Chapter 14: A Subway Date
When Wednesday came around, I was ready to head over to Caleb's house. Phoenix was with me at my locker as I began unpacking my bag. "If you need anything, just call me. If he tries anything, just call me. If he makes you uncomfortable, just call me," Phoenix explained as Caleb approached us. I nodded as I looked at him.
"I know, Phoenix. Trust me, I'll be fine," I told him with a smile. Caleb was a few feet away, waiting for me to leave Phoenix's side. "Let me just talk to him," Phoenix started as he kicked off of the locker beside mine. I quickly grabbed his shoulders, making him back up a little. Returning him to his place on the lockers, I shook my head. "I'll be okay. You don't need to talk to him. Get to football practice. You're already late."
He watched as Caleb smiled at me. "Are you ready to leave?" Caleb inquired as I slowly closed my locker.
"Yeah, let's go," I replied as Phoenix glared at him. I followed him out to his car and Caleb sighed.
"When you said he was overprotective, you weren't kidding," he noted and I nodded my head. I watched as he walked to the other side of the car. As I pulled open the door, I realized that Phoenix usually does this for me. Not that I'm incapable of doing things myself, it's just that...never mind.
"Yeah, he's like an older brother," I told Caleb as I buckled my seatbelt.
"He acts more like a possessive boyfriend," Caleb noted. "No offense or anything."
"None taken," I shrugged. "He's not really possessive; he just worries a lot. And as far as the whole boyfriend thing goes, we're not together."
"So you like him? He likes you?" Caleb asked and I inhaled deeply. "I'm sorry...I'm intruding. It's none of my business."
"No, it's fine. You just sound like a friend of mine," I told Caleb. Elliot, Elliot, Elliot.
"Well, I'm pretty sure he likes you," Caleb informed me as we drove in the opposite direction of my house.
"Yeah, I think he does, too," I told him as I stared at my hands.
Noticing the awkwardness he'd just imposed with that statement, he cleared his throat. "You're in eleventh grade, right?" he asked.
I nodded. "Yeah, you're not?" I inquired.
"I'm a senior," he responded.
"So that's how you know Avery," I nodded my head and he chuckled.
"Yeah, that and the fact that we dated for a few months in freshman year," he smiled as he stopped at a red light. I immediately remembered the name Caleb. Caleb the Crybaby. I had never seen him since I was only in 8th grade, and my parents didn't want my sister to date in the first place, but she had told me about him. He cried for weeks after they broke up, probably because he wasted a bunch of money on my sister. I remember her coming home with a pretty bracelet in her hand, asking me to hide it before mom and dad see. That wasn't the last of her gifts. I'm pretty sure that bracelet is somewhere in my room, lost under books or something. "By the look on your face, I assume you've heard some things about me?"
"You were my sister's first boyfriend," I shrugged. "So yeah, I remember her telling me about that."
"Oh," he nodded and I could tell he was relieved. There's nothing worse than meeting someone who has preconceived thoughts about you.
"Yeah," I replied and that was the end of that awkward conversation.
+ + +
We arrived at his house and I suddenly realized why a fifteen year old boy was able to buy a hundred dollar bracelet for a girl he's been with for two months. I tried not to seem intimidated by the size of his house but I couldn't help it. He had just been to my house, and my house isn't a bad size, I guess. It's average. But his makes my house seem like a cottage.
I got out of the car slowly, looking at the red house in front of me. He pocketed his keys as he led his way up the steps. I followed, entering the house behind him. I wasn't surprised at the state of the living room. It was neat and clean and made me wonder if he had any siblings. I would've said something but I felt as if we were walking through a museum and it was illegal to talk.
He took me upstairs and I took notice of all the pictures lining the walls. None of them contained any people Caleb's age or around it. It was just him, a woman, and a man, and then a cat. Speaking of the cat, I felt something brush against my leg as we reached the second floor landing; my eyes widened and I let out a tiny squeal. Caleb turned around and saw the cat rubbing itself along my ankles.
"That's my cat, Hamper," he explained as he reached down and lifted the orange cat. He smiled as he petted the animal, walking to an open door. The room had a cat tower as well as food bowls and an animal bed. I didn't see much because he put the cat down and shut the door. "Sorry, she's a little overly friendly." His cat has its own room.
I simply smiled and shrugged, following him down the hallway. He opened the door to a burgundy bedroom, telling me to enter. I almost snorted at Phoenix's reaction in my head. He'd flip if he found out that I was in Caleb's room in a, seemingly, empty house. "Do you want a drink or a snack?" he asked as he dropped his bag beside his bed.
"No, I'm okay," I told him.
"You sure?" he asked. I expected him to leave the room but instead, he walked towards a far corner of his room, opening a mini fridge and grabbing a can of soda.
"Yeah, I'm sure," I responded and he nodded as he walked over towards me.
"You can sit on my bed or my computer chair," he told me. I pulled his computer chair from beneath the desk and took a seat, grabbing my sketchbook from my bag. I chuckled internally at how I was going to tell this to Phoenix.
He was sipping his drink and scrolling on his phone, waiting for me to finish unpacking my supplies. Once I finished, he began charging his phone and sat in the position he was in during art class. Deciding to try and get to know him better, I asked him a question. "Do you have any siblings?" I inquired.
"No, I'm an only child," he informed me. "I already know that you do. You have two?" he asked.
"Yeah, I have a twin and Avery," I informed him.
"How's that?" he asked.
"How's what?" I asked as I glanced from the paper to him, squinting to see details like his freckles and where they started and finished on his cheekbones.
"Having a twin- is it any different from a normal sibling?" he asked.
"Pretty much, aside from questions like that," I smiled at him. He chuckled, apologizing quietly. "It's the same. We're just in the same grade and we grew up with the same friends, which could happen to any siblings within the same age range."
"I wouldn't know," he laughed.
"Well, I mean, we didn't have the same friends. I wasn't friends with Phoenix," I told Caleb.
"But now you are?" he asked, earning a nod.
"He used to bully me when we were kids," I informed him. "But not so much now."
"How long have you known Phoenix?" he questioned curiously.
"Since the second grade," I answered.
"Wow," he muttered as his eyebrows shot up. "That's a long time. Has he always been protective?"
"Not exactly," I told Caleb. "Like I said before, he was a bully. He would tease me and pull my hair. He broke my arm in the 8th grade."
"That sounds more like abuse to me," he admitted.
"It was accidental, but that was the event that kind of changed how he treated me," I told Caleb with a shrug. "He teases me and stuff but not nearly as bad as he used to. This overprotective thing just started recently."
"You never thought that he liked you? Not even in second grade?" he asked.
"No," I told him.
"You've never had anyone say that if a guy's mean to you, that means he likes you?" Caleb inquired.
"Yes, but that leads girls to believe that being hit in a relationship is okay," I told Caleb. "So my mother told me that if anyone hits me, I need to get an adult."
"That makes a lot of sense," Caleb nodded as he stared at me.
"Yeah," I muttered as I began filling in his face.
To be honest, I feel stupid for telling all of this to Caleb. I mean, it's none of his business. But it's a lot easier to open up to a stranger, especially when they see things that you don't see. Like Elliot, for example, talking to him is really easy. Avery, on the other hand, treats me like an idiot for not seeing things and insults me for not figuring things out.
"How's it coming along?" he asked me and I stared at the sketch in my hands. I flipped it around and showed him, earning an impressed nod. "Much better than mine."
I smiled, rolling my eyes.
+ + +
I finished the sketch just as Phoenix texted me, asking me if I needed a ride. Deciding not to hassle Caleb with having to bring me home, I said yes and texted Phoenix the address, which I got from Caleb. He seemed hesitant to give me the location; he probably doesn't want Phoenix knowing where he lives. It almost made me laugh as he stuttered while saying the street name.
Phoenix said he'd be arriving in fifteen minutes and I realized I'd have to sit here awkwardly for that time. I hadn't eaten since noon and it's nearly six o'clock. I spent the time waiting for Phoenix by making small talk with Caleb, but mostly mentally preparing a meal for myself, considering we have all the ingredients at home. Phoenix texted me saying he was outside and Caleb insisted on walking me out.
"Thanks for having me over," I told him and he smiled at me.
"Anytime," he responded. He opened his mouth to say something but closed it, furrowing his eyebrows. He glanced at Phoenix's car before letting out a quiet breath. "Can I have your number?" My eyebrows shot up. I've never been asked so bluntly. "So I can get a picture of you?" Noticing my shocked look, he immediately turned red. I'd never seen a guy so red before. "For the project! I want to make sure I color it correctly, you know, your eye color and skin complexion."
I smiled at him and nodded. "Yeah, you can have my number," I told him. After we exchanged numbers, I walked down the steps and approached Phoenix's car. I turned and waved at Caleb before getting in the vehicle, greeting Phoenix cheerfully. "Hey."
He stared at me with slightly narrowed eyes. "Hey," he replied slowly, backing out of the driveway.
"What?" I asked, noticing his suspicious look.
"Did you just give him your number?" he asked me.
"Yeah, why?" I asked him, earning a shrug in response.
"Just wondering," Phoenix answered. "You don't like that kid, do you?"
It was my turn to stare at Phoenix with tapered eyes. "How long do you think it takes to develop feelings for someone?" I inquired.
"I don't know, maybe it's different for girls," he responded.
"I've known him for three days, Phoenix," I informed him. "So, to answer your question, yes, Phoenix, I am madly in love with him."
He gave me an irritated look. "That kid's annoying," he retorted.
"How is he annoying? He's actually quite nice," I rejoined. "You don't even know him!"
"'He's actually quite nice,'" Phoenix mocked me. I rolled my eyes at him, shrugging as I sat back. We drove down the long, empty road, slowly making our way home. "So what'd you guys do?"
"I met his cat," I shrugged. "And then we went upstairs to his room."
"His parents let you?" Phoenix inquired.
"They weren't there," I told him and his eyes widened even more.
"You went up there willingly?" Phoenix furthered.
"Yeah, I mean, he doesn't hit on me or flirt with me," I shrugged. "I don't see why not."
"Because he's a teenage guy," Phoenix responded, earning a roll of my eyes.
"Not all teenage guys are bad," I replied.
"He's older than you too," Phoenix realized as he shook his head.
"Most people are," I responded. "Why do you have a problem with me hanging out with anyone who is a male in their teenage years? You wouldn't mind if it was Elliot."
"Yeah, I would," he responded.
"Well, you shouldn't," I scoffed, shaking my head.
"Why not?" he inquired.
"Because he has a girlfriend," I told Phoenix. "You really didn't get to know him before trying to set me up with him. That's the only thing you really needed to find out and you didn't even do that."
"He has a girlfriend?" Phoenix asked with furrowed eyebrows. "Since when?"
"Since, I don't know, a year ago? She's in Spain. Her name is Ramona," I responded.
"I just watched him for a few days before talking to him. I didn't really want to ask 'Hey, are you seeing anyone?' He probably would've thought I was into him and that would've put us several steps behind," Phoenix replied.
"Well you did a great job setting me up with him," I retorted.
"I feel bad now. I set you up with a guy who's already taken. Do you like him?" Phoenix asked and I snorted, shaking my head.
"No," I told Phoenix. "He's just a friend." He's also conveniently raising my awareness of your feelings for me. "But if you want to make me feel better, you can stop at Subway for food."
He looked at me. "You're hungry?" he inquired and I nodded, watching as he checked for cars before pulling into the plaza lot. I sighed in content as we parked in front of Subway. Getting out of the car, I took my bag with me.
"What? You think someone's going to rob the car?" he inquired amusedly.
"My wallets in here," I told him. "And I don't feel like digging around for it."
"I'm paying," he insisted. Where's he getting all this money from? He doesn't have a job, as far as I'm concerned.
"I got it," I told him. "I'm the one that said we're going to get Subway, I should pay."
He stared at me as I walked ahead of him. My bag was being pulled from my hands and as I turned around, I saw him shoving it into the driver's side window. I glared at him and he smiled childishly. "I told you- I got it."
He walked ahead of me, pulling open the door. I glared at him as I went, but I had to admit that he was a gentleman, even if he ripped my bag from my hand seconds ago. "So what do you want?" he inquired.
After we ordered and received our subs and drinks, he looked at me. "Do you want to sit in here? Or do you want to eat in the car?" he questioned.
"Let's eat in here," I told him and we approached a table with our food. After sitting down, I realized that many people would consider this a date, so I'm definitely not telling anyone about this. Except maybe Elliot, and maybe my two friends. Maybe.
"Thanks," I muttered as I unwrapped my sub.
"So like we were talking about before," he began and I looked at him with furrowed eyebrows. "You don't have a date to homecoming now."
"Yeah, that's right," I nodded as I bit into my sub.
"I don't have a date for homecoming either," he reminded me.
"How unfortunate for you," I responded, amused at his blunt hints.
His shoulders slumped as he looked at me. "Do you remember when we were picking out a homecoming date for you and I said that if all else fails, I'll be your date?" he inquired.
"Yes, but what's that have to do with anything?" I responded, smirking into my sub when he stared out of the window, pursing his lips.
"I was thinking that because you don't have a date and I don't have a date, we could just go to homecoming together," he trailed.
I sipped my drink noisily, letting him sit in agonizingly long suspense for my answer as I drained my drink. Getting up, I nodded towards the fountain drink concession. "I'm going to refill this."
He sighed and put his hands on his forehead. I chuckled quietly as I refilled my drink. I returned to him and sat down, taking a long sip. "So, about homecoming?" he asked me.
"Oh, yeah, it sounds like a good idea," I told him and he sighed loudly in relief. "Why didn't you just ask me to begin with instead of trying to set me up with someone?"
"Because you would've said no," he responded as if the answer was simple.
"So you considered asking me in the beginning?" I inquired and he nodded.
"Why do you ask?" he replied and I realized that it wasn't exactly wise for me to go questioning him so straightforwardly.
"I'm just wondering," I told him and he snorted.
"Nobody asks questions like that because they're just wondering," he replied.
"Well, I am just wondering," I responded and he narrowed his eyes at me as he sat back.
"Do you have any other questions for me? Preferably questions that give you the answer you're looking for rather than hints and clues?" he inquired and I bit my lip as I shook my head.
"I'm good, thanks," I replied as I went back to my sandwich.