Temporary Bliss [boyxboy]

53: Ultimatum

Finn

The next few days came and went, and even though I felt that Caleb was tense, nothing had happened.

I was just as tense, if I was being honest with myself, but I was truly trying to keep it together - for Caleb's sake. I knew it would only make him feel worse if I showed my worry.

The apparent peace didn't last forever, though.
It was a Tuesday, and it was supposed to be Caleb's day off, when the phone rang.

He picked up, and I glanced over to him to identify the look on his face. It was a mix of emotions, but it became clearer when he answered:

"Oh. Yes. Okay. I'll be right there."

It was not good news, I knew that much, so I asked: "Caleb, is everything okay?"

"I don't know," he said, getting up from the couch and heading for the hallway, "I have to go to the office."

"What? Why?"

"I said, I didn't know!" he exclaimed from the hallway.

I got up to follow him.
Caleb was supposed to be the boss. Him being called into work ny someone was not a good sign - at all.

"Was it your dad?" I asked, coming to a stop next to caleb, who was putting on his shoes.

"No. Just this dude from accounting."

"Do you think your dad is gonna do something because of the other day?" I inquired unsurely.

"Finn, I know as much as you do," said my boyfriend, exasperated, "Please just stay home and wait for me. I'll figure it out. I always do."

He zipped up his coat and grabbed his keys.

"I love you," I said quickly, as he opened the door.

"Yeah, I'll call you later."

The door closed behind him and I didn't know what to feel.
I knew Caleb was freaking out. We both were. What if he lost his job like he'd feared? What would we do? What would Matt and Danny do, what would happen to Milo?

I was spiraling, and I felt so bad, because if this was to really happen, it would be my fault.

---

For most of the day I just moped around, doing all the chores I could think of just for something to do, to ease the knot in my stomach even a little bit.

It was driving me crazy, being alone and not knowing anything of what was going on.
I was tempted to call Danny but decided against it, because he was probably still mad at me, plus, there was nothing the other boy could do, he knew less than I did.

In the end I just moped around some more, made himself a sandwich and curled up in front of the TV with Milo, despite Caleb repeatedly asking me not to let the pup on the couch.

I had a feeling he didn't mind as much as he said he did, the thought bringing a bittersweet smile to my face.
I definitely wished Caleb was here, hated having all these different theories about what might be going on but not getting any of them confirmed.

Matt was the first to get home, only having morning classes at college and I practically pounced on him when he came in, just glad to have someone to talk and vent to.

"Get off me," the older boy laughed, getting out of my grip and almost falling over an excited Milo in the process.

"Are you home alone? What's up?"

Matt's face fell as he got a good look at me probably because the emotions were written all over my face, and I frowned, shrugged.

"Want something to eat first?"