Helping my crush

Chapter eight - I will always be by your side

Chris's POV:

I feel sorry for Bella. Two days ago was my granny's birthday. She died ten years ago, but I always go to talk to her. That is the only time in the year when I do it. Granny was always nice to me. I didn't tell my parents about this, but I think that they know. I don't want to talk about this. When I was there, I saw a girl. It was Bella. Now I know why she is not letting people close to her. Sometimes people get distant from everyone else. According to the grave, her mom died eight years ago. It might have passed some time, but it looks like this left scars. Not only on Bella. Her sister was only two. At least she lived with her mom for a while. Jasmine wasn't even born when granny died. She would've loved her. Granny loved little kids. Whenever she saw one, she gave the kid candy. I wonder if Bella's grandma was like mine. It's better if I don't know. She is already sad, and I don't want to bring more pain. What I can do is be by her side and talk with her. Maybe she can share with me what is going on. It's not like I can help her. I would gladly bring her mom back, but I don't know how to do it. If I could, I would've brought back my granny as well. Since I can't do anything, I will talk with Bella and make sure that she is in a good mood. It won't be that easy, but I will do it. She deserves to be happy.

It's Monday, which means that I have to go to school. Why isn't the weekend longer? If I have to be honest, the only reason I go to school is to see Bella. Even if I don't talk with her, I want to be her friend and even more, but I'm not sure if she wants the same. I think that she has more important things to worry about. Now I know why most of the time she looks upset, but maybe there is another reason. As a consequence of what happened eight years ago. I want to help her, but at the same time, I don't want to pressure her. Bella looks sensitive, so it's better if I don't ask many questions.

I woke up and went to get ready. When I was done, I walked downstairs for breakfast. Jasmine was already eating. I wish that I was that hungry so early in the morning. The last thing that I can think of is food. I sat next to my sister and got some of the food. My body was there, but my mind was somewhere else. I can't stop thinking about her. I feel bad for Bella, but I can't tell her. After all, this was the reason why she didn't tell anyone.

- Chris, are you ok?

- What? Yeah. I'm fine, dad.

- Are you sure?

- Yes. I was thinking about something.

- I'm done. I will watch Winx club while you get ready. - Jasmine said and walked away

- Honey, we know that you went to see your grandma on the weekend. - mom said

- It's not about that.

- Then what is it? You can tell us.

- Bella.

- Did something happen to her?

- I occasionally found out that her mom died eight years ago, and now I feel bad for her.

- Did you talk with her?

- Yes, she was there. Bella didn't say much, but I didn't want to ask anything. I don't think that she will tell me.

- Some people don't like to talk about their personal life. From what I understood, Bella is one of them.

- Yes, she is. I'm afraid that she is fighting bigger problems. I want to help her, but I don't know how to do it.

- All you can do is be by her side. Bella needs to know that she can trust you. Everything else will come after that.

- Maybe. I don't know.

- It's your decision. Now eat. Otherwise, you will be late.

I finished my breakfast and walked to school. This time dad said that he would take Jasmine to school. I have no problem taking her, but today I'm not in the mood. I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't even realize it when I arrived. I walked to my locker and took what I needed for my first class. Bella was standing in front of her locker. I looked at her, and she smiled. A sad smile. I see them a lot. I was about to go to her, but Dani came. I haven't talked with him since Friday.

- Hey, are you ok? You look upset or worried. I can't tell.

- Both.

- Did something happen?

- It's better if I don't talk here.

- Is it about Bella?

- How do you know?

- Because you can't stop looking at her. - he said, chuckling

- It's not something nice. Look, I promised her not to tell anyone.

- Even your best friend.

- She doesn't want anyone to feel sorry for her. Can we talk about something else?

- Yeah, sure.

Both with Dani walked to class. I want to talk with him about this, but not in school. I don't want someone occasionally to hear our conversation. Well, I have to talk with him. He might give me advice on what to do with Bella. I have geography, but as always, my head is somewhere else. I need to concentrate, but I can't. She is in my mind again. It's not like she has left.

On the lunch break, I went to the cafeteria but didn't see Bella. She probably decided to skip lunch again. Today's fruit was tangerine, so I grabbed one and walked away. On my way, I met Jessy but ignored her. She wasn't happy, but I didn't care. Now I don't have time for her. I looked everywhere but didn't find Bella. Where is she? I went to the field, but the benches were empty. Then I heard a noise. I found her behind them. That is a good place to hide if you don't want people to see you. I walked up to her and saw that she was upset again. I didn't say anything and hugged her. She looked at me, and I gave her a sad smile.

- I was looking for you everywhere.

- Why?

- Because you decided to skip lunch again. Here, take this.

- Thanks, but I'm not hungry.

- Bella, you have to eat. You can't starve yourself. It's not good for you.

- It doesn't matter. Nobody cares for me.

- That's not true.

- Yes, it is.

- No, it's not. I care for you a lot.

- Really? Why?

- I can't tell you right now, but I do. I don't like when you are upset because it makes me upset. Bella, you have to take care of yourself. I know that sometimes you want to give up, but don't do it. If not for yourself, do it for me.

- Why do you care so much?

- I have to tell you something, but now it's not the time for this. When I feel ready, I will do it. For now, I want you to know that I will always be by your side.

Bella didn't say anything and looked at me. I saw tears rolling down her cheeks. That is the last thing that I want to see. My girl, crying. I pulled her for a hug, and she broke down in my arms. Now I feel sad. I hate to see her like that. I kissed the top of her head and held her tight. If I could, I would stay like that all day. Having her in my arms has been something that I always wanted since last year. She looked at me, and I used the chance to wipe her tears.

- If you want, I can tell my mom to take Emily today. She can play with Jasmine at home.

- Thanks, but no need to do it. I will take her.

- Are you sure? I have an idea, but I don't think you will like it.

- What is it?

- Why don't you come home with me? We can do our homework and later we can watch something or do whatever you want.

- Does it have to be today?

- No, but I wanted to make you feel better.

- Fine. I guess that I'll order dinner today.

- You don't have to. I'm sure that mom won't mind two more people for dinner.

- As much as I like it, I have to deny it.

- At least I convinced you to go home with me.

The rest of the classes we spent together. I sent a message to my mom and told her to take Emily with Jasmin. I know that she won't mind. I wanted Bella to have a rest for a couple of hours. It might not be enough, but it's better than nothing. After the last class, I took her home. While we were walking, she didn't say anything. I noticed that her head was somewhere else. I didn't ask anything and continued walking. Soon we arrived home, and Emily appeared.

- Bella! - she said and ran for a hug

- Hey, how are you?

- I'm fine. I almost finished with my homework. Jasmine's mom was helping me. I hope that you don't mind.

- Of course not. Now go and do the rest. Later, you can play with your best friend.

- I will. Bye, Bella. - Emily said and left

Emily is a happy child. Her sister did a great job, but something tells me that she doesn't believe it. Bella needs to be more confident. She is a great girl and sister. I saw my mom in the kitchen and walked to her.

- Hi, mom.

- Hey, honey. You must be Bella. I have heard a lot about you. - she said, smiling

- Yes, I am.

- Why do you look so sad? Who hurt you? Come here. I'll hug you.

My mom's weak spot is girls. Usually, mothers are more connected to their sons, but not mine. Mom loves me, but she always knew that I could take care of myself. After all, I am a boy. Things are not the same with Jasmine. When it comes to her, mom is melting like chocolate. The same is with Bella. She doesn't like to see sad girls. It might be silent, but I knew that Bella was crying.

- Hey, it's ok. You don't have to be upset. Everything will be fine. Let's go to the living room. Chris, will you take her? I will go and make hot chocolate.

- Yes, no problem.

Bella and I walked into the living room. I hugged her, and she snuggled. If there were a way that I could help her, I would've done it. Soon mom came with a cup of hot chocolate. Bella took it without saying anything. I guess that my mom's instincts have woken up. That is why I love her so much. She always knows what to do or say to make someone's day better. Both with dad make a great team.

- Do you feel better?

- Yes, thank you, miss Walker.

- No problem. Will you tell me what made you upset? I won't tell anyone.

- Dad didn't come home last night. I don't know where he was.

- Were you scared of sleeping alone with Emily?

- No. I was scared that he might hurt himself. I have no idea where he was or in what condition.

- If you want, we can go and search for him.

- Thanks, but this won't resolve the big problem. I appreciate your help, but I don't want to talk about this.

- It's ok. You will stay for dinner, right?

- I was thinking about going home.

- Please, Bella. - I said and looked at her

- Ok, but only this time.

- Thank you.

Bella and I finished with our homework and later watched movies. Emily and my sister were playing in her room. Bella wanted to help my mom with the dinner, and she happily let her. I guess that my girl cooks a lot. Even mom was surprised. Since her mom passed away, she probably took care of the cooking. Bella deserves to have a normal life, but more and more, I understand this is not easy. She has to take care of so many things that I don't know how she is still fighting. I wouldn't handle all of this. Also, that is probably a small part of her chores. Who knows what else she has to do at home? One day this will be over, but her teenage years can't be back. I hope that Bella will find her happy ending. She deserves it.