Secret crush

Chapter eleven - Dad, help him

Ellie's POV:

Hunter thinks I'm a loner. I thought this phase was over. People used to make fun of me for that in middle school. No matter what I said, it didn't stop them. I like being alone. There is a reason why I do it. I don't think someone will understand me. I wanted him at least not to look at me the way others do. It seems like I was wrong. It doesn't matter what I do. People will always criticize me. I stopped caring about this. I mean, from the people who don't mean anything to me. Hunter doesn't know everything, but I wanted us to get close. Let's say we are working on it. After high school, this will be over. Even if I keep calling and texting him, this will fade away with time. Both of us will get busy with our classes and other activities. I know he didn't mean anything terrible with this, but it gets me when people talk like that about me. He is not a horrible person, and I should focus on this. Gosh, sake. We are friends. That should be the most important thing for me. Instead of worrying about this, I should focus on the present. December is coming. I'm not that excited about the holidays, but I enjoy them. At least my parents don't have to work. That is what I think. I won't talk with them for a week if they have to work on Christmas and New Year's. I hope that this won't happen so we can be together.

December officially arrived. I'm not in a holiday mood. Before I jump into a festive spirit, I should finish my schoolwork. It's not that much, but I don't want to work during the holidays. I don't have plans yet. Honestly, I don't want to do anything. Vacations are for you to rest. I will enjoy the time I spend alone. I have many activities to do. I thought of going out with Hunter. Well, I gave up on this idea. After all, I see him every day at school. That is more than enough.

The school was so good to start serving hot chocolate during the lunch break. It's one of my favorite winter drinks. That might be the only one. Adding marshmallows makes it even better. I took my lunch and sat down. Hunter wasn't here yet. It's not like I'm desperately waiting for him. Molly gave me a look, but I ignored her. She is not the center of the universe. I don't need to share everything I do with her. I was drinking my hot chocolate when someone sat in front of me. He smiled and started eating.

- I can tell you are hungry. - I said

- I was running late, so I had to skip breakfast.

- I'm sorry.

- Tonight, I'm going out. We can hang out in the afternoon.

- I can't. I had plans for the afternoon.

- In that case, we can go out tomorrow. What do you say?

- I'm up for this.

- Sweet.

- You look excited. Is something happening?

- No, but I woke up in a weirdly good mood.

- Why weird?

- Because it doesn't happen often. I plan to do some of my favorite things tonight.

- I hope you enjoy them.

- Oh, I will. I'm excited.

- Good for you.

- You are extremely quiet today. Why is that?

- I have nothing to say.

- What are the mysterious plans for the afternoon?

- They are not mysterious.

- But you didn't tell me anything.

- I'm doing a cleanout. Physically and mentally.

- Which means?

- I will clean my closet. Mostly, I mean ordering it. I have a notebook at home, which I use as a tracker. I write down everything I have done in the past week. I kept delaying it because I got lazy.

- Part of me thinks that you made that up.

- Fine. I wanted to be alone for some time. No offense.

- Why didn't you start with this?

- Because I didn't want it to look like I didn't want to be with you. Sometimes, I like being on my own.

- Ellie, there is nothing wrong with that, and even I do it. You can tell me these things. I won't judge you.

- I'll do it next time.

- Good.

- Do you want me to get you something else to eat?

- No, thanks. That will be enough. I'll eat snacks at home.

- If you say so.

- The hot chocolate was good. Right?

- Yes. You missed out on this one.

- I know. I might take one tomorrow.

- I can save you a cup. What do you say?

- You don't have to do it, but I appreciate it.

- Then, it's decided.

After school, I went home. My parents have a night shift again. I might use the time to go out. Hunter has plans for the night, so I'll do something alone. I finished my studies. There won't be snacks today. Honestly, I did it only because of him. My parents finally came home. It's not like they won't be here only for an hour. Sometimes, I feel like they go to work early on purpose. I'm not mad. I know how much they love their job. I went downstairs to see them before they left.

- Hey. You are here.

- Where should we be? - my dad said

- You always leave early. I can't catch up with you.

- Now you can. Do you need something?

- No, I only wanted to see you.

- You saw me.

- Why are you like that?

- It's not only you who can annoy people.

- You are awful.

- But you love me.

- Where is my mom? She doesn't bug me that much.

- Because you two have teamed up against me.

- You know that it's not true.

- Hey, mom.

- Hello. There is food in the fridge. If you don't want it, order something else. Here, take this. It'll be enough.

- Thanks, but I don't need it. I'll be fine.

- I want to take you with us, but I can't. Also, you might get bored.

- Don't worry. I have many things to do.

- Well, have fun. I don't know what to tell you.

- Maybe you love me.

- Yes, it's true. I love you.

- It's always good to hear it.

- Did you decide where you will study?

- Don't remind me of this. I know a few places.

- You have enough time. Go somewhere where you will enjoy it. Don't think about us.

- You have your job. Once I go out, you'll ghost me.

- Ellie, that is not true. - my dad said

- Are you sure?

We left it there. I didn't want my parents to be late for work. I stayed at home for dinner. Later, I walked out. I have no idea where I'm going. At least it's not that hot. I was waiting for a traffic light when something happened. There was a guy on a motorcycle who crossed on green. Someone else with a car passed on red and hit him. The guy flew away on the sidewalk. I went to check on the driver, but he escaped. Luckily, my senses were good. I took a picture of his car number. Then, I called an ambulance.

- Hey, are you ok? I can help you. - I said and removed his helmet

- Ellie.

- Hunter? What? What happened?

- I don't know.

- It's ok. Gosh, your head is bleeding. Can you lift your head? - I asked, taking off my sweatshirt

- No.

- Ok. I'll do it for you. Don't worry. That is my sweatshirt. Your foot is bleeding as well. I don't have anything else. Let me check in my backpack.

- What happened? - a police officer asked

- Someone crossed on red and hit him. Here is his car number.

- Thanks. That will be useful.

- How is he? - a woman asked

- Finally, you came. The boy's head and foot are bleeding.

- Ok, we'll take him. You better come with us.

- Why?

- You look pale. We'll check you on the way.

- I'm fine.

- Please, listen to us.

- Yes, sure.

- How old is he? - a man asked

- Eighteen.

- Do you know him?

- I see him every day at school. We have the same classes.

- I see.

- He will be fine. Right?

- We'll do everything possible to save him. Call Doctor Cheng with his nurse. - she said as we arrived

- I'm sorry, but you can't come. Your friend has a broken leg. We have to operate on him.

- You have to let me in.

- It's impossible. I'm sorry.

- You have to let me in! - I said, kicking the door

- Ellie?

- Dad, help him. Please. You can't let him die. - I said, already crying

- I'll see what is going on.

- Hey, come here. Everything will be fine. Doctor Cheng knows what he is doing. - my mom said

I was desperately waiting for news in the next hour. There was nothing. Mom was with me. Why on him? He didn't do anything. The other guy is guilty. Mom and I went for hot chocolate. That is the last thing I want, but I can't do anything for him. Of course, my mom asked questions, but I couldn't tell her anything. Not now. We went back, and I saw my dad. Judging by the look on his face, there is no good news. Please, tell me that he is alive. Please.

- Well?

- He is alive, but he is in a coma.

- What? Will he wake up?

- No one knows. We have to wait.

- Are you telling me that he can die?

- All I can tell you is that he lost a lot of blood. With his broken leg, he has to wear a cast for at least a month.

- The operation was successful, right?

- Yes, it was.

- Can I see him? Please.

- Sure. He is in the room over there.

- Hey. I don't know if you can hear me, but I'm here. I have hot chocolate. I'll get you a cup tomorrow and bring it here. I promised to do it at lunch. I always keep my promises. I, um. I.

- Ellie, he will be fine. All you have to do is believe in it.

- How? Look at him.

- I believe this is yours. That won't come off. - my dad said

- Yes, I. Um. I used it to stop the bleeding on Hunter's head.

- Won't you tell us who he is? At least we have to call his parents. - my mom said

- We go to school together. I see him every day in class.

- And?

- And what? That's it.

- Ellie, I know you.

- You don't need to know everything.

- Alright. Do you know how we can call his parents?

- Their phone numbers are in his phone, but I don't know the password.

- No problem. Do you know their names?

- I do.

- See? We are getting somewhere.

- What if he never wakes up?

- Don't talk like that. Your friend will be fine. I promise you.

- Can I stay here for the night? Please.

- Sure. You can go home with us.

Why did it happen to him? I don't understand. He hasn't done anything that bad. Honestly, he changed a lot. I can't keep seeing him like that. The fact that I can't do anything makes it even worse. Every doctor here is great, but even they can't do miracles. One thing is sure. I'm not leaving until he wakes up. I can't imagine how his mom will react. It wasn't his fault. I saw it all. I had no idea he had a motorcycle. Hunter never mentioned that. It's not like I need to know everything about him. I haven't told him many things about myself. I hope that he will wake up.