CHAPTER 38: We probably devoured half of your damn supply

I never really pictured getting caught by the police for something I could have done that too, alongside none other than Caleb Anderson. Sure, I partly knew that my recklessness and my oh-so-special talent of not giving a fuck about anything will get me in trouble one day but...not to this extent at least.

Three policemen and an angry old man squinted their eyes at us. It was like participating in a reality show only that the cameras here were actually human beings who, by the look on their faces, didn't look so pleased with us.

"Officer, I think there has been a misunderstanding here." I look at Caleb speaking calmly with his hands up. Really? He thinks he can get us out of here with his charm?

"What kind, boy?! You two teens are obviously here to loot my dear old shop. What has the world come to? You don't even leave the aged!" The salt-and-pepper haired man cried out, his hands pointing to the mess we created while eating our ice creams.

"Could you please give us an opportunity to explain ourselves?" I ask politely and one of the policemen nod, lowering their gun. I sigh and start off rambling on about the night's events.

"We actually got stuck here when the shop was being closed. Uh...we were in the washroom. Separately, might I add." I stress on the words and despite the grimness of the situation, a smirk grows on Caleb's face.

"I'm really sorry for the loss you incurred uh...because of us. I promise we'll pay for the ice creams we ate. I hope you can understand that. But we didn't break in to rob your place, sir. This guy did." I move aside and point towards the unconscious man behind the counter.

"We knocked him down when we heard him sneaking in and that's when you came in." I sheepishly say, feeling weird having to truthfully narrate everything in front of the police.

The three men arrive at our side, dragging the man with them to their police car. Caleb and I awkwardly stood near the booths as the men spoke to the old owner of the shop who looked so miserable and sleepy. After their short conversation, the man walks towards us with a slight smile on his face.

"Thank you, kids. You have no idea how much it means to me that you attempted to save my business here. And I'm sorry for shouting earlier-

"Don't apologize. Please. This is the least we could have done after almost gobbling up your delicious ice cream." An awkward laugh escapes at my lame joke but nevertheless, the old man's eyes sparkle with happiness.

"You like my ice cream? That is just splendid!" Caleb and I both nod in excitement as he gushes over the compliments I just offered him.

Of course, we like it. We probably devoured half of your damn supply.

"Say, would you be willing to work here? We are so short on staff here and it would be such a good way to thank you for apprehending that foolish robber."

My eyes widen at the prospect of finally having a job, the thoughts of the past few stressful days dawning upon me. This could finally bring up our financial crisis and we wouldn't have to sacrifice anything. Jason guys will be so happy to hear this. A nudge on my shoulder brings me back to the present situation and I almost faint at the next words that come out of Caleb's mouth.

"I'm sure she would love that." His right hand engulfs my shoulder and I almost shudder at the warmth that trickles down my arm after that.

"Thank you...sir. This means a lot. Don't I need to give an interview or something?"

"Nonsense! Consider yourself hired. You can begin anytime you like!" He smiles down at me and I excitedly shake his hand.

I finally got a job.

Wow.

See dad, I am strong.

After assuring Albert, as he insisted me to call him, that we could discuss all the terms tomorrow, we finally got out of his hair and decided to go home. There was no condition for Caleb to drop me home but a smile still makes its way to my lips at the mere thought.

As we drive down the streets silently, I go back to the little moments Caleb and I had all night back at the shop. Something definitely changed between us but I didn't know what so I can't address it either. I mentally groan at the frustration building up in my mind which is currently wondering how to start up a conversation with him.

Are things awkward now?

Are they still normal?

Will he keep away?

Or will he still stay by my side?

I could literally build up a questionnaire with the gigantic amount of questions flooding my mind.

"So, new job, huh?"

Yes, you mind-reading magician.

"Yup." I nod and say, balling up my fists at my stupid attempt of replying to his question. What else can I say? Think, Summer, think.

The brown apartments finally come into view and before I could say anything to Caleb, my eyes widen at two boys pacing back and forth near the entrance of the apartments. I quickly get out from Caleb's car, the sound of the door perking up Jason and Aaron's ears. They both stride towards me, Jason engulfing me in a hug while Aaron caresses my arm.

"Where the fuck were you?" He pushes me from the hug and shakes my shoulders. His angry eyes dart towards Caleb and in two long strides, his hand is already grabbling Caleb's throat. He pushes him against the car and bangs his head against the window.

"How dare you take my sister out, Anderson?!" Jason barks out, finally breaking the bubble of shock I was in temporarily and I march towards them both. I push off Jason and sternly glare at him.

"Jason, calm down! He didn't take me out. We were stuck somewhere. Who the hell told you this shit?"

"Maddie told me you were last with him. Do you know how much we looked around for you? Draven is currently roaming around looking for you. And yet, here you are, enjoying a night out with this asshole over here." Jason seethes and I feel Caleb's presence behind me getting closer and closer.

"You don't know what you're talking about, Jason. Calm the fuck down." Caleb says while clenching his fists. I hold my arm out in front of Caleb and Jason while they both engage in a deep heated staredown. Aaron finishes his call with Draven and sighs at the situation unfolding in front of me.

"Jason, come on man. Let's get inside. She's safe now. Calm down." Aaron says and gently pulls Jason away from ripping out Caleb's head.

"How do you expect me to calm down, Aaron?! It's past midnight and she still doesn't show one ounce of regret for not even informing us about anything."

"My battery died, Jason. What do you want me to do? Communicate with you telepathically?" I shout, not caring about any awoken neighbors or even the security guard who was currently staring at us with a scared expression etched on his face.

I think even he knows that it's best to not mess with 3 angry boys and an equally furious girl.

"You went off on a date with a random guy, Summer. And then next thing I hear is that you're out with Anderson over here who, by the way, knows his way around with girls. I'm sorry that I was worried about you!" My lips part at his angry gesture and glare towards me. How could he say that?

"Jason..."

"Shut the fuck up, Aaron!"

"You! Listen to me. Stay away from my sister." He points towards Caleb who currently has clenched fists and a ticking jaw, "And you... I don't even have words for you, Summer."

I push back the pricking tears that threaten to make their way out of my eyes and take in a sharp breath.

"Jason, you don't know what you're saying. Get your anger in control and-

"Don't tell me what to do, Summer. Especially not after what you've done."

"What the hell did I do so bad? Being with Caleb? Aren't you the same too, Jason? Isn't fucking girls your part-time job too?" I cross my arms over my chest and despite my conscience constantly poking me to warn me not to say that, the words still spew out of my mouth and hit Jason right on his face.

"Wow. You're defending this asshole now?" A detectable hurt is evident in his hoarse voice and I clench my fists even further at the hurt I'm going through because of this whole mess.

"I'm not defending anyone, Jason!"

"What other blindfolds has he put over your eyes, huh?"

"Don't talk to her like that, man!" Caleb towers over Jason who advances towards him but is stopped by Aaron. I still hold my arm out in front of Caleb.

"Stop it both of you! Jason, you don't know half the story so don't you dare judge either of us without knowing shit. And for God's sake, if looking for me was such trouble for you, then just don't do it from next time. Sorry for being such a burden on you, alright?" By now, I'm on the verge of breaking down so, in order to save me the embarrassment, I run off home, leaving all three boys outside to themselves. It's hard enough to handle the conflicted emotions that have been there from before but adding on this unnecessary fight was something else. Jason had no right to blab on about me being such trouble for him and also criticizing Caleb for something he does as well. It's hypocritical coming from him when he knows too that he is with girls more than Caleb ever is.

I bang the front door shut at the stupid thoughts of both boys swimming around in my head.

For all I care, they could kill each other.