Beyond Gloom

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

"Caleb!" I screamed and jumped over the counter and hugged him. His enormous arms engulf me.

"Hey El, good to see you being the same as always. Gosh, I missed you so much". He said, smiling; a smile, reaching his warm blue eyes, hair in a mess and some locks reaching his eyes looking astonishing on his fair skin.

"Of course, I am Cal. Dan and Maria are waiting for you in the office. Meet them. Till then, I will finish my shift".

"Sure", he went inside the office jumping and skipping, like a small kid. I looked up at the clock saying it's 7:00 p.m. My shift is over, but I helped around due to Erin's absence. Dan doesn't like anybody staying late because the night is when all the demons come out to play. This town is peaceful and mesmerizing in daylight and just opposite at night. We finished the work by 8:30, and it was dark outside. I knocked on Dan's office to tell him that I was leaving. On the third knock, he opened the door.

"Hey Dan, I'm leaving. All the major work is done, and Tessa and Jacob are doing the rest".

"Ok kid, go home safely and -" before he could complete the sentence Caleb intervened and said.

"I can walk her home. It's been a while; I mean I will see the town around and keep her safe".

"Sure, my knight in the black jacket who cries when I hit him lightly on the shoulder". Everyone laughed, and Caleb glared at me.

"Sweet why don't you stay at our place today. Let's celebrate; my son has come on vacation after all". Said Maria.

"I don't want to intrude in your family moments". As soon as I said that, I got a smack on the back of my head.

"Ouch, Maria, that hurts".

"Good, it should now shut the trash you spout. You are not intruding anywhere, and it was not a question. You are coming". She stated while tapping her finger on my head.

"Ok fine", I said as I put my hands up in submission. She is scary, I swear, she would go around ordering lions and having fun with bears.

At 9:30 p.m. we closed the cafe. Their house is just beside the cafe. I walked on their white porch and stood with my hand in the pocket, waiting for them to come. Soon enough, Caleb joined.

"Why didn't you enter any university?"

"For obvious reasons, I don't have enough finance to afford all that".

"You know, we can help you, right".

"I know, but I won't take advantage of your hospitality".

"Come on, El."

"Don't argue on this Cal". I said, sighing.

"But-" before he could say anything, my phone rang.

"Hey Josh, sup?"

"Lee you forgot. You said as soon as your shift ends you will be with us". I could hear him pouting. That's when I remembered that he asked me to come to his place.

"Oh no!" I squeaked. I cleared my throat and said firmly this time. "Oh no, Jay. I didn't. I was helping them around the cafe. I will be there in 15 minutes". With that, I ended the call.

Caleb narrowed his eyes at me. Before he could ask, I answered.

"Jack and Josh came in at noon to invite me to come to their home. It just slipped from my mind." He stared at me.

"I will call you after I reach the place. Please handle Maria for me."

"Ok, you better tell me when you reach.

"Calm down, I will be fine." I smiled at him and left. I shove my hands in my pocket and started to walk on familiar yet unknown streets. The cool breeze blowing making my hair flow in the air, clouds roared indicating that rain is going to arrive soon. I increased my pace; after a few minutes, I reached their home. It was a dark blue and white combination. one yellow bulb flickering due to air. I texted Cal and instantly got a reply. I stepped on the porch and before I could knock the door opened.