Hearts and Rockets | Hutchpoppe

Chapter 37

Caleb's POV

This school year, Maddie isn't in my science class. It's actually the only class we don't have together. It also is my favorite subject this year, but it'd be even better if Maddie were in it. The teacher is currently giving instructions for a science project that is due in a couple of weeks. Science projects are usually not my favorite part of this class, but this one seems pretty fun.

"This time, I've picked your partners," the teacher states, pulling out a piece of paper. I listen closely as she calls out the pairs, eventually hearing my name, "Caleb and Gabby."

I look across the room, my eyes finding Gabby's, and she gives me a small smile. I smile at her in return. She's been super nice to me ever since I moved here, and she is one of Maddie's best friends.

"Caleb!" I hear Gabby's voice as I'm getting my things together to go home.

"Yeah?"

"You free tonight?" She asks, when she reaches me.

"Uhh, yeah, I think so. Why?"

"Well, I just assumed that we could start on our project tonight? At my place?"

"Yeah, okay. What time?" I ask.

"Around five?"

"Okay, I'll be there. Just text me the address."

"Sure thing," she smiles before walking away.

When I get home from school, I do what little homework I have before grabbing something to eat quickly. Then I leave to go to Gabby's, whose house isn't that far to find.

Maddie's POV

It's been such a long week at school, I'm grateful that I don't have to work today. I get to spend the evening with Maylee. I set her down on the couch before turning on a cartoon for her. I get her some cheerios before joining her on the couch. She watches the TV as she eats her snack, but I can only watch her.

She is so precious, and I don't know how I was so lucky to have her.

I hear my phone go off, so I pick it up and see that I have a message from Gabby. This confuses me. What could she want? We have kind of grown apart, and she's been distant from me. I sigh, opening the message.

Wanna come over? I wanna hang and catch up. Miss you.

I think about it for a moment before responding, Okay, I'll be over in five. Is it okay if I bring Maylee?

It doesn't take long for her to respond, Of course. I want to see that little cutie!

When Maylee finishes her snack, I get her small bag and then we go to Gabby's house. With Maylee on my hip, I go up the front steps of the porch and knock... no answer. Confused, I knock again, but don't get a response. I take my phone out of my pocket and text her. She is obviously here, because I see her car.

I start to get worried about her, so I walk around the house and towards her bedroom window. I see that her curtains are open, and I gulp. When I look through the window, the worry then turns to shock and sadness as I see something I never thought I'd see.

I see Gabby leaning forward, her lips locked with Caleb's.