One Kiss (Editing)

Chapter 3

"At least that's what Caleb told me," I say to my friend, Michaela, after explaining the rumor Caleb overheard.

"Sounds to me like he doesn't want you kissing any lips but his," she say with a teasing smile. She'd be pretty if she didn't dress like a maniac. Today she's wearing a tu-tu and a poncho. Her hair is in hundreds of braids pulled together on top of her head in a ponytail. When does she find time to do that? I sleep for 9 hours and am still too tired to get up in the morning!

"Yup. Exactly what I was thinking. My best friend for what, 7 years now, has decided he wants to kiss me, even though he's never made a move before," I reply with heavy sarcasm. For some reason she's been trying to get me and Caleb together for years. She only raises her eyebrows in response. "I'm serious! If Lucas really said that to his brother-"

I'm cut short when a hard body slams into my side. I fall and drop my stuff. When I look up, none other than Gwen Frazier, Lucas's twin sister, is standing above me with a sneer.

"Aren't you clumsy, McKernon. I heard you talking about my family. Watch what you're saying, loser," she says wickedly. She hates me because of the same reason Caleb hates Lucas: because Lucas likes me.

"Whatever," I say as I stand up and gather my books, trying to avoid conflict.

But she doesn't stop there. She slams my shoulder into the wall behind me and hisses into my face. "Stay away from my brother with your filthy hands. You're ugly, and I don't want my brother dating anyone ugly."

Of course she doesn't. Because if that ugly girlfriend and Lucas were to get married, she'd no longer be the only hideous one in the family. Can't let anyone steal that spotlight.

"Oh, I will. Lucas doesn't need anyone else ugly in his life, you're right. You've already covered that." Before she can comprehend what I said I grab Michaela and run down the hall.

The rest of the day I feel like Gwen's hateful brown eyes are burning into my back everywhere I go. She definitely hates me now, if she didn't already.

---

Today went by fast. Too fast. For some reason I was unusually nervous about the party tonight. Was it because of the rumor about Lucas? Was it about Gwen? Was it because of the way Caleb acted when I told him about the Gwen incident?

"She's jealous. She's always been jealous of you," he said calmly after I was done explaining, with Michaela jumping in to tell the onlookers' reactions. His eyes can't seem to meet mine.

"That's all you have to say?" I ask in disbelief. He's always upset when I tell him about something bad that happened, especially to me.

"Um, yeah. What else am I supposed to say, Callie? You know she hates you, and I can't do anything about it without getting my ass kicked by Lucas. Is it worth it? It's not like you're injured."

"How understanding of you," I snap angrily. How can he not get how frustrated I am? How is he so nonchalant about this? I had gotten pushed around in front of a crowd without even fighting back. I just left after a snark remark.

I mean, maybe that's my fault. It was my choice, and I believed at the time that it was the right one. But for some reason, I'm really disappointed that Caleb isn't matching my energy. Since when is he this dismissive? He's usually my knight in shining armor.

"Can we just drop it?" he asks with a sigh. I've never known him to avoid eye contact like this. Seriously, what's up with him? "Today's supposed to be a good day, an exciting day. We're going to another fabulous party, right?"

Maybe he wasn't thinking what I was thinking. Yeah, another fabulous party, where Gwen will be waiting to take revenge. The idea leaves a pit in my stomach.

At this point, will I even be able to focus on having a good time? It's Gwen's house filled with her own family and friends. And without Caleb on my side, I'll have to watch my own back.

"You're right, Caleb. It is supposed to be a good day. Now let's go get ready," Michaela says, probably trying to diffuse the steam coming out of my ears and bring Caleb back from his distant thoughts. Let's just say it doesn't work on either of us.

It almost feels like betrayal. Caleb always cares about what I care about. He never waves off my concerns. Did I do something wrong?

I let Michaela pull me towards her car, Caleb trailing behind. Maybe I'll get the chance to talk to him before tonight, and we can clear this all up.