When Reality Hits

Chapter 7

Chapter 7

“It’s okay,” I replied. The voice had sounded so familiar. I just couldn’t place it.

“So, are you okay?” He asked again.

“Honestly, not at all.” I said truthfully.

“Do you want to tell me? Or do you just want me to go. I know-“

“Caleb?”

“Yeah? That’s me.” Oh, my god. I knew I had heard the voice before.

“You can sit. I’ll tell you.” I shuffled over, allowing him room on the bench. He sat down beside me. His warmth was so comforting. It was pretty cold outside being it was late December in Santa Monica. From what I could see, he looked a bit awkward. I tried to wipe the tears from my eyes but they just kept coming. I took a deep breath and explained everything that happened at the party up until now. Kaiden was no longer my love. I was no longer his girl. It was hard, but it had to be done. He wasn’t respectful. He had almost turned me into his little slut. I sighed at what I was wearing. No way in hell would I have dressed, acted or even talked like I do if Kaiden hadn’t ‘swept’ me off my feet back in grade 10. I was so stupid. I cried even harder thinking about it.

“Hey, hey, don’t worry. He’s not worth your tears. He’s a dick, trust me I would know.” I turned my body into his and cried onto his shoulder. His arm wavered over my shoulder and finally he set it down.  He was so comforting.

“I’m sorry.” I said into between shaky breaths.

“Why are you sorry?” he asked, confused.

“For Kaiden. He was so mean to you and I never did anything about it, yet you’re here and comforting me. This just isn’t right. I don’t deserve it.”

“Don’t say that. I understand. It’s hard to stick up to your friends, let alone your boyfriend.”

“Ex-boyfriend.”  I cut in.

“Right, sorry.”

“Can I ask you something?”

“Yeah, shoot.”

“How did you find me? What were you doing?” I asked.

“I live 2 doors down from Tyler. I was putting the trash out when you came running down the corridor. To be honest, you scared the shit out of me. I fell back into a bush and ripped my pants. See?” Like he said there was a huge rip right below where his butt is. I let out a laugh.

“Sorry!” I got out in between fits of laughter.

“Nah, it’s alright. These are old and ugly. My grandma bought them for me and I was forced to wear them. I hate them so much so I’ll be happy to show my mom they are ripped and- oh sorry. I’m rambling.” He stopped, embarrassed. I couldn’t help but laugh. He was so cute. “For a girl who was just crying, you laugh a lot.”

“Well you’re funny! How can I not laugh?”

“I don’t exactly know if that’s a compliment or not but I’ll take it as one.”

“Good, ‘cause it was.” I smiled. I was already feeling a bit better.

“Thank you.”

“For what? Making you laugh?” Caleb asked.

“Yeah, for cheering me up. You’re a nice guy Caleb.”

“And you’re a nice girl Harmony.”

“Well thank you; I should be heading back home now.”

“Same, my mom will be wondering where I went.”

“Thanks again, for everything.”

“No problem.” He replied. I leaned into his body and gave him a hug.

“See you around?”

“Yeah, I guess.”

“Bye.” I smiled and turned down the street towards my home. It was only a few blocks from here. As I was walking away I heard a loud “YES” coming from behind me. I turned around. “What?” I yelled to Caleb.

“What? Oh, nothing.” He stood there scratching his head. Strange kid. I laughed to myself and walked away. He was really sweet. Was it bad to say I might like him?