Crushing on my brother's best friend

Chapter nineteen - Only he can understand me

Rosie's POV:

I had to tell my mom about what had happened. Mostly, I did it because of Austin. He made me tell her. She got upset and mad that I didn't tell her earlier. Of course, I didn't tell her everything. I said only about Jessie beating me up and why she did it. The woman wasn't happy to hear this. Thanks to my best friend, now both of us are in trouble. Mom is mad at him. Now, he feels guilty. It's not like he did something wrong. I was the one who told him not to talk with them. I don't know why he thinks it's his fault. My parents have a lot of work. That's why I didn't want to tell them. They will get worried for me, especially mom. I care about her. This is the reason why I kept this for myself. Well, she understood. It was good that it was from me, but I still don't feel good about it. She is upset. When it comes to me, that turns into madness. Also, my best friend is not welcome. I mean, by her anymore. Dad has no problems with him. He wasn't happy to hear that but understood my reasons. I wish my mom could do it, too. I know she is hurt, but she can't keep me far away from everything. No one can do it. I have to fight my own battles. It doesn't matter with who I live. This happened when I was with my mom. I'm saying this because she tried to blame my best friend. She doesn't mean everything she says, but it makes me feel bad when she talks like that about him. He didn't do anything wrong. Mom has to accept it. I share with him all my problems because he is the only one who understands me. I don't know what else she wants from him. Austin has already done too much for me. He doesn't have a social life because of me. I think that is more than enough. I will try to talk with her about this. She can't blame him for that. The thing is that he always keeps his promises when it comes to me. I hope that mom will change her mind and calm down soon.

Currently, I am at school. Jessie hasn't bothered me soon. Well, she has no choice. Otherwise, she will be suspended for two weeks and won't be at the prom. Let's say that her dad changed his mind about this. After all, it is for everyone. It's enough that she won't run for prom queen. I don't plan on going at all. I'm still scared that she might use the moment to do something. Also, I don't have clothes for the event. Spending money is the last thing I want to do.

I finished my class and walked into the hall. For some reason, I feel like everyone is watching me. That only makes things worse. It's enough that I'm here. I managed to come. My best friend is right. I can't keep hiding. It won't resolve the problem. I pulled out my phone to see if there was something new. No one calls or texts me except for one person. I noticed that I got a message from him. He checks on me to make sure I'm good.

Hey, I only want to check on you. I hope you have a great day. Keep your head up, and don't care what people say about you. I think you should listen to me. Well, not always. You saw what happened. Anyway. I'm sending you lots of hugs. I'll see you when I finish work. Call or text me if you have a problem. I'll come to see you.

Then people ask me why I spend so much time with him. No other person will send me this. He cares a lot, and I appreciate it. Of course, I responded.

Hey, you don't have to worry about me. I'm fine. She can't bother me. Otherwise, she will get suspended. I told you about that. Thanks for checking up on me and for the virtual hugs. I appreciate it. We can go out tonight if you want. I would love it.

On the lunch break, I went for food. This time, I will eat at a table. I picked a pizza slice with an apple as a dessert. There was a small empty table. It's perfect for me. That was until someone decided to sit there. I took a napkin and put pizza there. Then I went to the field. At least I will have food.

- Hey.

- Jake? What are you doing here?

- I saw you sitting alone and decided to see you. If you want, I will go.

- No, you don't have to do it.

- Ok. How are you today? Jessie is not here.

- I'm fine.

- Scared?

- A little bit.

- Don't let her get to you. It's not worth it. You better focus on your best friend.

- Why do you say it?

- Because he cares about you.

- I know.

- Can I ask you something?

- Sure. What is it?

- Are you sure he is only a best friend to you?

- What?

- Are you in love with Austin?

- You are joking. Right? He is my best friend. How can I fall for him?

- The way you look at him says it all. You love him.

- Because he is my best friend.

- If you say so. It's not hard to tell what the truth is.

- I'm not in love with Austin!

- Keep saying it until you believe it. We both know the truth.

- I.

- Don't say anything. Your eyes are speaking clearly.

- Oh, shut up. - I said, and he chuckled

- You know I am right.

- Yes, I know you are not right. It's obvious.

Jake and I kept talking until the rest of the lunch break. Later, we walked for the rest of our classes. It was good to speak with him, but what he says is wrong.

After my last class, I walked home. I walked into my room and saw a box on the bed. I'm sure I didn't order anything. Also, it wouldn't be on my bed. Well, except if my parents haven't put it there. I left my things and opened the box. There was a box of chocolate candies. Then I saw chocolate chips and cookie dough. What is all of this? I don't understand. There wasn't a note either. I guess I have to make cookies. I took everything into the kitchen. I appreciate the gift, no matter that I don't understand it. I mean, why do I have it? The cookies were ready for an hour of baking. At least they tasted delicious. Soon, someone walked in. It was my dad.

- Hey, dad. Do you want a cookie?

- Thanks. Did you go to the store?

- No, there was a gift on my bed. I had chocolate candies, chocolate chips, and cookie dough.

- So that's what he got you. - dad said and laughed

- Who? There wasn't a note inside. Who got me this?

- Austin pleased me to leave a box on your bed.

- He got me this?

- Yes. He didn't tell me what was inside.

- That means I have to leave him some.

- You better do it. How was your day?

- It was good.

- Is there anything new?

- Not really. I talked with someone during my lunch break.

- That's good. I'm glad you're making friends.

- Oh, he is not my friend.

- Hold on! Do you have a boyfriend?

- What? No, I don't. I didn't make him do it.

- Rosie, you can't push people away. I think you need to have more friends.

- You are mad at Austin as well, right?

- What? I'm not mad at him.

- Mom still is.

- I'm sure she is not. Give her some time. Everything will be fine. I promise you.

- I don't think so. Thanks to her, he feels guilty.

- Let me talk with him.

- It can't be today.

- Why?

- We'll go out tonight.

- Ok, then. I will do it tomorrow.

- He might be busy again.

- Rosie.

- Ok, ok. I was kidding.

The rest of the afternoon I spend doing my homework. Dad offered his help. I let him do it only because I noticed how much he wanted it. Honestly, it wasn't helpful. All the things he said to me weren't true. At least I had fun. After some time, he gave up. I told him to go and rest. I will do it alone.

Around 5 pm, my mom was at home. I guess she finished early today. I went to see her. She passed by me without even looking at me. I think she is still mad. Soon, Austin came. I took my things, and we walked out. At least he is on my side. I feel like the only person who left is him.

- Are you ok? You look upset.

- Mom is still mad at me.

- I'm sure she is not mad at you. Maybe at me, but not at you.

- She walked by me without even looking at me.

- It wasn't intentional. Stop worrying about everything. Things will be fine. I promise you.

- How?

- That's a good question. - he said and laughed

- You are a great friend.

- I wish you could say it without the sarcasm.

- One day, that will happen as well.

- Let's say that I believe you. - he said, chuckling

- Where are we going?

- I don't know. I'll let you choose.

- How about a nice dinner in a cheap restaurant?

- Don't you want too much?

- I don't want to spend much money on food.

- It will be from me.

- Oh, no. You always do it. I want to take care of myself. I have money.

- Can't I spoil you a bit?

- You do it all the time.

- Ok, ok. I won't argue with you.

- Thanks.

Austin and I walked into a pizza restaurant. We have tried to make one at home, but we'll never be as good as the chefs. Well, they are professionals. I haven't cooked a meal in my life alone. Helping my best friend doesn't count. I picked a pizza with lots of cheese, pepperoni, and mushrooms. Of course, it had other ingredients. There were olives and pickles on top. Austin's one had something green on top. I don't know what it is.

- Do you like the food?

- It's delicious.

- I can't make such a good pizza.

- It's not like I can, but ours is still tasty.

- True. Can I know why you wanted us to go out? It's like you wanted to escape from something.

- I do. Let's say that I needed fresh air.

- Did something else happen?

- Well, I made cookies today.

- I didn't know you went shopping today.

- I know the box was from you. Dad told me.

- I guess I need to talk with your dad.

- Can I know why did you buy it?

- No reason. I know you love cookies and chocolate.

- I do. Thanks. I appreciate it. I have left you some cookies. When you send me home, I will give you some.

- These are for you. I can make myself some if I want.

- But I want you to try mine.

- Ok, I will try them.

- Thank you.

- You're welcome.

After dinner, we went for a walk. It's something so simple, but I enjoy it a lot. Maybe that's what I need. I can do daily walks. It doesn't matter if I am with him or alone. I will enjoy it. We passed by a couple of places. During the night, everything feels different. I prefer night over day. It's not a good idea to walk alone.

- Is everything ok? - Austin asked

- Yes, why?

- Because you don't say anything.

- I have nothing to say.

- Even when that is true, you still can't shut up. - he said, chuckling

- Hey, that is not true.

- Are you sure?

- Well, I have things to tell you.

- As if I don't know everything already.

- You don't know everything.

- I know you better than you know yourself. I think I know everything.

- No, there is something I didn't tell anyone.

- What is it?

- Nothing. I was bluffing.

- See? You can't hide anything from me.

- I won't be so sure. - I mumbled to myself

- What?

- Nothing.

- Is there something I need to know?

- No.

- Are you sure? Please be honest.

- I am.

- If you say so.

There is something I never told him. The thing is that I don't know how. Also, I prefer to forget about it or ignore it. Well, sometimes it's impossible. I like our friendship, and I want to keep it. That's why it's better if he doesn't know about it.

After some time, we walked home. He promised to try my cookies. It's not like I put much effort. After all, everything was ready. I only have to put the ingredients together and bake them. We walked to the kitchen. My parents are probably sleeping. No matter if it's a bit early.

- Well?

- They are good. Great job, chef.

- Thanks. I'm glad that you like them.

- You did well. I think you need to learn to cook. That will be great for you.

- I appreciate it, but no. I'm not interested in that.

- Then in what? What do you like to do?

- Be with you?

- I mean like a hobby or activity.

- I don't know. I don't do much.

- Maybe you have to start. Find your talent and use it.

- As if it's that easy. Do you know how many things I should try until I find my talent? That will take way too much time.

- It's not like you have another job.

- I will graduate soon.

- So? I work every day from the morning until the evening. I have way less free time than you.

- Then why are you with me?

- What do you mean?

- Why are you with me if you have so little free time? You can use it to rest or go out with friends.

- Because I like spending time with you. Also, on the weekends, I am free. I can have time for everyone if I want.

- You said it, not me.

- What I am doing is my choice. I'm living my life the way I want.

- Good for you.

I talked with my best friend until midnight. Later, he walked home. I would love it if he could stay here, but I know he wouldn't do it. Maybe it's because of mom. I think they need to talk. She has to apologize. Well, that is not my business. It's between them. I'm glad that he spends so much time with me. I needed it when I had all these problems. Now I am a bit better. Well, all of this is thanks to him. I couldn't be here today without his help. Austin is the perfect best friend, no matter if he doesn't believe it. No one else would do so much for me. I hope that we'll always be so close to each other.