Crushing on my brother's best friend

Chapter four - I will never leave you alone

Austin's POV:

I want to help my best friend, but I don't know how. The thing is that she doesn't share with me anymore. It became hard for me to talk with her. Rosie always avoids the subject. Maybe she doesn't want to talk with her parents, but she has to do it with me. I only want to help her. I believe the problems are more than she says. There is something she doesn't want to tell me. The question is what that thing is. The easiest thing I can do is go and talk with the principal. Well, I'm sure my best friend won't like it. I don't want us to argue because of this. There should be a way I can do something for her. Maybe I need to talk with her parents. I won't tell them anything that I know. I will only ask for advice. Otherwise, Rosie will get mad at me. That is the last thing I want to happen. It's enough that she doesn't have other friends. I don't want her to lose the only one she has. It's not like this will happen. I will never leave her for anything in the world. She is the most important person to me. I would gladly talk with her brother, but I see how much he cares. I don't think he will help me. I'm sure he has no idea what is happening with her. I'm starting to understand why she's mad at him. Her brother is the one who has to be next to her, not me. After all, he is her brother. We are only best friends. It's not like I mind doing his job. As much as I like spending time with her, she has to find friends her age. I don't want her to be only with me. That is because most of the time I am working. I have time for her only after work. That's why I want her to go out more often. She needs to distract herself from the problems. Staying in her room won't help. I hope the more I talk with her, the more she will pay attention. All I want is for her to listen to me.

I like spending time with my best friend, but I wish it had been because she was happy. Lately, she has started coming home only if something has happened or she is not in a good mood. Rosie is always welcome here. The thing is that I prefer it when she is laughing. Sadly, I don't know when this will happen again. Maybe she needs therapy. I have been thinking about this. Well, I'm not sure if she will agree. After all, I don't want her to do anything she doesn't like.

I woke up and felt something heavy in my arm. I turned around to see Rosie in bed. When did she come here? I'm sure she went to her room last night. She couldn't fall asleep and went into the kitchen. We talked for a while, and later, she went to her room. Maybe she came after I had fallen asleep. It's not like I mind. At least she is sleeping. That won't resolve the problems but might give her peace, even for a while. I kissed the top of her head, and she snuggled. I started playing with her hair. It breaks my heart to see her like that, but I don't know what to do. Communication is key. We need to talk.

- Hello. Are you ok? Is there anybody here?

- What?

- You zoned out.

- I'm sorry. When did you come here?

- About that.

- What about it?

- The milk didn't help. I'm sorry that I came here. This won't happen again.

- Hey, you didn't do a crime. I ask because I don't remember having you here.

- I wanted to fall asleep and forget about everything.

- Did it help?

- Only the first part came true.

- Will you talk with me?

- About what?

- About the problem. Did I do something to you?

- No. Why would you think like that?

- Because you stopped sharing with me. You don't tell me anything. How am I supposed to help you?

- I'm fine.

- No, you're not. Please, tell me. Is this girl bothering you again?

- Can we make breakfast? I'm getting hungry.

- Yeah, sure, but on one condition.

- What is it?

- You will eat everything I put on your plate. Understood?

- Yes.

Rosie went into the bathroom while I made the bed. I would like it if she had been more open and told me everything. I understand it's hard for her to talk about it, but there is no other way I can understand the problem. Even if she doesn't want it, we should have a conversation. I don't know what else I can do for her. When she was ready, I went into the bathroom. Later, both of us went into the kitchen to make breakfast. I will make some sandwiches today. Hopefully, she will eat everything.

- Do you like your food? - I asked

- Yes, I do. It's delicious.

- What do you want us to do today?

- I don't know. I think you should plan all the activities for today.

- No problem. Is there anything you don't want to do?

- No. I will do whatever you say.

- Great.

Rosie and I ate our breakfast peacefully. Later, I took her for a walk. She doesn't know we will have lunch with her brother at his house. I want to see if he will notice something different in her. They need to start talking. We walked for a while around the town. I texted Josh when she was in the bathroom. Hopefully, my best friend won't get mad at me. I didn't want to offend her in any way. I'm doing this to help her. Around 12:30 pm, we were in front of Josh's house. I knocked on the door, and Kylie opened it.

- Hey, come in. Lunch is ready.

- Thank you for accepting us. I'm sorry it was last minute. - I said

- It's ok. The door is always open for you.

- What are we doing here? - Rosie asked

- We are here for lunch.

- What? Why didn't you tell me? Then you say that I hide things from you.

- Because I was sure you wouldn't like it. Also, I want to spend some time with my best friend.

- I am your best friend.

- Your brother, too.

- Whatever. - she said and walked in

Soon, all of us were around the table. The girls wanted to be around Rosie. I think they can distract her enough. I mean, at least for a while. I would love to talk with Josh alone, but I don't know if we'll have time. Maybe I can ask Kylie for help. I'm sure she and Rosie have a lot to talk about.

- How is work? You don't talk much about it. - Josh said

- Man, I build and repair houses. What do I have to say about it? - I asked, chuckling

- Where are you working now?

- We are building a new house from scratch. That will take some time.

- Maybe a couple of years.

- Yes. It depends on. If the weather is horrible, we don't work. Also, we have only five days a week. The weekend is for resting.

- Good for you.

- Girls, do you want chocolate cake? - Kylie asked

- Why are you asking them? I think the answer is obvious. - I said, and she laughed

- True.

Kylie served the chocolate cake, and the girls immediately started eating. Later, I made her a sign to take them somewhere else with Rosie. Luckily, she understood what I wanted to say and did it. Now, it's only him and I.

- Is there a problem? - Josh asked

- I wonder if you can do me a favor.

- It depends on what it is. After all, I'm not a superhero. - he said, chuckling

- I won't have much time this week for your sister. Can you take her out one night? It will be only for a couple of hours.

- Um, maybe I will do it.

- Is this a yes or a no?

- I am a bit busy, but I will try to find time for her.

- Let me tell you something. Hopefully, you won't get offended.

- What is it?

- If you don't change your attitude towards her, she won't change hers towards you.

- What do you mean?

- You know exactly what I mean.

- Are you trying to tell me something?

- Your sister is not a toy. She has to deal with many things. Sadly, one of them is you. Be the brother you're supposed to be and talk with her. She needs this.

- I have a feeling something has happened.

- Does it need something to happen so you can spend some time with her?

- No, but I am busy.

- So am I, but I always have time for her. Please, don't use the excuse that you have kids now. If you want something, you will find a way to do it. No matter what happens.

- I see. I will try to do what you said.

- That only proves how much you care.

- What?

- You said that you would try. That means you might not do it at all.

- That is not true. Also, you are all the time with her. She doesn't need me.

- You have no idea how wrong you are. Just because you have a family, it doesn't mean they should be the only thing in your life. You have been with Rosie longer than you have been with Kylie. Remember that.

- What do you want from me?

- Nothing. I know you won't do it.

That was. We dropped it. There was no point talking to him about it when he was visible that he didn't understand. I want him to help her. That way, they can fix their relationship. I guess that it won't happen. At least not soon. Maybe I don't have to mess with this. It's better if they figure it out alone.

After lunch, we went back home. Rosie walked into her room and closed the door. I feel like she is mad again. Hopefully, it's not on me. I walked in and saw her lying in bed.

- Hey, are you ok?

- I'm fine.

- If you say so.

- Can I know what this lunch was? Why did you want us to go there? Nothing happened

- I thought you and Josh could talk. I guess that won't happen.

- I appreciate it, but please don't do it again. That is something we have to do on our own.

- I know. All I wanted was to help.

- Thanks. You are the only one who tries.

- Well, if you talk with your parents, they can help you.

- They will do everything, but I don't want them to mess with this. It's enough that they have a lot of work.

- I understand, but you can hide this from them forever.

- When I fix things, I will tell them.

- Which means never.

- No, I will do it. I don't want to live like that forever.

- At least you are thinking about this.

- Yes, I am.

The whole afternoon we spent talking. For dinner, I decided to make us an omelet. It's simple, and I know Rosie will like it. I'm glad that she doesn't complain about the food. That means I can cook whatever I want. She will eat it. When it was ready, I called her to come to the kitchen. Later we might go out again.

- Do you like my dinner? It's simple, but I think you might like it.

- It's delicious. No matter what you cook, it will always be good.

- I'm glad to hear that. Do you want us to go out after dinner? If you want, we can do something else.

- A walk sounds good. I need to clear my head.

- Ok, then.

- Thank you for letting me stay here today. No matter that I wanted to go home.

- This is your home, too. You can come whenever you want. I will never throw you away.

- I know. Well, you can't be all the time with me. You have other things to do.

- They can wait. Nothing is more important than you.

- Really?

- Yes. I will always be available for you.

- Thank you. That means a lot.

- Are you sure you don't want me to talk with Josh?

- Yes, I am. He has to do this on his own. I don't want anyone to tell him what to do.

- Hopefully, he will do what you want soon.

- I already don't care. I gave up on him last year when everything started.

- Please, don't do that. I'm sure he cares about you.

- He cares about me the same amount as a stranger does.

- That is not true.

- Are you sure? When was the last time he did something for me? Two years ago.

- He helped you last year.

- Because I pleased him. Otherwise, he wouldn't have done it.

- Ok, I won't argue with you.

I cleaned the table, and both of us walked out. I let her walk out alone only during the day. You have no idea what people do during the night. I mean, many of them like getting drunk. I don't want something to happen to her. That's why I'm here, to keep her safe. We walked around the neighborhood. Most of the houses had their lights on. It means people are at home. We will join them soon. Hopefully, the walk will make her feel better. I know it's not easy for her. She has to focus on herself.

Around 10 pm, we were at home. After all, Rosie has to go to school tomorrow. Also, I need to work. Money doesn't grow on trees. My best friend went into her room. I'm sure she doesn't want to go to school. Sadly, I can't let her stay at home. I walked into her room and sat in front of her.

- Are you nervous about tomorrow?

- Do I have to go?

- Yes, you do. You know I can't let you stay at home.

- Maybe you don't want to do it.

- Tell me what I have to tell your mom.

- That I don't feel well.

- She won't believe me. I know it's hard, but you have to fight.

- It's easier said than done.

- But I know you can do it.

- Maybe I need one gallon of milk. - Rosie said, chuckling

- If you can't sleep, you can come to my room. I won't do anything to you. I promise.

- I don't know. You need a rest.

- You too.

- Ok, fine. I will come.

- Good. Let's go. It's getting late.

Both of us went to my room. I might not be able to do much, but I will do everything possible to be sure she is in a good mood. I looked at her and saw her sleeping. That was quick. I think she is mentally drained. Physically, my best friend looks fine. I wish I could say the same about her mental health. I don't know why she cares so much, but she does. That is what ruins her day. A couple of months ago, I realized she was an overthinker. The way she was talking said it all. I wish I had noticed this sooner. That way, I could've helped her. It's not like I won't do it now. I hope that she will never stop fighting and won't give up.