Chapter.13- "You're Like The Devil On My Left Shoulder."

Thirteen: "You're Like The Devil On My Left Shoulder."

I was mortified when Kayden had found out I smelled strongly of lavender, I'd just wanted to bury myself in the ground like an ostrich. And I'd even blatantly denied it in front of his face. I was stood there trying to soak all of that in and also of the fact that Kayden had kissed me.

Alright, not on the lips but he'd kissed my cheek nonetheless. I also knew that it's quite common for people to kiss on the cheek, but that doesn't mean anything unless of course, it's the person who you have feelings for as long as I've lived and it'd felt like I was floating in the clouds, a dreamy sigh escaped my lips. At least the night didn't end on a bad note!

Speaking of.... cue the record scratch that ended my happiness.

But all of that didn't matter because I had more pressing matters at hand. The happiness was quickly replaced by anger and embarrassment.

I spun on my heels, quickly entered the house and ran upstairs, the whole house was quiet, but I knew better, my dad was awake and was watching me. I let out a groan of frustration. First Caleb and now my dad!

I walked to the second floor just in time to catch my dad in his expensive silk pyjamas and robe walk into his room. He saw me and I knew even before he could open his mouth what he'd ask me.

"Did he kiss you? I specifically-"

"Dad!" I cut him off. "It was a bloody peck on the cheek! Why would you embarrass me like that?! And did you follow us into the restaurant?" I was livid. Because I saw a very familiar car and the man who had the same features as his.

"Oh, he didn't kiss you, did he? Mhmm, good! Goodnight, ducky." He beamed and walked away to his room.

I gaped. "You didn't answer my question!" I pressed, following him. He just shrugged and let out a laugh as he entered and closed the door to his room.

I let a growl of frustration. "Unbelievable!" I finally entered my room, and as soon as I was in I threw my clutch across the room and stomped towards the bed.

"Who's arse do I have to kick?"

I heard Rachel's familiar voice from the other side of the room and I squeaked when I saw her coming out of the en suite with a charcoal face mask on.

"Jesus Christ!"

"No, no, just Rachel!" She waved her hand dismissively. "So, what's the matter? Did lover boy do something wrong? Should I murder him?" She looked concerned as she neared me.

"What're you still doing here? No offence," I quickly added.

"None taken! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you, I wanted to know how your date went with Kayden. So I stayed back, you know how boring it gets in the dormitory, so I had a lot of free time and put on a face mask and decided to watch a movie," She said casually.

I took a deep shuddering breath. My nails dug into my palms as I recalled the encounter, I sat down on the bed with more force than necessary, my blood boiled when his face flashed in front of my mind's eye, the triumphant smile as if he'd achieved what he was looking for. He had successfully managed to wind me up, that was for sure. But he'd wanted me to either lose my calm and do something reckless, but I had more sense and control. Perhaps that disappointed him.

Rachel sat down beside me as I kicked off my heels and put an arm around my shoulder.

"What's happened? Again, who's arse should I kick?"

"Caleb is what happened! That bloody doughnut tried to sabotage my relationship and image with Kayden and he even embarrassed me!" My face hardened.

"What? Why was he there?" She cried out in shock.

"He was having dinner with his parents, apparently he recognised me and stalked me. He even went as far as to tell Kayden that, and I quote, what a wild little thing I was and that I'd bewitched him. He warned Kayden to stay away from me or else I'd bully him and accused me of stealing his tiramisu." I breathed hard.

"Huh?" She looked at me gobsmacked. "You stole his tiramisu?" An incredulous expression was etched on her face.

"I didn't steal it! He shared- let me have some!" I snapped.

She inhaled sharply through her teeth. "Goodness, what a psychopath! Why would he do that? So what did Kayden say?"

"Kayden defended me and disputed his claim of me being a bully and said that I was a lovely and very nice girl. Aggh I want to kill that bastard! And as if that wasn't enough, my dad even waited for me to get inside and watched my encounter with Kayden and I am pretty sure he even followed us." I groaned, lying on the bed and stared at the ceiling.

"I don't think your dad followed you. I didn't see him leave the house." Rachel assured me. "So did you get a kiss?" She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.

I shook my head. "No, we didn't kiss. But he did peck my cheek and it's no big deal because everyone kisses on the cheek." My face had grown warm.

"You didn't snog? Why?!" She sounded hysterical. "What is wrong with you?"

I rolled my eyes, Rachel was being dramatic. "Dad was watching us through the window and Kayden was sort of creeped out by that. Dad even sternly reminded Kayden not to expect anything tonight!" I huffed. "Besides, it's only the first date, who gets off on the first date, anyway?"

Her lips thinned and she eye-rolled. "Well, that's sad really! I am so sorry to hear that." Then she scoffed. "Normal people get off on the first date, Rebecca. And some even do the how's your father as well! You've even confessed that he's been your boy crush as long as you can recall! Who even lets the opportunity to kiss the bloke they've been in love with all their life, pass by?" She gestured wildly.

I crinkled my nose at her outburst. "Well, I suppose I'm not categorised as normal people. I agree that I've been yakking off about him, and I wanted to kiss him but with my dad watching it was rather uncomfortable." I shuddered. "But more than anything, I was nervous and not ready for it. I was sort of scared and shy?" I confessed truthfully.

"Why?" She asked bewildered. "If it were me, I'd get down and dirty if I found a bloke like that."

"I do not doubt that sentence," I concurred. "I just feel like we're sort of rushing and it's not that serious. I know I sound like a doughnut right now, but I don't want to mess it up and then things to get awkward between us," I twiddled my thumbs.

"Alright, it won't get awkward unless you make things awkward, Rebecca. But you've still got plenty of opportunities to make up for it. Next time don't wait until you get home to kiss, just grab him by the collar and kiss him in the middle of your date. That way you don't have to worry about your father watching you dodgily from the window and having to be cautious if he pushes you against the wall and kisses you dirtily."

I giggled. "I'll remember that next time. And hopefully, I won't encounter that wanker!" I growled.

"Ah, Becky, don't be mad, Caleb's obviously off his trolley! Don't even think about him." She pacified me.

Easier said than done! I couldn't stop thinking about what had happened. I was in a mood, huffing out a breath I got off the bed to change into something more comfortable. I took off my make up and slipped on my jammies and did all of the actions aggressively than it was deemed necessary. I was livid, and trembling with rage that if I saw Caleb ever again I'd burgle him. Words could not describe what a prick he was!

Rachel came into the ensuite a few moments later and took off her mask, I left and flopped on the bed and exhaled sharply. My phone vibrated, I fumbled for it and saw Kayden's name, he'd texted me. I smiled despite my anger.

Kayden❣: I've reached home and am off to bed. Good night! XXXX

Me: Oh, nice! Good night, sweet dreams xx.

I locked my phone and set it aside. I heard the light switch go off and the room immediately was blanketed in darkness, one which I welcomed gladly. I felt the bed dip on the other side as Rachel got under the covers.

"Don't be mad, Becky, next time I see Caleb I will kick his arse and you won't be able to stop me," She spoke in the dark.

I smiled despite myself. "Thanks. But I can handle him on my own. Good night, Rachel."

"Good night!"

I sighed staring into the dark, my mind drifted back to the Wellesley. I had always recalled Caleb to be an adorably wide-eyed and shy cinnamon roll but what I'd seen today and a few days ago were stark contrasts of what he was.

Or rather who he was.

I didn't want to think about it but I couldn't let it go. For example how he'd expertly dodged my blows and how he'd trapped me in his arms. I shuddered to think about that experience. I vividly recalled how my heart had hiccupped at the close proximity and the lack of distance between us almost choked me up.

Most importantly I was shocked and gobsmacked at how he'd become so crafty!

I didn't know how long I was thinking about him because when I checked the time on the digital clock it way past midnight. That's when I realised that, I was thinking about someone I shouldn't be thinking about but I kept thinking about it anyway because I was reminding myself that I can't think about it.

************

I was feeling alright until we passed the Knightsbridge. Memories from last night flooded my mind's eye and I curled my hands into tight fists. I caught a glimpse of the green hedge with red flowers and my anger simmered under the surface when I recalled how the beautiful flower was snatched away from my hands.

If you're wondering why I was re-visiting the nightmare that was last night then let me tell you that I had to pass through that to reach Connaught Village at 59 Connaught Street which was only a twenty-minute drive or so to the Saint Aymes Cafe.

Charlotte was back in London! And I couldn't be happier. She'd informed me last night that she'd be back by today afternoon and to meet her at the Saint Aymes Cafe because she'd said, and I quote, wanted to talk something important.

She was full of beans but not as crazy as Rachel would be. But she'd help me stay sane, she'd go into details and analyse every little thing and come up with conclusions, that would be irrelevant, nonetheless still helpful. But she was my only hope as Rachel was reckless and Charlotte was the opposite.

Rachel and I drove to Saint Aymes cafe in the taxi. It was a hangout spot that we'd frequent often. We reached the coffee shop and got out of the taxi after paying the driver. It was a pretty cafe, with wisterias bordering the windows, giving it a spring season feeling, in every season. It looked magical. Of course, it was a social media-friendly coffee shop and bakery with signature coffee drinks, milkshakes, and sweets. It was famous for its unicorn latte, but most importantly for its signature, twenty-three-carat gold hot chocolate.

Saint Aymes was widely referred to as the prettiest cafe in London. We just stood there and took a moment to admire the idyllic hanging floral display of wisterias swaying softly to the rhythm of the summer breeze. It had seven flower walls, a unique Instagrammable menu and atmosphere. It was an experience you cannot miss!

"Every time we come here I cannot stop myself from catching my breath at this wonderful display!" Rachel sighed dreamily. I hummed in agreement.

We righted ourselves after a few moments of admiring and entered the cafe, the smell of coffee, cakes and pastries hit our nostrils. I inhaled it deeply into my lungs, and a surge of life shot through me. The place had a mission to make every moment beautiful, the design enchanting artisan chocolates that were displayed were almost too beautiful to eat. It was enriched with opulent colour and inspired by artistic greats, the chocolates stand alone as structures of art for those who appreciated iconic beauty.

The whole atmosphere brought a fully immersive experience of luxury exclusively. It was an escapist paradise where you could find great coffee, 23-carat gold hot chocolate, enchanting cakes and of course, decadent chocolate.

My eyes scanned over the place and found Charlotte clacking away on her phone, head bent and shoulders hunched. I nudged Rachel who was still longingly glancing at the enchanting cakes and of course decadent chocolates displayed in the glass case. I tipped my chin in Chars' direction and we began to move our feet.

"Ah! Charlotte!" I beamed, she lifted her head and her eyes widened. "I'm so glad you're here. I need your advice to help me keep sane!" I pulled her for a quick hug when she straightened and stood up.

She seemed immobile but then returned the hug. "I've been gone for only a week and you cannot survive without me." She tutted.

"Hey what about me? I give out good advice too!" Rachel seemed hurt.

"Indeed you do! But you're like the devil on my left shoulder and she's like the angel on my right. So whatever bad advice you give me I will take it." I beamed at her.

She scowled but smiled when Charlotte whispered something as they gave each other a quick hug. Rachel and I sat down opposite Chars. It would've been perfect if it were a window table but all the tables were booked. Chars were already sipping some of her rich hot chocolate.

"Let's order first and then talk!" Rachel announced.

I couldn't have agreed more. So, we ordered the usual: unicorn latte, Marie Antoinette, scone, clotted cream and jam, white chocolate raspberry cheesecake, mixed berry cheesecake and an assortment of savoury sandwiches.

After a few minutes of waiting for our order, we finally got them. I quickly reached for the unicorn latte and sipped the heavenly drink. We were talking about Charlotte's experience at the concert, she showed us pictures of the wonderful time she'd had with Sebastian.

After I had three sips of it I spoke, "So, what did you for the next three days? I reckon you had a good time." I looked at Charlotte.

She immediately put her cup down and rested her elbows on the table. "I did. Seb and I are grateful for that." She huffed out a breath. "But Seb had to leave shortly because of his apprenticeship at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, so I was left to explore on my own. But it was fun." She assured with a warm smile.

"Oh, he works at Cornish? I thought he researches at the National Oceanography Centre?" Rachel asked.

"He's doing both," I answered. Sebastian studied marine biology at the University of Southampton.

"Enough talk about myself, tell me how your date went." Chars looked at me with curious green eyes.

Taking a sip of my chocolate, I cast her a glance from the rim of the cup. "I thought you'd never ask." I set my cup down and told her everything.

"You went to the Knightsbridge? Oval-- that's so boujee! He gets full marks for that!" Charlotte gaped.

"Yes! But guess who was there?" I muttered.

"Oh, I know! Should I tell her? You know what? I will tell her. Caleb was there!" Rachel beamed.

"Caleb? You don't mean--"

"The one and only!" I snorted.

I told her how he'd followed me and how he'd acted thereupon.

"I don't understand what his problem is? He told Kayden that I was going to bully him and even accused me of stealing the bloody tiramisu! Kayden himself gave up his tiramisu for me! He even dodged all my blows when I tried to hit him and even manhandled me! Then he went on to say he's germaphobe when Kayden stretched his hand forward to introduce himself!" I breathed hard. I took a sip, ate some cheesecake and then continued to tell them about how he'd taken blurred pictures to how he stole the flower Kayden had given me.

Chars inhaled through her teeth. "Goodness! The absolute cheek of that boy!"

"Why would he do that? Why would he go to such an extent to sabotage your relationship with Kayden?" Rachel asked. "Also he's such a sexist! I thought he was a nice lad but after this, I shudder to think about what sort of man he is!"

"He isn't sexist! At least I think..." I quickly added.

"Really? Then why did he ask you to play with dolls--"

I cut her off. "That's because I'd told him the same thing when we were in school," I grumbled. Understanding dawned on Rachel's face.

Chars cleared her throat demurely. "He's seeking retribution, isn't he? For the flower field incident? And for the jelly babies."

I faltered. Could it be...? But it's been so long...

"What? What flower field incident?" Rachel cried out.

"She made him piss his pants in the flower field next to their school and then the other children saw it and bullied him for that. She even took his jelly babies and--"

Yes, Charlotte knew about this. I'd told her about it when she'd asked me when she first met Caleb three years ago and how we had interacted.

"Bloody hell! You're one naughty girl!" Rachel smirked. "You bullied him? Good god! Did you fancy him back then? Because--"

I held my hand up. "I did not fancy him! Nor will I ever!" I shuddered.

"- I know how this going to end! Normally, little boys are terrible to little girls because they fancy them. You reversed the roles here, you were terrible to him and still are because you fancied him and didn't know how to express it so you resorted to savage ways. And the only reason why he'd act like that in front of Kayden is that he's jealous!" She snapped her finger. "Why didn't I see it before!" She tutted.

I set my cup down and looked at her as if she'd gone barmy. "That's absolute bollocks! He was the one that started it and I simply wasn't the one to be messed with so I showed him who he was dealing with and it has continued thus far." I thinned my lips. "And why would he be jealous and what for?" I cried out.

She had a smug expression on her face. "Caleb fancies you! You may not fancy him but now that I see it it's there. Kayden's got some serious competition, darling."

"W-who? There is no competition!" I sputtered.

"You think so too, huh?" Rachel smirked.

I huffed. "Gosh! That's not what I meant! You're starting to upset me with your barmy thinking!" I looked at Charlotte to back me up but she had this same look as Rachel's. "What? Don't tell me you agree with her."

She smiled. Her wintry green eyes glittered. "Well... I'm not saying anything but I think she's got a point!"

"You're both barmy! Caleb doesn't fancy me. He probably has a bird!" I exclaimed. "What I do know for sure is that he loves to get on every last nerve of mine and the next time I see him I am going to teach him a very important lesson!" I muttered darkly.

"Keep saying that yourself." Chars muttered. Both she and Rachel snickered.

I sighed, still not coming to terms with this boy, who's name was Caleb and where he got his confidence from. "I still cannot believe he's changed," I muttered, biting into a sandwich.

"Like I said," Rachel began because when she says that it's about to go a whole other way, "no man ever steps into the same river twice, for it is not the same river and he isn't the same man. And from what you've witnessed he isn't!" She clinked her glass against Charlotte's.

Although she isn't wrong about that there was this nagging voice which kept reminding me that it wasn't like this before he left me. And I can't quite put my finger on what had changed or happened.

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Hiya! Is my story making sense so far? Are you all liking the newly edited version? So what do you all think about Rebecca and Caleb's past??? Is Caleb seeking revenge? Do you think there's more to their story??

Please comment, vote, share and follow. xxx

Peace out homies!✌