Falling for the nerd

Chapter eight - Problems

Elle's POV:

It's kind of sad that Alex still doesn't trust me. I know that it's hard for him to accept that he has a friend, but I thought that I have made it clear that I'm not using him. I mean, I turned against the whole school to be his friend and he still has his doubts. Yes, it's true that usually, girls like me don't have for friends boys like him, but I like Alex. Maybe I need to do something to prove it to him. He hasn't been around many people and I understand that he has trust issues. In his place, probably I was going to have to. It's not easy to have a life like his. 

Today is Friday, which means that it's the last day of school for the week. I can't wait to take a rest. Not like I am that tired, but the people in this school are taking all of my energy. I am still mad at Maddie for what she told Alex. I don't know how she knows his weak spot, but I am sure that she will use it again. This time I won't let her. 

I walked downstairs for breakfast. On the table were only Martha and Andrew. I sat down and started eating. She looked at me and I gave her a sad smile. 

- Elle, are you ok? You look a little bit sad. 

- I'm fine. I was just thinking of Alex. 

- Ohh. What is going on between you two?

- Nothing. He still doesn't trust me or at least not completely. I really want to show him that I am not using him, but I don't know how. People in school know his weak spot and they are using it. 

- Maybe it will take him more time. You have to be patient with him. 

- I am. Most of the things, which I am usually doing with my friends, I still haven't done with him. I am trying not to pressure him. 

- Look, Elle, first you have to make him feel comfortable. Next, try to do something new with him. 

- This is what I am trying to do, but the people in school are ruining my effort. They fill his head with awful things and then he starts doubting in me. Do you know how this makes me feel?

- I understand you, but you have to understand Alex. To some people, it takes more time to get used to something or someone. Since up to now he hasn't had someone around him, except his parents, it's totally normal for him to have some doubts. Don't take it personally. I am sure that Alex doesn't want to hurt you.

- I know, but I wish that there was a way in which I can help him. I don't like when he is sad. 

- Elle, can I ask you something? Don't get offended. 

- Yeah, sure. Go on. 

- Do you like Alex? I mean the other way. 

- What? Alex is my friend and that's it. Moreover, I don't think that I am ready for a new relationship. You know what disaster was my last one. 

- I don't want to interrupt you girls, but I think that Martha might be right. Elle, all you do is talk about Alex. Are you sure that there isn't anything else? - Andrew asked

- For the first time you and Martha are on the same side. Now to answer your question, yes, I am sure. There is nothing more between me and Alex, except our friendship. 

- If you say so. - both of them said in sync, which made me laugh

After my breakfast, I walked to school. Before Andrew was driving me, but from this year I decided to walk. There is no need for people to see if I am rich or not. I don't want them to think that I am a spoiled brat or a rich b*tch. I'm trying to be a good person, but I don't think that I am doing a very good job at it. 

I walked in, straight to my locker, without looking at anyone. In front of it was Alex. He was looking at me with sad eyes. 

- Hey, is everything ok? Why are you looking at me like that? Did I do something?

- No, you didn't do anything. I did. I'm sorry that I was doubting you. I didn't mean to hurt you. - he said and I saw a tear rolling down his cheek

I carefully wiped it and looked at him. Let's be honest, I can't be mad at him even if I want to.

- It's ok. I know that it wasn't intentional.

- Will you forgive me?

- I already did it. You don't have to worry about that. - I said and saw a smile on his face

- Thank you, Elle.

- No worries. Let's go now. I don't want to be late. 

Both of us walked to our first class. There were a couple of people in the classroom. I want to go out with Alex, but I don't know how he will react to that. I don't want him to think that it's a date, because it's not. I just want to go out for a walk or maybe for ice cream. He can't stay at home all the time. I gave him a look, which he returned with a small smile. We continued staring at each other for a while. When we pulled away, I looked down at my books. 

- Elle, are you ok?

- Can I ask you something? I hope that this won't make you feel uncomfortable. 

- Ok, what is it?

- Do you want to go out with me? Before you think it, I am not inviting you on a date. I was thinking about a walk or maybe some ice cream. What do you think?

- It's not bad, but I don't know. 

- If you don't want to just say it. I won't be mad. Moreover, we can eat ice cream at home if that will make you feel more comfortable. 

- Maybe that will be better. I don't want people to make fun of you, because of me. 

- You know that I don't care about these things. 

- Yes, but I do. 

- Ok, it will be the way you want. 

Until the end of the class, we didn't talk to each other. I wished that he has agreed, but if that makes him feel better, I am ok. Step by step, Alex will learn to do many things. Maybe Martha was right. To some people, it takes more time to get used to something or someone. 

It was our lunch break and I went to search for Alex. He wasn't in front of his locker. Where he could be? I only left for like two minutes to ask the teacher something and he is already gone. I walked into a couple of classrooms, but he wasn't there. He wasn't on the football field as well. It's like he has disappeared. I tried to ask a couple of people if they have seen him, but all of them ignored me. Why I am not surprised? I went around the whole school until I find him. 

Alex was in front of the lockers near the boys' bathroom with Jasper and two of his friends. I felt angriness all over my body. I looked at Jasper's hand to see Alex's glasses, which were already broken. My friend was staying there without saying anything or moving. Tears form in the corners of my eyes. I won't stay and watch this anymore. Also, the bell started ringing, which means that soon there will be full of students. 

I walked up to Jasper and gave him a slap. I think that the whole school heard it. He looked at me and gave him a look as well. We kept staring into each other. Now everybody is waiting to see what will happen. He might be mommy's boy, but I won't let him treat Alex like that or whoever it is. 

- I told you to stay away from Alex. 

- Why do you keep defending this nerd? You won't get anything from him. 

- Alex is my friend. Unlike you, he knows how to treat a girl with respect and is not an i***t. 

- Are you calling me an i***t?

- Just because you are mommy's boy, that doesn't mean that I will let you treat people the way you want to. I'm not talking only about Alex. 

- Listen up princess. I can do whatever you want and you can't do anything to stop me. I am the football team captain and a golden boy. 

With that, I slapped him again. I can't stand this boy. He is so annoying. I grabbed Alex's hand and pulled him away from the boys. 

- Baker, in my office. Now! - the principal said

- I would love to. There are many things that I bet you don't know. - I said and followed him

Both of us walked to the principal's office and I sat down. He looked at me and I gave him a sad smile. I'm not proud of myself, but I am glad that I did it. 

- Can you tell me why did you slap Jasper?

- Yes, I can. Jasper and his friends are constantly bullying Alex and I don't like it. I have told them to stop, but they never did. Today they broke his glasses and I am sure that they are not cheap. I don't know what is their problem with Alex, but I won't sit and watch how they are bullying him. 

- Look, I understand your position and why you did it, but please the next time come to me. His parents are important sponsors of the school and I can't let something like that happen to their son. 

- I don't care. As a principal, you are supposed to do something. That's why you get paid every month.

- Elle, try to understand me. 

- No, I won't. Just like I won't sit and watch how Jasper and his friends are doing what they want. If you don't do something, I will. - I said and left

I walked out and in front of me was Alex. He was looking at me worried. I gave him a smile and grabbed his hand. Both of us walked into our next class and I told the teacher that we had to talk with the principal. She didn't say anything and we sat down. 

Until the end of the day, people were giving me looks. I guess that everybody knows what I did. I won't hide and definitely won't be sorry for that. This jerk deserved it and since no one else is brave enough to do it, I will. The boy is getting on my nerves from the day in which I came here. 

Later Alex and I walked home and ate ice cream as I promised him. I was still feeling bad about him, but all the time he was giving me smiles. I snuggled in him and we continued watching our movie. 

- Will you stop being angry? I have other glasses at home. For now, the tape works. - he laughed

- Alex, that's not funny. They are always doing this to you. When will you do something?

- Look, I don't want to have more problems. I prefer to be quiet. 

- Ok, but this doesn't mean that I will be too. I won't just stay and watch all of this. 

- Elle, forget it. It's not a big deal. I told you that I am used to it. 

- If you don't want me to help you just say it. - I said and left

I walked into the backyard and sat on the swing. I don't know am I angry with Jasper and his friends or on Alex. Sometimes I really don't understand him. I turned around only to see him sitting next to me. When he has come? Anyways, I don't care. 

- Elle, are you mad at me?

I didn't say anything. To be honest, he deserves me to be mad at him, but I am not. 

- Elle? Please talk with me. I don't want to lose the only friend that I have. 

- Me too, but sometimes you are making it impossible. I am trying to help you, but it looks like you don't want to help yourself. 

- If you forgive me, I will grant you a wish. 

- Really? And who are you? The ghost from the lamp of Aladdin?

- I'm serious. I want to do something for you. 

- Ok, there is one thing, which you can do for me and I don't accept no as an answer. 

- What is it?

- Tomorrow you will come with me to the mall. 

- And why?

- Because I want to buy you new glasses. 

- No, I can't let you do that. I don't want you to spend money on me. 

- You said that you will grant me a wish. 

- Yes, but I didn't expect that. 

- Take it as a gift. 

- You won't give up, will you?

- No. Now I want to snuggle. - I said and did it

I think that Alex is getting used to it. Now he is not complaining at all. I know that buying him new glasses won't resolve the problem, but this is the only thing, which I can do. Since I am the reason for that, I need to do something for him. I don't know what were his relations with Jasper and his friends before I came here, but I feel like now they are worse. I hope that soon everything will stop and that they will leave Alex in peace. He hasn't done anything to anyone and doesn't deserve all of this.