Seth
Damn it, he's really mad.
"Caleb."
He ignores me again.
"What's going on?" Max asks.
"Nothing," Caleb says.
His mask slips and I can see the pain underneath his anger. He stands and speeds away.
S: Cal?
C: what?
S: I'm... sorry
C: yeah, you've said
S: but I get the sense you don't believe me
C: why do you think that?
S: I know you're angry
C: fine! Yes, I'm angry, I'm hurt. Happy now?
"Seth?" Max asks.
Tears fill my eyes and I leave the orb.
S: I don't know what else to say besides I'm sorry.
C: I know! Just stop.
S: Cal...
C: I don't want to take my anger out on you so just stop messaging me. Please.
S: ok
C: I'll see you tomorrow.
I don't sleep that night, unable to settle down. I decide to walk around campus. I skip breakfast and make it to cardinal magic with ten minutes to spare. I'm forced to sit next to Caleb. My ears pop as a silencing bubble covers Caleb and I.
"Are you ok? You look awful," Caleb says.
I shrug.
"Seth-"
"I didn't sleep," I admit.
"At all?"
I shake my head.
"Shit. Seth, is this because-"
Orion calls the class to order and Caleb removes the silencing bubble. I can't focus on the class at all, trying not to doze off.
"Capella! Pay attention!"
I start. Caleb glances at me.
"Sorry Sir."
Finally the class ends but I'm so tired. I cast a wakefulness spell. We walk to our next class. We make it to lunch finally. I settle down on our couch and close my eyes. Someone gently shakes me awake. I groan and open my eyes. The orb is empty expect for Caleb and I.
"I'm sorry. But we've got class in five minutes. I let you sleep as long as possible," he says.
"Shit," I say.
"Hop on," he says.
I obey and he runs to class. Finally, classes are over. I sway, exhausted. Caleb wraps an arm around my waist.
"Seth?"
"I'm ok. Just tired," I say.
He scoops me into his arms. I wake up in my bed in the hollow. I grab my Atlas and find a note from Caleb on it.
Seth,
I obviously couldn't get into Aer tower. You fell asleep on the way there so I put you in your bed in the hollow. Message me if you need anything.
Caleb
It's ten now.
S: thanks
C: anytime. Do you need anything?
S: I'm fine.
But now my mind won't shut off. Great. I stand and pace my room.
"Seth?"
I look over and see Caleb standing in the doorway.
"Cal? What?"
"I stayed in case you need anything. You ok? I heard you pacing," he says.
"I just- never mind," I say.
"What is it?"
"I just can't turn my mind off. I'll be fine."
"How can I help?" he asks.
"It's fine," I say.
"Seth, you need to sleep. You can't keep going like this."
"I'm fine Caleb."
He steps closer to me.
"Just go Caleb."
"Fine. I was just trying to help," he says.
