I LOVE YOU, BUT. . .

CHAPTER 9- I LOVE YOU, BUT. . .

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Mrs. Emerald, our principal, told us that we will have a substitute teacher for three months and we will meet him/her tomorrow. Mr. Ethan needs to rest and of course we need a substitute teacher cause our PE is more on physical activities and Mr. Ethan couldn’t play.

The bell rang as the class ended and I went to Tyler.

“Hey, mom texted me that I should come home early to take care of Leah. Our parents will go somewhere and she asked me a favor. Do you still need to do something? “

“We have soccer practice. If you want I’ll just ask Tim to go with you.”

“Tim will be out with his friends. He told me a while ago. But it’s okay, I can go home alone.” I assured him.

“Or. . I could just ditch the soccer practice.”

“No way. You can’t do that. I mean, you don’t have to do that. I’ll go home first, take care of Leah while we wait for you. Got it?”

“Are you sure?”

“Yup! Well, I’ll go ahead. See you later, Ty. Be safe.”

“Yeah, you too Van. Text me as soon as you get home. Okay?” Tyler commanded as he raised his eyebrow as if he was like my father.

I laughed. “Yes, daddy!”

He chuckled and I then we separated. He went to the field and I walked outside of the school.

“VAN!” a familiar voice called behind my back as I exited the school.

“Hey Chuck.” I called back as he runs towards me and said, “You’re going home alone?” I nodded. ”Where’s Ty?”

“He has a soccer practice.”

“Oh. Well, let me give you a ride to your house then.”

“Sure. Thanks, Chucky!” I laughed as he frowned.

“Don’t call me that. It’s like I’m the monster doll in the movie.”

“Well, it suits you.” I giggled but just then I saw Chuck cocking one of his eyebrow while grinning.

“You want that, huh?” he said. Oh. No. I’m. Dead.

“What?” I asked innocently as I walked step by step backwards away from him. He walked closer to me and I run as fast as I could going to the parking lot but then he’s faster than me. He caught me and tickled me.

“I can’t-hahaha- breathe! Stop it-haha-you jerk!” I manage to say between my laugh.

He laughed and let go of me. “Come on. I need to go home early. Mom’s waiting for me.” I said still laughing.

“Okay, okay. Let’s go.” Chuck said as he controls his laugh and opens his car.

I got inside his car beside the driver’s seat and Chuck went in also. He looked at me and we both grin at each other.

Just then he started his car with his keys, I saw Tyler standing and looking at us but when he saw me looking at him, he looked away. I almost forgot, the parking lot can be seen in the field because it’s near to each other. Of course. But why did he look away? Did he think that Chuck and I? uh, that we’re like together? But why would he act like that?

Chuck left as soon as he dropped me at my house just as mom appeared from the door, said take care and kissed me goodbye then she left. Then Leah came out running and immediately she took my hand.

“Vanessa! Could you play with me, please?” awww. She’s so cute with that puppy dog eyes.

“Sure, Leah.” I smiled at her as she guided me through the door while running and holding my hand.

We played with her toys, dolls, doll house, etc. I also braided her soft, long, and light brown hair as we sat on the floor with my back on the couch. After that, Leah rested her head on my lap as I stroke her hair and tuck a strand of hair to her ear.

“Thank you, Vanessa. I wish I have a sister like you.” She mumbled sleepily.

“Having a hard time with your two big brothers, huh?”

“No. I mean, yes. Sometimes. But they really take care of me. I just want a sister.” She said as her face turned into a sad one.

“Well, I could be your sister.” I smiled at her as her face lightened up with happiness.

“Really?!” she asked with sparkling eyes. I laughed. “yeah. Really.”

Then she closed her eyes. “Thank you big sister. Now I know why my big brother Tyler loves you. . . .”