My sister's boyfriend

Chapter seven - I don't want to do it

Zoe's POV:

Elina came home with her boyfriend. Now I wish she hadn't been here. It's visible that we can't understand each other. What I don't understand is why she lied to him. The boy probably thought I was a horrible person. That is not true. I'm trying to be good, but sometimes, this backfires on me. I never made permanent friends. I felt like everyone was with me only until they needed me. After that, everyone left. At least Josh is calling me. I don't know if we are official friends, but he said it. He is the only person I have close to me. Well, I still don't trust him completely. I don't think I ever will, no matter who the person is. I feel like no one will understand me. I tried to talk with my parents but without result. They had no idea what I was talking about. I want to find someone who will listen to me. Also, he can tell me what to do when I have a problem. Maybe I want too much. I haven't found that person yet. Probably, there is a reason for that. I mean, everything happens for a reason. Nothing is occasional. People believe it is, but that is not true. That's why I'm sure I will end up with the person I least expected. That always happens. Well, in the movies. Real life is a bit more complicated. Things happen differently. I don't know what to do with my life when I graduate from university. Let's say that I haven't thought that far. It's good to think about the future. That way, you will have a plan. I might do this, but it won't be soon. I prefer to enjoy my life now. I won't think about Elina. She takes up too much of my free time. I hope that we won't argue when I go to university.

Summer is passing by quickly. Elina and Cole will go back to the university tomorrow. She would've stayed at home more if I hadn't been here. I can't do anything about that. It's too early for me to go there. Also, I don't think she wants to see me. It's not like she has a choice. I had, and I made a mistake. There is a chance that we might stop arguing. Sadly, I don't believe it. I don't know what happened between us, but things changed. She is not the sister I used to have.

I woke up and checked the time on my phone. I had a message from Josh. He has an early practice but will call me later. I appreciate it, no matter that he doesn't need to do it. Honestly, he is the only one from school still calling me. The fault for this is mine. I should've made more friends. This doesn't mean they will last. I better stop thinking about this. Less than a month has left since I have to go to university. I want to enjoy my last days here. I got out of bed and went to get ready. Then I went to the kitchen. The only person there was Cole. Where is everyone?

- Hey.

- Oh, hey. I see you are an early bird.

- What are you talking about? It's 9 am.

- No, it's 6 am.

- Hell no.

- Check your time.

- I did. Oh. My bad. I thought it was nine.

- Why did you wake up so early?

- I can ask you the same question.

- I don't know. I tried to fall asleep, but I couldn't. You?

- No reason. Do you want us to eat?

- That early.

- Well, if you want, we can go for a walk. The thing is that I'm not sure if Elina will like it.

- Elina is sleeping.

- I know, but she can wake up.

- I want a walk.

- Ok, then. Let's go.

Cole and I walked out. We won't go far away in case my sister wakes up. It's not like I know when this will happen. What I know is she wants me to stay away from her boyfriend. Sadly, I won't do that. Nothing is going on between us. I don't understand why she has to be jealous. Honestly, I am surprised that he is still with her after the way she is treating him.

- Zoe. Hey. Are you ok?

- What?

- What were you thinking about?

- You.

- Why?

- Can I know why you are still dating her? I mean, look at the way she is treating you.

- Things are not that easy. To make it clear. You want me to break up with her, too.

- What do you mean by too?

- My best friend has been telling me this for quite a while.

- Then he is right. I'm sorry, but she doesn't deserve such a nice guy. Was this the only fish in the sea? I'm sure there are many girls at university.

- Let's say that I was blind.

- Let's say that she did something to convince you. I know my sister.

- Point for you. Can we talk about something else?

- Like what?

- I don't know. You.

- Me? Why?

- How is your love life?

- I don't have one.

- Interesting. Say more.

- I have nothing more to say.

- Are you sure?

- Yes, I am. Why don't we have a silent walk?

- Fine. I won't say anything else.

- Good for you.

Cole and I continued our walk for about an hour. Then we went back home. Sadly, Elina was up. I was about to hide, but she saw me. I know what she will think about now. That I'm trying to steal her boyfriend. I don't have any interest in him. The other thing is that I don't want to date. Not yet. I'm not sure if I will ever do it. That is a topic for another day.

Until lunchtime, Elina ignored me. Cole tried to talk with her, but she didn't want to listen. I don't understand what her problem is. I only went for a walk with him. Is it that bad? For lunch, she took the food to her room. Of course, Cole followed her. Now I feel bad. I didn't want to cause any drama.

- Honey, are you ok? - my mom asked

- No.

- What happened?

- This was a mistake.

- Zoe, it was only a walk. He didn't kiss you, right?

- What? Of course not. Dad, what are you talking about?

- Then you shouldn't be worried. You know Elina can be dramatizing a bit.

- Yes, but I don't want them to break up because of me.

- No one said that they would do it. Can you calm down? - my mom asked

- I will go out for a while.

- Now? It's hot.

- I know. I'll come soon. - I said and left

I need some fresh air. I went to one dinner and ordered a milkshake. That is the only drinkable thing on the hot summer days. I shouldn't have done this. Now it's too late. Maybe it's better if I don't talk to him again. He might get mad at me, but I don't care. I don't want to keep arguing with my sister because of that. It's good that they are leaving tomorrow. I was drinking when someone sat in front of me.

- Hey. - Andrew said

- Boys, what are you doing here?

- We went for a walk and saw you sitting alone.

- I'm fine.

- Are you sure? Your face says the opposite.

- Is it that visible?

- Yes, it is. What happened?

- I made a mess.

- I don't believe it. You are a good girl.

- Spill the tea. - Noah said

- My sister is at home for a week with her boyfriend. I woke up early and saw him in the kitchen alone. Then I offered him a walk. Now she is mad at me. Elina thinks that I want to steal her boyfriend.

- No offense, but I don't imagine you dating someone.

- Because that won't happen. I mean, not that soon.

- Then what will you do?

- I will stop talking with him.

- What if he gets mad? - Andrew asked

- I don't care. I got tired of fighting with her. If that is the only thing I can do to stop this, I will do it without thinking.

- Are you sure? You can try to be friends with him. No one said that you two would date.

- That is impossible when she is around. Elina won't let this happen.

- Why do you always have to do what she says? Do things for yourself.

- It's not that easy.

- That or you don't want to do it.

- Ok, I don't want to talk about her. How are you?

- Good. We talked with Josh.

- That's nice. He called me before lunch.

- We know. He said he would call you after he finished the call with us.

- I see. At least he feels good there.

- True.

I stayed with the boys here for lunch. It feels good to talk with someone. They told me where they would study. None of them will be at my university. Luckily, there is something called video chat. We can talk all day. That's how Josh calls me every day. I received a message from my mom, but I told her I would eat outside. They like it when I spend time with people.

After lunch, we went to the bowling alley. I came here with Josh once. For some reason, it doesn't feel the same. I never thought these people could be good. They are not mean now. I left them to play and sat on one of the benches.

- Hey, are you ok?

- Oh, hey, Noah. Won't you play?

- I played one game. Why are you sitting here alone?

- I'm not in the mood for games.

- I know you were with Josh here once.

- What? How?

- He is our friend. Don't forget that.

- I should've known.

- Can I ask you something?

- Shoot. - I said, and he laughed

- Do you have a crush on Josh?

- What? No, I don't.

- Are you sure?

- Yes, I am. Why?

- Because you don't seem happy that he is gone.

- My mood has nothing to do with your friend.

- You mean your friend.

- Whatever.

- You can tell him how you feel.

- I don't feel anything. What are you talking about? I don't want to have a boyfriend.

- Why? It's not that bad.

- Personal reasons. The point is that I don't have feelings for Josh, ok?

- Ok. You said it, not me.

- It doesn't matter if I am single or not. This won't affect your life.

- True.

- Then why are you so interested in that?

- Because I'm curious.

- Well, you can stop being. I told you everything.

- I still have my hopes.

- If you think that you have chances, you are wrong.

- Oh, no. I know this place is for Josh.

- Stop it!

I stayed with the boys for another hour. Then I went home. I spent too much time with them. I know Noah only wanted to annoy me. The thing is that I don't want people to talk about my future boyfriend. Mostly, that is because it won't happen. Also, this should be my decision. They can't tell me who I am supposed to date. Josh and I might have become close, but it doesn't mean we'll date. I won't let this happen.

I walked home and saw everyone in the living room. Is there a family meeting? Without me? I don't think it's that. I looked up and saw a movie. I'm not in the mood for that. I went to my room to get changed and then to the hammock.

- Hey, you are home. - Cole said

- Yes. Why?

- No reason.

- Elina was probably happy that I was gone.

- Not really. She keeps talking about what she will do when we go to university.

- The flight is tomorrow, right?

- Yes, it is. Do you want us to go?

- No offense, but yes.

- It's because of her. Isn't it?

- It could be.

- Did I do something?

- No, relax. I barely talked with you.

- You can do it now.

- Can I ask you something?

- Yes, sure.

- For how long do you plan to be with her?

- I don't know. Why?

- Because you two don't seem like a real couple. I mean, you don't do much.

- Well, I like her.

- But do you love her?

- What?

- Like and love are different feelings. Please don't mix them. Do you love Elina?

- I don't know.

- Think about this.

Cole and I kept talking before Elina came. She got mad again. I don't know what is wrong with her. We don't do anything besides the obvious. It's not a crime to have a conversation with him. I have no idea why they are dating, but she doesn't deserve such a good guy. He better find someone else. At least the girl can make him happy. Now, I better focus on myself. Maybe I should stop talking with Josh. Otherwise, the boys will keep thinking something is going on between us. I don't want to date for now. Also, that should be my choice. I hope that I won't make a mistake.