Superior

Chapter 11

Chapter Eleven

Caleb

"We need to talk," my mom stated, appearing in my doorway. I ignored her and stared daggers at my English book.

"Caleb," she warned.

"Can't," I replied stiffly. "Homework." I made a show of examining the text, then flipped the page for good measure.

"Now." I didn't even look up.

"Caleb, your mother is speaking to you."

"Way to state the obvious, Dad."

"There's no need for sarcasm."

Out of the corner of my eye, I could see my parents standing just inside my room. Both sported tight lips, crossed arms, and narrowed eyes.

I didn't care.

"Look, guys," I said, finally glancing up, "here's the deal. If you want me to have an actual conversation with you and be at least somewhat civil, you should give me my phone back. Then we'll talk."

Mom brushed a strand of short brown hair out of her eyes and frowned. "Don't try that with us, young man. You're coming downstairs right now."

"Give me my phone, or I'm not going anywhere."

My parents looked at each other. "Then come downstairs," Dad said, "and we'll give it to you."

"Oh, no way. Phone first."

They were obviously fed up with my attitude, but I wasn't giving them a choice. Immature as it was, I was determined to have my way. I smirked inwardly as my dad disappeared into the hallway and came back a minute later, my Paper-Thin 6G Touch in his hands. Shoving my notebook aside, I crossed the room and practically tore it from his grasp.

They had taken my phone away the night before, not long after I'd gotten back from dropping off Delaney. Apparently, Carlie's parents had called and told them what had happened, and how I'd broken up with Carlie. And they were furious.

"Alright, you got your phone," Mom muttered. "Now come downstairs." Grudgingly, I put my book aside and followed them out of my room and down the stairs, into our spacious living room. If my mom hadn't been gripping my arm so tightly, I would've turned and bolted back up to my room the second as I saw who was waiting for me.

"Hey, babe," Carlie said automatically.

"Why is she here?" I demanded, staring at the girl sitting calmly on the couch.

My dad tried to put a hand on my shoulder, but I swatted it away. "We thought it'd be best if you two talked things through."

"No offense," I snapped, "but even the thought of talking to that disgusts me."

My mom gasped, but Carlie only rolled her eyes. "Don't be such a baby, Caleb. I'm not doing anything; just talking to you. I'm sure you can handle that, right?" She raised an eyebrow.

I grimaced at her patronizing tone. "What is there to talk about? Was I not clear when I said that we're through?"

Carlie sighed. "I must admit, while it came as a complete surprise, the break-up scene was a good idea. But you're lucky I caught on; please, don't ever pull something like that again."

"Excuse me?" I sputtered, unable to force any other words out of my mouth.

"And you should have told me where you were going to be," Carlie continued, ignoring my outburst. "Your appearance was a good twist, but things would have gone more smoothly if I'd known you were going to be at Savory's. As it was, poor Stevie was put in quite an awkward position."