Secret crush

Chapter fourteen - Bored at home

Hunter's POV:

One word. Ellie. I don't know what I would have done without her. She already does too much for me. I didn't make her do it, but she loves it. I do, too. No one has taken so much care of me. That is, except for my parents. My friends wouldn't have done it. Now I'm glad that she didn't tell anyone what happened. They will put on their fake expressions and how upset they are from what happened. She deserves to be upset because she was there. I owe her a lot. With that leg, I won't be able to do much. I want to go out with her again, but it won't be soon. Walking with one healthy and one broken leg is not ideal. At least I can walk even a little bit. Ellie will come to visit me. Honestly, she is the only person I want to see. I wonder what will happen when I go to school. Mostly, I have to deal with Molly. She stopped talking to me for a while, but I believe she will start doing it again. I don't understand what she wants from me. I have told her many times that I'm not interested. There is nothing else I can do. I'll stick to Ellie no matter what happens. She is my real friend. I like her for who she is. That is more than enough. So far, she has done for me a lot more than my ex-friends. I won't forget it. I hope that we'll keep talking with each other after high school.

I went home yesterday. Mom is acting as I expected her to do. She is an overprotective parent. Dad is chill. He knows it hurts me, but he doesn't check on me every five minutes. I barely get out of bed. At least I convinced her not to go to the bathroom with me. I can go to the toilet alone. Also, I wouldn't like my mom to be there or anyone else. The benefit is that she cooks my favorite meals. I told her that I could eat a sandwich. There is no need for her to do that.

People are in school, and I'm in bed. I woke up an hour ago. Mom already made me breakfast. She will stay here for a while. I don't need a babysitter, but I appreciate that she is here. I don't want to be alone. It's boring. I carefully got out of bed and went to check on her. She tried to work from home, but I stopped her. I'm not five. I can take care of myself. I made her a cup of coffee and walked up to her. Please, don't ask how I hold a cup and two crutches.

- Why didn't you tell me? I could've helped you. - my mom said

- You don't need to do everything for me. I'm fine.

- There is a reason why I'm still at home.

- The problem is not mine. I think you should've been at work.

- I'll go soon. I know you don't want me here.

- That is not true. I'm happy you are here.

- Well, thank you.

- Do you think she will be ok?

- Who? Ellie?

- Yes.

- You can help her with that. I'm sure she will forget about this after your cast is gone.

- She doesn't forget that easily.

- But I know she will do it.

- I think I should do something for her.

- Like what?

- I don't know. I'm here, thanks to Ellie.

- Giving her your friendship and appreciation for everything is more than enough. Ellie is not the type of girl who wants much. She is happy with the little things.

- Yes, but I feel guilty. There was no need for Ellie to do it.

- You think about it too much. I'll tell you what. When Ellie comes here for a visit, talk with her. I'm sure she will listen to you.

- No one knows about what happened. I mean, in school.

- Why are you telling me this?

- Once I go there, many people will come with fake emotions of support.

- I thought you already knew who your real friends were.

- Yes, but I can't escape from everyone.

- No one said that you have to do it. Stay with the people who make you happy and valuable.

- You are telling me to walk after Ellie like a puppy.

- I didn't say that.

- She will get tired of me.

- Why don't you make more friends?

- No, I can't. I'll graduate after a few months. I don't want to start something that will end quickly.

- If you think like that, there is no reason to find friends at university either. You will graduate after four years.

- Mom.

- I'm saying the same thing as you.

Mom finally went to work. I don't mind her, but she doesn't need to always stay with me. I'm fine. I have a broken leg, not a broken body. If I don't walk now, I never will. I stayed in the backyard for a while. Laying down makes me feel better, but I get tired of it. For lunch, I ate a sandwich. I don't need a personal chef. Mom has other work to do. In the afternoon, I was in my room. I can go out, but I still can't walk much. Well, I can watch something. After an hour, I fell asleep. I woke up scared.

- I'm sorry. I didn't want to scare you.

- It's ok. How did you get in?

- The front door was open.

- Mom probably forgot to lock it.

- I got you something.

- What is it?

- Look in front of your nightstand.

- Ooh. What is this? I see cookies. Is that ice cream? Pancake batter? Juice? It's not my birthday.

- Does it have to be?

- I don't understand. Why is all this?

- I decided to be nice to you.

- Where did you get it? I haven't seen such baskets.

- Because they don't exist. I bought everything and decorated it.

- That must have taken you a lot of time.

- In fact, it didn't. I enjoyed this.

- You never fail to surprise me. I'll eat the ice cream. First, I'll go for a spoon.

- Check your basket.

- You have thought of everything. I'm not five, but I like the spoon.

- I wasn't sure about the flavor.

- Cookies and chocolate chips. It's my favorite flavor.

- Really? So, I did well.

- You did great. Do you want some?

- No, thanks. This one is for you.

- Is that a note?

- No, no. I forgot to throw away the receipt. You can give me that.

- No, I'll read it.

She wrote me a get-well-soon note. It was sweet. I don't know why she doesn't want me to read it. I ate the ice cream and the mini bag of chips. I have no idea how she picked these, but my favorite things are here. I invited her to stay with us for dinner. Mostly, I did it because I didn't want to be alone in the afternoon. I made her watch another episode of the show with me. We finished the biscuits as well. I might skip dinner with all these snacks. I looked up and saw that she was asleep. Even heroes need a rest.

- Ellie. Ellie? Hello.

- Uh? What?

- Why don't you lay down and take a proper nap? You'll hurt your neck.

- I'm not sleeping, you are.

- I was before you came. That is true. - I said, chuckling

- It's better if I go home.

- You promised to stay with me for dinner.

- That might be next time.

- Please. I'm using you as an escape from my mom. Otherwise, she will check on me every five minutes.

- Don't tell me she comes to the bathroom with you.

- She tried, but I kicked her out.

- I have one question. It's out of curiosity.

- Go on.

- How do you shower with the cast on? You can't make it wet.

- Do you know the black trash bags?

- Yes.

- I take one and wrap it around. They are perfect because they have straps.

- I would've never thought of that.

- A towel won't help. It'll absorb the water.

- At least you found something that works.

- I'm not a genius like you, but I have some tricks.

- I'm not a genius at all.

- I won't be so sure.

- What makes you think this way?

- Many things. For example, somehow, you picked almost every single thing I like. I don't remember telling you that.

- That was random. It doesn't count.

- Yes, it does. Second, no one else would've done this for me.

- Well, I tried my best.

We kept talking until dinnertime. Mom filled her with questions. I didn't tell her I ate so many snacks in the afternoon. Otherwise, she won't like it. I'll keep the note from Ellie. That might be the only thing I'll have from her. Mom made a dessert. I left it for tomorrow. I don't have more space. Somehow, I convinced her to stay with me for a little longer. I'm using the trick that I'm disabled. Ellie is too clever for that. Someone else would've fallen for my trap, but not her.

- What do you want from me? I haven't been at home the whole day.

- I don't see anything that bad in this.

- There isn't, but your parents would like to see you.

- They see me every day.

- You have to go to school soon. Are you nervous?

- No, but I know what will happen. I might need you to rescue me.

- Don't worry about this. I have tricks up my sleeve.

- Is there an anti-bug spray in there?

- Why?

- I might need it against Molly. - I said, and she laughed

- I'll make sure to buy one.

- Thanks. I might need your help.

- With what?

- Everyone. I don't want to answer questions.

- To keep you away from the paparazzi.

- Yes, exactly. See? You are a genius.

- I'm not a genius!

- You are for me.

- Whatever. If you don't need me anymore, I'll go home.

- Can't you stay a little bit longer? Please.

- That little bit longer thing was two hours ago.

- Please.

- Fine. You have an hour.

- We can finish the episode.

- What is that show anyway?

- You won't like it.

- Then why are you making me watch it with you?

- Because no one else will.

- What?

- I'm kidding. Watching something with a friend is better. Also, we have more snacks.

- I can't eat anymore.

- We have a basket to finish.

- I didn't get you this to eat it in a day.

- You never said when I can eat it.

- Fine. At least I won't get fat and sick.

- Excuse me? Come here. Hey!

- Catch me if you can. - she said from the other side of the bed

- Give me a second, and I'll catch you.

- Even snails are faster than you.

- Are you making fun of me right now?

- I don't know. Am I? - she asked and laughed

Ellie stayed with me until 10 pm. I didn't want her to go, but I knew she wouldn't stay here any longer. Honestly, I'm glad that she came. Ellie saved me from the boredom at home. With this leg, I can't do much. Next week, I'm going back to school. Before that, I have to see my doctor. I can't wait to get rid of this cast. Sadly, I still have a slight pain. I don't feel it that much, but it's there. I'm sure my doctor will get everything fixed. Next time, we'll be at Ellie's house. Mom is taking too much care of me. She barely leaves me for five minutes. I hope that Ellie's mom won't do the same.