Arranged with Prince Charming

Arranged with Prince Charming [6]

I heard my phone beep, indicating that I had a message. I looked down at the flashing screen and at Calix’s message. ‘I’m coming back,’ it read and I frowned, walking towards the door. I scratched my head for a reply and groaned, looking down at my bikini. I heard another beep and looked down and the text: ‘you’re not here, where are you?!’ I did the only thing I could and pressed call.

“Emma, where are you?!” Calix gasped, still coughing. I could hear Carmen in the background, whining about something.

“I’m sort of at home,” I said, leaning against the front door. I couldn’t hear anything inside, which means Mum and Dad were probably at work.

“Your text said you were on a date,” he snarled, which sounded forced. His voice was croaky, and I couldn’t imagine the state he would be in.

“About that, I mistyped it?” It came out more like a question then a statement.

“Emma,” Calix said, coughing into the phone. “You are the worst liar I have ever met,” he added, chuckling, sort of. He was laughing now, but they were wheezy and I was really worried about him.

“It wasn’t actually a mistype, Tyler uh, took my phone,” I said, laughing silently. I could practically hear Calix’s eyes roll. I heard a beep and looked up as Calix’s car pulled to a stop and frowned. Calix got out of the car, and there was no sign of Carmen, and I sighed in relief. He hung up on me as he approached.

“Can we, uh go inside?” Calix grumbled, hugging himself. I nodded quickly and opened the door, not surprised. I held the door open for Calix and he walked in, settling himself on the couch, slightly shivering and so was I.

“I just need to go upstairs and change,” I said and raced up the stairs, making it to my room. I threw on some underwear and a pair of yoga pants and a tank top. I raced down the stairs, taking to at a time, a blanket in my hands. I sat down next to Calix and wrapped his body in the blanket.

“So,” I said, an awkward silence filling the air. I fiddled with my hands, secretly taking quick glances at him from time to time.

“Yup,” he said popping the ‘p’ and smiled wickedly. He pounced on me and I squealed in surprise, squeezing my eyes shut. He laughed and fell to the ground, make me erupt in laughter. I held my stomach as I fell on top of him in an ‘oomph’. I stared into his deep grey eyes, leaning forward.

The door banged open and my parents raced through the door, soaking wet. I didn’t even notice the rain. I instantly jumped away from Calix and ran towards Mum and Dad.

“Hi Mum, Dad,” I said, blood rushing to my cheeks. They looked between us.

“Oh, hello honey. Why is Calix on the floor?” Mum asked, looking at Calix and then at me. I looked down at Calix who was leaning on his elbows.

“I don’t know,” I lied, not daring to look her in the eyes. “He probably tripped or something,” I added, looking down. ‘Another lie,’ I thought, feeling guilty. My stomach twisted as she rolled her eyes and walked into the kitchen, Dad following with a smirk on his face. This time it was my turn to roll my eyes. I turned to Calix and held my hand out for him and he lifted himself up, coughing. I frowned.

“You’re really sick Calix,” I said, worry seeping through my voice. I felt his temperature once again.

“Calix, you’re welcome to stay here, it looks like there’s going to be a storm,” Dad said, standing in the doorway. I jumped away from Calix, a blush forming once again. I frowned.

“He can’t stay in the guest room since you turned it into your office,” I said. Dad laughed.

“Well, if you want to take care of him that bad, maybe he can sleep in your room,” Dad said, winking. My mouth slacked; was he serious? I stared at him in disbelief.