Mentally in love

Chapter nineteen - A possible friendship

Lesley's POV:

Leo and I managed to have a proper conversation. Since then, we haven't talked. I think he is busy with his friends. I like Tessa, but she better give up if he doesn't do something. I don't even know what the problem is. It looks like he is ignoring her to be with his friends. I'm starting to think their friendship is based on popularity. I don't know how things were in his old school. Dean told me that his brother and Tessa met in high school. It was the classic move of a girl dropping her things. Well, with the difference that she didn't do it on purpose. That led to a long friendship. At least, this is what she is hoping for. That's why I don't think he knows what he wants. She is a good girl and deserves someone who will treat her how she treats people. The problem is not mine. It's not a lie that I would like it if Leo and I could be friends. After all, I go to see his brother often. I don't want us to argue whenever I go to his house. Now Dean is working, so I might visit him at his workplace. I'm glad that he is moving on and trying to focus on something else. Before, things weren't good for him. I wonder if I will be able to do the same as him. I have to focus on other stuff. This won't be easy. I'm trying not to put my mood on anyone. After all, they are not guilty of anything. Maybe I have to spend more time with my friends. I can study at his coffee shop. The grades on my last tests weren't that good. I didn't fail, but I could've done them better. That's why I plan to study more. The problem is with my concentration. I can't focus. I should stop thinking about other things. Well, as if it's easy. That is while I'm studying. It will take me some time to get used to this. It's not impossible. If I want to have better results, I have to do it. Also, I believe that my friend will help me. I hope that Dean and I will always be so close to each other.

Currently, I am at school. I have literature. We are talking about a book that everyone had to read. I did it but skipped some parts. Then, I searched for resumes on the internet. Many people are helpful. At least, it was enough for me to understand what the teacher was talking about. Leo is in this class as well. I see his mind is busy with something else. I bet there is a girl there named Tessa. I will talk with him later.

After this class, I walked to my locker. Surprisingly, Leo was in front of it. I didn't even see when he walked out of the classroom. I went there and left my books inside. Then, I took what I would need for the next class. I don't know what is going on with him. He seems tired. Maybe he didn't sleep well last night. I can talk with Dean, but I don't know how much Leo shares with him. I closed my locker and looked at him. There was only one thing. Pain. I guess he talked with Tessa, but it didn't end well.

- Hey, are you ok? What happened?

- Things didn't end well.

- Do you mean Tessa?

- Yes. She doesn't want to talk with me anymore.

- I know something that might help, but you won't do it.

- What?

- End the friendship with the boys.

- What? I can't. Speaking of them, it was true.

- What was true?

- The message. One of my friends sent it to Tessa to look like I'm ghosting her. They don't like her.

- No offense. I think they want to get rid of her.

- Why would they do that? The boys told me it was only a prank. There were no hard feelings.

- What kind of prank is this? Wake up. They don't like that you still hang out with her. It will ruin their reputation. I don't know what your status was at your old school. I can bet Tessa wasn't like you and the boys. That's why they don't want her to be connected to them at all.

- I haven't thought of that. It sounds ridiculous.

- Think about it. What you can do is ask them directly if they like her. If they don't answer honestly, there is something you can do.

- Like what?

- Tell them that you want to ask her on a date. It won't be the truth, but they won't know it.

- It's a good idea, but I don't think I will do it.

- Ok, then. I hope you won't miss her that much.

- What? She is not going anywhere.

- Leo, Tessa already left. She won't wait for you to decide what you want. Neither with who you want to be.

- I can't leave the boys.

- Why? You are in different schools now. They can't do anything to you.

- I don't want them to go after her. They might think she has replaced them. Tessa might get in trouble because of me.

- Ok, but you will be with her. Who is more important to you? Tessa or the boys?

- I don't know.

- Are you sure?

- No.

Leo and I talked for a while. Later, we walked to our next class. On the lunch break, I was in the hall as usual. Everyone went to eat, so I was alone. That was until Leo came. He was texting someone. I didn't say anything and pulled out my phone. I had a message from Dean. I'm glad he is checking on me. Well, he doesn't need to do it all the time. I told him I was ok. He doesn't need to worry about me. Also, I'm at school. Nothing will happen.

- Hey, will you come to eat with me?

- You know I don't eat lunch.

- It will be only for a company. I won't make you eat.

- Only if we are alone. I don't want to be around people.

- Deal. Let's go.

Leo and I walked into the cafeteria. I haven't been here in so long. There was a small table in the corner. It was perfect for us. He told me to go and sit while he took something to eat. Soon, he came back with a bowl full of spaghetti.

- Can I know why I am here?

- I want a small favor.

- It depends on what it is.

- Can you talk with Tessa? You are a girl. Maybe you can make her talk with me.

- I'm a girl, not a magician.

- She doesn't read my messages.

- Maybe you have to give her more time.

- It's like that since she understood about the ghosting.

- Ok, does she have social media?

- I'll give you her number.

- No, no. I don't want strangers to have mine. No offense.

- Fine. Here is her f*******:.

- Thanks. I plan to see your brother today. I might invite her to the coffee shop.

- Do whatever you think it's necessary.

- You should know that it might not work.

- At least you tried. That's what matters to me.

- Ok, then. I might come to see you later and tell you what happened.

- I would love that.

The rest of the school day, Leo and I kept talking. The only reason why I agreed to do this was because I felt sorry for him. It's visible that he cares about her enough to fight for her. I can't guarantee she will listen to me, but it's worth a try. I went to Dean's workplace. I guess it's Mia's turn to take orders. On the way here, I texted Tessa. She said she would come after an hour.

- Hi, Mia.

- Hey, Lesley. What do you want to drink today?

- Dean.

- That is an excellent drink. If you want, I can let you in to do it quickly.

- What?

- You know. I mean, that thing.

- I have no idea. Wait! Heck no. We are not doing that. Never.

- Never say never.

- You said it twice.

- I know. - Mia said, laughing

- Where is he?

- He went to the toilet, but I don't know if he is still there.

- Ok, I'm here. I can take the next one. - Dean said

- You will take me.

- Hey, Lesley. How are you today?

- I'm good. I have an hour before Tessa comes here.

- Why will she be here?

- Leo pleased me to talk with her.

- I see. What do you want to drink?

- Vanilla Frappuccino with caramel and whipped cream. Put a lot of whipped cream and less ice. I don't want my drink to be too cold.

- Are five ice cubes enough?

- Perfect. Thank you.

Dean and I talked until I waited for Tessa. There were some customers, but Mia took care of them. My friend wanted to help her, but she didn't let him. Well, he takes care of everything while her boyfriend is here. I'm glad they understand each other so well. This is part of his job. He told me that he liked this job. The salary is not big, but it's enough for him. I haven't seen him smiling like that in a while. That's a good sign. Soon, Tessa came. She ordered something and sat down. Honestly, I don't know what to tell her.

- Hey, thank you for coming.

- No problem. For what do you want us to talk?

- I know you wanted me to talk with Leo.

- Yeah, you can forget about that. I don't want to have anything in common with him.

- Are you sure?

- Hundred percent. He is no one to me.

- What about your feelings? - I asked, and she looked at me

- What about them?

- Did they fade away?

- That doesn't matter. I ended everything.

- He wants to keep your friendship.

- It's too late. Leo should've thought carefully. He can go to his friends now.

- I probably shouldn't tell you this, but he is with them, so they don't go after you if he is on your side.

- What? That is ridiculous. I don't believe it.

- But it's true. He told me this today at school. Tessa, I understand you are mad at him, but he cares about you.

- If he does, he should've done something. I'm always a backup plan for him. Whenever his friends are busy, he calls me. Otherwise, he would never do it.

- I know what it looks like, but it's not like that. Give him a chance to tell you the truth.

- I already know it. He doesn't care about me at all.

- Yes, he does. You hurt his feelings.

- Oh, I did it. What about me? I had to pretend everything was fine when I wanted to leave him forever. He was playing with me all the time. I ignored it because I wanted us to be close. For what? Now, I don't even mean anything to him.

- It's not like. Let him explain himself. Then you can be mad at him again.

- I can't do that.

- Why?

- Because he will find a way to make me trust him again. It might be with a smile, a touch, or anything. I can't do it.

- So you still have feelings for him.

- Maybe.

- Tell him. That is what will fix everything. I can do it, but it won't work. You have to do it. Leo has to hear this from you.

- It's too late for that. It was more than enough. I was walking after him like a little puppy. I want to do something for myself.

- Are you sure about this? You try to stay away from him. The thing is that your heart still wants him.

- It's my final decision.

Tessa and I talked for an hour. I don't know what to do to convince her. They deserve to be together. Maybe it won't last long, but they have to try. Otherwise, no one will know what can happen. Well, I did my part and talked with her. I can't do anything else. That is between them. The rest of the afternoon I spent with Dean. I decided to study there. Mostly, I wanted to wait for him. After that, we walked home. His parents were already there with Leo. I guess my mom has invited them for dinner. She uses every chance to learn the news from her best friend. Honestly, their friendship is adorable.

- Hey, kids. Come in. - my mom said

- Hi, mom. I see we have guests for dinner.

- Yes, we do.

- Hey, Leo. Can we talk for a minute?

- Yes, sure.

- Let's go to the backyard.

- Is there a problem?

- Tessa is stubborn. I tried everything to convince her to talk with you. - I said on the way

- I know. Thanks for helping me.

- Can I ask you something?

- Sure.

- Do you think we can have a possible friendship?

- A what?

- I go to see your brother a lot at home. I don't want to argue with you whenever I go there.

- I think I can allow that. After all, you helped me a lot. Thank you for that.

- It's ok. I'm glad to be of help.

Soon, all of us were around the table. I don't know what my mom has cooked, but it smells so good, I can't wait to try it. I noticed that Leo was texting Tessa. I was between the brothers. Honestly, it feels nice. I was reading the messages when I was pulled for a hug. This never gets old. For some reason, I like it. Then I received a kiss on the top of my head. Dean is like the older brother I don't have. I'm glad that he is always by my side.

- Mom, the food is delicious.

- Do you want more?

- No, I don't.

- I wonder when you will say yes.

- She was with me for lunch. - Leo said

- Did she eat something? - my mom asked

- Seriously?

- What?

- Shut up!

- I'm sorry.

- It's ok, Leo. I know she is not eating. Otherwise, she would've gained some of her weight back.

- I didn't lose it.

- Totally. Only half of it.

- Ok, I wasn't that fat.

- I never said you were.

- Why don't we talk about something else? - Dean asked

- I heard you are working now. How is the new job? - my mom asked

- Why don't I know about it? - my dad asked

- Because you don't have a best friend.

- It's good. I think I'm doing well.

- That's what I want to hear.

Our guests left at midnight. Mom and miss Harris scheduled a meeting tomorrow. I'm happy that my mom has someone to go out with. She works every day. A rest is needed. I haven't seen my dad doing it much. He likes to spend his time with me. I appreciate it. He needs to have a social life, too. I don't want it to turn out that he is doing this because of me. I won't do anything to myself. Well, I don't think they trust me anymore. Not when it comes to this. Maybe I shouldn't have done this, but it's too late. Honestly, I don't regret it because I know why I did it. I hope that I won't feel the need to do it again.