My sister's boyfriend

Chapter two - Plans for the future

Cole's POV:

Hello, my name is Cole Anderson. I am twenty-one years old. Soon, I will start my third year at university. I chose to study graphic design. I thought it was interesting, and I wasn't wrong. The teachers give us many projects and homework. I have used different apps for that. For me, this is like bringing something to life. I want my future job to be this good. I haven't thought about that much. It's too early for me. Also, that way, I will have less time for my girlfriend, Elina. We met at university. She is a fun girl, but I think we are too different. I prefer doing activities inside and having a small group of friends. She is the opposite. That's why Elina met a few girls here. They hang out almost every day. I like that. The thing is that I don't fit well with them. My girlfriend has invited me to go out with them many times. I tried, but it wasn't funny for me. They talk about things in which I am not interested. The other thing is that I don't understand their conversations. Boys and makeup have nothing in common for me. It's not like I know much about this. Maybe it's better if I focus on myself. I have only one best friend, and this is my roommate, Ben. With him, I can share everything. I don't have many things to talk about. Lately, I have been focused on my future. I don't have any plans, but I want to be prepared. Many things can happen. All I want is to find a good job when I graduate. After all, I have to work. It won't be easy, but I won't give up. I might have some luck. I hope that my wish won't ruin my relationship. I want to see how long it can be.

It's summer, and I'm at university. It's good that they let us stay in our dorms. Of course, the classrooms are locked during vacations. I don't believe someone will do something, but you never know what will happen. I went to visit my parents two weeks ago. I invited Elina to come with me, but she refused. It's not like my parents don't know her. I have called them through FaceTime many times. Most of the time, she was with me. I like that we are together. The thing is that I feel like things don't go well. Hopefully, nothing will happen. I want to keep her.

Currently, I am in my room. The good news is that Ben is here as well. I thought he would be in his hometown for the summer, but no. At least I have someone with who I can talk. For now, he is single. I have seen him checking girls, but nothing happened. I don't think he has feelings for any of them. We have talked about this many times. What he does is not my business. As his friend, I will help with everything, but the final decision is his.

- My dear roommate, do you have plans for the day? - Ben asked

- No, why?

- I think we can go out for some fresh air.

- Maybe. I have to tell Elina.

- Do you have to tell her where you are every minute?

- No, but she might want us to go out.

- So? We won't stay outside the whole day.

- I know, but she might want us to do something together.

- Can I tell you something? Hopefully, you won't get offended.

- Yes, sure.

- You two need to break up.

- What? Why?

- I don't know what you two have, but it's not a relationship. You are my best friend. That's why I'm telling you this. She doesn't like the things you do. You don't like the things she does. Also, you two have nothing in common. I have no idea why you two are dating, but it's not because of love. I'm sorry, but this is how I see it.

- Honestly, I have noticed that we don't enjoy everything we do. I mean, not both of us.

- That's what I'm saying. Be with someone who you love. Someone that will make you feel happy. Isn't this the main reason why couples exist? To make one relationship work, the boy and the girl should put effort into this. In your case, it's only you. I think she might be using you.

- Using me? For what?

- She is popular here. You too. I don't need to tell you the rest.

- Elina might not be the best girlfriend, but I don't think she will do this. Why else would she invite me to go out with her friends?

- Because she values their opinion more than yours. My other theory is she wants to see how well you and her friends understand each other.

- You think?

- Hey, nothing is a hundred percent sure. That's my opinion.

- Thanks. Your opinion matters to me a lot.

- Don't take personally everything I say. I said all this because I want you to be happy.

- Thanks. Now it's my turn to ask you something.

- What is it?

- How can you still be single? - I asked, and he laughed

- When I find the right girl, I will do everything possible to make her mine.

- When will you find her?

- I don't know.

- There are many girls here.

- Yes, but none of them got my attention.

- Maybe the first-graders will impress you.

- Maybe. I'm good as long as she studies at university. I don't want to be with a high schooler. They don't want a serious relationship.

- It's good that you know what you want.

- Yes, I do. Will we go out?

- We will.

Ben and I walked out. It was almost lunchtime, so we went to a fast-food restaurant. I think this one is his favorite. Let's say that I have seen him many times here. Elina and I used to walk around the town. That was before she said this was boring for her. I can walk alone, but it's weird. Maybe he is right. We are too different.

After lunch, I walked back to my dorm. Ben wanted to stay outside. I'm not in the mood for that. I checked my phone for messages. It's not like I expect someone to text me. Soon, there was a knock on the door. It was Elina.

- Hey.

- Hello. Can I walk in?

- Sure. How are you today?

- I'm good, thanks.

- Can I help you with something? You didn't tell me you would come.

- I will go out with the girls tonight. I hope that you will come.

- Is it necessary?

- No, why?

- Because I want you to have fun. Also, you might talk about things that I shouldn't hear.

- Relax. I don't hide anything from you.

- I know, but I don't want to bother you.

- You are coming with me.

- Ok, sure.

- Thanks.

That is the last thing I want to do. Usually, when Elina is with the girls, I don't exist. She ignores me. That's why I prefer to be in my dorm or to do something else. No offense to her, but I don't want to get bored.

Around 5 pm, Elina came to pick me up. All of us went to one diner. I have been here many times. I think this is her go-to place when she is with her friends. Our food came quickly. I stayed with them for some time. Then I walked out. I need some fresh air. Also, I got bored. These girls keep talking about the same things.

- Hey, are you ok? - one girl asked

- What?

- You look upset. Did something happen?

- No, I only needed some fresh air.

- I'm Annie.

- Cole.

- Nice to meet you.

- Me too.

- I believe you got upset because of a girl. Am I right?

- Sadly, you are.

- What happened?

- Do you see the girl over there?

- The blonde one?

- Yes. This is my girlfriend.

- Are you sure?

- Yes, why?

- Because she should be here now. No offense, but it doesn't look like she cares much about you. If my boyfriend feels like this, I will immediately go to see him.

- He is a lucky one.

- Oh, I'm single. I said this hypothetically. It's not like I don't want to have one.

- You will. One day, the prince riding a white house will appear. - I said, and she laughed

- I hope so. I have to go now. Good luck.

- Why?

- I think you need it. Hopefully, you will find your true love.

- Thanks.

I wonder why she said this. I walked back inside to tell Elina I would go to my dorm. She didn't pay much attention. I wonder if she even heard what I said. I will ignore it. Annie said I should find my true love. I thought it was Elina, but now I'm not sure. Maybe we need to take a break. I have too many things on my mind. Also, she is not helping me. I don't know what to do.

- Hey, I'm back.

- I can see. How was your date? - Ben asked, chuckling

- It could've been worse.

- Girls?

- Many.

- I'm sorry.

- Well, something interesting happened.

- Will you tell me?

- I went outside for a few minutes. Then a girl came up to me.

- Was she pretty?

- I don't know. I didn't pay attention to all that.

- i***t.

- She said some things that made me think about Elian and me.

- Now you got me interested.

- She noticed I was upset and said my girlfriend should be outside with me, not chilling there with her friends. According to her, Elina doesn't care much about me.

- What a surprise. Someone else thinks like me. Is she taken?

- No, she isn't.

- So you asked that but didn't check her out.

- She told me. I didn't ask.

- If you say so. All I will say is that the girl is right. Elina is not for you.

- Said the single guy.

- Yes, because I know what I want. I'm sorry, but I won't be with a girl like yours. I have standards.

- Which are?

- The girl needs to spend time with me, enjoy what we do, and like me. I don't want to get used like you.

- I'm not used.

- Are you sure?

- Of course, I am.

- I know you like her, but it's not fair to you. Both of you have to put in effort, not only you. Otherwise, things will never work. I should say that you are patient. Elina should've been single for a long time. I mean, if it was someone else.

- Do you want me to break up with her?

- Oh, no. That is your decision. All I want to say is do what makes you happy.

- I don't want to break her heart. She might hate me.

- She won't care. This girl will get mad only because you are popular here. It's like when the golden couple breaks up.

- We are not the golden couple.

- Say this to her. Elina is very delusional.

- You think?

- She wants to have everything for herself. If someone says no to her, this person will face the consequences.

- I get it.

Ben and I talked for a while. Then he went out. I have seen him going after girls, but he never made a move. I used the time he was outside to call my parents. I need to talk with them more often. The thing is that they go to work every day. Sometimes, I have stuff to do. Soon, my mom picked up.

- Hey.

- Hi, honey. How are you?

- I'm fine.

- Is Elina here?

- No, she is outside with friends.

- Why didn't you go?

- I went there for a while. Let's say that I got bored.

- Maybe you can find more friends to hang out with.

- Mom, can I ask you something?

- Sure.

- Do you think I should break up with her?

- Why?

- My roommate, Ben, keeps saying this. I want to say he is wrong, but I have nothing against him.

- Is it that bad?

- No, but I don't enjoy the things she does. Neither does she. We are too different.

- You should end things if you feel she is not the one. Sometimes, this is better.

- I don't know. I will think about this. Is my dad home?

- No, he is out with his friends. They went for dinner. Do you want me to tell him something when he comes home?

- No, I only wanted to hear him. Maybe the next time.

- I'm sorry, honey.

- It's ok. You are here.

- For you always.

Mom and I kept talking. She and Ben look alike a lot. It's like he is her son. No matter that they don't know each other. I mean, they met once through FaceTime. That was. Maybe the next time I go home, I will take him. I don't expect Elina to come. I have asked her many times. The answer was no. It's not about meeting my parents, but to go out somewhere else. I need to stop thinking about her and start doing it for me. It's visible that things are not working the way they used to. I don't even know why we are still dating. She doesn't care as much as I do. I hope that we won't have problems.