𝐀𝐆𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐒𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐎𝐃𝐃𝐒

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟓

I took a deep breath as I clicked the elevator button in Caleb's apartment building. As the elevator lurched up and I heard the elevator ding every time we reached a new floor, I felt sick to my stomach.

I felt so embarrassed about what I had done. As the elevator slowed when I reached his floor, I exited. Looking at each apartment number, I made sure I found the correct one.

I hesitated to knock at first, but I needed to be the bigger person and own up to my mistakes. I knocked, waiting at the door with anxiety washing over me.

As the door opened, I was met with Lila who had a confused look on her face.

"Sophia? What are you doing here?" She asked, tilting her head to the side.

"Hey, Lila. Sorry for the short notice, but I.. I need to borrow a top for tomorrow." I smiled brightly, shooting a look behind her into the apartment to see if he was nearby. I couldn't let her know I was here for him.

"Oh uh.. Ok? I mean, I could've dropped it off at your place, but whatever." She stepped aside, letting me in and I looked around, trying to spot which room was his.

"So.. what top did you have in mind? I can go grab it." She offered. I turned to face her, quickly thinking of a top that she would be really searching for so I had time to talk to Caleb.

"Umm.. Do you have like, a sparkly purple one? Kind of an odd request, but I want to wear it with a black skirt." I quickly made up.

"Uhh.. I think so. Can you wait right here while I look?" She said.

"Actually, I kind of have to use the restroom. You go look for it, and we will probably be done around the same time." She nodded, leaving to go to her room. With not much time to spare, I quickly began searching for Caleb's room.

I opened a couple doors down the hallway, and was greeted with a bathroom, Lila's room, and a linen closet. With only one door left, I knew it was his. I balled up my fists, squeezing them to release my anxiety. I placed my hand on the door handle, and swung it open before I had time to hesitate or turn back, to reveal... an empty bed?! Wow. I came all this way for nothing.

"Sophia? Where are you? I found the shirt!" Lila called out. I quickly scrambled to the bathroom, shutting the door and turning on the faucet.

"Just washing my hands! I'm almost done!" I yelled out, turning off the faucet. I emerged from the bathroom to see Lila standing outside the bathroom with a confused look on her face.

"Why is my brother's room door open? I know he shut it before he left." She looked at me suspiciously, squinting her eyes.

"I don't know. Don't you have a cat? Maybe she opened the door with her paws or something." I offered, and Lila looked around, spotting her cat Oreo.

"Oh yeah I guess. Sometimes it doesn't close all the way. Anyways, here's that top you wanted. When are you able to return it?" She asked, shoving the top into my arms.

"Not sure. Maybe around next week?" I didn't even need the top.

"Okay, that's fine! Just let me know. Did you want anything to eat before you leave?" She asked, making her way into the kitchen.

"No thanks, I just had dinner." I told her, as I followed behind her, "I'll see you tomorrow in class, though. Bye LIla!" I called out, as I walked to the door. I could hear her behind me saying goodbye, but I made my way out of there as quickly as possible.

I don't know why I thought pulling up to Caleb's apartment would be a good idea, especially with Lila there. Suddenly, I could feel my phone buzzing in my pocket. I quickly fished it out and looked at the caller id. I saw that Caleb was calling, and I quickly accepted it. "Hello?" I said.