Crushing on my brother's best friend

Chapter eight - You are better than her

Austin's POV:

Finally, I convinced Rosie to come home with me. The past week with her has been great. I drive her to school every day. Some people are watching, but I make sure she doesn't care about this. For now, my keys are with her. We go out at the same time, but she comes home earlier. It's better if she has them. My best friend doesn't need to go to my work to take the keys every day. Honestly, she's the first person to who I give them. The thing is that when I moved out, I wanted this to be about myself. That's why there is no second pair of these keys. It's not like I don't trust anyone, but this is my place. I did it so I could be alone. You can see, I don't have a girlfriend. I can get one, but I don't want to. Also, for me, that is not everything. I am happy, no matter that I am single. After all, this is my life. I am the one choosing what will happen with it. The other thing is that I have Rosie. She is more than enough for me. I don't need another girl. The problem is that I won't be able to manage my time between them. If I get a girlfriend, she might be jealous that I spend so much time with my best friend. The other side of the coin is that my best friend might feel like a third wheel. That is not something I want to happen. Now you know why I don't want to date anyone. Well, that is not the main reason. I prefer to be alone. There is nothing wrong with that. I mean, many single people don't complain. I am one of them. Also, I have a lot of things to keep me busy. I have to go to work every day. Now Rosie is with me to keep me company. All of this is enough for me. I go out with my parents and my friends. If I want to, I can go out every night. I hope that my friends and family will finally understand this.

It's Friday. I'm happy because it's the end of the work week for me. Also, for my best friend, it's the last day of school for the week. Last weekend we spent most of the time at home. Rosie didn't want us to go out. I understand her. It's not like this is a good thing, but I know she wants to stay home. Lately, she became close to herself. I believe this girl didn't leave her. I'm sure that even if I ask, she won't tell me anything. I guess I have to find out by myself.

I woke up and went to get ready for work. Later, I want to make breakfast. I have to say that my best friend is not a big spender. She doesn't eat much and barely uses water and electricity. This girl is cheap. That is one of the reasons why I didn't want money from her parents. The other one is that I couldn't do it. They have helped me a lot. The last thing I should do is ask them for money. It doesn't feel right. When the breakfast was ready, I went to check on Rosie.

- Knock, knock. Can I come in?

- What time is it?

- It's 7 am. Are you ready for school?

- I have a stomachache. I won't be able to go.

- I drank spoiled milk. Let's see who is lying.

- Really?

- What is going on with you? For the past week, you haven't been in the mood at all. You can tell me if she is bothering you. I will do something. You know I won't let her do whatever she wants with you.

- If you don't want things to get worse than now, please stay away.

- But I want to help you

- You can help me if you don't mess with this.

- Ok, fine. Let's go for breakfast.

Rosie and I ate our food in silence. It was visible that something was going on. Every day, when I pull off the car in front of the school, she looks at it with fear. I wish I knew what was going on. Something, or I should say someone, is upsetting her. I took my best friend home to help her feel better. That's what I wanted. Well, if I want to do this, I need to find out what the problem is.

After breakfast, both of us walked to my car. During the whole ride, my best friend was nervous. I feel terrible because I can't do anything. Soon, we arrived, and I looked at her.

- Everything will be fine. If you need something, all you have to do is call me. I will come and pick you up.

- Thanks, but I'm fine. I have to go now. See you at home. - she said and left

I drove to work. Pete and David were already there. I parked my car and walked up to them. I started working straight away. At least that keeps me distracted from everything that is going on. It's not like I know what it is.

- Man, are you ok? You seem worried. - Pete said

- I'm fine.

- Are you sure?

- Yes, I am. Let's say that I have a lot of things in my head.

- How is Rosie? You don't talk much about her. - David said

- I wish I knew. She keeps telling me that she is fine when it's visible that she is not.

- Maybe she doesn't want you to worry about her.

- How am I not supposed to do it? For the past week, she came home from school upset every day. I don't even know how to help.

- Does anyone else know what might be going on? - Pete asked

- No. She doesn't share with anyone.

- I see. Things will be fine, especially since you put so much effort into her. All you have to do is give her some time.

We worked on the house until lunchtime. David went to buy us lunch. It's not like I am hungry, but I have to eat. I texted Rosie to see how she was. She should be on her lunch break. The thing is that I'm not sure if she is eating.

I spent the rest of the afternoon working with the boys. Until next week, we should be done. I mean, with the foundations of the house. Someone else will take care of the interior. This means we will be transferred to another project. When we finished work, I took the car and walked home. The front door was open, which meant that Rose was at home. I have told her to call or text me only if she is outside. That way, I can go and take my keys from her.

- Rosie, I'm home. Rosie. Rosie! Where are you?

I went to the guestroom and saw her sleeping. I told her before to lock the door when she was doing it. You never know what might happen. I carefully closed the door and sat on the bed. That's when I noticed something. She has been crying herself to sleep. Something has happened today. I'm sure she won't tell me. I didn't want to get upset, but that became impossible. I don't know what else I have to do. She is hurting herself every day, and the fact that I can't do anything is killing me. I looked up and saw that she had opened her eyes.

- Hey, you are home.

- Yes, I am. How was your day?

- It was ok.

- Are you sure?

- I am. - she said and got up

- Rosie, you can't lie to me. Can I know what happened? Why did you cry yourself to sleep? You know, to see you like that is not something I like. Why are you doing this to yourself?

- I don't know what you mean.

- Yes, you do. Please, talk to me. I'm here for you.

- I can't do this anymore. I'm tired. I want all of this to be over. Why do I have to go through this? I didn't do anything to her. - she said and started crying

- Please, don't do it. Hey, it's not worth it. Come here. - I said and pulled her for a hug

- Why does it have to be me?

- She will get what she deserves. I promise you. Bad things happen to bad people. In the end, you will be happy. I know it.

- When? Through how many things do I have to go? When all of this will stop?

- When you decide to be brave enough. Also, tell her how you feel. You can't let her play with you.

- I don't want things to get worse.

- They will if you continue being silent. Look at me.

- What? - she asked and pulled away

- You are better than her. This girl is nothing. She might be rich, but it doesn't mean she has good friends. You do. You have all the things she can't buy with money. No matter what she does, I will always be by your side. You are my best friend, and nothing will change that. - I said and wiped her tears

- Thanks. I needed to hear that.

Rosie and I talked for a while. Later, I went to make dinner. My best friend came to watch me. Usually, she likes to help me, but I see she is not in the mood today. I wonder for how long I can stay silent. She wanted to set the table, so I let her do it. This time we'll eat in the kitchen. We can watch a movie. Well, she won't pay attention to it. That will be a waste of time. I served the food, and we started eating. Mostly, she was playing with it.

- If you want, I can make you something else.

- No, thanks. I'm not hungry.

- You have to eat, ok? Starving yourself won't resolve the problem.

- I ate in the afternoon.

- Why are you always making excuses? You know I don't believe you.

- It's a habit. I use it to stop my parents from asking more questions.

- Ok, but that doesn't work for me. I suggest you start telling the truth. It will save us time.

- I know. Thanks.

- Can you promise me something?

- What is it?

- To stop crying because of her. It's not worth it. She is not worth it.

- It's not that easy.

- But it's not mission impossible. I know you can do it.

- I can try.

- It's better than nothing.

- How was your day? I never ask.

- It was good. Soon we have to finish this house.

- What will you do next?

- I'll have a one-week break and then move to another project.

- It seems nice. You can do something for yourself.

- Yes, or spend some time with you.

- You do it all the time. Aren't you tired of me?

- That will never happen. I will never get tired of you.

- Are you sure?

- Hundred percent. Why don't we go for a walk after dinner? I want to go out for a while.

- No problem. I would love that.

The rest of the dinner we spent talking. After that, we went for a walk. When we go out during the night, I always hold her tight. I know she can care for herself, but I like doing it. I feel like I have a little sister. Also, I have never taken care of anyone else. It feels good. The other thing is that I know she will always be with me when I need her. Rosie has done many things for me, so now it's my turn to return the favor. We walked around the town. There were fewer people outside. Most of them were at home or in a restaurant. We walked to a park and saw only two people. They look like Rosie's age. Probably, they are on a date. I wonder when she will have one. I would love to play the role of a big brother here.

- Hey, can I ask you something?

- Yes, sure. What is it?

- When will you go on a date?

- What?

- Answer me.

- I don't know. Probably it won't be soon. Why?

- Because you are old enough for that.

- Thanks, but a date is the last thing I need. Also, no one will take me on one.

- Many boys go to your school.

- But none of them talks to me.

- Have you tried to say hello?

- I don't want to do it. Why do you care so much about this?

- Because I want to be the bigger brother who will lecture you about boys. - I said, and she laughed

- Oh, god. Please, help me.

- Also, it will be good for you to get distracted.

- I appreciate your enthusiasm, but I don't like anyone. I don't want to go out with someone only to call it a date.

- Find someone who you like.

- That won't happen in high school, for sure.

- Hold on. Do you already like someone?

- What? No. I'm saying that because no one is on my side there. Why would I go out with someone who doesn't care about me?

- I don't think that is true.

- It is. You have no idea what is going on there.

- That is true.

We continued walking and talking. I would love her to go on a date, but it has to be with someone she likes. Otherwise, it won't feel real. It will be like something staged. Honestly, with all things going on around her, I don't think she has time for this. Maybe that will make her get distant from people. After some time, we got home. I would love to talk more with her.

- That is for today. Tomorrow we can go out again if you want.

- Can it be during the night?

- Of course. I'll do whatever you say.

- You always say that.

- Because it's true. I'll do everything to make you happy again.

- I am happy.

- Are you sure? It doesn't look like that to me.

- You are here. That is more than enough for me. You know how to bring my good mood back in seconds.

- Well, I have many talents.

- Yes, you do. You have the talent of being the perfect best friend.

- I'm far away from perfect, but I appreciate the compliment.

- It's true. I mean every single thing I have said to you. Well, except for the horrible ones. - she said, chuckling

- Don't worry. No matter what you do or say, I will always be here.

- Thank you. It's good to know.

I can talk with her all night, but she has to sleep. It's not like she didn't tell me to stay with her until she fell asleep. What do I have to do? She is my best friend. I can't leave her. Also, I don't want to do it. More than anything, she needs someone by her side. I will happily be this person. I'm not perfect, but I'll do everything possible to be sure she is always in a good mood. It might take me time, but I don't care. It's breaking my heart to see her upset. That is one of the things I don't like. I want the happy Rosie back. I hope that she will appear soon because I have missed her.