Helping my crush

Chapter nineteen - Dinner and problems

Bella's POV:

I can't believe it. It's impossible. I have a date with Chris Walker. The most popular boy in school. Let's go back to reality. It's not a big deal. I just don't know why he asked me. I mean that there are better-looking girls in school. If I have to be honest, lately, he has been spending a lot of time with me. Technically, since the start of the new school year. It's not like I mind. I feel good when he is around. Thanks to him, I started having more free time for myself. Emily plays with her best friend very often. I have to say that my life has changed a bit since Chris started talking with me. I still want to know why he is doing it, but I will leave him to tell me. I wish that mom was here to see it. We did it in front of her, but not the way I would've wanted. I will gladly tell dad, but I know that he won't care. He is not paying attention to these things. What matters to him is a full cup of alcohol. I wonder when this will ruin him. If you ask me, he drinks too much, but even if I tell him, he won't listen to me. I have already done that many times. I'm sure that the doctors have told him the same, but without any result. I don't know if therapy will be a solution. It helped me, but dad is different. He doesn't like people to tell him what to do. Let's say that he likes to be his own boss. There is nothing wrong with that, but everyone wants to help him. I won't let anyone do anything bad to him. I hope that he can realize how many people care about him.

Currently, I am in my Biology class. We are studying the structure of the body and what makes us stronger. Food is not the only important thing. Doing exercise and walking daily help as well. That is not my strongest subject, but I like it. Thanks to it, I have learned a lot of things about myself. I looked at Chris, who was writing something. It wasn't connected with the lesson. Lately, he has been in a good mood, and I won't lie that I am happy for him. Well, I am the same. Since he asked me on that date, I can't think about anything else. I feel like an ordinary girl.

After this class, I walked to my locker. For some reason, I am a good mod today. I hope that I can keep it. For the first time in years, I feel happy and normal. I have the feeling that this won't be for so long. Let's hope that I am not right. I was lost in my thoughts when I felt two hands wrapped around me, coming with a cheek kiss. In the beginning, I wasn't feeling very comfortable, but now it's ok. I don't mind it.

- Someone is in a good mood.

- Yes, I am. Thanks to you.

- What did I do?

- The fact that you are here is enough. - Chris said, smiling

- I wish that I could believe you.

- I'm telling you the truth.

- If you say so.

- Before I forget. Mom is inviting you, Emily, and your dad to dinner tonight.

- Can I know why?

- I had to tell her everything. She asked a lot of questions. - he said, and I laughed

- I can imagine. Emily and I will come. I can't guarantee about dad.

- It's ok. You can tell him, and he will decide.

- I can do that. Thanks for the invitation.

- No problem.

On the lunch break, Chris said he had to talk with the team about something and would come later. To be honest, it's better if he doesn't. Since he decided to show how close we were, the cheerleaders started giving me looks. Especially Jessy. They didn't do anything to me, but that is more than enough. I feel uncomfortable. I took my book from my locker and walked to the field. The weather is nice today, so I can read a couple of pages. I quickly get lost in the world which is in the book. It has nothing in common with reality, but I like it. That is my escape. Is someone calling me? No, I probably misheard. Then someone tapped my shoulder, and I turned around to see Chris.

- Oh, hi, Chris.

- I was calling you, but there was no answer.

- I thought that I was imagining things. I'm sorry.

- It's ok. Can I know what the book is about? It's getting all of your attention.

- About one investigation.

- Did someone die?

- Something like that. A man got murdered.

- I understand. Will you tell me why didn't you go to eat?

- The cheerleaders always give me looks. It's not like I mind, but it makes me feel uncomfortable. Like I have done something bad.

- I will talk with them.

- No, please don't do it. That will only make it worse.

- Then what should I do?

- Nothing. Enjoy the time here with me.

- This is something that I can do.

After school, I went to get Emily. Chris has practice today and can't come with me. It's not like I won't see him tonight. I won't lie that I like spending time with his parents. Miss Walker is very nice to me. Sometimes, she treats me like her own daughter. I find this very nice. She can't replace my mom, but I know she is trying her best. Honestly, I have no idea why she is doing all of this.

- Emily, today we are invited for dinner.

- Really? Where?

- At your best friend's house.

- Awesome. We can finish our game at school.

- What game?

- I can tell you. It's a secret.

- Ok, don't tell me.

I decided to make a dessert for tonight. Miss Walker probably will make one, but I can't go just like that. Emily wanted to help me as well. I think it's time for me to teach her how to cook. Maybe not everything, but something simple. After an hour, the cake was baked. Dad came home as well.

- Dad, we are invited for dinner. Will you come with us?

- No. I have plans.

- Can I know what they are?

- No. Leave me alone. - he said and walked away

I was sure that he wouldn't come. I know that miss and mister Walker wanted to talk with him, but he wouldn't listen. I went to take a shower and later got changed. When both with Emily were ready, we walked out. She was excited about going there. It's not like she is not with Jasmine every day. The same with Chris and me. Soon we arrived, and I knocked on the door. Mister Walker opened, and we walked in.

- You can go into the kitchen.

- Where is Jasmine?

- In her room. You can go and see her if you want.

- Thank you.

- Come in, Bella.

- Thanks. Where can I leave this?

- What is that?

- Emily and I made a cake.

- We'll put it on the table. Where is your dad?

- He didn't want to come. To be honest, I'm not surprised.

- It's ok. You probably know why we invited him.

- I do, and I appreciate it, but don't waste your time. He won't listen to you.

Soon Chris came with wet hair. That only makes him look better. Well, if that is even possible. I looked at him, and he smiled. I quickly snapped out and returned the smile. Of course, I received a hug. He smells like vanilla and ocean waves. Ok, I need to stop. I don't want to be like those girls who melt for a boy.

- Your dad won't come, right?

- No. He denied.

After half an hour, all of us were at the table. Miss Walker made a great salad. Sometimes when I am not hungry, I eat only this. It's healthy, and your stomach won't hurt if you eat more. Well, at least mine doesn't. Emily and Jasmine finished with the main meal and went to play. I kept talking with Chris and his parents. They asked me about my dad, but I couldn't tell them anything new. As we were talking, my phone started ringing.

- I'm sorry.

- Who is this? - Chris asked

- I don't know. It's an unknown number. Hello.

- Hi. Are you Bella Evans?

- Yes. I can't hear you very well.

- What?

- Can you hear me now? - I said and put the speaker on

- Yes, I hear you perfectly. Are you Bella Evans?

- Yes, I am. Who is this?

- Officer James. Is a man named Peter Evans your dad?

- Yes, he is. Why?

- You better come and take him home.

- Why? What happened?

- He beat up a man. It looked like both of them were drunk. To bail him out, you need to pay two thousand dollars.

- What? Why so much?

- Your dad almost beat him up to death.

- In which station he is.

- Down Street, 48. You have two days to come and pick him up. Otherwise, he might go to court.

- I will come in an hour.

- Ok, see you then. - the police officer said and ended the call

You have to be kidding me. Dad might not be here, but he will find a way to ruin my dinner. I have to go and take him home. He will pay me for this and all the money I have to spend on him.

- I'm sorry, but I have to go.

- I will come with you. - Chris said

- Me too. - his mom added

- Thank you, but I want Emily to stay here.

- I will go with Bella and Chris. You can watch the girls. - mister Walker said

- No problem. Call me when everything is ok.

- I will. Let's go.

I walked up to Emily and told her I had to go out for a while. Like every kid, she asked questions, but I found an excuse. It's better if she doesn't know the truth. I told mister Walker to take me home. After all, I don't have two thousand dollars in me. Later, we went to the police station. They have small rooms with bars where they keep people like dad. I mean, who did something bad but not criminal.

- See. I told you that the girl is my daughter.

- Hi, dad.

- Do you bring the money? - the police officer asked

- I do, but can I talk with him first?

- Sure, but we have to lock you. In case he wants to escape.

- No problem.

I walked in and sat next to dad on the small bench. I looked at his face, which had scars. It looked like the other man was fighting as well. With what did I deserve this? Sometimes life is not fair.

- Dad, will you tell me what happened?

- Nothing. He just said some things. That's it.

- Who is he, and what did he tell you?

- Just pay, and let's go.

- I want to know the truth. Otherwise, I will leave you here.

- I can tell you what happened.

All of us turned around and saw a man. Who is he? I don't think that he was part of the fight. His face looks fine. Maybe he saw what had happened.

- I'm listening to you.

- The man who your dad beat up is well known. He tells people rude things, so they can fight him, and then he plays the victim. This time he said to your dad that his daughters are lame and that they would never succeed in life. They will be just like him, drunk all the time. Your dad beat him up to defend you. He didn't do it with bad intentions.

- Dad, is this true?

- Maybe.

- Why didn't you tell me?

- Because it doesn't matter. You can go now.

- Won't you come with me?

- No. I prefer to be alone.

- But dad.

- Just leave.

I didn't say anything and walked out. I left the money on the police officer's desk and walked away. We walked out of the room, and I sat on a chair. Sometimes I can't understand dad. Why does he have to be like that? Chris sat next to me and pulled me for a hug. I let a couple of tears fall, but I didn't break down. I won't waste my tears for dad. Soon, someone lifted my chin and saw him.

- I'm sorry. Can we go home?

- Yes, we can. - I said and gave dad a tight hug

Mister Walker drove back to his house. Emily wasn't happy to see dad, but she didn't say anything. She probably understood that something had happened to him. My sister is not a little girl anymore. I can't keep hiding things from her.

- Hey, how are you? - miss Walker asked my dad

- I thought that we were going home.

- We will. I need to take Emily.

- I won't go home. - she said

- What? Why?

- Because you always keep defending him even if he does bad things.

- Emily, he is your dad.

- No. I don't want to be in the same house as him.

- Don't worry, Bella. She can sleep here.

- Emily, why are you talking like that?

- He is treating you badly, but you keep defending him.

- Don't argue with her now. You two can talk tomorrow. - miss Walker said

- I guess that this is my only option. Let's go, dad.

- I will drive you. - mister Walker said

- Thanks, but no need to do it. One walk won't be bad.

- Call me when you go home. - Chris said and hugged me

- I will. Bye for now.

- Bye, Bella.

Dad and I walked home. I put him in bed, and he quickly fell asleep. Tonight I want to sleep with him. I know I am old for this, but I want to make sure that he is ok. Emily is right, but it hurts me when she talks like that about him. She never had the chance to know who he was before. The happy dad that I used to have. If he doesn't change, I won't be able to convince my sister. She won't believe it until she sees it with her eyes. I keep saying that one day dad might change, but I don't know if he will do it. Well, I hope that he does. I would like to have my old dad back. I have missed him.