Helping my crush

Chapter six - Perfect walk

Chris's POV:

I think that Bella has a problem. Most of the time, she looks upset. It's not my business to ask her personal questions, but I feel bad for her. She barely talks in school, and every time I ask her if she is ok, the answer is yes. I know that sometimes she is lying. I would like to help her. Well, if she let me do it. I see that she tries to keep her life private. Maybe something has happened, and Bella doesn't want everyone to know about that. I could easily make her tell me everything, but I'm not sure if I want that. Also, I don't want to pressure her. For some reason, I think that she has problems at home. Maybe I am not right, but this is the only explanation. No one is bothering her at school. It's not my business, so it's better if I stay away from this. Otherwise, I risk her getting distant from me, and this is something that I don't want to happen. After all, I have things to worry about. I like that my parents want to sponsor the team, but this means that the cheerleaders will be with us. Someone wanted them to open every practice which we have. That way girls will train too. It's not like I mind, but Jessy is always around me. I have told her that I don't like her, but this girl doesn't understand. If I tell her that I like a girl, she might go after her. Bella doesn't need this. I'm sure that she has other things in her head. I hope that she will change her mind about my invitation.

I woke up in a good mood. Since I started talking with Bella, this happen more often. I stopped making her go out with me. If I have to be honest, even the small conversations with her are good. She is nice and mature. Most of the girls in school still have this childish behavior. I mean that they want to have everything that they like. Things don't happen like that, and they need to understand this. On the other hand, Bella is not like them. She has her own things to worry about. From all my conversations with her, I understood that Bella barely has time for herself. I don't know what she is doing, but this girl needs a rest.

I got out of bed and went to get ready. Later, I went for breakfast. Yesterday, mom said that she couldn't take Jasmine to school, so I have to do that. It's not like I mind. We don't spend much time together, so this is a good start. Most of the time, she is entertaining herself, and I am out with friends. Mostly Dani. Sometimes I go out with the team, but I am not close to them. I sat at the table, and soon my sister joined me. She looked at the food like she hadn't eaten for days.

- Are you hungry? - I asked, chuckling

- Shut up and eat!

- Ok, boss.

Both of us ate in peace. Sometimes I like to annoy my sister. Well, I do it only for fun. I will never offend her or say something that she doesn't like. After breakfast, I took her to school. I was about to walk away when I saw Bella. I guess that she is here for the same reason as me. I decided to wait for her. I don't know if she would like to walk to school with me, but I'm hoping for the best.

- Hey, Bella.

- Hey. What are you doing here?

- Mom can't take Jasmine to school today, so I have to do it.

- As an older child, you have to do it.

- It's not that bad. We didn't talk much, but it was better than nothing.

- I don't want to offend you, but you two don't look very close.

- I'm not offended, and it's true. We don't spend much time together.

- It's never late to start.

- When I have more time, I will do it. Soon the football season starts, and I won't have that much time.

- Is it that, or do you just find excuses for not doing it?

- Maybe both. Will you mind if I walk you to school?

- No, I would love that.

- Let's go then.

- Can I ask you something?

- Sure.

- Is the invitation still available?

- Yes, why? Did you change your mind?

- Maybe. One walk might be good for me.

I can't believe it. Bella wants to go out with me. It's not a date, but I don't care. She finally said yes. I need to calm down. Otherwise, she might change her mind again.

- We can go wherever you want.

- Can it be today? The other days I am busy.

- Sure. Tell me the time and place. I will wait for you there.

- Do you know the park near the fountain?

- Yes, it's in front of a pizza restaurant.

- This one. We can meet there. How about 4 pm? Is it ok for you?

- It's perfect. I will be there.

All the way to school, we spent talking. The moment we walked into school, Bella nodded her head and walked away. Sometimes I don't understand her. I looked up and saw Jessy. Now I get it. I ignored her and walked to my locker. Dani looked at me with a smirk, but soon it faded away.

- Man, are you ok?

- Yes, why shouldn't I be?

- You look different.

- Bella accepted my invitation. - I whispered

- What? Really?

- Yes. We'll go for a walk today at 4 pm. I'll meet her in the park near the fountain.

- In front of the pizza restaurant?

- Yes, this one.

- Awesome. Things might go well for you.

- As much as I want it, I don't have high hopes.

- Why? You will go out with your crush. Be happy.

- I am. I just don't want to rush things. Moreover, I'm not sure that she likes me.

- Every girl likes you.

- I don't think so. Bella is different. She is not like the other girls.

- You know better. Let's go to class now.

I couldn't concentrate at all. The only thing in my head was Bella and my walk with her. I don't want to make myself look like an i***t, but at the same time, I want to know more about her. I know she probably won't tell me anything, but I can try. If I see that she doesn't feel good talking about her life, I will stop.

On the lunch break, I sat with the boys. We had to discuss some things about the upcoming season. Later, the cheerleaders joined us. Of course, Jessy had to sit next to me. I got up and walked inside. Luckily, I could eat something before she came. I saw Bella and went to talk with her. If I could, I could talk with her the whole day.

After school, I walked home. My mom was there with Jasmine. Sometimes she works from home. I guess that today is one of these days. I walked up to them, and she smiled.

- I see that you are in a good mood.

- Because I am.

- Did something happen? As your mother, I need to know about your mood changes. - she said, chuckling

- It's nothing special.

- It must be since you can't stop smiling. Won't you tell me?

- After two hours, I will go out with Bella. Before you think that, it's not a date. We'll just go for a walk.

- It doesn't matter what it is. For you, everything is enough.

- True. Now, if you excuse me, I want to take a shower and get ready.

- I wonder how long you will get ready if you have to go on a date with her. - she said, laughing

- Very funny, mom.

I walked into my room and started getting ready. I don't know why I am nervous. Maybe it's better if I don't think about Bella. It's not like this is possible. I spent a good thirty minutes in the shower. Later, I changed my clothes and went to do my hair. Well, I only combed it. I have tried to put gel on, but it doesn't look good. When I was ready, I walked out. Bella was already there. I hope that she didn't have to wait for me much.

- Hey, I hope that I'm not late.

- No, I just wanted to come earlier. Some fresh air won't be that bad.

- What about Emily?

- I left her with the neighbors.

- I think that you should go out more often.

- Maybe, but I don't like leaving her with someone else. She is my responsibility. Well, until my parents come home.

- Where do you want us to go?

- We can just walk around.

Bella told me some things about herself. Mostly it was about what she likes. I see that she doesn't like talking about her parents. Bella rarely mentioned them, which makes me think that something has happened. Maybe they are divorced. It's better if I don't ask. I don't want to hurt her. Soon we passed by an ice cream shop and went to get some.

- What is your favorite flavor?

- I like peach and banana.

- So one peach and one banana ball. For me, I want mint and chocolate chips.

- In a cone or a cup? - the man asked

- I want mine in a cup. - Bella said

- Make them two cups.

- Here you go.

- Thank you. Bye.

Both of us walked out and continued talking. Up to now, I have managed to keep myself calm. I mean that it's not every day when you go out with the girl you like. We were walking in silence while eating the ice cream.

- Do you like it?

- Yes, it's delicious. How much do I have to pay you?

- Nothing. It's my treat.

- Thanks, but I can't accept it.

- Don't think that I will do this every day. - I said, chuckling

- I know, but still.

- The next time, you will buy it, and that's it.

- The next time?

- What?

- You want to go out with me again?

- Only if you want it too.

- I do, but I have a busy schedule.

- I'm sure that you will find one hour for me.

- Maybe I will.

- I hope so. Otherwise, I will come on a visit.

- What?

- I'm kidding. I won't bother you. When you are free, you can tell me. I would love to go out with you again.

- I don't know when this will be, but I will tell you for sure.

Bella and I continued walking. Later, she walked home. I offered to send her, but she denied it. For some reason, Bella doesn't want people close to her. Maybe she doesn't feel comfortable. I won't pressure her. One day she will tell me everything. Well, if we manage to get together. I won't lie that I would love that. I walked home and saw my parents.

- How was the walk? - mom asked

- It was good. We ate ice cream.

- Like the little kids.

- Yes. It's not f*******n.

- Did she tell you something about herself? I know that you wanted to know.

- Not really. Mostly, Bella talked about what she likes. I noticed that she doesn't like to talk about her life. I think that her parents might be divorced.

- Why? Did she tell you?

- No, but Bella never said anything about them.

- I don't want to say it like that, but don't you think you are going too far? That is part of her personal life. Would you like it if she started asking you about us?

- Not really.

- Then don't do the same.

- Maybe you're right. At least Bella accepted to come. That is what matters the most.

- I'm glad to hear that.

The rest of the day I spent in my room. My mom is right. I don't need to know everything about Bella. Moreover, I don't think that she trusts me completely. I have just started talking with her, so I would understand if she still doubts me. It's visible that this is new for her, and she is trying to do and say the right things. I will gladly tell her that she is perfect, but I don't know how she will react to this. For now, it's better if I don't do anything. I don't want to say or do anything, which will make her go away. More than anything, I want to keep her close, and this will be my goal for this school year.