The shy's girl crush

Chapter four - My best friend has a crush

Dylan's POV:

A couple of days ago, I played bowling with Loren. I left her to win, hoping she would feel better. That didn't work at all. It's visible that she has a problem. Maybe it's not only one. I don't expect her to share it with me. After all, we are not friends. The thing is that she doesn't talk with Alice either. Of all the girls in school, she is the one who stands out with her shyness. Also, she is the only one who is not walking after me. Probably that's why I do it. I don't mind being around her, but someone else maybe will. I have to say that she is the best student in school. I mean, no one else is studying as much as Loren. It's great to do it, but sometimes you need a break. That's why I don't push myself too hard. What I know is something no one can take from me. We might have tests soon, so I have to study. This time, I will invite Jackson with me. He likes to chill more, but you can't always do it. The problem is that he never takes anything seriously. I wonder when he will realize how serious some things are. Honestly, I shouldn't worry about that. I know when to laugh and when to be serious. Next school year will be more complicated than this one, so I should pay attention in class. Luckily, teachers don't call me out. They love doing it to some students. Let's say these people don't pay attention or study. They need to take some lessons from Loren. I'm sure she would be a great teacher. Maybe I need to use that. She can help me have better results on my tests. Well, I don't think she will agree. Her shyness won't let her. Alice is the complete opposite. I noticed she and Jackson understand each other well. Maybe something will happen. Honestly, I am happy for him. He doesn't need to be only with Christina and her girls. I hope that he will take his future relationship seriously. It's for this good.

I woke up and went to get ready. It's Friday, which means I can rest the whole afternoon. I forget about school and studying. Of course, I do my homework and everything else on Saturday. After all, I have to do it. One free afternoon won't do any harm. Well, as long as I don't do it on the other days. I need to ask Loren how she keeps studying for so long. Some days I can't even concentrate. Honestly, I am jealous of her consistency. I will gladly take some tips from her.

When I was ready, I walked downstairs for breakfast. My parents were already eating. It looks like they are in a rush. Sometimes they have to go to the office early. I guess today is one of these days. I sat down and started eating peacefully. In my mind came Christina. She uses every chance to make fun of Loren. As if it's not enough that Christina is shy. Also, I don't understand why she is doing it. Loren didn't do anything to her. Maybe I have to stay away from this. Otherwise, someone might have a problem because of me. That is the last thing I want to happen.

- Honey, are you ok?

- Huh?

- Your body is here, but not your head. - mom said

- Sorry. I was thinking about something.

- Will you share?

- There is one girl in school who is extremely shy.

- Ok, and?

- I feel she has other problems but doesn't want to share them with anyone. We are not friends, but she has a best friend. They are like Jackson and me. Inseparable.

- I don't understand where the problem is.

- Christina and her girls always call her out. Now she is Loren The Nerd. Let's say that she is the top student at school.

- So what? There is nothing wrong with studying.

- I think the same. Honestly, I need to take some tips from Loren. I am jealous of her habits. How can she remember so much information?

- Ask her to find out.

- I will do it for sure.

After breakfast, I walked to school. Jackson was talking with Alice. I wonder what is going on. Honestly, I'm happy for him. Alice seems like a good girl. I looked around, but there was no sign of Loren. Let's hope she will come today. I closed my locker and flinched. Christina was in front of me.

- Can I help you?

- No, but I can.

- Drop the act, please.

- Ok, I want to have my lunch with you today.

- Why?

- Because I want to. We haven't eaten together in a long time. You are always with the need and her friend.

- For a millionth time, Loren is not a nerd. Why do you hate her so much?

- Do you know what a teacher's pet is?

- No.

- Then ask her. I'm sure she knows the answer.

- I won't do that because what you say it's not the truth.

- Since when do you care so much about her? Last year, you didn't even talk to her.

- That doesn't matter.

- Yes, it does. I don't want to be around this girl. She is weird.

In that moment, Loren passed by us. Her head was down as usual. Let's hope she didn't hear much. I took my things and walked after her. Luckily, we have the same class. Temporarily, I sat next to her.

- Hey, are you ok?

- I'm fine.

- Look, I'm sorry about Christina's comment. You know her.

- I don't care.

- Can I ask you something? Technically, I need some tips from you.

- Tips about what?

- Studying. I want to be a good student like you. Will you share your secret with me?

- I don't have a secret. All I do is study.

- I do it too, but it's not working that well.

- Well, I don't do many other things. Also, I have limited my phone usage.

- Ok, no phones. Do you have something else?

- I don't know. As I said, I don't do much.

- Thank you.

- Try to focus.

- That is a bit hard for me. Some days, I can't concentrate at all.

- Stop thinking about everything else.

- I will try that. Thanks. I'll leave you now.

- You can stay here if you want. I will sit at your place. - Alice said

- Thanks, but no need to do it. Loren will feel comfortable with you.

- She needs to get used to being around other people.

When the class finished, I walked to the hall to find Jackson. I want to know what is going on between him and Alice. I don't expect them to date, but it will be good for him to have another friend.

- Hello.

- Oh, hey. What's up?

- That's what I want to know.

- I don't understand.

- What is going on between you and Alice? Maybe you have a crush on her.

- You wish. I don't like her that way.

- Why? She is a good girl.

- Yes, but she is a nerd. I have a reputation to keep.

- If you think about her that way, why do you spend so much time with her?

- Because I like it.

- Then?

- I know what you are thinking, but it's not true.

- Are you sure?

- Yes, I am. She is just a girl. Nothing else.

With that, Alice walked away. Great job, my friend. You messed up. I think she has a crush on him. I mean, why else would she blush when he is around? The thing is that Jackson is too dumb to see it. I didn't say anything and made him sign to follow her. The girls don't like him as much as me, but it doesn't mean he has to do whatever he wants with them. After all, they have feelings. I took my things and walked to class. Loren was in this class as well. I won't talk to her now. As I see it, her head is somewhere else.

After school, I walked home. Jackson said that he had to talk to Alice. I guess he still didn't makeup things. In that case, I can chill. The thing is that I don't know what to do. I don't want to go out now. I'll do it later. Maybe I can play some video games. My parents are right. Jackson and I don't do anything else. Well, we are single. I mean, when you are in a relationship, things are different. Luckily, I don't have this problem. Now I can do whatever I want. It's not like I can't do it with a girl around. I played for an hour. Later, I texted Jackson, but he didn't respond. Maybe he is still with Alice. It's better if I don't know. What he is doing it's not my business. The same is for me.

I wanted to call Loren. The thing is that I don't have her phone number. Maybe she has social media. I typed Loren Thompson on f*******:. A couple of girls came. There was a profile with a picture of a beach. I guess it's her. The other girls had pictures of themselves. I sent her a friend request and a message.

Hey, Loren. It's Dylan from school. Is this your profile? I don't want to text the wrong person.

Very soon, my request has got accepted. I guess Loren is on her phone now. She read my message, and the three dots appeared. That means she is texting.

Yes, it's mine. How did you find it?

I know your name. It wasn't that hard. I eliminated all the girls with their pictures as profile ones.

Good job, detective.

Thanks. What are you doing now?

I'm taking a break. Soon, I'll go back to studying.

If you want, we can go out. I texted Jackson, but he hasn't read my messages.

He is with Alice, isn't he?

Yes. Did Alice tell you?

We are best friends, but yes.

To understand that you don't want to go out.

I do, but I can't.

You seem calm when you are texting.

That's because I am alone. When I have to talk in person, things are different.

I understand. Will you mind if I study with you?

Why do you want that?

I wanted to rest, but I got bored. I have nothing else to do.

I don't know.

We can face time. I know you feel uncomfortable around people.

I guess I can do that.

Good.

I went to take my books and put them on the bed. I didn't plan to study. Well, I had nothing else to do. Maybe I can go out with Jackson tomorrow. I took my laptop and called Loren. A bigger screen is better. Soon, she picked up. Her hair was in a bun, and she had glasses. Call me crazy, but she looks cute.

- Hey.

- Um, hi.

- You can calm down. I don't bite. - I said, chuckling

- With which subject do you want us to start?

- I haven't done the homework yet. I plan to do that and ask you if I have a question.

- Ok, no problem.

- Good.

I started with my homework. It wasn't that much, and I finished it in half an hour. Well, I have an essay to finish. The problem is that I don't know how to continue. I have some ideas, but they are not good enough.

- Loren.

- Yes.

- Did you finish the Literature essay?

- Yes, why?

- I don't know how to continue with mine. Can I send you what I have up to now and my ideas? Maybe you can help me.

- Sure. You can do it in the chat. I will go for water in the kitchen. Give me five minutes.

- Don't rush.

I sent her the essay and waited for her to come back. For some reason, I feel happy that I'm doing this. I mean, studying with Loren. It doesn't even feel like I'm doing it. It's more like spending time with a friend. Maybe I have to do this more often. As I see it, she feels more comfortable this way. If we do it in person, The nervous Loren will be back.

- Hey. Alice will come for dinner at home.

- That means she and Jackson won't be together.

- Maybe.

- I thought he had a crush on her, but no.

- Can we study?

- Yes, sure.

- I'll check your essay.

- Ok, thanks.

I started reading my history lesson. Usually, when I do this, I take side notes. Mostly they are like keywords and points. That is how I mark the most important thing from the lesson. If I say it too simply, the teacher will ask questions about this. I wrote down the last paragraph's notes when I heard my name.

- Dylan.

- Yes?

- Your essay is good, but you are writing it too strictly.

- What do you mean?

- It feels like you are following some instructions when I read this. Try to break it down and put your point of view. I don't mean to write it down, but how you see it should get written.

- Ok, I get that.

- Also, I think the second list with ideas is better.

- Great. I will finish it now.

- Ok, do you need help with something else?

- No, I finished my history lesson. Maybe you can read my essay when it's complete.

- Sure, no problem.

- Thank you for the help.

- It's ok.

After an hour, I finished the essay and sent it to Loren. She said it was good enough so I could give it to the teacher. I read hers, and I have to say that it's perfect. I wish I had her skills. Honestly, I don't know how she is so good at everything. Maybe she is talented. Well, I'm not sure if that is a talent. Whatever it is, she deserves to have it.

- Loren.

- Hmm?

- How do you have time for everything?

- What do you mean?

- You study a lot. At the same time, you can hang out with Alice and the mystery club.

- Honestly, I don't do it that often. Mostly I am studying.

- Don't you go out to have fun?

- Going out is not something I like. I feel comfortable at home.

- You can still have fun there if you invite friends over.

- I know, but sometimes I like to enjoy my own company.

- Don't you feel lonely?

- No. That way, I don't have to explain myself to many people.

- I don't understand.

- If I am not in my usual mood, people start asking questions I want to avoid.

- Got it.

- Look, I have to go now. If you have questions about the subjects, feel free to text me.

- Thanks, but I will be fine. Maybe I'll continue tomorrow.

- It's your choice. Bye, Dylan.

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

Loren is a great girl, but she is alone. Alice is with her. The thing is that I feel like she is pushing her best friend away. Well, Jackson is here to keep her company. It's not the same. After dinner, I called him to ask what had happened. It looks like he spends some time with Alice. Maybe nothing will happen between them, but I still have my hopes. I think she has a crush on my best friend. There is one person who can tell me the truth. No, I won't bother Loren anymore. It's enough that she helped me. Also, she doesn't feel comfortable around me or whoever it is. I hope that with time, this will change. She deserves to have many friends and to have fun.