My popular secret

Chapter 21- Everyone knows

"I don't even know why I'm ringing you."
"Well that's okay... did you want to talk?"
"Not really."
"Okay, well I'll remain on the phone so I'll be here if you need anything." And Caleb keeps to his word. I just remain lying down on my bed, with my phone clinging to my hand as if Caleb was actually here with me.
"Caleb?" I say 5 minutes after nothing is said. "Caleb are you still there?"
"I'm still here. Everything alright?"
"No. I wish you were here."
There's a bit of silence before his next reply and I start to panic slightly.
"I can come see you first thing in the morning?"
"I wish you were with me now."
"Now? But it's 1am Bella?"
"I know. It was a long shot."

It's been a few days since my secret was revealed at that party. And a few days since I've spoken to anyone about it. When Ella and Caleb dropped me home, I went straight to my room and listened to them two telling my family exactly what had happened. I wanted to stop them, but it was too late. I curled up in my bed and went to sleep. And a few days later I have barely moved from this position. I'm scared, upset, and still in shock by the whole thing. I had no idea Dylan was capable of such things.
My friends have tried to get into contact with me, but I've ignored every message, every phone call. Shannon left a voicemail that went like this "um, hi Bella. We have all heard the news, things have spread pretty quickly around the college and I'm not sure how to feel about it all really. Of course I'm upset that this has happened to you. But I just don't understand why you would have kept something like that from me for so long. From everyone actually.
We need to talk. So er - bye."

I'm unsure wether she was more upset or angry with me about the whole situation. And I'm too frightened to confront her. To confront everyone.
But currently it's the middle of the week, and the middle of the night. And all I've wanted to do is see Caleb. He's the only one who's been able to truly help me throughout this whole ordeal.
I'm still on the phone with him.
"Will me coming round really help anything?"
"I don't know. I just need someone to be with and right now... you're the only person on this planet I properly trust."
There's a long and painful silence again. Until he eventually replies with "I'll be there in 5."
And he hangs up the call.
I quickly sit up in my bed and grab my phone. Is he actually coming? Maybe I didn't think this through.

But it's been 5 minutes and I get another call.
"I'm outside your bedroom. I'm coming up."
And without time to reply he hangs up again. I quickly try and prepare myself, by getting rid of all the tissues surrounding my bed and chuck my cuddle toys behind my wardrobe.
My window is already open, and soon enough I see Caleb attempting to climb through it. I can't help but let out a big smile when he eventually enters, "hey." He says and delights me with his usual charming smile.
For some reason I'm unable to say a single word. So instead I just look at him, and soon enough he makes his way over to my bed.
"So, I'm here."
"That you are." I say and continue smiling as I stare into his deep blue eyes.
"You know you can't stay hidden away forever. You miss too much. And I miss you."
"I miss you too. But I just can't face everyone. Everyone knows Caleb, everyone."
I say and lie back on to my pillow with my hands covering my face so Caleb can't see me cry.
"I know Bella, I know." Then he comes and lies next to me and cautiously wraps his arms around my body. When his skin comes into contact with mine I jump away a little in fear. I've been finding it hard to let anyone touch me, as the fear of what happened still remains solidified in my mind.
"It's okay Bella. I would never do anything to hurt you." I let out a big breath, then relax my body into his.
"I know." I turn over so I'm now staring into his eyes, but it's hard to see clearly still as tears are still blocking mine. "I don't know if I can go back."
"And that's okay. But I honestly do think you need to face them at some point. Shannon seemed genuinely worried about you. And everyone in college is talking about you but not in a bad way, trust me... I also think you need to face that skunk bag Dylan, and give him all you've got. If you don't I certainly will. Tommorow we will go in together, and show them all who we both really are."
"Both of us?"
"Both of us. Bald head and everything."
"So... so you're willing to let everyone know about you too?"
"Of course. I'd do anything for you Bella." At this moment right here, I've never felt stronger feelings towards Caleb. And to make things even better, he whispers under his breath whilst glaring deep into my eyes with his wide smile "You're so beautiful."
A feeling of undeniable happiness runs through my body. As if I was a young school girl having her very first crush.
"I'm really not."
"You really are Bella. Inside and out." He runs his fingers over my bald head, then guides them towards my cheek. Soon enough we're both leaning in simultaneously and our lips collide and dance in perfect sync. This kiss reflects his soft and gentle nature, but I've never enjoyed a kiss so much before. I wrap my arm around him and begin stroking his back up and down. He pulls me in a bit closer then we resume kissing. Then he suddenly pulls away and we both can't help but laugh a little. "You're so amazing."
"Stop it." I say whilst smiling like a child, and I pull him back in for a second round.