The shy's girl crush

Chapter eight - My shy Bloom

Dylan's POV:

For the first time, I watched Fate: The Winx Saga. I have to say that it was a good show. This actor does look like me a little bit. I guess this is why Loren wanted us to watch this. She reminds me of Bloom a bit. Well, they only have the same hair color. That's it. I should say that the more time I spend with her, the more I enjoy it. When we talk online, Loren is calm. She can be herself. This girl is shy and nervous if I look at her in person. I don't know what the difference is. I am treating her the same way. Honestly, I don't care. I'll do whatever is necessary to make her feel comfortable, even if this means seeing her online. One day, things might change. I will be happy if this happens. I'm sure Loren can have fun outside. For some reason, she is not doing it. I can ask her, but it's not my business. At least I can talk with her. Jackson is acting weird lately. I don't know if it's because of Christina, but he is not my best friend. Jackson was never mean to anyone. Alice heard what he said about her, and I believe she got upset. They need to talk. Let's hope she will be able to bring his senses back. I can confront Christina, but I don't expect her to admit anything. I don't understand why she is mad at me for talking with Loren. After all, she clearly said that she wouldn't date me. I want to know what all this drama is. It's so unnecessary. Whatever she is doing, it's not something I like. I will love it if this girl leaves my friend alone. I don't know how she convinced him to go to her and the girls. Maybe I have to leave him alone. The thing is that I don't want to. Jackson is my best friend. Well, now I have Loren. I can pretend to replace him and see what will happen. I hope that this will make him the person he used to be.

I have been watching the show with Loren for the past three days. We stopped at the second season. I wanted to take a break and accept what has happened. Of course, we discussed it. I don't know if I look like the actor or if he looks like me. Honestly, the only thing we have in common is the color of our hair and eyes. Our facial features are different. I guess that Loren saw the similarities. Otherwise, she wasn't going to offer me to watch this show. Well, I'm happy about it. At least I have something to do.

I woke up and went to get ready. I finished school two hours ago. Now I will go out. I was supposed to study with Loren, but I convinced her to go out. When I texted Alice, she got excited. Also, she congratulated me for making progress. I don't know how this will go, but it doesn't matter. I like the shy Loren. I got ready and went out. We have to meet in front of the chocolate museum. Can someone tell me why this is a thing? I love chocolate, but to eat it. After ten minutes, Loren came with her hair in a bun. I guess he has been studying because her glasses were still on.

- Hello.

- Hey. I-I hope I'm n-not late.

- It's ok. I came like ten minutes ago.

- Oh, good.

- You have been studying, haven't you?

- Yes. How do you know?

I didn't say anything and carefully removed her glasses. I slightly touched her cheeks and felt how hot they were. She is nervous, but I didn't expect her to be that much. Loren took her glasses and put them in her mini backpack. We started walking around. I tried to talk, but it only made things worse. Maybe silence is better. I would love to have some contact with her. The thing is that she doesn't. I don't know what to do to make her calm down. Soon we passed by a hot chocolate truck. There was an ice cream one, but it's too cold for that. I bought two cups. We went to a park to drink them. I tried to look at Loren, but her head was down. I slightly touched her hand, and she flinched. Luckily, she didn't remove it.

- Loren, are you ok? You are quiet.

- I-I have nothing to say.

- Is it that? I think you are nervous.

- That too.

- Why?

- I don't know. I can't be around people.

- Did someone hurt you?

- N-no. It's not that. I-I don't like me.

- Loren, there is nothing wrong with you. Ignore what people tell you. You look fine.

- Thanks, but no one thinks it.

- I do. Alice does it too.

- That won't make me feel better. If I am at home, no one will see me.

- What if I want to do it? Will you let me come?

- Really?

- Yes. I have no problem talking with you online, but in person, it feels better.

- I-I don't think I can do that.

- That's because you never tried. Look, I don't want to pressure you. All I want is for you to feel comfortable.

- That's why I am always alone. I feel better when I am the only one in the room.

- Can I be the other person with you?

- Um, maybe.

- I don't want to go to your house but only to spend some time with you.

- Why?

- Because you are always alone.

- Thanks, but I'm fine.

- Ok, I won't say anything.

It's way more complicated than I thought. I didn't say anything else and pulled Loren for a hug. I know she feels uncomfortable, but she has to get used to this. Surprisingly, she didn't pull away. We stayed like that until we finished our hot chocolate. Later, we continued walking. The same is for silence. An idea came to me, and I decided to do it and see what would happen.

- Hey, Bloom. Can I show you a place?

- What?

- I want to show you one place.

- You called me Bloom.

- Oops, my mistake.

- It's ok. I like it, Sky.

- Oh, I'm honored.

- Where is that place?

- Soon, we'll get there. It's a surprise.

- Ok. I can't wait to see it.

There is a place in the town near a statue where you can see everything. During the night, here gets very pretty. I have come here a couple of times with Jackson. We used to talk and chill. I wish we could do this again. My best friend and I were probably fourteen, but that was my favorite thing to do with him. Now I don't even know where he is. Soon, we arrived. Surprisingly, there was no one. Usually, many people come here. We sat down on the ground. I might be here with Loren, but it's not the same. I miss Jackson, but the person he was before.

- Hey, are you ok? - Loren asked, looking at me

- I'm fine.

- You can talk if you want. I won't tell anyone.

- I'm surprised you are looking at me.

- Oh, um. - Loren said and nodded her head down

- No, head up. I want to see your eyes.

- What happened?

- I used to come here with Jackson. Well, that was like three years ago.

- You miss him, don't you?

- I do. Jackson is my best friend. Mostly like was. I don't know what he is doing now.

- You can replace the person, but not the memories. Remind him what you two have. I'm sure he will come to you. I mean, as long as he realizes how lonely he is. Jackson might be with Christina and her girls. They are not like you. Dylan, you are his real friend. Make sure he knows this.

- I don't know how you can be so clever and shy. - I said, chuckling

- Well, no one is perfect.

- Are you sure? - I asked and looked her in the eyes

I have never looked at a girl deeply. There is something in Loren that makes her stand out. I don't know if it's the way she acts. Maybe it's the fact that she is a great friend. Alice is lucky to have her. I pulled Loren for a hug. Then she rested her head on my chest. Why does this feel good? I couldn't have the chance to be so close to a girl.

- Alice is lucky.

- She or me? I don't know what I would've done without her.

- Both of you make a great duo.

- I know. That's why Alice is my best friend. Let's say that Alice is all the things I will never be.

- Why? You can be whatever you want. No one can tell you anything.

- I know, but it makes me feel uncomfortable. That's why I am open only in front of Alice and my parents.

- Can you be yourself in front of me? Up to now, we have had a great conversation. You look calm.

- T-thanks.

- No, no. I want the calm Loren.

- I don't know if I am good enough for people.

- No, you are too good for them.

- Really?

- Yes. Loren, you are the top student in school. No one can ever beat you. Christina is mean because she is jealous. Don't let her get to you. As I have said, there is nothing wrong with you.

- It's good to hear this.

- If you need a reminder, I am here.

- I'm good, thanks.

- What do you want us to do now?

- I have to go home for dinner.

- Will you mind if I send you?

- Um, no.

- It won't be until your front door. I don't need to know where you live.

- Ok, thanks.

I sent Loren home. All the way we were talking. I like how calm she became. It might be a temporary thing. Well, I will enjoy it as much as I can. After all, I don't know when I will have this chance again. Later, I walked home. When I went into my room, I called Jackson. There was no response. I left him a message.

Hey, man. I don't know what is happening with you, but you can talk to me. I missed when we used to share our problems. I don't know what Christina told you but don't listen to her. I know we got distant, but I still care about you. Please, call me or answer this message. I would love it if we could talk.

When dinner was ready, I walked into the kitchen. My parents were talking about work. In my head appeared Loren. I had a great afternoon with her. She is still shy from time to time. Well, it was better than before. I wish I could do the same with my best friend.

- Honey, are you ok? - mom asked

- Not really.

- What happened?

- Jackson is not talking to me anymore. I don't know why.

- Did you tell him something? - dad asked

- No, I didn't. We don't talk anymore since Jackson reunited with Christina and her girls. I think she might have told him something.

- Have you talked with her?

- No. I don't have proof. I left Jackson a message, but I don't think he will read it. After all, he didn't answer my call.

- Give him some time. I'm sure he will come to you soon.

- I hope so. I went out with Loren today, but it's not the same.

- Who is Loren? - my mom asked, smiling

- One shy girl from school. It took me some time, but I convinced her to go out. Let's say that she doesn't like going out.

- At least you did something.

- Yes, I did. When I am texting Loren or talking through FaceTime, she is fine. I mean, she is calm. The problem is when we do it in person. Honestly, she does this with every person except for her best friend.

- Maybe she doesn't feel comfortable.

- I know, but what am I supposed to do? I tried to help her, but she pushed me away. For now, we made up.

- Some people need time to socialize. - dad said

- I talked with Alice. She said her best friend was more open when they met in high school. The biggest problem is that Christina and her girls call her out and make fun of her.

- Why?

- Loren is the top student in the school. No one studies more than her. This girl always has straight A's.

- I still don't see a problem. Studying is great.

- Christina invented her nickname. Now she is Loren The Nerd. Also, she calls her a teacher's pet.

- That is terrible. Can't Loren defend herself?

- Mom, she is too shy for that. If she had to text, that is fine. The problem is when she has to talk.

- I understand. You can help the girl.

- Don't you think that I haven't tried?

- Whatever you do, don't pressure her. - dad said

- I won't do anything. For now, I want Jackson to pick up his phone.

- He will, you'll see.

- My hope is Alice.

- Why?

- It turned out that the girl had a crush on him. I asked her if she could talk to him and fix things.

- Maybe your friend needs a girl to show him the right way.

- That's what I'm hoping. Alice can be shy too, but not as much as Loren.

- I shouldn't ask this, but do you like Loren? You mentioned her a couple of times.

- No, I don't. Also, I started talking to Loren this year.

- I think you will change your mind. Can I at least see this girl?

- Yeah, sure, but I have to bring her here. She doesn't have pictures of herself online.

- That works for me. - my mom said, smiling

- You are in a good mood today.

- No one ruined it.

- Good for you.

I talked with my parents for a while. Later, I walked into my room. I want to call Loren before I go to bed. It's still early, but I'm trying to sleep at ordinary hours. After all, I want to wake up early.

- Hello.

- Hey. - Loren said, yawing at the camera

- Are you ok?

- Yes, but I'm tired. I might go to bed early today.

- Oh. Ok, then.

- Do you need something?

- No, I only wanted to check on you.

- Thank you for taking care of me.

- No problem. For you, always.

- Look, I like talking to you, but I might fall asleep soon. Can we talk in the morning?

- Sure. Call or text me when you wake up.

- Ok, I'll do it. Goodnight, Dylan.

- Goodnight, Loren. - I said, and she ended the call

That is for my conversation with her. At least I can talk with her every day. I wish I could do this in person. Maybe one day, she will overcome her shyness. I want to help Loren, but I don't know if she will let me. Well, I won't pressure her. If she wants my help, she will tell me. Now I want to focus on Jackson. I want my best friend back, but I have no idea what to do. He is not helping me. It would be better if we talked. This boy is not even reading my messages. If he blocks me, I will kill him. Not for real, but I will get mad. Alice is the girl who can do her magic on him. I hope that his senses will be back soon. I want the old Jackson back.