The Beginning of Everything Book 1 [COMPLETE SERIES]

Untitled Part 2

Chapter I

Marcus and Cali exchanged a knowing look, realizing that this was their chance to escape the awkwardness of the moment. Without a word, they both sprang into action, helping clean up the mess and calm the chaos.

As they worked together, side by side, Marcus couldn't help but admire Cali's grace under pressure. And Cali found herself drawn to Marcus's kindness and willingness to help, even amid a crisis.

By the time they had finished cleaning up, the tension had lifted, replaced by a newfound sense of camaraderie. Marcus and Cali shared a smile, realizing that sometimes, it takes a little chaos to bring people together.

As the night drew to a close, Marcus walked Cali to her car, feeling a sense of warmth and contentment wash over him. He couldn't wait to see where this unexpected connection would lead, grateful for the twist of fate that had brought them together on this memorable evening.

As they walked towards Cali's car, Marcus couldn't shake the feeling of excitement bubbling within him. He stole a glance at Cali, noticing the way her eyes sparkled in the moonlight.

"So, Cali," Marcus began, breaking the comfortable silence between them, "do you come to these family gatherings often?"

Cali chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Not really. I usually try to avoid them if I can help it."

Marcus raised an eyebrow in amusement. "Really? Why's that?"

Cali sighed a hint of resignation in her voice. "I don't know, I guess I've just always felt like the odd one out. Everyone else seems so close-knit, and then there's me, the black sheep of the family."

Marcus nodded in understanding, his heart going out to her. "I get it. Family gatherings can be tough, especially when you feel like you don't quite fit in."

Cali smiled gratefully, appreciating his empathy. "Yeah, exactly. It's nice to have someone who understands."

They reached Cali's car, and she turned to face Marcus, a playful glint in her eyes. "Well, thanks for saving me from the chaos back there. I owe you one."

Marcus grinned, feeling a surge of warmth at her words. "Anytime. Though I have to admit, it was kind of fun getting caught up in the madness."

Cali laughed, the sound like music to Marcus's ears. "Yeah, I guess it was. Who knew cleaning up broken dishes could be so entertaining?"

They stood there for a moment, lost in each other's laughter before Cali broke the spell with a sigh. "Well, I should probably get going. But hey, maybe we could do this again sometime? Without the chaos, preferably."

Marcus's heart skipped a beat at the suggestion. "I'd like that. A lot."

Cali smiled, a warmth spreading through her chest. "Great. Well, until next time, Marcus."

"Until next time, Cali," Marcus replied, watching as she climbed into her car and drove off into the night.