Secret crush

Chapter five - Do what you feel is right

Ellie's POV:

Hunter said he had questions for me. I'm not sure about this. Lately, he started talking to me often. I love that. I'm not sure why he is doing it. I don't want him to come only when his friends ditch him. The same goes for the trio. I know he doesn't like them. I don't think anyone does. Let's say that they can be annoying. It's visible that he is not interested in them. In their place, I would've given up a long time ago. Honestly, I don't care. I have other things on my mind. That's why one of them is my graduation. I can't stop thinking about what he has to ask me. It's not related to me. I'm sure about this. He said I was the only person who could help him. I appreciate that, but I'm sure there are other people. I won't miss my chance. It might never happen again. After all, it's not every day that you can talk with such a guy. I might be eighteen, but I'm old enough for some things. It's not what you are thinking about. Part of me is scared to kiss someone. I'm afraid they will be disappointed. So far, I have had a good impression. It's not like this is enough. Also, it doesn't mean anything. I don't know what to do. I won't bother my parents with this. They have a lot of work. That is the last thing they want to take care of. I hope that this is not one of his games.

I decided to spend the weekend at home. My parents have a night shift on Saturday. That means I'll be alone for the night. It's not like I care. I'm already used to this. When I was little, they sent me to my grandparents. That stopped when I was thirteen. I don't do anything. Nothing will happen if I stay at home alone. I think I have proved that. Most of the time, I'm watching movies and eating snacks. Sometimes, I like to go outside. It depends on my mood. There are benefits to that.

I woke up and checked the time. It was 9 am. I better get up. My parents were already at the table. The food was so good. My parents have some errands to do. I might go out with them. I have no idea what else to do. First, I need to change my clothes. I put on a hoodie and some sweatpants. Our first stop was the grocery store. I'm allowed to pick whatever I want for the night. I might know what I'll watch. Let's say that my selection is big enough.

- Did you pick everything you want? - my mom asked

- Yes, I did. That will be enough for me for the night.

- You can go out with someone. It's your last year in high school.

- So? It doesn't mean I want to change.

- Leave her alone. - my dad said

- Thanks. Where should we go next?

- We can go for lunch. First, we'll drop off these things at home. I won't carry them around the town. - my mom said

- Can I have chicken nuggets?

- For dinner?

- For lunch. We can make them at home.

- Yes, but for once, I want someone else to cook instead of me.

- Fine. I'll eat them another day.

- We can go to a restaurant that sells them.

- Are you spoiling me again?

- Ellie, not now.

- You are not in the mood. Dad, what did you do?

- Nothing. It's not because of me.

- Well, the fault is not mine.

- None of you is guilty. I'm a bit tired. I might take a nap after lunch.

- Can we do something to cheer you up?

- I'm tired, not upset.

- It's the same thing. You can't function right. - I said, and she laughed

- True.

- Ladies, if you don't pick anything else, I'll go to pay. - my dad said

- We have everything.

- Alright. You can wait for me in the car.

- Mom, is everything alright?

- Yes, why?

- I'm only asking.

- No, no. Something is going on.

- Nothing is going on.

- Who and what did they do?

- Nothing. Forget that I said something.

- Should I tell your dad?

- Tell me what?

- Nothing. Can we go for lunch now?

- Yes, but we'll leave the groceries at home.

- Yes, sir.

- I thought school would tire you.

- No matter what they do, they can't tire me. I have a lot of energy.

- I can tell. We might need to leave you alone more often.

- No. I want to stay with you.

- Why? Go out with people your age.

- I have enough time to do that.

In the afternoon, I was at home. My parents had a few more things to do outside. They went after lunch. Mom postponed her nap. The restaurant was good. I liked it. I decided to read a book. I finished all my schoolwork yesterday. There is a reason why I do all my work on Friday. If I study the whole week without a rest, I can have the weekend for myself. Some people have to do their homework. I don't have this problem. I was about to go to the next chapter when I heard my phone. I had a message from Hunter.

Hey. Are you here?

Yes, I am. How can I help you?

I don't need your help. I only wanted to check on you.

Because?

I wanted to do it. Why do you have to question everything I do for you?

That is how I work.

Fine. Are you free tonight?

Let me guess. Your friends are busy with the trio, and you have nothing else to do.

I won't say it like that.

But it's true.

To understand that you don't want to go out with me.

Oh, I will. It doesn't mean I like why you are doing it.

You know what will happen to you if I do it publicly.

I don't care, but I guess that you do.

No, I don't.

You do. It's crystal clear.

I don't want to lose my friends.

If they are your friends, they won't be so controlling. Open your eyes.

My eyes are open. How else would I text you?

Not that way. Forget it.

I know what you mean, but they are not bad people.

I didn't say they were. I'm saying that they want you to be like them, but you are not. Unlike them, you are a nice person.

Really? You think that.

I see it. You are not like your friends.

I never thought you would say it.

People think I'm many things, but they don't know me.

Hunter and I kept texting. The only reason why I agreed to go out with him tonight is because it's him. If it had been someone else, I would've made an excuse. I'm sorry, I'm busy. Call someone else. For dinner, my parents were at home. Later, they have to go to the hospital. I helped my mom set the table. I lost my appetite a little bit, but I'll eat something. I can always get a snack when I come back home. My parents won't find out anything.

- Ellie, what will you do alone? - my mom asked

- I don't know. I'll find something to do.

- You can go out, but be careful.

- I haven't decided yet. What will you do at work? Checking on people.

- Yes. What else am I supposed to do? I'm a nurse.

- Talk with people.

- Well, I do that. Checking on patients is not that long.

- I bet my dad will be running after you. - I said, and we laughed

- I won't run, but I'll be there.

- Don't you know it already? She would've left you a long time ago if she wanted to. Grow up.

- What? I'm not doing it because of that. She is my nurse.

- My nurse. As if she doesn't belong to anyone else.

- That is true, Ellie. Every doctor has only one nurse. - my mom said

- You can dress as a doctor and a nurse on Halloween.

- We probably have to work on Halloween.

- Come on. Can't you rest for at least one day?

- We rest often. What else do you want?

- To do it more often.

- When you get a job, I'll ask you the same.

- That might not be soon.

- It doesn't matter. I'll remind you.

- Um, no, thanks.

- Eat your food. We have to go out soon.

- You can do it. I'll take care of the dishes.

- Will you do it? Thank you. I'll go and get ready.

- We'll talk about the payment later.

- Excuse me?

- I was kidding. Have a good shift.

- Thanks, honey.

I waited for my parents to go out. I texted Hunter and washed the dishes while waiting for his response. He told me where he would wait for me. I changed my clothes and walked out. It's only a walk. Nothing will happen. Hunter was waiting for me with two drinks. We started walking. What should I say? I was drinking in silence. It's a bit awkward. We walked like that until we reached the park. Hunter sat down and tapped the place next to him. It feels nice and weird. I don't know how to describe it.

- Thank you for going out with me. - Hunter said

- No problem. I know this won't happen often.

- I won't say it like that. I'm sorry for how this looks. I didn't want it to be this way.

- But it is.

- Molly won't leave you in peace if she finds out.

- Why do you care about her so much?

- I care about you, not her.

- What?

- She is coming at you daily. How are you not bothered by that?

- Because I don't care about her. I have focused on myself.

- You already know where you will study, right?

- I know the places.

- How have you prioritized yourself? I can't do that.

- Start thinking about what you want. These people are not your friends. Understand it.

- Then what am I supposed to do?

- Do what you feel is right. Your friends only care about having fun. If you decide this at the last minute, you might regret it.

- I don't know what I want.

- No, you know. What you don't know is how to tell your friends. You care about them more than they care about you.

- You think?

- I know it. Everyone knows it. Your friends use you because people like you.

- How can I change that?

- Think about what you want to be. Hunter, you are a good person. Don't be like them.

- It's not that easy.

- I know you can do this. Talk with your parents. They might give you better advice.

- Thank you, Ellie.

- Is this what you wanted to ask me?

- Yes. Time is passing by, and I haven't done anything.

- It's not too late. You can always change everything. What do you say?

- Will you help me with this?

- Me?

- You are the only one who can do this.

- Alright. I'll see what I can do about this.

Hunter and I stayed outside for some time. It felt nice talking with him. He is not like his friends. There is something else. I know what he wants from me, and I'm afraid this won't end well. I already agreed to do it. I have to deal with the negativity in school. Molly won't leave me in peace. She will think that something is going on. Honestly, he is way more important than her opinion. I don't care what she thinks. After all, I decided to focus on myself. That involved him. I never thought that something would happen. It was impossible. I hope that we can keep the good relations.