have someone on my side. Like you. 

- I am sure that soon everything will be the way it was. 

- I hope so. 

- Hey, um... I don't know will this make you feel better, but do you want to have dinner with my parents. They can be annoying sometimes, but I think that you can handle them. - he laughed nervously

- Are you sure? I would love that. 

- Awesome. They will be happy. 

- I am sure. During the last week every day your mom was asking me will I stay for dinner. 

- I don't know how she didn't annoy you. 

- It's fine. She is a nice woman. Now if you excuse me, I have to take a shower and change myself. I can't go like that. 

- You are totally fine and you look amazing as always. They already have liked you and there is no need for you to make a good impression. 

- You think?

- Yes, I do. Now let's watch a movie and then we'll go home. 

Alex laid down and I snuggled in him as always. Did he really just invite me for dinner? I won't lie that soon or not this was going to happen, but I didn't think that it will be that soon. His parents are nice people and I think we can understand each other very well. I won't think about this now and will enjoy the movie with my friend. 

Later, Alex and I walked to his house. It was almost 6 pm, which is dinnertime. In the moment I walked in, his mom appeared and gave me a hug. I can get used to that. She literally is doing this every time when I am here. To be honest I like it. I feel like there are more people who care about me. Since my parents are not at home, I will enjoy Alex's ones. At least they show some type of interest. 

- Sit down and I will bring the dinner. - his mom said happily

- Is she ok? - I whispered

- Yes. She is happy because I have never invited someone for dinner. Don't mind her. 

- I think that it's sweet.

Alex and I walked to the kitchen and I saw his father who was already at the table. I smiled at him and sat down next to Alex. 

- Hey kids, how are you?

- Fine, thanks, dad. 

- Finally, you are here. Feel like home. You can eat whatever you like. - his mom said

- Then you miss Adams. 

I have to admit that the food is delicious. This woman knows how to cook. If I wasn't that full, I was going to eat more and the fact that there is a dessert doesn't make it better. 

- Elle, why aren't you eating? Don't you like the food? - miss Adams asked me

- The food is delicious, but I am full. I can't eat anything else. 

- Don't forget that there is a dessert as well. - mister Adams said

- I know, but I don't have any more space. 

- You need to find some. I won't let you go home before you have tried my dessert. - Alex's mom said

- Just give in. My mom won't give up. - Alex whispered, which made me laugh

I nodded my head in agreement and he winked at me. Soon his mom put a chocolate cake on the table decorated with sprinkles. It looks so delicious. I definitely need to try this. I licked my lips, which made Alex start laughing. 

- What?

- You want to try it, don't you?

- Look at it. Who wouldn't try it? - I said and he laughed again

Miss Adams put a piece of the cake and oh my god it tastes like heaven. This is so good. I ate it all and to be honest, I won't deny another one, but I won't ask for it. I don't want them to think that I eat a lot or something like that. I kept looking at the cake until Alex took another piece and gave it to me. I looked at him and he smiled. 

- Um... thanks. 

- Otherwise, you were never going to stop looking at it. 

- You can eat how much you want. Don't be shy like Alex. - miss Adams said, which made me laugh

- I just don't want you to think that I eat a lot or something like that. 

- You ate almost nothing today or at least at lunch. No wonder why you are hungry. - Alex said

- I wasn't hungry, ok?

- Let's say that I believe you. 

Until the end of the night Alex, his parents, and I were talking. His mom asked a lot of questions, but luckily, I could answer them all. I won't lie that it was nice to be with Alex's parents. They are very nice people and even offered me to stay for the night, but I denied it. Step by step. I don't want to pressure Alex. How we are going soon this might happen as well, but I will leave him to decide this. All I will do now is to enjoy the company of my friend.