Crushing on my brother's best friend

Chapter eighteen - Fears and battles

Austin's POV:

Finally, I have finished Devan's apartment. My friend liked it a lot. He plans to put it for rent on a website next week. Maybe he will have success. I don't know how much it costs to rent an apartment. I never needed that information. Right now, that is the last thing in my head. I have more important things to worry about. The main one is my best friend. She was in the hospital only during the night. The doctors wanted to make sure that she was ok. They let her go on the next day. I'm happy that nothing happened to her, but this can't continue like that. I would never tell the principal if I knew Jessie would do such a thing to her. I could've found another way to deal with her. I don't know what she wants from my best friend, but I want her to stop. It's not funny. I mean, talking nasty things about me is one thing. Hurting her is different. At least she will get what she deserves. It turned out that everyone was scared of her. I wonder what she was holding them with. That's why physical harm won't help her get more popular in school. Also, that won't make students like her more. Things don't happen like that. Apart from that, everything else has been great. Well, that took most of my time and attention. I wanted to make sure Rosie was good. My best friend stayed home for the rest of the week because she got sick. I don't know how it happened. I thought she was faking it, but no. She was sick. Every day after work, I went to check on her. She was fine, but seeing her made me feel better. Somehow, I convinced her parents to let her spend the weekend with me. I might have promised her to talk with them about that. Let's say that I didn't have much time to do it. Well, it doesn't mean I won't do it at all. I always keep my promises when it comes to her. She is the person for who I care the most. I hope that she won't have problems anymore. Seeing her hurt and upset is not something I like.

I had fun during the weekend. It was because my best friend was with me. I tried to bring her mood back. It's not that easy. Lately, a lot of things have happened to her. I won't be surprised if her trust issues get deep. I thought they might disappear. Now, I'm not sure about this. I wish I could help her with that. Well, she has to do it alone. It's not like I won't be next to her. I will do anything to make sure she is happy and safe.

It's another week. I feel like they are passing so quickly. I got up and went to get ready for the day. Rosie is probably still sleeping. Somehow, I convinced her parents to let her spend the weekend with me. When I was ready, I went to make breakfast. I will make toast with cheese. I know she will like it. I made two for each of us. Later, I went to wake her up. After all, she can't be late for school. I knocked on the door and walked in. She was sitting on the bed with crossed arms around her legs.

- Good morning. Is everything ok?

- Oh, hey.

- What's wrong? Did something happen?

- No, everything is fine.

- Are you sure?

- Yes, I am. Don't worry.

- Ok, then. Breakfast is ready. Will you come?

- Um, yeah. Sure.

- You have to eat.

- I know. Can we not talk about this now?

- Ok. Let's go.

Both of us went into the kitchen. She was not hungry at all. I don't know what to do with her. I'm trying my best, but she is not making it easy. Well, I won't give up. I think it's time for her to visit a therapist. She needs to talk with someone who can help her. I will listen to her, but my advice is from a friend's side. We need a neutral opinion.

- If you are ready, we can go. I'll drop you at school and will go to work.

- I don't want to go.

- What?

- I don't want to go to school.

- Why? You are not sick anymore.

- She is there.

- Rosie, you can't skip school. Everything will be fine.

- You say this every time. Stop lying to me!

- I'm not. Some things take time. Let's go now. Being late is not something I want.

- I'm not going anywhere. - she said and walked into her room

This will be harder than I thought. Of course, I followed her. She was sitting on the bed, crying. If it has been someone else, they would say she is a drama queen. Well, I know my best friend. I made her look at me and saw fear in her eyes. Things got a bit deeper than I thought. Last week, she looked fine. Probably, that is because she was at home. I can't leave her alone.

- We have to go. I know you are scared, but avoiding her won't help you.

- I'm not going!

- Ok, then. You will come with me.

- Where?

- You will see.

Somehow, I convinced her to get in the car with me. I drove to her school. I planned to go inside with her. Hopefully, that will make her feel better. I don't know what else to do.

- You are a liar!

- Come on. I will come with you.

- No! I'm not going there.

- Stop acting like a little kid. If she wants to finish you, she will find you everywhere. That's why you shouldn't hide. We face problems and don't run from them.

- No. That won't happen.

I walked out of the car and went to open the door from her side. She will go inside. I managed to make her get out. Then we walked inside. I don't care if someone is watching me. I took Rosie to her locker and left. I have to go. Since I have finished the apartment, I have a free week. I have told Rosie, but she probably forgot. That's why I told her I had to go to work. I walked to my car and got inside. Should I speak with her parents about what is happening? They deserve to know, but I don't want them to worry. Soon, I saw Rosie running away. That won't happen. I walked out of the car and ran away after her.

- That won't happen, miss.

- Let me go. I want to go home. - she said, crying

- You can't stay at home all the time. Please, listen to me.

- No.

- You have to do it.

- Please, don't make me do that. I can't.

- Ok, then. I will leave you with your mom.

- What? No.

- Yes. Let's go.

- I can't go to her.

- It's your mom or dad. You can choose.

- Mom. I guess.

- Good.

I took her to miss Carter's office. Hopefully, she is not busy. Now, it's not the time for them to talk, but they need it. We arrived, and security let us in. Her mom works on the third floor. I told her secretary to let us in.

- Austin? Rosie? What are you doing here? You were supposed to take her to school.

- I know. It's not the time for this, but you two need to talk.

- Why? Did something happen?

- She didn't want to go to school.

- Rosie, do you have to tell me something?

- Go on. You have to tell her. Soon or not, she will understand. - I said, looking at my best friend

- What is going on?

- I can't do it. - Rosie said

- Yes, you can. I will go now. Call me if you need anything.

- Austin, you can't leave me.

- It's for you good. We have to talk about something, but it won't be now.

- Don't go!

- I'm sorry. I'll come to pick you up later.

- Fine.

- Good. Bye for now. - I said and left

I don't know what to do with her anymore. I wish someone could help me. Well, there is a person, but he is always busy. Let's see if Josh will have time for me. I took my car and drove to his office. I didn't text him, but he can make an exception for me. If this doesn't work, I will go to see Kylie. She came back into her office. At least she is always free for me. Soon, I arrived.

- Knock, knock. Can I come in?

- Austin? What are you doing here? You didn't tell me.

- I know, but I wanted to talk with someone. Do you have a minute?

- If it's only one, yes.

- Seriously?

- I'm busy.

- You always are.

- Why are you here?

- I need to talk with you about Rosie.

- Did she do something?

- No, it's not that.

- Then what?

- She has some problems, and I don't know how to help her. I tried everything.

- Since you can't help her, why do you expect I can?

- I didn't mean that. Please tell me what you would do.

- I don't know. Try to talk with her.

- Don't you think I haven't tried that?

- I don't know. Buy her something, and that's it.

- Forget it. I will talk with Kylie. - I said and got up

- Thanks for coming.

- It was my mistake to come here. - I said and left

I never expected him to understand me. Now I know why Rosie always walks away from here. For some reason, he doesn't want to spend time with her. My next stop was Kylie's office. At least she will listen to me. That is what I hope. I walked in and sat in front of her. I took her a minute to notice there was someone in the room.

- Hello.

- Austin? Hey. What are you doing here? I haven't seen you in a while.

- I came to see you. Also, to talk with you.

- Did something happen?

- I wanted to ask Josh for advice, but he didn't have time for me.

- I will talk with him about that at home.

- You don't have to do it. There is no point.

- Maybe you are right.

I told Kylie about what happened with Rosie. I didn't plan to do it, but she started asking questions. She went into panic mode, but I managed to calm her down. My best friend is fine now. I only wanted to know what she would do in my place.

- I think you are right about the therapy. She can't skip school because of her fears.

- The thing is that I don't know if she will agree.

- You will convince her. After all, she listens to you the most.

- That doesn't always help.

- But it will now. I know you can do it.

- Thanks.

- Why don't you wait for me here? I will finish soon, and we can go.

- Go where?

- To see Rosie. I want to check on her.

- Who will take care of the kids?

- Josh. I will tell him to take them when he finishes and come if he wants.

- If he wants, it means he won't come at all.

- It's his choice.

I waited for Kylie for about an hour. While she was working, we kept talking. I'm glad that at least she cares about Rosie. When she was ready, we went to see my best friend. She must be at home. It's still the afternoon, but I think miss Carter will spend the rest of the day focusing on her daughter. Every mother does it. I knocked on the door, and miss Carter opened it.

- Hello. Come in.

- I have a guest with me.

- Who?

- Hello.

- Kylie. I haven't seen you in a while. Come in.

- Is Rosie here?

- Yes, she is in her room.

- Can I see her?

- Of course. - she said, and we walked inside

Kylie went to see Rosie. I left with miss Carter. Let's say that I want to know what my best friend has told her. Hopefully, it's the truth. She can't keep hiding it for long. One day, her parents will understand. Maybe not from me, but they will. It's better if they hear it from her. We walked into the kitchen, and miss Carter made us coffee.

- How are you?

- How am I supposed to be? My daughter was hurt, and I didn't even know about it.

- Look, I'm sorry.

- For how long did you know about this?

- Since it happened.

- And you didn't bother to tell me.

- I didn't want you to worry. Also, I promised Rosie.

- She is my daughter. I need to know what is happening with her. - she said with tears in her eyes

- I know, and I apologize for that.

- I understand that you two are close, and she trusts you, but it doesn't mean you should hide things from me. What if something worse has happened to her? Austin, I am the parent. I know what to do. You are still a kid. I appreciate that you helped us, but you can't do my job. I have to do it.

- I see.

Miss Carter and I talked for a while. Later, she started making dinner. I wanted to go home, but Rosie convinced me to stay. Right now, I don't feel like my place is here. I messed up this time. I want to do things on my own, but not when it comes to her. I should tell her parents everything, but she might get mad at me. Soon, all of us were around the table. Josh took the kids and came here.

- Are you ok? - Rosie asked, whispering

- Yes, I'm fine.

- Austin, I didn't want to offend you, but you should try to understand me. - miss Carter said

- No, it's ok. I'm not offended.

- Mom, what did you do? - Rosie asked

- Nothing.

- Mom!

- I might have said something.

- You need to know there is a line you can't cross.

- You need to start telling me everything. I am the parent here.

- I am eighteen. I can take care of myself.

- Really? Then why does Austin have to solve every problem that you have?

- Because that is my choice. He won't replace you. Chill.

- Tell me to chill again, and you might get grounded.

- For what?

- The food is delicious. - mister Carter said

- I agree here. - I said

Miss Carter is mad at me, but it might pass soon. I don't want us to ruin our relations. They trust me, and I would like it if we could keep that. I know I messed up, but I can't break a promise. Otherwise, Rosie will be mad at me. I can't do this to her. Honestly, I have no idea what to do anymore. My best friend wants me to keep things away from her parents. On the other side, they want me to tell them everything. I don't know who to listen to. Well, I am close to Rosie. I can survive if her parents don't like me, but not if she starts doing it. I hope that this will never happen. I don't want to lose her.