Don't Try the Noodles

Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Caleb

"Bailey, what's wrong?"

"Oh, my gosh. What happened?"

There's no way to explain it, but for whatever reason, I'm led to believe that maybe, just maybe, she's crying because of me. I am the one who had lied to her. What kind of person does that to someone he's liked for so long?

I have to make things right, but I'm scared I'll make her cry again. I don't want to imagine how hurt she'll be when I tell her I had lied to her. What if she never wants to see me again after that?

There has to be some other way I can fix this. But at the very least, it can't be tonight. I can't bring myself to watch her in this state any longer.

"I'll come back another day," I say out loud though to no one in particular. Everyone is in the kitchen anyway, even Bailey's parents who have shown up to check out the situation. All the more reason I should leave now.

The entire drive home seems to go by in one big blur. It's as if I've blinked, and suddenly, I'm back at the apartment.

"Hey, little bro," Joel says, walking out of his room. He takes one look at my face and immediately figures something is wrong. However, instead of his usual probing older brother questions, he says, "I was planning on going shopping this Sunday. You should come with me."

"I'll pass. I don't even like shopping."

Before I can escape to my room, Joel puts an arm around my shoulders. "Come on, Caleb. When was the last time you had some bonding time with your older bro?"

I stare at him with a rigid face. "Can you let me go?"

Tightening his hold on me, he says, "Okay, how about this? You come shopping with me, and I'll buy you as many new clothes as you want."

My face remains unchanged.

"Including new shoes."

I tilt my head at him, still unconvinced.

"Are there any things you need for your guitar?"

I think about it. "Well, there is this pedal I've been wanting to buy—"

"You got it!" he practically shouts into my ear. His eyes are fired up with determination.

I sigh in defeat, though it also comes out in relief that my eardrums are still functioning properly. "Alright, fine. I'll go shopping with you on Sunday..."

"Great! We're going to have so much fun, little bro!"

My ears are starting to hurt asI whisper, "Yeah, I'm sure we will..."