Helping my crush

Chapter three - Back to school

Bella's POV:

The school year has started. I will lie if I say that I didn't miss it. On the other hand, now I will be busy and won't have much free time. It's not like I have. I am with Emily all the time. I just don't want to leave her alone. I know that she is old enough, but I don't want something bad to happen to her. Well, now I have to get back to the routine. Getting up early, making breakfast, and walking my sister to school. I know that my dad won't do it. It's not like she can't do it alone. Since mom died, I got obsessed with taking care of Emily. I just don't want to lose her. She is the only reason why I am doing everything. I want her to have an ordinary life. I might not be perfect, but I am trying my best. Luckily, my sister is a good kid and is not complaining about anything. I am still trying to fix dad, but it looks impossible. The first thing that I have to do is make him listen to me. That is the hardest part. He doesn't like it when people tell him what to do. Well, since mom died. Before, he was listening to everything that she was telling him. Even if it wasn't interesting. When it came to her, he was blind. Dad loved her a lot, and I think this is the reason why he doesn't want to accept it. He thinks that there won't be another woman like mom. I don't blame him, but drinking won't solve the problem. It's not like she wanted to die. Dad has to accept the truth and move on. I will help him with what I can.

School started a week ago. I have to say that there weren't many changes. Most of the people were the same. I mean like behavior. The princess is mean as always. I don't know how people stand her. I'm not saying that she is bad, but saying horrible things about other people is not good. The worst thing is that she enjoys it. That is one of the reasons why I stay away from people. I don't want her to spread things about me. My life might not be perfect, but what can I do about it? It's not my fault.

I woke up and went to get ready. When I was ready, I went to make breakfast. Today, I will make pancakes. They are easy and don't take much time. While one was in the pan, I started Emily's lunch. I bought her a box, so she doesn't have to carry it in a bag. Luckily, she likes everything that I make. Today's lunch will be a chicken sandwich with orange juice in a small box, an apple, and a mini-chocolate. I am trying to make her something different every day. Well, even my ideas finish sometimes. I finished there and went to wake up Emily.

- Breakfast is ready. Let's go.

- Ok, I'm coming.

- First, get ready. I will do the same.

I changed my clothes, but my backpack was still full of my things from Friday. I quickly changed my books and walked downstairs. Soon Emily came, and both of us ate the pancakes. I left some for dad if he wakes up. That became his thing. Going home late and sleeping until lunchtime. It's not like I mind, but I wish he could change. To be the person he used to be. Later, I took Emily to school. I don't like leaving her, but I know she is in good hands.

- Ok, your lunch is in your backpack. If there is any problem, tell the teacher to call me. I will come to take you if it's necessary.

- No need to. Nothing bad will happen. You don't have to worry.

- I said it just in case.

- I know. I have to go now.

- Ok. Have a nice day.

Before she left, I received a tight hug. That became her thing. The same is when she walks out. Her teacher smiled at me, and I returned it. Now I have to go to school. I walked in and left my things in the locker. Only ten minutes left, so I better hurry. My first class is on the second floor. I went to the classroom and saw only a couple of students. Most of them like to come at the last minute. I was about to sit when I felt eyes on me. I looked up to see Chris. Dani was looking somewhere else. I smiled at him, and he returned it. I don't know what is going on with him this year. He has never looked at me, and now every day, I have a look from him. It's not like I mind, but it's a bit weird. Well, this is not something bad.

On the lunch break, I walked into the cafeteria. I didn't like being there, so I took an apple and walked away. I will be alone anyway, so I prefer not to have looks on me. I sat down and laid my back on the lockers. My next class is History, so I will read my lesson. Soon I felt a presence and turned around to see Chris. What is he doing here? It's not like I mind, but I never thought I would see him with me.

- Hey. Bella, right?

- You know my name?

- Yes. Why? Is it bad?

- No, I just thought that... never mind.

- If you say so.

- Can I know why you are here?

- Well, I wanted to come and see you because... I...

Chris is the most popular boy in school, but he can't talk to girls. There is something here. It just doesn't make sense. I don't know what he is trying to do, but it's not working.

- Are you ok?

- Yes, I just wanted to tell you that... I... um... hi. - he said, and I chuckled

- Hi to you too. Are you sure that everything is ok?

- I don't know.

- Can I help you?

- Yes, no. I... - he said and looked away

I know that sometimes talking to a girl might make boys nervous, but I have never seen Chris like that. He can barely make a complete sentence or one that makes sense. I have seen him talking with girls, and everything looked normal. I don't know what is going on with him today. Even if I insist, he won't tell me. Moreover, this is not my business.

- Look, I'm sorry. It's just that I... I can't do it. - he said and walked away

What just happened? He can't do what? I looked up and saw Dani who was trying to hold his laugh. I don't know what is going on, but I am confused. Anyways, I won't think about this. I was about to continue reading when Dani came to me. I smiled at him, and he returned it.

- I don't know what he said but don't mind it. He is not in the mood today. I will talk with him and tell you what is going on.

- You don't have to do it. It's not my business.

- Don't you want to know?

- No. Moreover, if Chris wants to tell me something, he has to do it on his own.

- True. Ok, I will go and check on him. Bye, Bella.

- Bye.

I checked my phone and saw there were fifteen minutes until the next class. I better go. Otherwise, soon the hall will be full of people. Something that I don't like. I was about to walk away when I heard my name. I saw Chris and Dani talking. Listening to other people's conversations is not polite, but I got curious why Chris acted this way.

- Man, you need to talk with her.

- I can't. It's like I am tongue-tied.

- But why? I have seen you talking with girls.

- Yes, but now it's different. You know why.

- Look, I will gladly tell her whatever you want, but like every girl, she would appreciate it if you do it.

- I know, but I can't.

- If you want any result, you have to try again.

- Yes, but not today. I had already made myself look like a fool.

- I don't think that she cares.

- Maybe, but even if I try, I won't be able to tell her anything.

I decided to stop listening and just go. I walked by them and pretended that I didn't see them. The boys don't need to know that I have listened to their conversation. I wonder why Chris can't talk with me. Am I that bad? Well, if I was, he wasn't going to do it in the first place. I won't think about that.

After school, I want to take Emily from school. Her classes finish a little bit earlier than mine, but the teacher is keeping her company. I walked up to her school, and the moment she saw me, she ran up for a hug. That is one of the things that I like. Both of us walked home. On the way, she told me everything that she did in school. At least she had a good day. It's not like I didn't. Today was the first time that Chris talked with me. It might wasn't successful, but it was something.

- Can I play with Buddy today?

- After you finish with your homework.

- Thank you.

- What do you want for dinner? When I finish my school work, I will make it.

- Can we eat pizza?

- Ok, I will make one.

Emily and I are doing our homework together. For me, it's easier to help her. Both of us were at the kitchen table. If she could help me. One day, she might replace me. I won't mind. To be honest, I would love to see a mini version of myself. After both of us were done with our school work, I sent Emily to miss Adam's house. Now I can start making dinner.

- What are you cooking?

- Oh, hi, dad. Emily wanted pizza. Will you stay with us tonight?

- I'm going out.

- Please. For me. Only tonight.

- Am I allowed to drink?

- Dad, we talked about it.

- Then why should I be here? You don't let me do anything.

- That's not true. I just want you to stop drinking so much. You never get sober.

- Maybe I don't want to do it.

- Why? Mom died eight years ago. You have to move on.

- What did you say?

- The truth.

- I told you not to mention her!

- She is my mother. I can talk about her as much as I want. You can't do anything.

- Never talk about her! Understood?

- No. I won't stop talking about her.

- Then enjoy being alone. I'm going out.

- Dad, please. Don't do it.

- I can't hear you. - he said and walked out

I felt tears in the corners of my eyes. I will never be able to change dad. All I want is a bit of attention from him. Is it that much? I don't want him to do anything. Only to be here. Maybe I should give up. No, I won't do it. I know that somewhere deep inside of him is the dad that I used to have. I only need to find him.

- Are you ok?

I looked up and saw miss Adams. When did she come here? It's not the first time I haven't noticed people. I hope that this won't become a habit.

- Yes, I'm fine. Do you want to stay with us for dinner?

- If you don't mind. I would like to keep you company.

- Thank you, miss Adams.

- You know that I will do anything for you and Emily.

- I know, and I appreciate it.

The rest of the day Emily and I spent with miss and mister Adams. They are only our neighbors, but I have to say that they care about us. Well, mostly for me. I have to say that miss Adams lets Emily play with her dog only so I can have a rest. It's not like I can. While my sister is not home, I have other things to do. Doing the laundry, cooking, and preparing Emily and myself for school. Someone has to iron our clothes. One day I will have an ordinary life. The question is when. I don't know how long I can keep doing this. I am not complaining, but sometimes I get tired. I hope that soon this will be over.