Butterflies

Chapter 14

I laughed hard as I walked past the school doors.
"You've gotta be joking!" I said, barely able to get the words out between laughs.

"I'm not! My mom actually barged into the living room and started screaming that the world was ending," Caleb said, his voice full of exasperation.

I clutched my stomach as my laughter grew louder. "You should be glad to see your torment provides me with premium comedy." I said, still chuckling.

"Yeah, glad my embarrassment is so entertaining to you." he replied sarcastically.

"Maybe not torment. It was an incredibly embarrassing moment, but honestly, gold comedy." I said with a playful grin.

We reached the parking lot, and I slowed my steps. "Anyway, I gotta go."

"Want me to drop you off?" Caleb asked, fishing his car keys out of his pocket.

"Oh no, thanks. I've got a couple of errands to run on my way home, but I appreciate the offer." I said with a smile.

"See you tomorrow." he said as he unlocked his car.

"Yep, bye." I waved before turning and heading home.

I turned my key in the lock four times before the door finally creaked open. Exhaustion hit me in full force, but I still had a couple of projects I needed to start planning.

The silence of the house greeted me, and I noted—as usual—that Mom wasn't home. Shrugging it off, I climbed the stairs to my room.

As I dropped my bag onto the floor, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I paused for a second before fishing it out, but the call ended before I could pick up.

Sighing, I scrolled through my recent calls. The number was listed as "Unknown." I frowned slightly but decided to call back.

After four rings, someone picked up.

"Hello?" I said cautiously.

"Hey! Jules? Is that you?" A familiar voice, warm and comforting, filled my chest with relief.

"Demi?!" I practically screeched as I sat down on my bed.

"Okay, slow down! My hearing is still very much an important sense," she said, laughing.

"You have no idea how much I missed your voice."

"Oh, I do—because I missed yours just as much."

"I'm so glad you called," I said sincerely.

"Since when did Jules become all mushy-mushy? Gone for couple of days and you've become so weird. Anyway, I've missed you both so much! Where's Angie?"

"She's in D.C. ," I replied.

"Really? I tried calling her, but it didn't go through. Anyway, I have so much to tell you!"

"So do I... and trust me, none of it is good," I admitted with a sigh.

For two hours, Demi calmed me down after I broke down—again. She told me stories about her new school, about how a senior was blatantly hitting on her, and I couldn't help but laugh as her accent started slipping into something more European.