Jealousy | Wen Junhui [EDITING]

Chapter 50

Tori's POV

It was the magnetic commitment of my family's occasional gathering tradition that carried me to the car with Caleb. For this nightly season of bonding, I had to endure my resentment and turmoil towards Caleb to ensure the gash remains wrapped. Even as the minutes ticked by, I couldn't grow numb to the feeling of my own heart beat longing to cry out in dissonant drummings. Caleb simply stared out the window in a melancholy manner.

Upon arrival, I cleared my throat to beckon Eunhyuk to mirror my actions: a serein of relaxation bathed my face, followed by a miniscule soft smile that veiled like a pall over my frontage.

"Don't let them find out," I uttered.

"Yeah, alright." He nodded. An unfastened breath was released, leaving behind a more relaxed and casual looking Caleb, though not completely like his usual countenance.

Just as I was about to trudge my way up the driveway and through the gate, Caleb gently landed his fingers on my shoulder and pronounced my name. I jerked my shoulder away from his touch but soon regained my composure. Hurt glossed quietly in his eyes.

"Will you ever forgive me for what I've done?" Caleb muttered, remorsefully.

"Drop it, okay?" I hissed, unintentionally, "Just drop it. We're at mom and dad's; that means we don't speak of this."

"O-okay..." He looked away and took a moment to put on his facade again.

I felt guilty for snapping at him, and wanted to make up for it somehow. "Smile."

Caleb curiously turned his head towards me and knitted his lips into a small, thin smile, duplicating my forced smile. I batted my knuckles on the pearly door of my parents' house; I didn't require waiting long before it opened to portray my parents and the elegant vicinity within the doorframe.

"Riri! Hyukie! Come in!" Mom and dad exclaimed, ushering the two of us inside.

*~*~*~

The four of us settled down lining the dining table for a pasta dinner.

"So dad, did you take out another brain tumor?" I notioned.

Mom glowered her eyes at me and gave me a look of mild disgust. Dad chuckled and shook his head.

"Not this time," he informed, "I operated on a brain aneurysm, though."

"An aneurysm is a swelling in the artery, right?" Caleb queried.

"Yes, and do you want to know the procedure?"

"No!" Mom declared, "Not during dinner or while I'm around!"

Dad, Caleb, and I let out hearty chuckles. "Sorry, Elizabeth," Dad apologized between smiles.

"Alright, alright, new topic," the addressed woman suggested.

"Phew, I'm getting full," Dad stated, patting his firm stomach and taking off his belt.

"Me too. This pasta is very good," Caleb complemented. "Who made it?"

"Not dad," I bantered.

Hoots of laughter rang in the air, bringing back my nostalgic lullaby. The lullaby, that never failed to catalyze the joy in life, could delve into the dark abyss and coruscate a brilliant light.