Secret crush

Chapter nine - I miss the Candy girl

Ellie's POV:

Halloween is over. I decided to get creative with my costume. It took me some time to decide what I wanted. I didn't want anyone to recognize me. I can say that it was successful. Even Hunter couldn't tell who I was. He loved my costume. I mean, he didn't stop looking at me all night. I never thought I would be such an attraction to him. I won't lie that I liked this. Part of me wanted this to happen for a long time. It's finally happening. I can't be happier about this. My parents were surprised to see me. That's why I told Hunter I would go home. I wanted to visit them. I gave my candies to them and to whoever I saw in the hospital. I had to pull a little trick. That was my best acting. I went to the hospital asking for my mom. I said at the reception that I had stomach issues. Mom got called immediately. We went into a room, and she checked on me. I was trying so hard not to laugh. She said there was nothing wrong with me. I couldn't hold it anymore. Let's say that she didn't like it. At least I received a compliment for my costume. Dad liked it a lot. He ate all the candies from my dress. The funny thing was when he tried the fake ones. I'm glad his teeth are ok. They let me stay with them for the night. I hope that no one else recognized me in school.

It has been a week since Halloween. Teachers started with our tests. I don't mind them, but I wish we didn't have to go through this. Hunter and his friends don't talk anymore. That is what he told me. I won't say anything about this. We'll keep the good relations for now. That's all I can do for him. Sometimes, he likes to be alone. I understand that. I had moments like this before. That is why I'll never judge him. He already knows how hard it is. I won't be like his friends.

I woke up and went to get ready for school. Winter is coming. I better dress well. I don't want to get cold. I picked out some clothes and went to the bathroom. I woke up very hungry. Mom's cooking smells around the house. I can't wait to try whatever she has made. I went to find my dad and called him. I wanted to eat already. Soon, we were around the table. The food was melting in my mouth. That is so delicious. I keep telling my mom the same thing daily, but it's true. I love her food.

- I love your food. You are the best.

- You keep saying this every day.

- But it's true.

- I won't deny a candy.

- Dad, stop it. That happened only once.

- I hope it never repeats. - my mom said

- You didn't even know that was me.

- Did you see the way you got dressed? That was the total opposite of you.

- That was the idea. I didn't want anyone from school to know it was me.

- Why? Nothing will happen.

- Yes, but I want to keep part of my personality private. I told only one person.

- Who?

- It doesn't matter. I didn't trust anyone there, but I received some compliments.

- I have to say the costume was creative. Next time, tell your dad which candies are fake.

- They already looked fake. I can't believe you tried them.

- You said you had candies.

- On my dress. I told you that.

- She did.

- It was worth a try. Nothing bad happened. My teeth are fine. - he said, chuckling

- You save lives daily. I wonder who will save you from terrible candies. - I said, and my mom laughed

- That was a good one.

- Alright. Keep making fun of me.

- You know we love you. If we don't bug you, who else will do it?

- It's not enough that I have your mom. Now, you have started. I liked it when you were quieter.

- That was a long time ago. I grew up.

- Sadly.

- What?

- I'm kidding.

- I hope so.

- You have to go to school.

- You don't have to remind me.

- Why?

- I wish tests didn't exist.

- You have good grades. Why are you complaining? - my mom asked

- That is extra pressure on us. Well, the people who care about this.

- Only a few months have left. I know you can do it.

- Maybe. I started distracting myself too much.

- With what?

- Things that I shouldn't.

- Which are?

- I don't need to tell you everything.

- Is it that person who you tried to help?

- No.

As I told my mom, they don't need to know everything. Some things I'll keep to myself. After breakfast, I went to school. I waved at Hunter, but he ignored me. Then I saw devilish smiles. Two and two is four. I don't know what they told him, but he won't get distant from me. I won't permit that. I have no idea if we are officially friends, but I'll take it as a yes. We went to class, and I made him sit with me. I'll find out what is going on with him. No one messes with me without consequences.

- Hunter, what is going on? You can tell me. We are friends.

- I have nothing to tell you.

- What did they do? I know them. Somehow, they did or told you something for which you have to ignore me. I don't care what they'll do to me. I care about you.

- You do?

- Yes, I do. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been here.

- I can't tell you anything. I'm sorry.

- Why? Is it related to them?

- Yes.

- Is it about me?

- No.

- It's for you.

- True.

- Look, I.

- I'm sorry. I have to go.

- You can still hit here. I won't ask anything. We can talk later. - I said, whispering the last part

- I don't want you to get involved in this.

- Don't worry about me. I know how to deal with such people. They can't do anything.

- I can't believe you are still here after all this.

- You are not like them. I won't let these people use and manipulate you.

- I don't know what to tell you. Thanks. For everything.

- Are we friends?

- What?

- You never said it.

- Yes, we are. You are amazing.

- Said from you means a lot. A lot more than you think.

- Why?

- The teacher is coming. We'll talk later.

On the lunch break, we went to eat together. I'm glad that Hunter is talking to me. It's better than nothing. I don't know what they have told him. It doesn't matter. The good news is that he is with me. I noticed the way Molly looked at me. I only let out an innocent smile, coming with a smirk. I won't let her beat me. Here is the thing. She wanted him because many people like him. It's the same as the popularity thing. I'm sorry, missy, but it won't work for me. I won't let him make the same mistake.

- What are you thinking about?

- What?

- I asked if you were thinking about something. Do you even listen to me? - he asked, chuckling

- I'm sorry.

- The more you look at her, the worse it will get.

- I want to erase that smile on her face.

- You will do this. Even if you don't, there is nothing wrong with that. I don't care about her.

- Maybe, but I know what she wants to do with you.

- That won't happen. I won't fall that low. I have told her since the beginning that I don't like her.

- She won't stop.

- I don't care. Do you have a candy?

- No, why?

- I miss the Candy girl.

- Shh. No one should know that it was me.

- Why? You looked great in that costume.

- Yes, but the whole point was for no one to know I was there.

- Many people were looking at you. There were even comments about the mysterious Candy girl.

- What? Really?

- Yes. I heard people talking about it.

- That is interesting. Anyway. You can't tell anyone. Can I trust you with this? Please.

- I should be offended that you are doubting me, but I'm not. I'll keep your secret until I die.

- You don't have to do it for that long. Only until I graduate from here.

- Don't worry. No one will know. Not from me.

- I don't think someone else knows about this.

- There are eyes and ears everywhere.

- True.

After school, Hunter and I went to his house. He said his parents would go out tonight. That means we can order food and do something. It was his idea. I won't deny it because it might never happen again. His mom complimented me the whole time until she left for her dinner. I didn't know she liked me that much. I only gave her a few candies. She left us money to order food. Hunter wanted pizza and fries. I don't care what I eat, but I like junk food.

- So.

- So?

- What do you want us to do? I'm open to anything.

- I don't know. Your house, your rules.

- This doesn't mean anything. I'm serious.

- I don't care what we do. Even if we only talk, it's more than enough for me.

- I will ask you something, but I want you to be honest.

- What is it?

- Do you think I should've started talking to you earlier?

- I can't answer that.

- Why not? It's a simple question

- Because I can't. Ask something else.

- Fine. Do you think I should've ditched my friends earlier?

- Hunter.

- Answer me, Ellie. I want to know what you think.

- Why?

- Because I care.

- For what? My opinion?

- Yes.

- Really? You do?

- Yes, I do. Now, answer me.

- Yes, you should've left them earlier. They have never been your friends.

- You know a lot more than you say.

- Well, I have eyes and ears everywhere. There is a reason why I'm quiet.

- I want you to tell me what you know about my friends.

- No, don't make me do it.

- Please, Ellie. I want the truth.

- Once, I heard them talking about you. They were only using you because people liked you.

- Why didn't you tell me?

- You wouldn't believe me. Also, I told you. Indirectly.

- What do you mean?

- I left an anonymous note in your locker.

- That was you?

- Yes. I couldn't tell you face-to-face. I'm sorry. I didn't want things to end this way.

- It's ok. In the future, can you tell me these things? Please.

- Sure. The other reason was that I couldn't get to you. The reason is well known.

- I'm sorry about that. It won't happen again.

- I hope so. I'm not a fighter, but I might become one.

- Well. I would love to see it.

We kept talking while eating dinner. That happened more than a year ago. I thought Hunter had forgotten about this. I should've kept my mouth shut. It's not like something terrible happened. He still got rid of them. I think he should leave this in the past and focus on himself. Thinking about these people won't help him feel better. I won't say that I'm the best option for that. I would love it if he chooses me. Let's not make illusions about something that will never happen. After graduation, I probably won't see him again. It's not like I want it to happen. I hope that we can keep in touch after high school.