SECRETS: PART II - A CALEB MCLAUGHLIN AU STORY

CHAPTER SIX - THE FINAL CHAPTER - CALEB'S DECISION

CHAPTER SIX

THE FINAL CHAPTER

CALEB'S DECISION

QUICK NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: I understand ending things this fast is a bit shocking. The reason why is, due to where I wanna take the overall story of 'Secrets', leading into 'Part III', as well a side-story called 'Secrets: Soul Travel', this is the proper time and place to end things with 'Secrets: Part II'. Also, this chapter is gonna be quite long... Definitely the longest chapter of anything I've ever written, so get comfy.

Jacob pointed at a certain spot in the basement of the house.

"This spot here... Caleb got punched by Cameron once, and he pulled a trick on me, on both of us. Caleb, he..."

Jacob laughs, remembering this,

"He got punched, made this loud grunt noise, then flopped down here and laid out on the ground, his eyes closed, mouth slouched open, arms flopped over his head. Of course he went all dramatic," Jacob laughs.

"Wait," Jacob's mother asks, "Was he ok?"
"Well... I wasn't sure. I really was worried that Caleb might've been knocked out. I uh... I was even worried that Caleb might've been dead. But it was a trick, just to be funny, I bet... And to catch Cameron off guard. Cameron thought he put down Caleb, and came towards me... And kicked Cameron in the stomach. I know he's your son, but I gotta say... Caleb acting like he got put down, then doing that... It was as badass as fuck." Jacob bursts into laughter.

"Nah, nah. It's ok," Jacob's mother smiles, "I'm proud of him!"

Jacob laughs even more, "Yeah... yeah me too!"

Jacob's mother smiles even more, "It's good to see you laugh and smile, sweetie."

Jacob takes a deep breath. "Yeah. Yeah..."

Jacob's amusement and moment of joy is quickly replaced by dread once again.

"What made Caleb look even more awesome at the time, and what made Cameron look even more insane... Is after the whole 'put down' trick Caleb did... Cameron took out his knife, pointed it at Caleb, and said he was gonna KILL him."

Jacob's mother shakes her head, putting her hand on her face, "Oh, Cameron..."

"I know, I know... But Caleb STILL went forward to fight Cameron. I mean... Cameron seriously could've stabbed Caleb to death. But Caleb didn't show ANY fear. Caleb knew that, in this moment, there was a chance he could die... But he STILL fought Cameron. Caleb risked losing his life for me."

All of a sudden, Jacob looks down.

"Suddenly, saying that out loud... It doesn't SOUND so good."
"No, sweetie... Caleb is an incredibly strong, brave young man. The fact he was willing to risk dying for you... That shows how good he is. I've said it before and I'll say it again... I am SO glad you found him."

Now, Jacob is filled with sadness.

"I just... I just miss him so much, mom. And something I once told you, that I'll say again... I want him more than anything. I would give ANYTHING to be with him the way I wish I could be..."

He looks down at the floor. He's trying his best not to cry. Jacob's mother leans forward and puts her hand on his back.

"Jacob... You should go home, sweetie."

He quickly looks up, "And leave you here alone? Especially since they still haven't found dad?"

"Don't worry about me. Besides, I was thinking of heading to a hotel for now."