Loving him was red

17. Message in a bottle

- Yes, you are right, I'm glad we are on the same page - Daisy smiled hopefull - I need to apologize for the other day and I'm sorry because Justin made it worse...

Caleb nodded and looked outside through the window as he heard Jutin's name and Daisy noticed the face he made.

- I forgot he was coming, I swear... That's how little I care about him - She said with emphasis trying to get him to understand - Caleb... you are the one I care about

- Fine - he finally answered - I know that, I just don't like him.

Daisy exhaled deeply, finally they were talking again, she had missed beeing around him, even if they weren't exactly on the best terms. But inhaled for air before asking a question that had been in her head since she found out about the nightmares. She didn't really want to ask him that because she knew that it may not go as well as she hoped.

- Can I ask you a question?

- You just did - He answered with a smirk.

Daisy didn't think that it was funny but she couldn't help but to smile a little bit.

- Very funny, anyway I'm just gonna say it - but it took her a few seconds to find the words - When did you start having nightmares?

Caleb looked away again clearly not wanting to talk about it.

- A few weeks ago I guess, I don't remember - He lied, avoiding Daisy's gaze.

- Well, I don't believe you, I think it was because of me Caleb and you are not f...

- You don't know how I am Daisy, it's not like you have reached out and called me back, I am fine.

Daisy was taken by surprise by his words and tone and sighed, she didn't want to fight but she didn't know what he was talking about.

- What do you mean call you back? You didn't call me either - she said frowning.

- But I did, I called you - Caleb stated.

- What? I didn't get your call - Daisy answered as the car started moving again through traffic.

She wanted to believe him but she really didn't get his call. Daisy crossed her arms and looked through the window upset. They weren't on better terms than when they left for Christmas. The tension between Daisy and Caleb lingered even as they stepped out of the car and the short walk to Nick's house felt like an eternity of silence. While they waited for the door to open, she stole glances at Caleb, her expression a mix of frustration and hurt.

- Hey, you guys made it! - Nick exclaimed, welcoming them.

- Yes, we did - Caleb said, forcing a smile at him.

Daisy let herself in and looked around, the party buzzed with laughter, loud music, and the clinking of glasses.

- Do you know where's April? I need to talk with her

- Yeah, she was just over there I think - Nick answered pointing somewhere in the back of the living room. - But you can leave your jackets in the guest room, Caleb knows where it is.

Caleb nodded, gesturing for Daisy to follow him. The air was charged with tension as they moved through the crowd, their eyes avoiding each other.

The atmosphere in the guest room was tense as Daisy sat on the bed, unzipping her jacket. Caleb stood nearby, waiting to take it from her and hang it up.

- Thanks - Daisy smiled as Caleb took her jacket.

He hesitated for a moment, their eyes meeting briefly before he left to hang it up. The silence lingered, uncomfortable and thick.