Secret crush

Chapter sixteen - No cast, no problems

Hunter's POV:

I have to remove my cast soon. That is the only thing I'm happy about. Lately, my mood hasn't been up. I don't know what is going on. Ellie is doing everything possible. It makes me even worse. I shouldn't go to university because of her, but she is the only real friend I have ever had. I can't let go of such a person. I might never find someone else like her again. Mom told me to keep talking with her about it. She is not wrong. Maybe I should let go of this. There is no point in wasting my days like that. Ellie is putting a lot of effort into me. I can't make her feel like it was for nothing. That's why I went out with her. It was hard for me with the cast, but I did it. We weren't that far away. She was helping me all the time. I feel terrible about this. I understand she cares about me, but I can do some things alone. That will change when I remove the cast. I can't believe that her dad is my doctor. Now I know why she acted this way. It was a good surprise. Ellie and I are only friends, but I'm glad her parents like me. They helped me a lot in the hospital. It's not like this isn't their job, but I appreciate it. At least I will be able to walk soon. That is all I wanted since it happened. I hope that this won't happen ever again.

Finally, the day came. I'll go and remove my cast today. These were a long two weeks. Now, the wait is over. Ellie said she would be with me. There is no need for that, but I appreciate it. I think she will use the chance to see her parents. She told me I was always welcome when her parents were on a night shift. I don't need to bother her that much, but I agreed. It will be good for me to spend some time with her. Friends do such things.

Currently, I'm in school. Ellie is with me. Molly tried a few times, but since I cut her off, she stopped. My teachers believed the story. Even if they didn't, I won't say what happened. That is something between Ellie and me. After the class, we went to my locker. I'm trying to enjoy the fact that she is here. I looked up and saw my ex-friends coming. They passed by me as if I didn't exist. As she said, that was in the past. What they do is not my business. They make choices, and I do, too.

- Hey, are you ok? You look as if you regret something. - Ellie said

- If it has been only one.

- What do you mean?

- Nothing. How is your day so far?

- Good. It's not like I'm doing much.

- You don't have to come with me in the afternoon.

- I know, but I wanted to see my parents.

- I thought the same.

- What?

- I was sure this was why you wanted to come so much.

- Is that a bad thing?

- Not at all. I'm glad to see you so close to them.

- Well, they are my parents.

- Not every kid our age will say the same.

- I barely see them. They come from work tired. I try not to bother them much, but I like having their attention.

- I'm having this too much from mine.

- Do you mean your mom?

- Yes.

- Accept that the woman cares about you.

- I understand, but sometimes, it's too much. I'm not a little kid.

- Why don't you say this to her?

- I don't want her to get mad at me. Mostly, I don't want to hurt her feelings.

- I don't think this will happen.

- Do you think your dad will let me be back in P.E.?

- Honestly, I don't know. He will remove your cast, but you need to start walking.

- This means no.

- Hunter, I'm not a doctor. I don't know what he will tell you. That was a guess.

- But you know him.

- This doesn't mean anything.

- Sure.

- I prefer the happy version.

- Of what?

- You.

- It's not only you. Give me some time. A lot of things happened.

- If you want, I can give you a few days off. Call me when you are ready to go out.

- There is no need for that.

- Trust me, you will feel better. I have done this for myself.

- Did it work?

- What do you think?

- Alright. I might do this from next week. Can you survive?

- The question is whether you can survive.

On the lunch break, we were together again. I know Ellie won't leave me alone after everything that is happening. After school, we went to the hospital. I feel more confident in walking, but I still need support. I didn't tell my parents. Otherwise, someone will come to take me. We took a few breaks, but we managed to get there. Ellie asked for her dad at the reception. The woman told us which room we should go to. He came in less than ten minutes. I don't know how he can be positive after all the hard work.

- I'm here. - I said

- Yes, I can see you.

- Hey, dad.

- I'll pretend that I don't know why you are here.

- Isn't it obvious? Where is my mom?

- She is checking on patients.

- Can't you call her?

- Ellie, we'll come home tonight.

- Whatever.

- Are you ready? It won't hurt.

- All I want is for the cast to be gone. I can't stand it anymore.

- Don't worry. I'll cut it with this. It looks scary, but it's not. Nothing will happen to you.

- I'll go and find my mom.

- Ellie, she is. - he said, but she left

- No offense, but don't you think you work too much?

- Money doesn't grow on trees.

- Yes, but at what cost? You replaced your daughter with work. Is this what you wanted?

- We didn't replace her.

- That is not how she feels it.

- What do you mean?

- I mean that you have to talk with her. She doesn't see you often.

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

- Look. I'm not saying that you have to quit your job. Try to spend more time with her. She will love it.

- Maybe we need a break.

- Hey, that is my vision. It doesn't mean I'm right.

- But you spend more time with her than we do.

- I wonder why.

Finally, I got rid of this cast. It feels great to touch my leg. The doctor made me get up and walk a little bit. I never thought I would feel insecure about walking. He said that was because I got used to doing it with crutches. That is true, too. It was a long month. Ellie came with her mom. She was happy to see that I was standing up all alone. I asked about P.E. I can't go for the rest of the week. I will be in class, but I can't do anything. He wants to make sure that I can walk properly.

- Your leg is back to how it used to be. Everything looks normal, but I suggest you rest. Let's say a few more days.

- Later?

- Later, you can do everything you used to do.

- That is what I want to hear. Freedom.

- Be careful. If you break the same leg again, you will wear the cast for longer.

- I'll try not to make it happen.

- Will your parents sue the driver? - Ellie asked

- I don't know. Mom never said anything about this. I think she was too occupied with me.

- It's understandable. I do the same when Ellie is sick. - miss Smith said

- You can go home now. I want to do a final check on you next week.

- No problem. I'll be here.

- With me. - Ellie said

- Ellie, I think we need to talk. That will be at home.

- Don't tell. I wonder what you have to say.

- Since my cast is gone, I'll take you out for drinks. - I said

- Thanks, but that will be another day. I have to study.

- Me too, but you can make the sacrifice.

- Please, don't insist. I'm not in the mood for that. Maybe next time.

- If there is one.

- There will be. I promise. If you are ready, we can go. I'll leave you at home.

- Won't you come with me?

- I'll come to see you tomorrow. Can I?

- Sure. Have fun at home. - I said, and we left

I don't know why her mood changed so quickly. Maybe Ellie and her mom talked about something. I understand why she gets upset. That's why I said all these things to her dad. Hopefully, he understood the assignment. I went home and started with my homework. It'll be only me and my parents for dinner. Right now, I'm not in the mood to see anyone else. Maybe except for Ellie, but it won't be today. She had other things on her mind. Sadly, I'm not one of them. I shouldn't think about her so often, but she is my friend.

- You look so weird without a cast. - my mom said

- You should get used to it.

- Don't worry. I'll do this.

- Good.

- How are you? I mean, how was your day?

- It was nice. I thought you would be with Ellie.

- She cut me off. I'll call her tomorrow.

- You can always leave her a message if you are worried.

- I'll see about that.

- Is this the only problem?

- It's not a problem. I'm not desperate to see her daily.

- But I know you love spending time with her. Am I right?

- It has nothing to do with that.

- Honey, are you sure you two are only friends?

- Yes, I am. Nothing else will happen. After university, she will forget about me.

- What if she never does it?

- Good for her.

- Hunter, why are you like that?

- Why do you ask me so many questions? I don't want to talk about her. Whatever is going on has nothing to do with you.

- Because I'm your mom and I care about you.

- I never asked you to do it.

- Look. I have nothing to do with your problem. If you'll be mad all night, go to your room.

- I might do this.

- Alright. No more arguments. - my dad said

- I'll be in my room.

- You won't go anywhere. Both of you will sit and talk like ordinary people.

- Dad, don't make it worse. Please.

- Being mad is not a solution. I know this from personal experience.

- You argued with grandma?

- I have. That is why I'm telling you all this. Hunter, it's not worth it.

- Can I go now? I don't want to hear another lecture.

- You won't listen to me, will you?

- Isn't it obvious?

- Fine. You can go.

I decided to text Ellie. She read it, but without response. I'll leave her alone. We can talk another day. It's not the end of the world. I can focus on myself. I might not be active in P.E., but it doesn't mean I can't walk. I can try and go out tomorrow alone. If she wants to come, she is more than welcome. I don't know what else to say. I don't want such things to happen. I'm not mad at my mom, but sometimes, she is too pushy. I don't need to tell her everything. Some things I prefer to keep only for myself. That includes my friend, Ellie. I hope that we can resolve our issues.