Secret crush

Chapter ten - That was in the past

Hunter's POV:

Things between Ellie and I are going in a good direction. I claimed her as my friend. We talked a lot, and it was about time for this to happen. I know she is happy about it. I saw it in her face. She can't hide emotions well, even if she is trying. That makes things even better. Since we started going out, I have understood many things about myself. I'm a different person from my ex-friends. It's time for me to say it. We stopped talking or going out. They got interested in the trio. I don't want to have anything in common with these girls. That's how I learned about what type of people I want to be with. Ellie is the perfect example. I'm afraid that after high school, I won't see her again. I have no idea where she will go. I can follow her, but I won't do it. I'll do what she told me. Being myself means following my path. I'll go to a place I like, not because someone is there. I still have some time to decide that. Mom keeps asking me about her. I have told her we are only friends, but it doesn't matter to her. Honestly, she never liked my ex-friends. I knew she was right. Well, I didn't want to believe her. I forced myself to think they were good people. Being lonely is a scary thing. That's why I stayed with my friends for so long. I hope that I don't have to deal with them anymore.

November is almost at the end. That means winter is coming. I'm not a fan, but I'll survive. The good thing is that we have a winter vacation and holidays. It's not like I have planned something. Probably, I'll be at home with my parents. I don't want to go out. Ellie can keep me company. She is the only person with who I talk and go out. I can make more friends, but I don't want to do it. The high school will end soon. I don't want to be with people I might never see again.

School started an hour ago. I was with Ellie again. She doesn't mind me at all. Even if I'm distracted, she always pays attention. I won't lie that my grades rose a little bit. That is after I started sitting with her. I won't be a straight-A student like her, but I'm glad that something good came out of this. People hate her for no reason. When the class finished, I waited for her. I have everything I need in my backpack, but I'll stay with her. I have nothing better to do.

- Do you need something, or will you stay like that?

- The second option is more likely to happen.

- Ok. If you want me to entertain you in my way, you have to wait a few hours.

- Why?

- Because I have to study after school.

- Can I come?

- Where?

- With you.

- I'm going home. Is this what you want?

- If you don't mind.

- Not at all. My parents will be out already.

- They will come.

- Not until tomorrow morning.

- Why?

- They have a night shift again. I got their shifts confused. I don't know when they have to go to work.

- You miss them, don't you?

- No. I see my parents every day.

- Ellie.

- Maybe a little bit. My parents work a lot. I don't need their attention, but I like being with them.

- Not many people at our age will say that.

- I don't care. I love my parents. They do a lot for me.

- They must be good people.

- True. At least, I think this way.

- No wonder you are like that.

- What do you mean?

- You took the good things from them.

- I don't know. My parents are patient people, but even their patience has limits.

- Isn't every person like that?

- No. Some people get mad quickly.

- Well, I'm glad you are not like that. - I said, chuckling

- You wouldn't survive if I were like that.

- Maybe. Should I test your limits?

- Do it. After that, you will never want to be my friend anymore. My madness equals hurt. If you made me mad, you have hurt me, and I don't forgive quickly.

- I should be careful.

- If you want to keep me around, yes.

- Oh, boy. I promise I won't do anything to hurt you.

- Are you sure?

- Hundred percent. You won't regret being with me.

- I never said that.

- That is for the future.

- If you say so. I'm going to class. Will you come?

- Yes, sure. I'll walk after you like a puppy. - I said, and Ellie laughed

I haven't been to her house before. It looks nice. I thought her room would be full of books. She has a small bookshelf on the wall. I like the way she has decorated it. You can see all her favorite things in here. She let me look around while she went to the kitchen. My room looks messier. Maybe that is because I'm a boy. I try to keep it clean. Sometimes, I like to leave things everywhere. Mom makes her comments on this. I clean when I'm in the mood to do it. That doesn't happen often.

- Sometimes, I like to study with snacks. You can make me company today.

- I would love to. Your room looks great.

- Thanks. I don't have many things.

- Unlike me, you are a tidy person.

- Let's say I prefer to keep my things in drawers or other places.

- I'm trying to do that. There are times when I leave everything on top.

- I have been there. When I look in my room, I feel disgusted. The way you keep your room shows part of your personality.

- True. I'm not sure what mine shows.

- Everything you are.

- I don't know who fooled you into thinking like that about me.

- No one. I see it every day.

- Good luck.

- With what?

- Me. I'm not easy to deal with.

- Neither am I, but you are still here.

- I prefer it that way.

- Alright. I have to study. You can do whatever you want if you don't distract me.

- When have I done that?

- Sometimes, you do it without even realizing it.

- Really? Maybe you are getting distracted too easily.

- That is not true. I'm not like that around everyone.

- See? When I'm here, you are different. - I said and looked at her

- I'll start with my Math homework.

- In that case, I'll follow the lead.

I was quiet most of the time. I know how seriously Ellie takes studying. I won't distract her. Somehow, she still got distracted. That might be from my presence, even if I didn't do anything. I went to the bathroom for a minute and saw her on the phone. Let's be honest. She is an ordinary teenage girl. Ellie is not a nerd. She never was and never will be. I sat next to her and pulled out my phone. I showed her the wallpaper on my home screen. My phone has a password. No one will see this.

- I can't believe you did it.

- I told you. That will stay with me forever.

- I look terrible. I won't even comment on the outfit.

- Say whatever you want. I like this a lot.

- Why? It can't be because of the free candy.

- It has nothing to do with that. Just accept it.

- Fine. If you want, you can stay here for dinner. I'm alone.

- Aren't you bothered by this?

- I'm used to this. When I was little, my parents sent me to my grandparents for the night. It stopped when I turned thirteen.

- I'm not saying you can't take care of yourself, but you know.

- It doesn't bother me. I'm used to this. Sometimes, I like being alone.

- Ok. I guess.

- I use the time to think about myself. I mean, to think about who I am and what I want from my life. Sometimes, even if what I'm doing is the right thing. I'm reflecting on what I have been doing for the past few days or weeks.

- You are taking this seriously.

- In the end, you are your own best friend.

- I wish I could disagree with you. Sadly, I can't.

- Stop thinking about it. That was in the past. You have to move on.

- Will you stop talking to me after high school?

- Why would I do that?

- Because you will go to university.

- So? You are the only friend I have. I won't lose that.

- It feels nice to hear it.

I decided to stay with Ellie for dinner. She made us some pasta. I had no idea she could cook. I guess he has learned over time that she is alone. Part of me feels horrible about her. She is already a loner in school. Now, this is happening at home. That is one of the reasons why I agreed to stay with her. The other one is that I like it. She is a good company. We decided to watch a movie with our dinner. Later, we went out for drinks. I had no idea so many shops were open that late.

- You are surprising me every day with your knowledge.

- Why?

- You know all the open stores.

- I know only the good ones. I don't care about the rest.

- I can tell.

- Sometimes, I go to visit my parents on their night shift. I bring them drinks.

- I'm sure they won't deny it.

- It's like a refresh for them.

- They work a lot. Right?

- If they didn't, I wouldn't have had the things I do now.

- Do you miss them?

- I don't know. Honestly, it's good for me to be alone. When I go to university, I'll be alone in my dorm. I mean, without my parents.

- You can always call them.

- I will, but it won't be the same. You know.

- I'm sorry.

- For what? You didn't do anything.

- Yes, but I don't want you to be alone.

- Hunter, I'm not alone.

- You are. First, it was in school. Now, you are at home.

- That was my choice. Do you think I'm a loner?

- Um.

- Hunter.

- Maybe.

- I'm not. I'm fine by myself. I think you should be lucky that I even invited you.

- I didn't want to offend you.

- Mission failed.

- Ellie, I'm sorry. Can you forgive me? Please.

- Is there something else that you think about me?

- What?

- Answer me.

- No, I don't. I swear.

- Let's say that I believe you.

- I will never offend you intentionally. You know that. Ellie.

- Fine. It doesn't matter. I will go home. You can do whatever you want.

- Can I at least send you home? I won't come in.

- Yes, you can.

- Thanks. We can go for a walk before that.

- You can go on one after you drop me home.

- Ok, ok. I won't say anything else.

She doesn't hate me, but I can tell she got hurt from what I said. I didn't mean it that way. I guess I won't talk about this again with her. I'm starting to think that other people have told her that. I don't see another reason why she reacted this way. Something must have happened. At this point, I don't care. I'll leave her alone for a while. That might help her feel better. I know she will talk with me again. Mom said I was thinking too much about this. How can't I? Ellie is my friend. She is the only one I have for now. I can't afford to lose her. I hope that this will never happen.