The good girl is changing me

Chapter seventeen - I care for him

Chloe's POV:

Lately, I am spending a lot of time with Aaron and I have to say that I like it. I mean he is nice to me and no matter that he thinks differently or says more negatively, I know that there is a reason for all of that. I happily will listen to him, but I wish that I could make him see that the real-life might not be that bad as he thinks. This won't be easy, but I have to try. Yes, he might look happy, but this doesn’t mean that he is. He has no idea how much the way he talks, speaks for himself. I don't know is it only because of his parents or there is another reason why he became that person. I hope that I will be able to help him. I don't want him to waste his life only because no one showed him love and proper care. 

It's the weekend so I don't have to go to school. Saturday is one of the two days on which I can sleep longer. I haven't seen Aaron since the movie night, which we made. Well, it was my idea, but I'm glad that he liked it. We didn't do much except the watching movies and eat. I still can't believe that the bad boy wanted to watch mean girls with me. I won't tell anyone, because I don't want to know what people will say about him. If I have to be honest, this side of him is better. I won't stop him from getting in trouble, but I prefer when he doesn't do it. 

In the morning, I woke up. It was already 10 am so I will skip breakfast and eat lunch. I don't have plans for today so I might chill at home. The girls didn't call me, which is interesting. Usually, they always have plans at the weekend. I hope that we won't go to the mall. I got out of bed and got changed. At home, I wear comfortable clothes. Once I stayed the whole day with my PJs. I was just too lazy to change. I might go to see Aaron tonight. There is a chance that he won't be at home, but there is no way how to check. I think that it's time to swap numbers. 

I came out of the bathroom when I heard a knock on the door. I opened it and the girls were standing in front of it. Why they didn't tell me that they'll come? It would be better if I knew. 

- Girls, what are you doing here?

- We're happy to see you too. - Katy said

- Sorry, just why didn't you tell me?

- Because we wanted to surprise you. - Kayla said

- And you didn't think that I might have plans for the day?

- You and plans are words, which don't belong together. - Katy laughed

- Very funny. What do you want us to do? Please, let's not go to the mall. I'm tired of it. 

- Ok, we can just sit and talk. We haven't done that in a while. 

The girls and I went into the living room. I saw a note from my parents, which says that they have some work to do. Katy and Kayla looked at me. What? I don't have anything to tell them. I mean not what they want to hear. I won't tell them about Aaron, because they will freak out. Moreover, I want to keep his friendship and the best thing, for now, is to not tell them anything. One day, they might understand and I will be in trouble, but I won't be sorry for that. 

- Why are you looking at me like that?

- Won't you tell us something? - Katy asked

- Like what? I don't understand what is going on. 

- Lately, you are outside, going who knows where. Chloe, is there a boy? - Kayla said smirking

- Yes, they are five and I am dating all of them. 

- We are serious. No matter who is he, we won't say anything. If you are happy with him, we'll be happy for you. Now tell us who is he. - Katy said

I gladly would tell them, but I don't want to risk it. Moreover, we are not dating. I don't even know are we friends. That's what it looks like, but I'm not sure. 

- Girls, there is no one. I just don't want to stay all the time at home and decide to start going out. I need some time for myself. 

- Are you sure it's only this? - Kayla asked

- Yes, I am. Now, what about you? Katy, what happened with your crush?

- Well, I was going to ask you something. This week is the football team's first match and I want to watch it. Will you come with me?

- You know that I don't like football. 

- It's not about the game. Please, don't leave me alone with him. 

- Chloe, we have to do it. Otherwise, she won't leave us in peace. 

- When is the game?

- This Wednesday. Will you come with me? Please. 

- Aghh, fine, but this is the only time. 

- Yay, thank you. I love you girls. 

- Now let's move on to miss Kayla. How is your love life?

- You know that I don't care about these things. I mean, I want to have a boyfriend, but I am not that desperate. - she said looking at Katy

- Why are you looking at me?

- Because you are the one who was searching for boys like crazy. How many times have we gone to the mall for boys? - I asked her

- That was before. Now I have found mine and I won't search anymore. 

- I hope so. Otherwise, you will be alone. 

We were talking for a while. Then we decide to watch a movie. I didn't tell them anything else. I don't know did they believe me, but I'm glad that they didn't ask me more questions. It's true that I want to see him again, but I will wait until they decide to go home, which I don't know when this will be. Luckily, this happened after three hours. Mom and dad were still outside so I went out. Of course, I left them a note in case they come home before me. 

I walked to his house and knocked on the door. There was no answer. I tried with the doorbell, but again no one opened it. It was only 6 pm so he might be outside. I started walking around the town. He might be everywhere. I went to one diner and ordered a milkshake. It would be easier if I had his number. Maybe I have to give him mine and wait until he decides to text me. I just thought that the girls might look at my phone and understand everything. Even if I put him under a different name, they still well see that I am texting with someone and the questions will start. 

Somehow, I spent one hour. When I think, time flies really fast for me. I paid for my milkshake and walked out. I will walk around for a little more and then I will go to his house again. If he is not at home, I will go to my house and will talk with him tomorrow or on Monday. I went to one park and saw that it was almost empty. It was 7:30 pm so most of the people are at home, having dinner. I stayed there for like an hour and then walked to his house again. 

When I arrived, I knocked on the door and heard a loud groan. At least he is at home. Aaron opened the door and looked very surprised to see me. Me too. His face was covered in scars again, which means that he has been fighting with someone again. As I have said, I won't change him, but I wish that he was more careful. 

- Chloe, what are you doing here?

- Can I come in?

- Yeah, sure. 

- I came to search for you earlier, but you weren't at home.

- Yes, I was outside.  I had some things to do. 

- It's kind of visible. Are you ok?

- I am, don't worry. Let's go to the kitchen. I am hungry. Do you want anything?

- Only to give me the first aid.

- Chloe, I'm fine. 

- I don't say the opposite, but this doesn't mean that I won't help you. Will you let me?

He didn't say anything. I know that this is new to him, but I won't leave him like that. I only want to help. Aaron might not believe it, but I care for him. One day he might realize that he is not helping himself and I hope that this will change his mind. I want him to trust me, but I don't know will he do it. I stepped closer and looked him in the eyes. 

- I won't hurt you. I know that you don't trust me, but I only want to help you. Aaron, you are not alone. I am here and I won't leave you. - I said and touched some of his scars, which made him wince in pain

Both of us kept looking at each other without talking. It won't be easy, but I don't want to give up. Not only because he is in that state. It's not too late for him to change and to start thinking of himself. He broke the eye contact and walked away. Is he mad at me? Soon he came with a small red box. It was written first aid on it. At least I convinced him. 

- You can sit down at one of the chairs. - I suggested and he did it

I pulled out some cotton and put some rubbing alcohol on it. I carefully started cleaning the blood from his face. I know that this hurts, but it will make them go faster. When I was done with that, I took some bandages and carefully put them on the places with bigger scars. On the small ones, I put some cream. The whole time he was looking at me. I put my hand on his cheek and looked at him. 

- Soon you will be fine and the scars will be gone. - I said smiling

Aaron continued looking at me. Is there a problem? I am confused. He grabbed my hand and made me sit on his lap. I don't know how I should feel about that. He didn't say anything and gave me a hug. I won't lie that this feels nice. Slowly I am starting to understand what he was missing in his life and what he needs. I will keep saying that he is not a bad person because I see it. Yes, he has been fighting with god knows who, but this doesn't mean that he is bad. This only makes me feel sorry for him. He doesn't deserve any of the things, which are happening to him and which he is doing. 

- Are you ok? You can tell me if there is a problem. - I said looking at him

- No, I'm fine. I just needed that. I'm sorry. 

- It's fine, I don't mind. If I have to be honest, it felt nice. - I said and he gave me a small smile 

- If you say so. 

- Do you want to tell me something or maybe to ask?

- Why are you here? I mean why did you want to come?

- I wanted to see you, but the girls came and I waited until they go home. 

- Why do you care so much about me?

That's an interesting question to which I don't have an answer. I have asked myself why I do it, but to be honest, I don't know. I just feel the need to help him. 

- Won't you answer me?

- I don't know. I just feel bad for you. All the things that happen to you... you don't deserve them. 

- Actually, I do. You have no idea how many things I have done. 

- I can imagine. - I said and he chuckled

- It's better for you if you don't mess me with me. 

- But I want to do it. Also, because of that, I want to give you something. - I said and pulled out my phone

I opened my contacts and tap the create new contact button. When I was done, I gave him my phone. He looked at me and took the phone. I called him so he can have my number. I know that I am risking, but we can't keep writing notes anymore. Texting is easier and like that, if I need him, I will know where to search him. Well, I won't spy on him, but just in case he gets in trouble. 

- Now you can call whenever you want, except when I am in class. - I said and he laughed

- I will do that. Thank you, Chloe. I don't know what I was going to do without you. 

With that, I felt how my cheeks started to heat up and the fact that I was still sitting on his lap is not helping. This is the first time when someone is saying this to me. I have helped many people, even the girls, but one has said this. This is another proof that he can be nice. I wish that other people could see it. 

- It's getting late. I have to go home. 

- Do you want me to walk you?

- Thanks, but I'm fine. You need to rest. 

- But what if I want to come?

- You won't give up, will you?

- No, I won't. Let's go now. 

Both of us walked out. I like night walks. There are not many people and it's not that hot. During the walk, he grabbed my hand, but I think that he didn't realize it. I looked at him, but he didn't say anything. No one of us was talking, but there was a comfortable silence. Soon enough we arrived one street before my house. We stopped walking, but he didn't let go of me. 

- Thanks for coming today. I was glad to see you. 

- No problem. Now you call me or text me when you want to see me. - I said and he smiled

- I will do that for sure. Now go, because it's already late. 

- I know, but I want something. - I said and gave him a hug

- If you want, we can go out tomorrow or when you are free. 

- I would love that. I'll go now. Goodnight Aaron and sweet dreams. 

- To you too. Bye Chloe. - he said and I left

Today I am happy. The girls are right that there is something going on with me, but I just can't tell them the reason. I hate to lie, but since I know how much they hate him or to say that Katy hates him, things won't be easy for me. I want to keep him, but my friends too. Why life is so complicated? The rumors are guilty. If people weren't talking so bad for him, I was never going to talk with him and we never were going to be so close. Soon or not all the cards will fall down. I wonder what price I will have to pay for that.