Weight of The Untold

Chapter 25

"That was quick."

I snorted softly at Caleb's choice of words. Quick felt laughable. To me, it had dragged on endlessly-maybe because I'd done this so many times that the nerves were gone, replaced by something close to indifference. Familiar routines tend to lose their drama.

"That's how long they last. I'm hungry."

He scanned the area as if food might present itself simply because he willed it to. Typical.

"Okay I'll drive you to a place to eat but I can't stay with you, I have a meeting in 30 minutes."

I nodded without protest and slid into the car beside him, the leather seats cool beneath my palms.

"Why do you still drive yourself anyway?" I asked.

"Same reason you wanna learn how to drive." I chuckled at his response.

"I wanna learn because I've never really drove myself before. You've done it multiple times." I protested.

"Well that is true, to be honest I don't know why I still drive myself. My PA has suggested multiple times to get a driver and I said I'll think about it. I guess I'm used to it now." I nodded.

He took me to a hotel-one of those hotels. Marble floors, crystal chandeliers, quiet luxury humming beneath every polished surface. Honestly, I would've preferred McDonald's. A greasy bag, a soda, anonymity. But Caleb was rushed, so I swallowed the thought and stepped inside.

I chose a table in the VIP section, carefully positioned away from wandering eyes and lifted phones. Still, I caught a woman discreetly snapping a photo. I noticed. I always did. I could've reported her-but today, I didn't have the energy.

"This is boring."

I glanced around. Every table was occupied by laughter, leaning bodies, shared glances. And then there was me-alone, looking composed on the outside, vaguely hollow on the inside.

"That's what you get when your friends are not around."

I sighed and leaned back, the plush chair swallowing me whole.

Wait.

Not all my friends were gone.

Calvin.

He hadn't left with his brother and Hazel for mountain hiking.

Hope flickered.

I pulled out my phone and dialed his number before I could overthink it. I prayed he wasn't busy-because rejection right now would sting more than it should. The last time I'd seen him was when-

"Hello? Kyla?"

Oh. He answered.

"Cal hey, how are you doing?"

Why did I always drift mid-conversation? I could practically picture myself staring into space while he waited on the other end.

"Hello? Kyla are you there?"

Oh no. Not again.
"Y-yeah I am also okay." I rushed out. "Where are you?"

He chuckled softly before answering.
"Why do you ask? Wanna hang out?"

My lips curved upward instantly.
"Yeah I'm actually at a hotel my brother dropped me in. Can you come? I'm bored."

Please say yes. Please say yes.

"Alright send me your location."

Relief exploded in my chest.

"Perfect I'll do that."