The shy's girl crush

Chapter six - She is not like the rest

Dylan's POV:

Loren. I never thought I would be able to talk with her. She is the best example of a good girl with perfect grades. I wonder what is hiding behind all of this. Every person has imperfections. Well, lately, Loren has been upset. I tried to talk to her, but she pushed me away. I guess texting is the only option for now. When she is doing it, she sounds more confident. It feels like I am talking with another person. Maybe I am. That is a lie. I still talk and text with the same girl. I have noticed that she feels insecure about herself. It's not a lie that this made me feel horrible for her. So many people talk behind her back. It's no wonder why she feels this way. Honestly, I don't know why I care so much. I had never talked with her before, and that was my mistake. Loren confronted me about that. I felt her pain through the message. Maybe it wasn't because of me, but she was hurt. I can't understand why people want her to suffer. Of all the girls in school, she is the one who doesn't talk with almost anyone. She is out of trouble. Maybe I have to stay away. The thing is that I can't. I have noticed how much she has changed through the years. When Loren came to high school, she looked more open. It's like she became a close person. I'm not saying this is that bad, but she doesn't talk with anyone. In her place, I would feel lonely. It looks like she is ok with that. I have to stop worrying about her and focus on myself. Jackson and I didn't go out yesterday. The boy was busy. I thought he would try with Alice, but no. He is back with Christina and her girls. As much as I want to sit with him, I don't want to be around these girls. At least they don't try on me. I have to figure out what I want. I hope that when I do that, it won't be too late. Wasting time is not something I like.

Currently, I am in bed. It's the weekend, and I don't have plans. I will gladly go out with Loren, but I don't think she will accept. I texted Jackson, but there was no response. Probably he is still sleeping. Well, I received a message from Christina. She wanted us to go out. Maybe this time, I have to accept. Otherwise, she won't leave me in peace. She is the last person I want to go out with, but it'll be only once. Let's get over it.

I texted Christina to wait for me in a diner for breakfast. I'm not happy about it, but I have no choice. That's why I will dress a bit more casually. I put on sweatpants and a hoodie. Of course, I took my jacket. Mornings became cold. When I was ready, I walked out. I chose a diner far away from home. I don't want her to know where I live. Soon I arrived, and she was already there, waiting for me. It can't be that bad, can it? Now it's time to find out.

- Hey.

- Heeyy. Good morning. I'm happy that you accepted my invitation.

- That is the first and last time I'll do it, ok?

- Yes, sure. Can we take a picture?

- Why?

- Because you will never do it again.

- Fine, but don't post it anywhere.

- Ok, cheers. - Christina said and took the picture

- Can we eat now?

- Of course. The food here is delicious.

- Good to know.

We ordered our food, and soon it came. Christina was talking about school and her plans with the girls. It's not like I care. Well, at least she is not bringing down Loren. I find it disrespectful. Also, these two girls have nothing in common. I don't even know why Christina is doing this. There is one way to find out.

- Can I ask you something?

- Sure. I'll accept.

- What?

- Tell me your question.

- Why do you hate Loren so much? She didn't do anything to you. I mean, you two are different.

- Why do you care?

- Because you don't hate anyone else. Are you jealous of Loren?

- What? Are you crazy? This nerd has nothing compared to me. I am famous in school and a good-looking girl. She has nothing.

- Except for better grades.

- Come on. Loren doesn't even go out. Look at her. She is a loser.

- Everybody has their problems. I mean, including you.

- At least I know how to have fun.

- Can't you ignore her? After all, Loren is not doing anything to you.

- Are you on her side?

- I don't take sides. All I want is the truth from you.

- Well, I don't like her. That's it. She is annoying me.

- With what?

- You. I don't want to date you, but you are part of our group. This nerd can't have you.

- Hold on. Why are you acting like a jealous girlfriend if you don't want to date me?

- Excuse me? I don't want this girl in my group.

- Ok. I get that. It's not like Loren will come. Why can't you leave her alone?

- You started talking with her, which means it's about time for you to leave your friends because of her. I won't let that happen, ok?

- Christina, you are crazy.

- Is it that bad to keep your reputation?

- I don't even have one.

- If you keep talking with her, you won't.

- I made a mistake asking you.

After breakfast, I walked around the town. I told Christina that I would go home. I don't want her to go after me. I don't know why she is treating Loren like that. I never claimed that she and her girls were my friends. I hang out with them only in school. The only real friend that I have is Jackson. Speaking of him, he finally responded to my message. Jackson can come later, but he is not sure. I don't know what is going on with him. Lately, he has been ignoring me.

I was walking around when I saw Alice coming out of a*****e. It looks like she went shopping. I walked up to her and grabbed her bags. The thing is that I want to talk to her.

- Thank you, Dylan. What are you doing here?

- I had breakfast with Christina.

- Ew, why?

- Otherwise, she wasn't going to leave me in peace.

- I understand.

- I asked her why she hated Loren so much.

- And?

- Nothing. According to this girl, I have started talking to your best friend too much. She is afraid that I might quit her group because of Loren. It's not like I have ever been part of it.

- This girl is crazy.

- I told her the same. Is Loren at home?

- Yes, why?

- I thought you two were always together. Since you came to high school, I haven't seen you separated.

- I don't know what is going on with her. Lately, she has started staying at home often. What about you and Jackson?

- He is busy today. I feel like he is ignoring me.

- Well, he is the ladies' man. The boy has to satisfy them. - Alice said with a sad tone

- Are you upset?

- From what?

- That Jackson is not with you.

- No, I'm worried about Loren.

- Maybe she has a problem.

- I know, but she doesn't want to talk with me. How am I supposed to help her?

- Give her some time. I'm sure she would be fine.

- I hope so. Watching my best friend like that is not something I like.

- All you have to do is be there with her, even if she is not talking. I mean, find a way to distract her. She will thank you.

- For a popular boy, you are a good friend.

- Thanks. I'm trying my best.

- You are doing a great job. Now I will take my bags and leave them at home.

- If you want, I can help you.

- Thank you, but I can do this. After all, I'm a strong girl.

- Can I still do it?

- What do you want?

- To tell me more about Loren.

- Ok, then. Come with me.

- Thanks.

- What do you want to know about her?

- How was she acting when you two met?

- Well, she was a bit shy, but not that much. I feel like she has become a more closed person lately.

- Christina is a big part of that.

- Yes, but she started going out less. I don't know what the reason behind that is. It's like she is scared to be around people.

- Have you asked her?

- I did, but there was no answer. Loren avoided my question.

- I think you have to give her some time. When she is ready, she will tell you everything.

- That's what I'm hoping.

Alice and I continued talking while walking to her house. I'm starting to understand why Loren is acting this way around people. Her life is not easy. What I don't understand is why she doesn't like herself. There is nothing wrong with her. I like it when she looks like a typical studying girl. Maybe I have to keep reminding her. I took the bags in one of my hands and pulled out my phone.

Hey, what are you doing? I hope you feel better today. Feel free to text me whenever you want. :)

- Do you think that Loren will get better? - I asked as we walked out of Alice's house

- I don't know. I want her to enjoy life, but it seems she doesn't.

- Maybe she wants something else.

- Like what? To be alone? I won't leave her.

- Sometimes, people don't talk about their problems because they don't want to involve anyone else.

- I am her best friend and deserve to know what is happening with her.

- I agree with you, but maybe she wants to fight alone.

- The problem is not mine. I'm not leaving her.

- Ok, I got that. - I said, chuckling

- I might see her for dinner. A sleepover won't be that bad.

- I wish I could do the same with Jackson.

- Then do it.

- He is busy. I don't know what he is doing.

- I noticed that he is back with Christina and her girls.

- Yes. I'm not sure what he is doing.

- It's his business.

- I know, but she is the last person I want to go out with.

- You were with her on breakfast.

- I had no choice. Otherwise, she would've blown up my phone.

- I can't believe you gave her your phone number.

- I didn't. She found me on social media. - I said, and Alice laughed

- Good luck with getting rid of her.

- Thanks. I will need it.

- Do you want us to go for coffee or something?

- I won't deny lunch.

- That works for me. Let's go.

Both with Alice went to a small restaurant. I think today I talked more with her than all the time we were in high school. She is not a bad girl, but I had my reasons. I need to start paying attention to everyone. That's why I can't talk with someone without being judged for talking with him. Not every person has a dark side. That will go in my "things to work on" list. Let's say that it's a bit long. I have a lot of things to do. I have enough time to do it.

- So, what is going on with you?

- Nothing.

- Do you have plans after we graduate?

- Not yet. I have been thinking about it, but I don't know what I want to do.

- Well, you have to do it soon. Next year will be tough.

- I know. I am mentally preparing myself for that.

- Maybe I should do it too. - Alice said and laughed

- Ughh, great. - I said as I looked at my message

- What?

- Jackson is busy again.

- If you want, I can call Loren to keep you company.

- Thanks, but you don't have to do it. Texting her is better. Otherwise, she is shy.

- How long have you been texting her?

- I don't know. Maybe for the past two weeks. Why?

- No reason.

- Are you sure?

- Loren started talking less and only mentioned that she had texted you. She never said for how long.

- I noticed Loren feels more comfortable that way.

- Yes, because she is alone. You would've seen it through her texts if I was bugging her. - Alice said, chuckling

- Probably I would.

- I don't know what to do to make her more open.

- Isn't she supposed to do this by herself?

- Yes, but she is not doing it. That's the problem.

- I think she will be fine. Maybe not soon, but one day she will be.

- Now I have a question.

- Go on.

- It won't be me if I don't ask. Do you have a crush on someone?

- What?

- Come on. I won't tell anyone. I promise.

- No, I don't.

- Are you sure?

- Yes, I am. No one has caught my eye. What about you?

- Why do I have to tell you?

- Maybe because you like my best friend.

- You wish.

- I see it.

- Ok, fine. If you tell someone, I will kill you.

- We are not dating.

- You won't get access to Loren.

- Deal. My mouth is closed.

- Hold on. Is Loren your weak spot?

- My what? I don't have that. I don't even know what it is.

- A weak spot is when you care about someone or something so much that you will do everything for it.

- I get it. No, I don't have a weak spot.

- Then why do you care about her so much?

- Because I feel bad. Also, of all the girls in school, she is the only one not walking after me. Well, you too.

- That's because she can't do it. In case you haven't noticed, she is shy.

- Really?

- I appreciate that you are trying, but this is Loren. No one can help her.

- I won't be so sure.

- I would love to see what you will do, Romeo. - Alice said, laughing

- Very funny. I won't do anything.

- Let's say that I believe you.

I talked with Alice for a while, and later she walked home. Thanks to her, I understood many things about Loren. I would love to help her, but I don't think she will accept it. Probably if I stay away, it will be better. The thing is that her being upset is not something I like. Also, I don't understand why people have to make fun of her. Loren is not dressing differently than the others. The girl wears her glasses only when she reads. It's better if I ignore people's comments. They won't stop, and I'm wasting too much time on this. If I want good grades like Loren, I should stop wasting time. I hope that we can study together again. I liked it.