Love is Hard

I'm The One

"Hey, can I have some people over tomorrow?" Justin asks, disturbing me while I read on my bed. The Maze Runner, it was one of the only books I found that wasn't a Romance Novel. I pull it out of my nose, revealing Justin's plead. Today was Saturday, meaning, I got the day off. Tomorrow I would be going to church, the store, and then returning home; to relax.
"Not too many, and none can stay!" I say, before going back to my book. Justin yelled from excitement, breaking me apart. I finally decide, since it is about 11 o'clock, to hit the hay. I get up and get ready for bed. While I'm brushing my hair, Justin quietly says,
"I might, just have to, invite your boyfriend." My face heats and I remember Caleb; his laugh, his smile, hair, teeth, clothes! I melt in my memories of him. Sliding the brush through my hair, feeling so young again. Justin gave me his number a couple days ago, we haven't spent a whole day since metting without talking to each other. I gently set my brush down and head to the bathroom; I brush my teeth, before swishing mouth wash. I turn off the light, before shutting the door behind me. I yell out 'goodnight' to my older brother, then shut my bedroom door ready to get some sleep. I very smoothly roll into bed, pulling the sheets up over my arms. I feel shielded, as always, from anything that could hurt me. Before I drift off, I think of Caleb; I wonder what he's doing, wearing, saying, writing? What's he dreaming about? Me? Oh, if only! But then fear creeps through me, making me remember why I should be careful. I then sleep deeply, suddebly not ready to face him.

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"Thank you!" I hear, as the lovely lady walks off. A lady I know from Sunday service asked for my help. I'd known her since going there, so sweet and kind. I'm now at the grocery store, as always, I got here by a cab. I told him not to wait, not wanting to recap what happened last time, but the man insisted. I told him I'd hurry, but if he gets impatient, I wouldn't mind if he left. I put some ice cream into my cart, along with Chocolate syrup. I get toilet paper, paper towels, and bubble bath soap. I head for the check out; looking out the window to see if the cab actually left or not. I look out to see the man standing outside his door, smoking. I pay for my items and casually walked back to the cab.
"You ready, ma'am?" He asks, putting out his cigarette. I smile, showing appreciation for staying.
"Yes," I say as I slip into the cab. The driver flicks the cigarette butt elsewhere, before joining me. In the back I pull out my writing journal, suddenly inspired.
"Where to?" The man asks, looking through his rearview mirror. I tell him the address of my apartment building, feeling calm. Thats one benefit to living in an apartment, cab drivers can't find out your apartment number. So, I stay calm, knowing I'll be safe when I sleep at night. As he pulls into the parking lot, I put away my journal. I say, 'thank you", and hand him some cash. When our hands briefly touch during the transaction, I suddenly remember Caleb. Caleb's hands are smoother. Wait, what? I shake out of my daze and grab my bags. As I'm walking to the entrance, I notice a lot more cars than usual. I get in the elevator, eager to get home and continue reading, The Maze Runner. As the doors opens, I find myself in a haze. I spaz out, not knowing I was starring at him. Caleb, in a hoodie that would fit three of me, stood in front of the elevator; arms in his pockets.
"Isabelle. Just the girl I was looking for!" He says, his voice making me want to-
"Well, Justin's down the hall." I break from my thoughts, making him laugh. "Why were you looking for me?"
"Well, I thought you'd be at the party." He said, gloomily. "But you weren't, obviously." He pointed to my groceries before picking them up. I protested all the way to my apartment, but as I got out my keys I remembered something he said.
"Wait, party?" When I open the door, I nearly feel steam come out of my ears from anger. I see about 70 people crammed into my itty bitty apartment, some drinking, some dancing, but most were getting inappropriate. I search the room, feeling my anger boil. I finally find him sitting on my couch, with a girl on his lap.
"Whats going on?"
"Oh, hey sis." He says, his eyes blood shot, "Glad you could make it!" I could smell the alcohol on his breath. If he drank bubbles they'd be popping out of his mouth and nose. I suddenly want to slap him, knocking some sense into him.
"Justin, why are you even drinking?" I ask, watching the girls around him snicker, "Don't get your panties in a twist; I'm his little sister!" I cringe at the saying. I don't even wait for an answer, I go off the rails. I turn off the blarring music I finally hear over all the drama. When it stops, most people 'boo' me. I turn and say:
"Get out!" Everyone obeys my commands, because they know what I can do. All the girls around Justin give him 'a little sugar' before they strunt off. Finally, some peace and quite, I go over to the couch. I sit down, after brushing off chip crumbs, and I see my brother run his hand through his hair.
"You asked if a couple people could come over..." I pause, sighing, "I'm so confused, Justin."
"What's the big deal?" He groans, starting to hiccup.
"You asked for friends to come over, not use my house for a party!" I jump at the sound of someone at the door. I take a deep breath, glad no one saw me. I walk to the door, annoyed with these party kids.
"The party is over! Go home!" I say when I open the door. My fingers are rubbing my eyes, as I'm protesting to the stranger.
"Glad to know, ma'am. But this party had underage kids drinking, so I'm going to have to arrest the one who started it." I hear an officer say. I feel my skin go pale, yes, I feel it. My eyes grow wide, and I feel fear for my brother. I'm mad at Justin, but jail? He wouldn't survive one night! Suddenly Caleb comes behind me, looking as confident as a Victoria Secret model.
"I'm the one." He said, clear and strong. My face knits in confusion.
"Caleb." The officer said, shock filling his face. His face never stopped showing confidence. "You father would be-" He stopped, me still not knowing whats going on. "Son, would you turn around with your hands behind your back." He more commanded than asked.
"May I talk to her real fast?" Caleb asked, pointing to me. The officer thought about it.
"Only for a couple minutes; only because I know your father, and if you run, I will find you." He paused, "I'll be by the elevator." Caleb turned to me, casually.
"What was that?" I ask, still in disbelief. "Why would you take the hit?" His face went distant, hiding something.
"I know how it feels." He broke out of it, returning back to me, "Plus, you owe me now."
"I'll bail you out!" I say as he turns, and walks down the hallway.
"I won't let you." He turns and walks backwords, "So, you'll still owe me!" I unwilling let out a laugh.
"You should laugh more often, its beautiful." He smirks, before meeting up with the officer. I feel heat rush to my face, making me smile.
"Are you drunk? The last time you flirted was-" the officer was cut off by Caleb.
"I like her, okay?" He says, making me gasp out loud. I see Caleb turn around, and he see's me shocked. I hide under my doors awning, peaking over the edge to watch his face. Me? He likes me? I watch his cheeks faintly turn rosey, before turning and talking to the officer. He put him in cuffs, pushing him into the elevator. Last minute, Caleb shot me a look, making my heart flutter. Flutter? I position my back flat on the side of the awning, in awe if what just happened. I suddenly remember my intoxicated brother inside my apartment. I walk in and see him sprawled out all over my couch; asleep. Tomorrow is Monday, that means work. I could call in? I'm definitely making my brother clean all this, no matter how big his hangover is. I shuffle to the light switch, turning off the living room light. I make my way to the kitchen, to find a note taped to my micowave.

Isabelle,

You're groceries are put up. Sorry if their in the wrong place! But hey, I get points for effort! :-)

-Caleb

I smile at his little note, but then:

P.S. Great Party :P

I'm going to kill him.

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I hope you like it, I will try to write tomorrow(:

- Emuna_Jasmine