Chapter 21

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We went home after buying the stuff mum wanted from Wal-Mart. We carried the stuff into the kitchen. There was nobody there. I started putting away the groceries. Suddenly while I was putting the vegetable in the crisper, Caleb hugged me from behind. 

"I'm hungry," He mumbled and nuzzled my neck. It was ticklish. I tried to push him away. I was worried mum would come into the kitchen.

"Okay, okay, I'll make you something. Just stop that.. Mum could come in any minute. Hey, I thought dad wanted you to help with the shed," I said to distract Caleb. 

"Oh yeah, that's right. I'll go find your dad. Oh, hey Charlie," Caleb said and I turned to him.  Quickly he kissed me and pulled me close. I giggled when he pinched my ass at the same time.

"Whoops! Erm sorry kids. Just here to start dinner. Come help me, Charlie." Mum suddenly spoke. Quick as lightning, we turned towards her. She smiled at us and went to the fridge to take out food to cook. I felt my heart fell and hit the floor in a loud crash. Oh crap!  My face burned as Caleb walked casually out of the kitchen and suddenly stopped and turned to mum.

"Oh, Mrs James, where's Mr James?" Caleb asked casually, like he wasn't caught kissing me just now. 

"He's out back. I made him wait for you to carry the heavy things from the shed." Mum said casually, like nothing was wrong. Caleb nodded his head and went out through the back door. I stared at my mum. I gulped and helped her peel the carrots.

"So, when did Caleb tell you?" Mum asked me as put some tomatoes and green peppers by the carrots for me to wash and cut.  I turned to her.

"Tell me what, mum?" I asked.

"That he liked you." Mum said casually as she picked up a knife and started peeling the huge red onions.  My eyes widen.

"You knew?" I asked, surprised. 

"Of course I do. He's been hanging out in your room and smuggling out your clothes and pictures from your album for years. What, you never noticed any of your t-shirts and pictures missing?" Mum said as she turned to me with a smile. 

"Well, I never really checked. I mean, I knew he has my band t-shirt, though. But that's about it." I said as I looked at my mum.

"Oh, that ratty yellow thing. Yeah, he said it's his good luck charm. He's been wearing that when  he swims on competitions for years. I caught him smuggling that t-shirt and asked him why he took it. He refused to tell me, but I guessed. I said, do you like Charlie? Like as more than a friend. He just looked at me and nodded his head. I swear, I was surprised. But, he was so cute about it. And he's been confiding in me for years. " Mum said as she chuckled, as she remembered the day Caleb confessed to her.

"Um, mum..are you ok with..um, us being together?" I asked her hessitantly.

"Oh, honey, of course I am. Your dad gives his blessings too. So, you have absolutely nothing to worry about. Caleb is a sweet guy. He's perfect for you. He can help get you out of your shell. I mean, look at you. You've never worn a skirt before. " Mum said with a smile. I looked at mum and hugged her. I was so relieved that my parents are ok with me being with Caleb. 

"Thanks Mum." I said as I hugged her.

"Well, all that matters is, you're happy. Are you happy with Caleb?" Mum asked me as she smoothed my hair from my face.

"The happiest I've been all my life." I said truthfully. Mum smiled and hugged me again.

"Then I better make a special dinner for Caleb since he made my daughter the happiest she's ever been all her life!" Mum said with a chuckle.  I chuckled too and continued peeling the carrots.

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That night, my grandparents from my mum's side arrived with Uncle Ben and Aunt Rhea. Their kids, 15 year old  Oscar and 17 year old Ophelia were there, too. I like my relatives. they're loud and very warm. My grandparents on dad's side have passed away when I was little, so I didn't remember them. Dad's younger brother was living in Ireland and his sister had gone to her in laws' for Thanksgiving.

"Hi, grandpa, grandma!" I said excitedly as I hugged them. They were happy to see me and hugged me tightly. 

"Oh Charlie honey! We missed you! You look so beautiful. I like your hair like that. " Grandma said as she put her arm around my shoulder. I snuggled to her happily. 

"Where's my Caleb?" Gradma asked as she looked around. Caleb bounded from the storage room and smiled widely as he went to her for a hug. Grandma hugged him and patted his cheeks.

"Oh, I missed you, Caleb! How was college? Did Charlie help you out?" Grandma asked as she held his arms. Caleb just nodded his head and smiled.

"Yeah, she's been really great. " Caleb said as he glanced at me and smiled cheekily.  I rolled my eyes and talked with my Aunt Rhea. I saw Ophelia walk slowly towards Caleb. Her eyes were wide and unblinking. 

"Who is this?" Ophelia asked as she smiled shyly at Caleb, who looked amused. 

"This is Caleb. Caleb, this is my daughter, Ophelia. You remember her? You met a few years ago..right?" Aunt Rhea said as she tried to remember. 

"Hey Ophelia." Caleb said as he smiled at her. Ophelia giggled.

"Hii...." She giggled and looked down, her face red. Goodness, is she flirting?? I looked at her, amused. Okay, I just realized that having a gorgeous boyfriend is very tiring. I have to keep swatting hopeful girls. I don't lnow how long I could keep that up.  Now, I even have to swat off my cousin. I sighed as I put the jug of juice on the side table with the glasses.

Throughout dinner, Ophelia kept glancing at Caleb and smiling. Caleb was sitting beside me and talking to Oscar, who was sitting on his other side.  I was talking to grandma and Aunt Rhea. Dinner was fun and everybody enjoyed it.

After dinner, we were all sitting around with the tv on but nobody was really watching it. Everybody was eating my carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. Caleb was devouring it like nobody's business.  He was licking the fork happily.

"Wow, Mrs James..this is literally the best carrot cake I've ever tasted in my life." Caleb gushed as he took another slice.

"Nope, I didn't make that. Charlie did," Mum said with a smile. Everybody gushed. I blushed like mad and glanced at Caleb. His eyes were shining. He went on his knees and took my hand.

"Marry me!" Caleb said and everybody laughed. I did too. He looked silly. Caleb then sat beside me and whispered in my ear.

"The cake was crazy good. I'm serious ok.." Caleb whispered in  my ears and nipped at my ear playfully. I giggled because it was ticklish and pushed him away. He put his arm around my shoulders, as usual and kissed my temple. I pushed him away, embarrassed. I saw Ophelia looking at us.

"Hey, are you guys, like together?" She asked, wide-eyed. I couldn't speak and just stared at her. Everybody stopped talking and looked at Ophelia.  Caleb squeezed my shoulder and smiled.

"Yep, we are." Caleb said proudly and kissed me quickly on my lips as my eyes widen, not sure what to say.

"So, he finally told her?" Grandma exclaimd and laughed as she clapped her hands. 

"Yep, he finally did!" Aunt Rhea said as she smiled at me. I stared at everybody. 

"Wait, everybody knew?!" I asked in disbelief.

"Oh, honey. It was hard to miss. He would stare at you the whole time and follow you around like a little puppy. Don't tell me you don't remember that. " Grandma said and sipped her hot coccoa. 

"Seriously?! I was that oblivous?!" I asked.

"Yeah, you were. Even my grandma knew." Caleb said as he chuckled. I glanced at Ophelia and she looked forlorn. I felt bad but it couldn't be helped.

The rest of the night went really well.  Afer a while, we all went to bed.

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I had just changed into my night gown and was about to go to bed when there was knock on the door. I went to the door and saw Ophelia standing at my door. She smiled.

"Hey, you need anything Ophelia?" I asked her.

"Um, no. I just though we could hang out for a while." Ophelia asked ooking at me with her huge blue eyes.

"Sure, come on in." I let her into my room.

We talked like we usually do when she stayed over at my house during the holidays. After about an hour, she stretched and got up.

"Urgh..I think I better go to bed. It's late." She said with a sleepy smie on her lips.

"Okay, goodnight Ophelia! Thanks for keeping me company," I said as I stood up too.

"Oh Charlie. There's another thing. Are you happy with Caleb?" She asked. I looked at her nd nodded as I smiled widely. She nodded her head and smiled, too.

"That's good. I hope I'll find a guy who makes me happy like how happy Caleb made you. Good night Charlie," She said hopefully.

"I hope so too, honey. Good night." I said and Ophelia left my room with a small wave and a smile.

Just then, I switched off my lights and got under the covers to sleep. I was about to doze off when I felt somebody sat on my bed. My eyes snapped open and I sat up. Under the moonlight, I saw Caleb sitting on my bed and smiling. I sighed with relief. 

"Hey Baby," Caleb whispered.

"Caleb, what are you doing?" I whispered. I sat up and switched on the lamp on my bedside table

"I can't sleep. Can I sleep here?" He asked. My eyes widen.

"Are you crazy?! No, go back to your room!" I tried to push him off the bed, but he pleaded.

"Aww, baby please. I promise I will only sleep, nothing else." Caleb said as sincerely as he could.  I looked at his pleading face and melted. 

"Fine!" I relented. Caleb whooped softly and got under the covers with me. He opened his arms and beckoned me.

"Come here Baby...I crawled under the sheets and into his embrace. I lay on Caleb's arm and he held me tight. He kissed me softly and carressed my cheek as he looked at me. Then he kissed my forehead and murmured,

"Good night Baby. I love you," And he closed his eyes, his lips against my forehead still. 

"Good night Caleb. Love you too.." And I closed my eyes to welcome sleep...

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