Secret crush

Chapter nineteen - Last month of high school

Ellie's POV:

I can't believe that only one month is left in high school. It's like yesterday when the year started. So many things happened. Everything ended well for me. Hunter wants to take me to the prom. I didn't plan to go. I won't say no to him. That is like a dream come true. I had never imagined that we would get so close. Finally, I'm doing something right. The best news is that both of us will go to Miami. Imagine if we spend the whole summer there. As good as it sounds, I don't think I'll leave that early. It's hot there. When we go, it might be the perfect time. That's why I have the chance to watch the sunset. I wanted to do this since I was a kid. That's what I always say. I don't know how long this has been for. Hunter might come with me. I'm not sure if he likes such things. At least I will have a familiar face at the university. I wanted to start from the beginning, but this is better. Of course, no one else knows about this. I don't want to create new rumors in school. Hunter and I are only friends. He doesn't need to know anything else. Some things deserve to be private. I might tell him everything, but it won't be soon. Honestly, I'm not sure if I have to do it. I like what we have now. I don't want to lose it because of something silly. I hope that nothing and no one will ruin our relations.

Less than a month remains until I graduate. I can't believe it's happening so soon. I finished all my tests. I don't have to do anything about my grades. A few students are like me. Some of them still have examinations. I'm glad that Hunter managed to free himself. Now, we can do something fun. Summer is coming. He said that he has made a bucket list for Miami. I would love to see what he has planned. My friend inspired me to do one as well. Let's see if we have the same ideas.

Currently, I'm getting ready for school. I woke up in a good mood. Usually, I don't get dressed. I put on jeans and a T-shirt. Later, I tied my hair. High ponytails are not healthy, but I'll survive a few hours. When I was ready, I went to eat. My parents have a free day. I'll use the chance to make breakfast. I woke up too early, so I'll make pancakes. I haven't eaten them in a while. They were ready in thirty minutes. I put two plates. I left some for my parents. They came just in time.

- Good morning.

- To you, too. I see you have made breakfast. - my mom said

- I woke up early.

- We need to stay at home more often.

- I would love that.

- She is happy that we said yes. There is no other reason for her mood. - my dad said

- It's not true at all. That was months ago.

- Are you sure?

- Yes. I'm glad that I don't have to deal with school anymore.

- The studying got paid.

- I can say the same for my friend.

- When is your prom? I hope you will go. - my mom said

- I planned to skip it, but he invited me. So, I had to agree.

- You will go to the prom with Hunter.

- Yes, why? Is there a problem?

- Not at all. I'm happy for you. Is this a date?

- What? Mom, he is my friend.

- I'll pretend I haven't seen how you look at him.

- I have no idea what you are talking about.

- Totally. I bet he's noticed the stares.

- Now I wish you two had been at work.

- You wish. We have a free day and a night shift.

- Sadly.

- Leave her alone. The one who should bug her is me. - my dad said

- Hey! No bugs.

- Do you realize what you said?

- Yep.

- There is nothing wrong with liking someone. You are old enough for that.

- Can we not talk about this? Please.

- Then for what? The food is delicious. Great job.

- Thanks. I'm trying my best.

- You might need to learn some cooking skills.

- For what? I'll live in a dorm. They don't have kitchens inside.

- You never know what might happen.

- I won't move out. My money is not enough for rent. Also, I have a free dorm.

- She is a smart cookie. You can't argue with her. - my mom said

- I know. We raised a smartie.

- You know I can hear all this, right?

- That is the point.

After breakfast, I walked to school. Hunter was already waiting for me in front of my locker. I looked up to see Molly and Jackson. Are they together now? She is fooling herself if she thinks this can do something to me. I took everything I needed from my locker. I grabbed his hand and dragged him to class. She looked pissed, but I don't care. I'm so over this high school drama. I could've done the same, but we are only friends. I don't want to give him the wrong intentions. He might think that something is going on.

- There was no need for that, but thank you. - Hunter said

- We don't have to watch this.

- I don't care. We don't go out anymore.

- Yes, but they are doing this on purpose.

- It doesn't matter. I have you now.

- Oh, thanks. It means a lot.

- Did you decide about prom? I don't want to pressure you.

- I already told you. I will come with you, but only with you. Understood?

- I'm happy to hear that.

- Do you want us to go out in the afternoon? Summer is coming.

- Did you make the bucket list for Miami?

- Yes.

- I want to see it. We can finish ours together.

- That might take us time.

- So? I want to see what you have planned.

- Honestly, I wanted only one thing. When you said this, I decided to put in more activities.

- I'm sure we'll be fine. I can't wait to go.

- It'll be weird. I haven't been so far from my parents.

- Me too, but we can do this. After all, we are together. You won't be alone.

- I know. Who knows? It might be fun.

- See? I like this side of you.

- Which side?

- The one who doesn't care about anything, and it's positive.

- I'm trying my best here. It's not easy.

- But I know you won't give up.

On the lunch break, we were together. Molly is trying hard to impress us, but it's not working. None of us cares what she is doing. I know Hunter is over that. He didn't even look at her for the rest of the classes. When the last one finished, we went to my house. We started studying straight away. I can tell he is in a good mood. Whatever the reason behind this is, I'm happy about it. He finished his homework and looked at me. What now? Do I have something on my face? No words, only a smile. I'll take that as something good.

- What? Why are you staring at me like that? Do I have something on my face?

- No.

- Then? Tell me.

- I'm trying to picture you with a dress on.

- Why would you do that?

- I want to know what I should expect at the prom.

- You have to wait for this.

- Why do we even study? Both of us have enough grades.

- Do you have a better idea?

- Many.

- I'm listening. What do you want us to do?

- We can watch something or go out.

- I'm too lazy to be outside right now. Pick a show. I'll check for snacks. Otherwise, I'll order something.

- We can go to the grocery store.

- You can go alone.

- Fine. We can watch this. I have no idea what it is, but it seems interesting.

- I found popcorn, chips, and chocolate cookies.

- Great. I'll take the cookies.

- No popcorn?

- Maybe later.

- If there are some.

- What?

- I might eat them all.

- Bring everything in. I'll decide what I want to eat.

- Why are you so excited about the prom so much?

- Because it's a chance for me to see you in a new light.

- What is that supposed to mean?

- You will look different. I can't wait to see the jealous face of Molly.

- Is this why you invited me to go with you?

- What? No, I didn't. We better talk about something else.

- Agreed.

Hunter was eating popcorn and cookies together. I don't know if this is a good combination, but he likes it. After the movie, we were in my room. My parents are on a night shift. It's not like they are not outside all day. I don't know how much they sleep. They came home for dinner. This is the good news. Mom is excited that I'll go to the prom. I don't even care, but she does. I'll let her enjoy it. The only reason I'm doing that is because of him. It was the last thing I wanted to do. When my parents left, we compared our lists.

- Let's start with your bucket list. What have you planned for Miami? - Hunter asked

- Not much. As I told you, I had only one main thing.

- Which is?

- I wanted to watch the sunset. I can do it from the beach.

- Can I come with you?

- Really? Will you do it?

- Yes. It sounds fun. What else do you have?

- Well, ice cream on the beach is good.

- Something else?

- A walk around the town. I want to explore some places.

- Like what?

- I haven't decided. We have enough time for this. That is if you want to come with me.

- Of course. I'll follow you everywhere you go.

- Why?

- Because we are friends.

- Sure. What is on your bucket list?

- Many things. First, I want to try the skateboard park. It's great.

- Can you even ride a skateboard?

- It's easier than a motorcycle.

- Watch out. I don't want you in a hospital again.

- Don't worry. I won't put you through this.

- I hope so.

- Next, I want to try surfing.

- That is cool. I'll be terrible at this.

- It's not like I'll be good. Here. This is everything else.

- You have many things to complete.

- We talk about Miami. Do you know how many things we can do there?

- Yes, but still.

- Trust me. Both of us will complete the bucket lists.

- We have a lot of work on yours.

- Four years, Ellie. Four years. We can do everything we want there.

- You seem enthusiastic about this.

- Don't tell. I can't wait to go there.

- First, we have to graduate.

- And go to prom.

- Don't make me change my mind.

- No, no. I won't let you do this. You will go to the prom with me.

- Alright, I'll do it.

We kept talking about our bucket lists. I don't know how I'll deal with him. As I see it, he wants to do everything with me. Maybe this can go in the right direction. I like our friendship. I want to keep it, but I don't know if this won't turn into something else. I haven't thought about this. Honestly, I won't mind it. Seeing him smiling warms my heart. I haven't seen him like that often with his old friends. I'm glad they are not part of his life. Call me selfish and jealous, but they never did anything for him. Most of the time, Hunter was alone. I hope that we'll have fun in Miami.