Perfect girlfriend

Chapter four - I like her

Jayden's POV:

I spent a whole day with Layla. Probably this was my best day. It's not like I have told someone about that. She is not a bad girl, but in school, people avoid her. I mean, including me. I am talking with her, but it's not often. Also, I do it when there are not many people around. I mean from the team. Otherwise, they will make fun of me for doing it. I don't know why people don't like her. She is a nice girl. Layla stays away from the drama and has never done anything to anyone. I can't say about other people, but with me, she feels comfortable. I like that we are getting close. Not close to dating. Even if we are friends, I will still enjoy it. She treats me like an ordinary person. I mean that for her, it doesn't matter that I am part of the team. That is the reason why I didn't want to be a captain. All the popularity and attention goes on you. Well, I still receive some, but it's not that much. That's why I'm glad to be where I am. So, about Layla. I would love it if we could repeat this day. I like spending time with her. Also, she is like Evan. I think that these two can understand each other. She is not officially my friend, but I don't think he will mind. Except for the fact that he will tell me ten thousand times that I like her. It's true, but not the way he thinks. Layla is a nice person. That is all that I will say about her. Honestly, I was surprised that she reads the same books as me. The only person that knows what I read is my friend. For some reason, there is one thing. If you are on the team, you are not a good student. That's not the case for me. I hope that I can work things out with Layla.

Only one week has left until the new school year. It's not like I am excited about it. I need to think about these dances. I mean that I would love to go with Layla, but I don't think she will accept. Honestly, I don't even want to go. Well, part of my duties for the team is to be everywhere. The thing is that many girls will be around me. I have no problem with that, but I want to be with only one. Let's hope that she will accept.

I woke up and got dressed. I don't have plans for the day. That's why I will call Evan. At least he has time for me. He is single, but somehow, he always occupies himself. Luckily, he wanted to come home. It's not like he has something to do in the morning. The good thing is that he was awake. There is a chance that I woke him up, but who cares. I'm sure he will like to hear what I did with Layla.

- Finally, you came.

- I had things to do at home.

- Like what?

- Taking care of myself.

- I shouldn't ask. Anyways. What do you want us to do today?

- We'll play video games. It's too hot outside, and I don't want to go out again.

- Ok, no problem. By the way, I listened to what you told me.

- About what?

- That I should take Layla to this restaurant.

- No way! You had a date with her.

- What? No, I didn't. We just had lunch.

- I need to know everything. When did you meet her, and how did you convince her?

- I didn't convince her. It was two days ago. We went as friends.

- Did you tell her the truth?

- What truth?

- That you like her.

- I told you that I wouldn't tell her that.

- Why?

- Because it's not true.

- You are a big i***t.

- So are you.

- At least I'm not afraid to tell a girl that I like her.

- I'm not afraid.

- Yes, you are. I don't see another explanation.

- Can we drop it?

- When will you see her again?

- Probably in school.

- Use your chance.

- That's enough. Let's play.

Both of us walked into my room. Maybe I don't need to tell Evan that Layla came here. Otherwise, he won't stop asking questions and making assumptions. Remind me not to talk so soon.

- Didn't you have a book over there?

- Um, no.

- Yes, you did. I think that you need to tell me something.

- Ok, fine. If you say something about it again, I will kick you out. Understood.

- Yes. Now spill the tea.

- After my lunch with Layla, I invited her home.

- What? Did you do something?

- Except for playing video games and talking, no.

- Hey, that's our thing.

- I had no other reason to keep her here.

- I know you'll get mad, but I think you are falling for her.

- That's not true.

- Are you sure? As I see, you want to spend as much time with her as possible.

- So? That doesn't mean that I like her.

- Yes, it does.

- I want to go to the dances with her.

- Then do it.

- She won't come.

- Why are you so sure? After all, it's you. I don't think that she will deny it.

- It's not about me. I have never seen her coming. Why would she change her mind?

- You need to be more positive. I'm sure that she will come with you.

- I hope so. The other problem is that the cheerleaders and the team might make fun of her.

- Why? She will come like everyone else.

- Yes, but they don't like her much.

- They don't like anyone who is not in their group.

- I know. Let's play now. We can go out for lunch.

- Awesome idea.

Evan and I played for like an hour. Later, we walked out. It was hot outside. The summer is supposed to end, but not here. We went to the same restaurant where I was with Layla. We walked in, and I saw her sitting alone. I would love to go and sit with her, but she probably wants to be alone. She looked up, and we made eye contact. I smiled at her, and she returned it. Layla made me a sign to go and sit with her. I won't wait for a second call.

- Hey. I didn't expect to see you here.

- I am with Evan.

- Then where is Evan?

- Right here. Hello, milady.

- Hi, Evan. I see that you are in a good mood.

- It's true. What will you eat?

- Oh, I came here for a drink. I won't eat.

- Well, I will. I'm starving.

- The chicken salad is delicious.

- Honey, this is not enough for a man like me.

- A man or a boy. - she said, and I laughed

- Same thing.

- If you say so.

- Man, what will you eat?

- I don't know. I will leave Layla to pick.

- Why me?

- Because you have been here many times. I'm sure that you know which meal is good.

- Dad ate the steak once and said that it was good.

- Ok, then. I will try it.

- I don't know if you will like it. Every person has a different taste.

- I know that you won't pick something that bad.

After half an hour, our food came. It's not a lie that I feel bad. Evan and I are eating while Layla is looking at us. I asked if she wanted to try my food, but she denied it. Well, when she gets hungry, she will order something. We ate our food in silence. I'm glad that my friend is keeping his mouth shut. I was sure that he would say something to her about me. It's not like I mind, but this is my business. He doesn't need to help me. I know that he won't do anything that bad, but I prefer when he is quiet. Soon, my friend went to the toilet. Only we left. Nothing will happen, but as I have said, I like spending time with her.

- I liked the book which you gave me.

- Did you read it?

- Not the whole. I read half of it.

- I'm glad that you like it. I can tell you the end, but I won't.

- Please don't. I want to read it.

- Don't worry. I won't spoil anything.

- Thank you.

- Did you miss me? - Evan asked

- Sadly, no. - Layla said, and I laughed

- You got rejected.

- How rude. I don't miss you either.

- Ok, I guess. - Layla said

- I want to ask you something.

- Go on.

- Will you come to the dances this year?

- What dances?

- For the new school year.

- No, I don't plan to do it.

- Why? Everyone will be there.

- I know, but I don't like dancing.

- There will be food.

- Seriously? Food is not the most important thing. - I said

- It is for some people.

- Thanks for the information, but I won't change my mind. - she said

- It's your loss.

- Yes, it is.

No one said anything else. I knew why Evan asked Layla. It's not a lie that I got a bit disappointed. I wished that she could go with me. Maybe it's not meant to be. Also, I haven't asked her. Now I don't have a reason to do it. She will reject me no matter what I do. I can ask someone else. I'm sure that at least one girl will want to come with me. The thing is that I don't want to go with this girl. What if we do something else? No, I have to go there. I started thinking and got lost in my thoughts. Soon, I felt a hand over mine.

- What?

- I have been calling you.

- Sorry, I didn't hear.

- Is everything ok?

- Yes, don't worry. I was thinking about something.

- People quickly get lost in their thoughts.

- True. Has this ever happened to you?

- A couple of times every day. - she said and laughed

- I understand.

- I am here too. - Evan said

- We see. - I said

- But you ignored me.

- Because you were eating.

We stayed in the restaurant for a while and later walked out. I offered Layla to come with us. She said she would go home. Maybe the next time. I want a goodbye hug, but I don't know if she will let me have one. It's better if I don't do anything. After all, we are not even friends. I don't want to give her wrong intentions.

- You should've gone after her.

- Why?

- Because you like her. Don't try to deny it. I saw the way you were looking at her. Man, you love this girl.

- I don't love her.

- Say whatever you want.

- I like her.

- So you admit it.

- Yes, I do. I like Layla.

- Great. All you have to do is to tell Layla that.

- Yeah, I can't.

- Why? She is a nice girl. Exactly for you.

- I don't want her to reject me.

- You think much. Why would Layla do that?

- I don't know. I have the feeling.

- Your imagination is too powerful.

- Can we talk about something else?

- Man, I'm serious. If you like Layla, tell her. Maybe she doesn't like you that way, but I see that feels good around you. Don't you want to make her happy?

- Right now, I don't want anything.

- You can't keep avoiding your feelings.

- I can do whatever I want.

- It's your choice.

- I know.

- Are you upset?

- I am more disappointed.

- If you ask her about the dances, she will change her mind.

- Thanks, but I will go with someone else.

- Who?

- I don't know yet. We'll see.

- You are making your life harder, you know?

- Yes, I do. Thank you for the reminder.

- No problem. That's why we are friends.

Evan and I walked around the town for a while. Later he went home. I offered him to stay for dinner. He said that his mom would make his favorite dish today. I don't know what to do with Layla. She is a great girl, but I don't know how to tell her. I mean that I would love it if she could come to these dances with me. The thing is that she won't go. There is no point in asking her. I want to make her mine, but I'm afraid she doesn't want the same. I hope I will be brave enough to tell her everything before it gets too late.