CHAPTER 24: My lips are sealed. Can I open them?

If we wished, we would all take back several moments, words and decisions that spewed out of our mouths hastily. But, they stand, a decision, nonetheless. I would happily take back that wretched moment I decided to play the stupid spin the bottle game and ended up being embarrassed as bitchy Veronica pulled me off her "boyfriend" Harry, whom I was about to kiss.

What did I eat that day that made my brain wheels to manufacture that irrational decision?

In my case, my stars don't have my interests and well-being at their core. They probably detest me for all that I've said and done all through my life – the first one being abusing the fact that I'm a girl. Yet, that thought doesn't alter considering right now, my wide apart legs are the ones that occupied all the leg space in the car. To which I could hear the constant complains of Maddie ringing through my agonized ears.

I do reckon I sit like a boy. A very, very indolent boy.

The sight of Caleb and Veronica together churns the remaining bits of mashed apple within my stomach – I can't stomach it – and my mind isn't helpful either by constantly pushing forward scary thoughts. Veronica's viciousness still exists toward me and I am number one on her hit list, no doubt.

The realization that she may potentially ruin the whole trip knowing I'll be there embeds an uneasiness in my mind and I can't help but dread the fact that Jason and Aaron might get to know about the huge scene Veronica created during her party just because she was insecure of her stupid boyfriend. And angry is just an understatement for what they'll feel after knowing I hid it from them. I mean, I'm grateful for their overprotectiveness but sometimes...it's a tad too much.

Speaking of the boyfriend, I deduce Caleb was merely lying to me about cutting his so-called suffocating relationship. I can't believe for a moment I even considered reciprocating the offer he handed in. I actually thought of becoming friends with him. Well, I'm back at square one – detesting Caleb. All because of Veronica.

I know, I know. I won't forget the nice things he did like worrying about that Coleman guy who misbehaved with me, telling me about Veronica's plan, walking me home. Twice.

Yeah, he did well on his part but, he still lied to me about Veronica. And for all I know, what if he's just duping me into his plan with Veronica?

What if they've both been playing me along all this time?

That could be a huge possibility.

Think about it. Caleb and I never had a proper first meeting – we legit fought like kids. And we've been hating each other ever since. Then all of a sudden, here he is in front of me suddenly apologizing and revealing his girlfriend's plan to me.

It's not that I'm jealous. Ugh. No. Never. She can keep Caleb for as long as she pleases and he can keep dancing to her tunes as long as he likes but I'm not going to be the scapegoat in between. Nuh-uh.

I sigh in frustration at all the thoughts running in my mind and I feel Maddie's hand on mine. She smiles at me and closes her eyes for a second, assuring me that everything will be fine. Even though I return her smile, I'm still anxious on the next two days about to be spent here. And two nights as well.

Goodness, gracious. What if Veronica decides to kill me in my sleep? She's going to have full access to my goddamn tent over there! I better get a tent 100 feet away from her if I wish to live, even if I know it's not possible.

The car ride takes about forty-five minutes before a foresty area comes into view. We pass a sign that reads Cornelley's Camp before entering that forest. Or whatever it is. The air is cool and the breeze is quite strong. My hair flies in all directions and I regret untying my messy bun back home. I close my eyes, relishing the serene atmosphere before I step foot on that camp where Veronica could basically finish me off.

Oh great Greece, Italy, Germany, I deeply apologize for not gracing your countries with my presence because of my sudden death.

We finally arrive at the entrance of the camp where Jason does the necessary payments and asks about a few facilities. As we proceed further where the camps were being set, I catch sight of a few other cars and jeeps – nothing fancy though. We get out, Jason and Aaron rushing off to their friends, slapping them on their backs and rumbling off into laughter already. I roll my eyes and get to the back with Maddie close behind me.

As we start getting our bags out from the boot, a roaring jeep passes us and I turn my head to see Caleb driving it. His eyes meet my own and for a moment, I presume he slowed the car down. His face is unreadable – absolutely blank – and he drives off with a clenched jaw. No doubt Mr. I-wanna-be-friends is angry at my rejection the other night.

My insides burn at the sight of Veronica in the other seat. I don't know whether she's seen me yet but I pray she hasn't. I'll have to definitely find a way to avoid her for these whole two days but I wonder how I'll manage to do that.

I remove my bag from the boot and shut the door, angry that I have to deal with Caleb and Veronica even on this trip.

"Hey! Careful, angry bird. You might just break the damn door!" Aaron shouts and I flip him the bird. The rest of the guys holler at my sudden reaction and I walk toward them.

"Summer! I didn't know you were coming." One of the players I've talked to a few times, says and smiles at me.

"Yeah, well I am here. Get your bags out the next time, aye?" I turn to Aaron and Jason and place my arm on Jason's shoulder.

"Summer!" I flinch at the screams, turning around to Blake and Shawn running toward me. I cross my arms over my chest – hey, it's defense – just as they crash into me. I groan at the harsh impact and push them off me.

"You came for real!" Shawn cries out.

"No shit, Sherlock!" I smile, tight-lipped, and clap my hands once. My eyes move toward a walking duo, squinting as they recognize who it is.

I got to get out of here.

"Uh...Jason? Maddie and I will just be over there, checking out the tents, okay?" I quickly ramble while glancing at Caleb and Veronica who were making their way toward us.

"Wait. Let the rest at least come. Say hi to them. Besides, what's the rush? They haven't even set up the tents." Jason says while looking behind me, no doubt toward those two.

Caleb, Veronica, the two girls she's always with, and a few other guys I recognize from the team, advance to where we are all standing. I move on the other side of Maddie and she gives me a questioning look until she spots Veronica. She glares at Veronica but I nudge her arm, telling her to stop it.

All the guys greet each other, loud as fuck, and I roll my eyes, knowing this will continue for two whole days and nights. Veronica and her girls mingle around with the other two girls who came with god-knows-who. Maddie and I stand in silence, away from the rest, and scoff at all the over-reacting these people were doing. Don't they all see each other every single day?

My breath hitches in my throat as Caleb turns to look at me. Our eyes meet instantly and I'm again unable to get out of the reverie due to his enticing eyes. They spoke volumes as if he knew what I was pointing at. Vexation takes over me as I remember that all he told me the other day could be a lie. That he could be in cahoots with stupid Veronica.

He tightens his jaw and I cross my arms over my chest, turning my neck to the other side, closing my eyes due to an unknown pain in my chest.

What is happening to me?

As if on cue, a squeaky voice makes me snap my head to the side and I see Veronica smiling at me. Devilishly.

"I didn't know you were coming!" An obvious fake excitement creeps up her voice and I scoff at the amount of tolerance I can have for this idiotic bitch.

"I know! Didn't expect to see you here too!" I say excitedly, fake of course, and smile widely at her.

I'm telling you I can devour her with my non-existent shark teeth right here. I'll rip that smile off her face then she'll know what surprises really are, right?

But then, I'm quite sure about the fact that I'll die at the taste she offers.

I need a better death.

I chuckle at my own joke but stop as soon as I realize that a few pairs of eyes were gazing at me curiously. I look around, clenching my fists at the embarrassment.

Noel walks toward me and I smile at him. Surprisingly, without saying a word, he takes my hand and walks me away from the crowd.

"Need a break?" He asks me, the smile still etched on his face. His pure white teeth glisten in the sunshine. How does the weather change so fast? One minute, my hair is flying due to the cold breeze and the next, I'm basically basking in the sun.

Summer, I tell you. Unpredictable.

Pun intended.

"Big time." I chuckle and put my hands in my pocket, looking at the line of trees following up to the dazzling lake in front of us. We walk on the bridge and stop just at the end. A slow-sifting breeze brushes my arms, tingling my soft spots.

"We didn't know she was coming...we were surprised as well." He says as he looks at me.

"It's alright. I have bad luck." I turn toward him, laughing. He joins in and we look at the rest of the people. Blake and Shawn were undoubtedly troubling Maddie considering she rolls her eyes every 3 seconds. The rest were carrying their bags and talking amongst themselves.

"She won't do anything." Noel's assuring voice rings in my head and I smile softly at his concern.

"I know she won't. But it's still..."

"Nerve-racking?" He finishes off and I nod. He nods in understanding, his inky locks falling over his forehead. The blue streak stands out and I ruffle it, laughing at how soft his hair is.

"Damn, Noel. You take care of your hair like a girl." I laugh again as he slaps my hand away playfully.

"Special shampoo and hair care from France. C'est beau, non?" He says and winks. I blink and he breaks into rumbling laughter.

"Still weak at French, huh?"

"Sure, sure, pretty boy. Make fun all you like. I'm going to ace that French exam though. Watch me." I punch my fists together like a fighter and grin at the end.

"Oh, I know that. You'll definitely ace them." I don't fail to recognize the sarcasm dripping off his voice and I punch his arm.

"Oh really? Yeah?" I laugh and continue punching him as he continued groaning and laughing at the same time. We chuckle and stop after a while. I notice the absence of Zander and remember seeing him and Noel conversing on the field.

"Hey, where's Zander?" I ask Noel, placing a hand on my forehead due to the unbearable heat.

"Uh...he's not here."

"Noel!" I chuckle and ask him again, "Why?"

"Well, he was dismissed from the team..." He mutters and looks at the lake with squinting eyes.

"What?" I shockingly ask. Zander, dismissed? How? Why? He hasn't even been in school for like weeks.

"He was caught using drugs. He kind of got involved in the wrong group and one day, some teacher caught him with uh...cocaine in the class. He was removed from the team immediately and he even got suspended from school." I blink at the sudden information and I sigh, thinking how hard it must be for Noel since they were all close friends. I place my hand on his shoulder and smile at him.

"Uh...if you could keep this quiet, please. I mean, people will start talking you know. For now, let it be under the radar." He looks at me with pleading eyes and I nod again.

"My lips are sealed."

"Can I open them?" Noel and I turn to a grinning Shawn, laughing at his lame attempt to flirt.

"You'll lose your 'touch' while trying your best with Summer," Noel says and slaps Shawn's back.

Blake, Maddie, and Austin run toward us and we all start making fun of Shawn's so-called flirting. I laugh at how Blake almost pushes Shawn and the girly scream that came out of Shawn's mouth. As we are all talking, a quick glimpse takes me to Caleb's analyzing eyes. I turn back toward the lake and close my eyes.

What are you doing to me, Caleb Anderson?

***

WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO ME, CALEB??!!!

Seriously, Caleb is one mysterious character to write about and I've been loving every moment. What do you think dear Caleb has in his mind? What are all the stares for, aye? 😉

Frequent updates, people, frequent updates! I need some returns, no? 😂😂

Do vote and comment!!

Adios!