Crushing on my brother's best friend

Chapter six - We need to talk

Austin's POV:

Rosie hasn't been in a good mood for the past few days. She told me about what she had done at school. I don't think it's a big deal. I'm not saying it's right, but she didn't commit a crime. I don't know who this girl is, but she can't do whatever she wants. After all, she doesn't own the school. My best friend told me that her father is the sponsor. I bet he has no idea what his daughter is doing every day. Also, I'm sure he doesn't take care of the money. I mean, which is transferred to the school. His secretary has probably done this. All he does is say how much money should go to the school. I can talk with him, but I have never met this person. The principal of the school can help me. I can tell him to check if Jessie is doing something to Rosie. The problem is that she might understand this and go after my friend again. I can't let this happen. I must do something to help her, but I don't know what this should be. I never had such problems in high school. We did have popular girls and guys, but they minded their own business. No one was bothering me. I don't know why she does this to her. I want to say Rosie has said something to her, but that would be a lie. As I see it, she doesn't talk with anyone in school. I'm not happy about it. Well, I understand why she does it. I realized that it's hard for her to trust someone. I don't want her to get hurt, either. She can't be with me all the time. It's not like I don't enjoy it. For some reason, I like being the most important person to her. Well, I'm sure I will get replaced one day. She might be only a teenager, but she will go on a date one day. I can't stop her. Also, I don't want to do it. Maybe that is what she needs. I mean, someone to treat her right. I hope that this person will appear soon.

I woke up and went to get ready for work. I think I have to talk with miss and mister Carter. Something is going on with their daughter. The question is what that thing is. I believe the problem is in school. When I asked about it, my best friend avoided the question. I thought about doing something for quite a while, but I wasn't sure if I had to do it. Now I think it's time for this. Hopefully, that will help her get better. That is all I want. She deserves to be happy like everybody else.

When I was ready, I went for a quick breakfast. I'm not that hungry. That's why I will eat a sandwich. After that, I took my car and went to work. Pete was already there. Soon, David came as well. I got used to working with these men. I don't want to get transferred to another team. We understand each other well. After all, that is the point of working in one. I'm glad to be with them. Also, they don't mind it when Rosie is here.

- Good morning. How are you two? - I asked

- We are good. How are you? - Pete asked

- I have been better.

- Did something happen with Rosie?

- I think so, but I don't know what it is. She doesn't want to tell me.

- What will you do? I'm sure you won't leave her alone.

- I thought of doing something for a long time. I never did it.

- When will you plan on doing it?

- First, I have to talk with her parents. After all, I want to know what they know. I'm sure she doesn't tell them everything.

- Does she even tell them something? - David asked

- I don't think so. One thing about her is that she is a good actress. Well, not in front of me.

- What do you mean?

- She likes to put on a fake smile and pretend everything is ok. That way, people won't ask her what the problem is.

- I see. Good luck with her.

- Thanks. I will need it.

We worked until the lunch break. Later, I went to the nearest restaurant to get us food. Usually, we split the money. Today, I decided to pay for everything. I might be working, but my mind is somewhere else. I can't stop thinking about her. Knowing that she is hurt is breaking my heart. The problem is that I can't do anything. I mean, not until she talks with me. I don't know what else to do. Telling her parents everything is a solution, but I risk her getting mad at me. I can't let this happen. She's too important to me.

The whole afternoon, we spent working on the roof. Finally, we finished it. I thought we were going to work on the entire house. It turned out I misunderstood. We are supposed only to build the house. The interior design will be done by someone else. That means we will get transferred to another project. It's not like I mind. I like working in different places.

- Well, that is for today, guys. I will see you tomorrow. - David said

- I will pay for the lunch tomorrow. - Pete said

- No problem. I have to go now. See you soon. - I said and left

I took my car and went to miss and mister Carter's house. Rosie has told me she would spend the afternoon with Kylie until Josh comes home. That gives me some time to talk with her parents. Hopefully, they will be able to help me. I knocked on the door, and miss Carter opened it. She let me in, and we walked into the kitchen.

- Hey, boy. How are you? - mister Carter asked

- I'm fine. How was your day?

- The same as yesterday. - he said and chuckled

- Austin, do you want something? - miss Carter asked

- No, thanks. I won't stay here for long.

- Did something happen?

- We need to talk.

- I had never liked when you said that. What did she do?

- Nothing. I think something is happening. The thing is that she doesn't want to tell me.

- How can we help?

- By permitting me to do something. I have wanted to do it for a long time.

- What is that thing? - mister Carted asked

- I want you to let Rosie stay for a month at home.

- What? Why?

- I believe that I can help her, but that will happen only if I know what is happening. That means I should know what she is doing and how she is acting. It's visible there is a problem, but I can't help her if she doesn't share. I believe I can do it. Please, you have to help me. If not for me, do it for her.

- I have no problem with that, but do you think you can handle her? Rosie is not easy to talk to.

- I know. That's why I have to try. She doesn't even want to go to school anymore.

- Yes, I have noticed that. Many times, she has asked why she has to go. - mister Carter said

- See? There is a problem. I think it's related to someone.

- A boy or a girl?

- I don't know. I was thinking of talking with the principal. Well, I am not sure if he knows something.

- I'm sorry, but isn't this our job? - miss Carter asked

- Yes, but first, you have to talk with her. She won't tell you anything.

- If you think you can handle Rosie and help her, she can stay with you for as long as needed.

- Thank you. I should do it during the weekend.

- Ok, now tell us how much money you need. - mister Carter said

- Money for what?

- Taking care of Rosie. She will use your water and electricity. Also, she has to eat. All of these things are expenses.

- Please tell me you are joking.

- No, I'm serious.

- I don't need your money. I'm not doing it because of that. Also, I have plenty of it. I might earn money, but I don't use them except for paying bills and buying food. You don't have to give me anything. I won't accept it.

- She can't live with you for free.

- That is my responsibility. My house, my rules.

- But you are in our house.

- Let's not argue.

- What do you plan to do for a whole month? - miss Carter asked

- First, I will understand what the problem is. Then, I will try to solve it. Hopefully, that will work.

- Feel free to call us anytime when you need help.

- Thanks, but I prefer to do this alone. It's a bit personal.

- I see. You can do whatever you think is necessary. We trust you.

- It's good to know.

I talked with miss and mister Carter for a while. That was until Rosie came home. We have to change the topic. I will tell her about this, but it won't be now. I will wait for the right moment. Who knows when it will come? I should do it on the weekend. It's visible that she's stressed at school. There is a chance that she might not like this. My best friend needs to rest tonight.

Rosie convinced me to stay with them for dinner. I know why she did it. That's why I didn't complain. Something has happened to the school today, and I believe it's related to Jessie. I think it's time for me to meet this girl. It's not like talking with her will change things. It might make them worse. There is a reason why people say to think before you do something. I have to do the same. Hopefully, my plan will work. I want to make my best friend feel better.

- Why is everyone looking at me? Did I do something? - Rosie asked

- I know you might get mad at me, but I talked with your parents.

- What? Why?

- Because I want to help you.

- What will you do?

- I want you to stay at home for one month.

- Why would I do that?

- I think it will be fun. Also, I can keep an eye on you.

- As if you don't do this daily.

- Please. Will you do this for me? I will do whatever you say.

- Can I know why this is so important for you? You can come to see me every day.

- You know why. It's because of her.

- Excuse me, but who is her? - miss Carter asked

- Great job, my friend.

- Rosie and I started watching one tv show. She liked one of the characters and wanted to act like her.

- I hope she won't do it.

- Don't worry. I take care of her.

The rest of the dinner we spent talking. Later, miss Carter went to take care of the dishes. I offered to do it, but she didn't let me. Rosie used the chance to drag me into her room. I'm sure she is mad at me. Let's see what she has to say.

- Say it.

- How could you do this? Do you want them to understand everything? What exactly did you tell them?

- Nothing. You know I keep your secrets. I won't talk with them about anything unless you don't tell me to do it.

- Then why do you want me for a month in your house?

- Because I care and want to help you.

- What do I have to tell my mom and dad? They will ask about me all the time.

- I will take care of that. Please, do it for me. We both know that you need it.

- I know, but it's not that easy. Josh will understand soon. I don't want to explain anything to him.

- All you have to do is come with me. I will take care of everything else.

- Ok, fine, but on one condition.

- Whatever you say.

- You will cook my favorite meals all the time.

- Deal.

- When do I have to come?

- How about the weekend? You will have more time to move in.

- No problem. Can I know how this came to your mind?

- Easy. I wanted to do something to help you. What is better than being with you?

- Have I told you that you are such a good friend?

- Many times, but I like hearing it.

- You will hear it often.

- How was school today? You didn't say anything.

- What do I have to say?

- Is she bothering you? I want the truth.

- No, or at least not for now.

- Are you sure?

- Yes, I am. She didn't do anything to me, which is the scariest part.

- What do you mean?

- I can expect everything from her. I don't want to be made fun of every day. It's not funny.

- Well, I can still talk with the principal.

- No! You can't do that. Please, stay away from this. I don't want my life to get worse. You won't do anything if you care about me even a bit. Understood?

- Ok, ok. I will stay away.

- Thank you.

- But if things get worse, I will do something.

- What? No. I said no.

- Rosie, I won't let her hurt you because you are scared to do something.

- Please. Be a good best friend and help me.

- This is what I am trying to do.

- Really? It doesn't look like that.

- I promise. That is why I want to take you with me. I want to bring a smile to your face again.

- It's here. - she said and smiled

- I meant the real one. I see your fake smiles every day. That's why I wonder if I will ever see a real one.

- You will. I promise. I don't know when it will happen, but it will.

- Let's say that I believe you.

- Don't you trust me?

- How am I supposed to do it? You don't talk to me anymore.

- That is not true.

- Yes, it is. I have no idea what is going on with you.

- I told you everything.

- When? Two weeks after everything has passed.

- What? No. I told you about what I did at school.

- Because you needed help. Otherwise, you weren't going to do it.

- Please, don't be like that.

- Like what? Honest?

- Ok, I will do whatever you say.

- Thank you.

Rosie and I talked for a while. I want to believe that what she says is true, but I can't. I wish she could share everything with me the way she used to. I feel like we got a bit distant, and it's not something I like. That is one of the reasons why I want her to be at home for a month. I want to bring our friendship back. It might not be the same, but I will do whatever is necessary. She is my best friend and has to realize all I want is to help her. I will never do something to hurt her. I have to make her trust me. Maybe she does, but I'm not sure. I hope that during this month we can get close again. I don't want to lose her.