Crushing on my brother's best friend

Chapter three - Promise not to give up on school

Rosie's POV:

The last week hasn't been the best for me. I had many things to deal with. Mostly, it was about school. I try not to care what people talk about my best friend and me, but I can't. I started thinking the problem was in me. I don't know what I did wrong. For some reason, people don't like me. I am nice to everyone, but I guess that is not enough. I have no clue what to do next. If I had been invisible, it would be better. That way, no one will see me. I will be like a ghost. Sadly, in real life, that is impossible. I wonder what they want from me. As you see it, I don't have any other friends. Thanks to high school, I don't trust anyone anymore. That's why Austin is the only one with who I share everything. I know he will help me. The problem is that he has things to worry about, too. I don't want to be the only person in his life. I mean, he has to go out with friends. Well, I like his company. My best friend knows how to change my mood in seconds. Something happened, and we became close. I wish I could say the same for my brother. I don't know what is going on with him. He acts as if his family is the only thing that exists. It's better if I don't care, but I can't. Josh has been my brother for a long time. Then he was with Kylie. Honestly, I have spent more time with her than with him. If I want to distract myself, I go to visit her. The girls love playing with me. At least that keeps me occupied. That way, I won't think about my problems. Some people have a worse life than mine. Well, they keep fighting for it. I'm not brave enough to do that. If I could stand up for myself, things would've been different. I say many things in my head. Well, it's nothing in real life. The thing is that I don't want to get in more trouble. I hope that after some time, all of this will be over. I don't know how long I can survive.

It's the weekend. At least I don't have to go to school for two days. I plan to stay in my room and occupy myself with something. Austin said he would call, but I told him not to do it. He needs a rest from me. I want him to always be with me, but that is wrong. The thing is that I feel safe with him. If people say something about me, I know he will defend me. I wonder when I will do this for him. Probably never.

I got out of bed and went into the kitchen for water. My parents are outside. Since I have nothing to do, I might read a book. I have started one and thought I would never finish it. Today might be the day. That is what I thought. I was going upstairs when I heard the front door. Why can't people leave me alone? Probably they are searching for my parents. I went to open the door. You have to be kidding me. What is he doing here?

- Pack your bags, and let's go.

- Austin, what are you doing here?

- I called your parents and told them you are mine for the weekend. They will have a date night, which you won't ruin.

- But I don't want to go anywhere.

- The problem is not mine. You have ten minutes.

- What? You can't come home and make me do it. I'm not going anywhere.

- I was sure you would say that. - he said and picked me up

- What are you doing? Let me down.

- We are going upstairs.

He dragged me upstairs and put me on the bed. Then he sat in front of me so I couldn't move. I'm not scared of him, but what he does is not something I like. We kept staring at each other for a while. I'm not going anywhere. He can't make me do it. I was sitting when he decided to come closer. Austin removed a piece of my hair and looked at me. This is the only person who can see through me as if I am made of glass. I can't hide anything from him.

- I won't hurt you.

- I-I know.

- Then why are you scared?

- Because.

- Because what?

- You will understand everything.

- What is that everything?

- Nothing. Forget that I said something.

- No, I want you to tell me now.

- Promise not to tell anyone.

- Rosie, I can't keep hiding everything about you. One day, your parents will understand.

- Please. You are my best friend.

- Ok, fine. I won't tell anyone. Now tell me the truth.

I didn't say anything. I slightly removed my shirt to reveal my stomach. He looked there and then at me. If he had been a little kid, he would've started crying.

- Rosie, what have you done to yourself? From how many days haven't you eaten?

- I lost count.

- Why are you doing this?

- I eat only at home where no one is watching me. I told you. People criticize every move that I make.

- That doesn't mean you have to starve yourself.

- I can't eat inside. I take only the fruit they have.

- It's not healthy, and you know it.

- I'm sorry.

- No, you don't. Otherwise, you wouldn't do this to yourself.

- Look, I.

- I don't want to hear it.

For about ten minutes, Austin packed my bag. Then he grabbed my hand and made me go outside. We stopped in front of an ice cream shop. I took one ball of vanilla and one of chocolate ice cream. Later, we went to a park. During the whole time, he didn't want to talk with me. Now I feel guilty. I shouldn't have told him about this. It's too late. He is already mad at me. I tried to look at him and saw the pain in his eyes. When we finished eating, he grabbed my hand and took me to his house. He left my things in the guest room and walked to his. I walked in and sat next to him.

- I didn't want to hurt you.

- Mission failed.

- I'm sorry, ok? I have nowhere to sit alone. People don't want me around them. What do I have to do? Tell me.

- Talk with me. I want to help you. It looks like you don't want to. I mean, to help yourself. I want you to be healthy. Also, in a good mood. Is it that much? Why can't you understand that I care about you?

- I do understand.

- No, you don't because you keep doing the same things.

- Can I get a hug?

- No.

- Why?

- Because you don't deserve it.

- I see. - I said and nodded my head

That is when I got one. I held him tight as if this was the last time I would do this. Soon, I felt a tear in my shirt. I hurt him again. This is happening too often. I can't afford to lose him. If that happens, I will be alone. He pulled away, and I looked at him.

- I'm sorry. Please don't go. I don't want to be alone. - I said and started crying

- Hey, I'm not going anywhere, ok? I'm not leaving you. No matter what happens, I will always be here with you. Nothing and no one can take me away from you. Please don't cry. - he said and hugged me

- I don't deserve such a good friend.

- You deserve it more than anyone else. People need to know how great you are. You are better than everyone else.

- That is not true. I don't even look good.

- The inside is what matters. The girls in your high school have only good packaging. You have everything they don't.

- Really?

- Yes. You are unbeatable. - he said and kissed the top of my head

- I wish it was true.

- It is. Trust me. I know you better than anyone else. Since I say it, that means it's true.

- Thank you. I needed to hear that.

- For you always. Now, let's do something fun.

- Like what?

- Why don't we play something?

- I don't know any games for adults.

- Don't worry. I know some. One of them is tickling.

- What?

- Tickling. - he said and started tickling me

- Stop, please. No! - I said, laughing

- Do you like it?

- No. Stop. I will do anything.

- Anything?

- Yes. Please, stop tickling me. I can't handle it.

- I want you to think about a dinner meal and help me cook it.

- That's it?

- Yes. That's all I want from you.

- No problem. Can we make homemade pizza?

- I would love that.

- Great.

- Let's go shopping. We might take some other things too.

Austin and I went to the grocery store. We bought some things. My friend wanted something sweet. Later, we walked home and started with dinner. I have never made homemade pizza, but it was fun. Well, my friend was helping me all the time. He put it in the oven and started with a cake. I am getting spoiled today. Let's be honest. Everyone loves food.

- I am making a cake, but you have something on your nose.

- Where?

- Right there. - Austin said and put chocolate on my nose

- Austin! I will kill you.

- I would love to see how you will do it.

- Run because if I catch you, there is no escape.

- You are joking.

- Run.

Austin and I chased each other for a while. In the end, he caught me. I don't know how we switched roles. I have to say that he has a tight grip. At least he let me go. Someone has to finish the cake. When everything was ready, we went into the living room to eat. We decided to watch another episode of Friends. Both of us have watched the whole show a couple of times.

- I will never get tired of this show. - I said

- Me either. It's too good.

- How often do we have to watch it until we get bored?

- Infinity. - he said, and I laughed

- If something happens to you and you end up in a hospital, I'll bring my laptop so we can watch the show there.

- Deal.

- At least I don't have to go to school tomorrow.

- You can stay here tomorrow as well. I will drop you at school on Monday.

- Really?

- Yeah, I don't mind.

- Thanks, but I should go home.

- If you want me to be sad, go home.

- What?

- I'm kidding.

- You are horrible.

- But you can stay away from me.

- I never said that.

- There is no need for that. Your eyes tell me the truth. - he said and wrapped his hand around me

I wanted to say something against that, but nothing came from my mouth. Why does he always have to be right? That is my best friend. We watched the show until midnight. That's when I felt tired. I helped him clean. Later, both of us went to bed. I check my phone to see if something is interesting. Soon, I left it and tried to fall asleep. That didn't work. I kept switching sides, hoping to fall asleep. I couldn't. I don't want to go to school anymore. Well, I have no reason to stay home. Mom will never let me be an online student. Hopefully, I will survive the next couple of months.

After an hour and a half in bed, I decided to get up. I carefully walked downstairs for a glass of water. I don't want to wake up Austin. It's enough that he takes care of me all the time. I was about to go to my room when I bumped into someone. That scared me.

- Relax. It's me.

- I'm sorry.

- Why are you awake? I thought you were sleeping.

- I couldn't fall asleep and came for a glass of water.

- You better drink milk. It will help you fall asleep.

- Really?

- Yes. I have tested this. It works.

- Does it have to be warm?

- No.

- Can I drink from the bottle?

- Sure.

- Thanks. After all, I am at home.

- Yes, you are at home. - he said and kissed the top of my head

- Can you tell my teacher I'm sick? Also, to say to her that I can't go to school.

- No, I can't. Your mom can do it.

- She will never do it.

- Why don't you want to go to school?

- Personal reasons.

- Rosie, you can't skip school. I know it's hard for you, but you should ignore them. Please, don't waste your high school years because of some people. They always will be mean, but it doesn't mean you have to listen to them. Take care of yourself. You might not like it, but you should make yourself a priority.

- I'm not you.

- You don't know what my priority is.

- Well, you can tell me.

- I will leave this for another time.

- We better go to bed. It's late.

- I don't mind sitting and talking with you.

- Thanks, but I better leave you to sleep. Probably 2 am has passed.

- Yes, it did. Hopefully, the milk will help you.

- Since you said that, it will. I trust you.

- I'm glad to hear that.

- Can I get a hug?

- Sure. You don't need to ask. Come here.

- Thanks. - I said and hugged him

- You're welcome. Promise not to give up on school.

- I.

- Promise me. Please.

- Ok, I promise. I won't give up on school.

- You can call me for everything. I mean, even if it's 3 am. I will help you. The thing is that you have to keep fighting. You can't give up now. The finish line is so close. You survived so many years. Only a couple of months have left. I know you can do it.

- Thanks. I will try.

- No, you will do it.

- Ok, I will do it.

- Yes, you will. Let's go to bed now.

Both of us walked into our rooms. I started thinking about what he said. I know he isn't wrong, but I can't do it. I feel weak. I tried to fall asleep, but it didn't work. Then I decided to do something. I got up and made my bed. Later, I went to Austin's room. He fell asleep quickly. I left my phone on his nightstand and carefully got in bed.

- Good night. I hope you won't mind me being here. It's only for the night. Tomorrow I'll go home. - I said and snuggled

Many people don't believe that boys and girls can be friends. They have to be dating or related. I mean, siblings or cousins. I'm not like them. Austin and I are only friends, but he is the only one who can make me happy in seconds. I don't want another best friend. That is because I won't be able to find another one like him. He is irreplaceable. I might take most of his time. Well, he doesn't mind it. Otherwise, he could've ended this friendship a long time ago. I'm glad he didn't do it. I need to be around people who understand me. I hope that we'll never break this friendship because I don't think I can move on.