Kiss The Stars

Chapter 23 Right Back To You

Chapter 23 ~ Right Back To You

(Caleb's POV)

My dad called me to pick him up and Angelika from the charity ball. They both drank copious amounts of wine (something I totally disapprove of because of my dad's history with alcohol) and they do not trust themselves to drive. My father's aides are off-duty so I will have to do.

I arrived just in time and as instructed but something is keeping them. I went inside to keep myself warm. The massive double doors keep on opening and closing because people are also coming in and out of the venue. I walked further inside where some booths are set up.

My breath caught when I saw Elle. She is breathtakingly beautiful. She is smiling and giving out small plates to the guests. I cannot help but stare (and drool). She looks lovely in her strapless black dress. I don't know what material it is but it definitely skims her body. I think she lost weight. I have not seen her since I walked away from her at the cafe. It has only been days but it feels like forever. 

I miss her. Her smiles are infectious but somehow her smiling face now does not make me want to smile with her. Her smile is not how it used to be. I only have myself to blame for her lost magic smile. She has reached out to me by leaving messages or by trying to call. All the time, I would avoid her. 

I am just not ready to face her. I have a lot of questions on my mind. I can ask her but I know that I will accept whatever she tells me. My judgment is clouded by my love for her. It will not be fair for either of us.

The event seems to be over. The announcer is thanking everyone for their donations and a video presentation is shown. I tried to concentrate on the video even if I am distracted by Elle's presence. She is just a few feet away, looking lovely but forlorn.

The video suddenly showed Caren in what seems to be a powder room. She is applying something on her eyelashes while trashtalking someone. She mentioned something about the Lawrences and her friends were laughing at whatever she is saying.

The next shot showed Caren so mad about another girl for flirting with her boyfriend. In the subsequent scene, Caren is holding a video camera while taunting a girl for her weight. The girl is crying and is trying to cover herself up. 

I cannot bear watching these scenes. I looked away. My eyes scanned the crowd for Caren but I could not see her. I am unfamiliar with her. I hardly know my sister. I will not be able to pick her out in a crowd. 

My gaze ended up on Elle. I cannot explain her reaction. She is all shocked, smug and determined at the same time. She seems to be holding her breath.

When I looked back on the big white screen, I saw Caren and Elle. It was the same surreal scene I witnessed a few days ago. Caren was taunting Elle and said Elle used me to get even with her. This is something I already know. I was standing behind Elle then and I heard everything but still, I have a lot of unanswered questions.

The video went on and on, showing Caren doing mean things and scheming against other people. I cannot bear to watch it anymore. I stared at Elle and studied her reaction. She is slightly leaning forward and her eyes seem to be scanning the crowd, quietly observing.

Could this be all her idea? If I am to believe what I heard from Caren, Elle is trying to get even. What do they have against each other?

Someone finally pulled the plug on that spectacle. Everyone is unsettled and staring at one direction. I finally saw Caren and my mother. They were both crying. I saw Steve, Caren's real father. He gathered both of them and with the help of his aides, ushered them both out of the building.