Down the Rabbit Hole

Chapter 4: Adjusting

The next morning, I unwillingly got out of the bed and trudged down to the kitchen. Caleb had breakfast going already. I sat at the bar and let out a breath as I leaned my head against my hand. Caleb took one look at me and laughed.

“You look like a hot mess, Willy,” he laughed. I shrugged as I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes.

“Feed me peasant,” I muttered. That only made him laugh harder. He shook his head at me before he set down a plate of sausage and pancakes in front of me.

“Your majesty,” he joked. I smiled as I picked up the fork and dug in. “We’re going to leave for school in an hour,” he informed me. I rolled my eyes before I continued eating. He hugged me gently before he looked at me.

“Are you okay?” he asked softly. I nodded and looked at him.

“I’m fine, really,” I assured him He smiled and nudged my shoulder. I found a smile creeping onto my face before I nudged him back.

~

An hour later, we were pulling up to the school. Caleb pulled me a hug as we reached my locker.

“Are you sure that you’re okay?” he asked again. I gave him the most innocent look I could manage as my arms went around his waist.

“Caleb, ask me that again and I’m going to mess up that pretty face of yours,” I said. Caleb laughed before he let go and leaned against the lockers. I moved back to my locker and started to grab my books for my next class.

“I’m just looking out for you,” he said. I sighed and smiled at him sweetly. Of course, I knew that, but I was hard-headed.

“I know, Caleb. I just… I don’t want to talk about it yet,” I said honestly. He leaned forward and kissed my head lightly. It wasn’t weird or new. It was comforting. He’d always done that to me when I needed comforting. It made me feel a little better.

“I’ll see you at lunch,” he said softly. I nodded softly and shut my locker. Taking a deep breath, I turned and headed to class. When I reached the classroom, vi already had my spot saved like she always did. I gave a small smile and went to slide into the seat next to her. She saw my face and gave me a knowing look.

“How did it go with your parents last night?” She asked, knowing good and well that we fought.

“I’m staying with Caleb for a while,” I answered discreetly. Her eyes widened as she looked at me in shock.

“You’re parents let you?” she asked. She knew how strict my parents were. I shook my head as the bell rang and the classroom started to quiet down.

“They don’t have a choice,” I whispered as I turned to the front. I tried to pay attention to what was being said but it was hard. Last night just kept running through my head. When the period finally ended, I got up quickly and went to my locker. I put my books up and got out my next ones.

“Hey,” a velvet smooth voice said from behind me. I knew who it was immediately. I’d only had a crush on him for a good seven years and known him for eight. I smiled as my heart fluttered a little bit. I spun on my heels and leaned against the lockers.

“Liam, hi,” I said timidly as I tucked a loose piece of hair behind my ear. His smile practically melted me. The only thing holding me up was the locker behind me.

“Hey, so are you going to Caleb’s party this weekend?” he asked. My smile only widened as my heart started pounding faster.

“Um, yeah, I normally don’t, but I actually am this time,” I answered as a red tint crept into my cheeks. He chuckled lightly.