Mentally in love

Chapter twenty - Friendships and promises

Dean's POV:

Leo and Lesley are friends. I'm happy that they finally solved their problems. I don't know what took them so long. I believe that it was my brother who didn't want to rush. Whatever it was, I'm glad it's over. My friend often comes home. I don't need to listen to their arguments all the time. What is left is for Tessa to stop being mad at Leo. I don't think this is possible. I understand she is hurt, but at least she can listen to him. One day, she came to my coffee shop. I told her to talk with him. She didn't say anything, grabbed her drink, and walked away. Maybe we have to leave her alone. This girl will realize everything when she is alone. I bet she will come to see my brother soon. I'm starting to think he developed feelings for her. Otherwise, he wouldn't care so much about her. Honestly, he has always done it. I have no idea what she did to him, but it was enough for him to keep her. I think his friends are filling his head with stuff so he can get rid of her. I might be wrong. This is how I see it. I would gladly help him, but I don't know what to do. At least Lesley and I don't have such problems. It's not like I don't keep an eye on her daily. I'm working now, but I text her to make sure she will answer me. Sometimes, I'm afraid she will do something to herself. I know it won't happen in school. During the other time, I can't be sure. Maybe I have to make her stay with me in the afternoon. She can drink and study. That way, I will be able to watch her. I should trust her more, but I can't. Not when it comes to this. I should calm down a bit, but I can't. I'm scared to lose her. She is the only friend I have. I mean, for a longer time. Jeremy and Lia will always be my friends. I hope that I will be able to keep Lesley safe from herself.

Soon, I will receive my first paycheck. It's not like I don't know how much my salary is. Well, it's still exciting. My parents are happy I found something to do instead of sitting at home. I think it's a relief for them. Mostly, that is because nothing will happen to me. I have no idea if I should thank Lesley for that, but I feel better. At least I don't think about my problems that much. Mia is helping, too. She is nice to me and knows a lot of jokes. Most of them are from her boyfriend. It took me time, but I found the right way.

Today, my parents will work from home. I wish I could do that. I love spending time with them. I do it to make up for the time they were without me. I know they have missed me. For about fifteen minutes, I was ready. As a guy, I don't need much time picking my clothes. Also, I work in a coffee shop, not a famous company. I was about to go for food when someone knocked on the door. It was my mom. She looks in a good mood.

- Good morning. How is my barista? - she asked, chuckling

- He is fine. I see you are in a good mood.

- Well, it's not every day you can work from home.

- I'm glad you enjoy it.

- I wish I could come with you to work.

- Why? I don't do much.

- Because I like spending time with you. Working is the last step.

- The last step of what?

- Moving out. I'm not ready to let you go. Not yet. - my mom said with tears in her eyes

- Mom, I'm not going anywhere. With a salary like mine, I won't be able to do it soon.

- Yes, but I know you plan to do it.

- I do. Maybe I can buy a house close to yours. That way, you can come to see me whenever you want.

- I would like that.

- See? You don't have to think about this now. Let's go for food. I'm hungry. - I said, and she laughed

- I have prepared something for you.

- Ohh, what is it?

- Come and see.

I love my mom. She takes care of me every day, even if she has a lot of work to do. That's why I try not to disappoint her. I don't know what I would do without her. Dad is tougher. He can handle everything. This man will take the news calmly, no matter how bad they are. After all, we have talked. I wanted to know how he felt when I left. He had to be strong because of my mom.

After breakfast, I went to work. Mia was already there making coffee. I guess it's for her. There are no customers here. I left my things in the staff room and put my apron on. Now I don't come with a white shirt anymore.

- Hey.

- Oh, hi.

- I see you are making coffee.

- This one is for you.

- For me? Why?

- Because I already had mine.

- Thanks. I appreciate it. Next time, I will make you one.

- Then you have to come before me at work.

- I will try to make it happen.

- I would love to see it.

- How are you today?

- I'm good. I have a date tonight.

- Nice. I bet he will take you to a fancy place.

- No, I forbid him that.

- Why?

- In the beginning, he tried to impress me. I told him to stop doing it. That wasn't working on me. I prefer simple things. He doesn't need to spend much money on me to make me love him more. I like him the way he is.

- Can I know where you two met? Well, if it's not a secret.

- It's not as long as you tell me about you and Lesley.

- Deal.

Mia and her boyfriend met at university. He has a crush on her, but it took him two years to get brave enough and ask her out. At least things went in the right direction. I told her the story about Lesley and me. Usually, I'm not that open about it, but today I did it. She laughed at the part with the tree. I won't deny that it's weird, but it's part of the memories.

Both of us worked until lunchtime. The boss is not here today. I went to get us food. I don't know what she likes, but I'll buy her something. After all, she made me coffee. This will be my way of saying thank you. I'm trying to be nice to her. I paid for the food and walked out. This restaurant is a ten-minute walk from the coffee shop.

- Here you go.

- What is that?

- Food.

- Is all of this for me?

- Well, I planned to eat something. If you want, you can have it.

- Thanks, but no. Otherwise, my boyfriend will think I'm fat.

- You are not fat. I like you that way. I mean, like a person.

- Relax. He doesn't get jealous.

- I don't want to get in trouble.

- I will never cheat on him. This boy is a keeper.

- I'm glad you think this way. Good boys are rare.

- True. That's why Lesley is lucky to have you.

- What do you mean?

- You two are friends, but maybe you mean more to her.

- I know. I'm the big brother she doesn't have. She has told me that.

- Good, but that's not what I meant.

- I don't understand.

- Haven't you thought of dating her?

- No, I will never do that. She is my friend. It feels wrong.

- Don't you love her?

- I do, but not that way. She is like my little sister. I love taking care of her, but that's it. There are no feelings. Not the way you think.

- If you say so. The way you look at her tells me something else.

- I don't have a crush on Lesley.

- You said it, not me.

Mia and I ate our lunch peacefully. My mom came to see me in the afternoon. I think that something might have happened. She looks extra protective over me. I won't go anywhere. I work here only until 6 pm. Then I am home. She looked worried, but when I asked, she only smiled. I don't know what is going on. Maybe it will be better not to ask and be next to her. As much as I like spending time with her, this can't always happen. I have other priorities now. Well, my parents and brother will always be the main ones. The same goes for Lesley.

After work, I went to the grocery store. I wanted to buy my mom a small cake. It's not like food will cheer her up, but it can help. Then I went straight home. Dad was reading something on his phone in the kitchen. Leo came from his room. I wonder where my mom is. I believe soon we'll eat dinner.

- Hey.

- Hey, Dean. How was work? - my dad asked

- Good. We didn't have many customers today.

- It sounds good.

- Yes. Do you know where my mom is?

- She is in the bedroom.

- Thanks.

I walked to her room and knocked on the door. Of course, I took the cake with me. She let me in, and I sat next to her. Is it me, or does she look tired? Maybe she is upset. I don't know how to help her.

- Mom, are you ok?

- Yes, why?

- Because you look tired and upset.

- Honey, I'm fine. You don't have to worry about me.

- I bought you this small cake. It's not much, but I thought it could make you feel better.

- Thank you. You didn't have to spend your money on me.

- It's ok. I'm working now. - I said, chuckling

- Ohh, it has vanilla cream on the inside. Perfect.

- I hope you will like it. I don't know how it tastes.

- I will like everything from you.

- That is good to know.

Mom and I talked until it was time for dinner. Then I helped her to prepare it. I don't know why she wants to spend so much time with me today, but I'll give it to her. After all, she is my mom. The other reason is that I love her. I wonder if my dad wants the same. I can spend the weekend with him. Well, if he wants that. Maybe he already has plans. When dinner was ready, we served it. Leo started eating with us, which was good. Before, he was always out.

- How is the food? Dean and I made it. - my mom said, looking at my dad

- It's visible that he is working in a coffee shop. - my dad said, chuckling

- Well?

- It's good. I like it.

- Thank you.

- Leo, are you ok? - I asked

- Yes, I'm fine.

- Do you want us to talk?

- Not, now. I might go to bed early.

- Do you have plans tomorrow?

- Not really. I don't know. I haven't decided what I want to do yet.

- If you want, you can come to stay with me.

- What do I have to do in a coffee shop?

- Join Lesley's study session.

- What do you mean?

- I make Lesley stay with me in the afternoon. That way, I'll keep an eye on her.

- Why do you have to do that?

- Let's say that I want to keep her safe.

- Safe from what?

- Herself.

- Huh?

- You won't understand. Let's talk about something else.

The rest of the dinner was peaceful. I see that something has happened between Leo and Tessa. Maybe she still doesn't want to talk with him. I have spoken with her. Lesley did it, too. The final decision is hers. I can't tell her what to do. Also, I don't want to deal with this. I have other things to worry about. The main one is my friend. I see her when she comes to my workplace. She is trying to concentrate so hard, but it's not working. I don't know what she is thinking about so much. After dinner, I went to help my mom with the dishes. I want to talk with her too.

- Mom, are you ok?

- Yes, why?

- You are lovely today. Did I do something?

- No, you didn't do anything. Don't worry.

- Saying this makes me worry. What is going on?

- I don't know. I want to keep you close like when you were little.

- Mom, I'm not going anywhere, ok? I'm here. I don't have the money to move out yet. It doesn't matter if you like it or not. You should see me for a couple of months.

- Only?

- Maybe a bit more. I don't know. I understand you want to keep me close. The thing is that you can't do it all the time.

- I know.

- Why don't you focus on Leo? Even if he won't say it, he needs you.

- He doesn't want to do it.

- Because he has other things in her head. Give him some time.

- If you say so.

I talked with my mom for a while. Later, I went to see Leo. He was in his room, lying in the bed. Something tells me there are problems in paradise. I don't want to say it, but he has to choose between Tessa and his friends. It's visible that they don't like each other. That's why he has to make the choice. I haven't met his friends, but the ghosting prank wasn't good. Honestly, I believe they did it on purpose. This wasn't for fun. Lesley thinks the same, but Leo still trusts them.

- How are you?

- I'm good. I had an A on my essay.

- Good job.

- Yeah.

- Come on. Spill the tea.

- She hates me. That is the end. According to her, no matter what I do, she won't change her mind.

- That is not true. Tessa said it to see what you would do.

- Anything.

- What about your friends?

- I don't even enjoy it when we go out anymore.

- Then? What is your final decision? The boys or Tessa?

- None. I spent so much time trying to satisfy everyone. I better be alone. It will save me the trouble.

- Are you sure about this?

- Yes, I am. I will steal your friend.

- What?

- I'm kidding. I want to be alone for some time.

- We can share her.

- Deal.

Leo and I talked until midnight. I understand how he feels. The thing is that I'm not sure if his decision is not wrong. On the other side, he needs to be alone for some time. Also, to think about what is happening. This can help him with his choices. I'm glad he has these problems, not like mine. I would like it if he didn't have them at all. That is one of the many challenges he will have in his life. Mine is Lesley. I have to look after her to be sure she won't hurt herself. I'm not doing a perfect job. Well, I'm trying my best. I won't let her do what I did five years ago. I had luck, but she might not. I hope that she will get better.