Chapter 25

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I stared into the darkness. My mind kept replaying the previous event in my mind. I wish I could go back and have a do-over. Be stronger and more resistant of Caleb. If only I've been firmer and put Caleb where he's supposed to be, which is nowhere near me, Dara wouldn't have flipped out like that.

Damnit, who am I kidding...there's no way I could've resisted Caleb. He's the only guy who ever loved me. The only guy who thought I was more than an overweight loner. He loves me for me. Just the way I am. Now I have to give him up for Dara to forgive me. The mere thought of never seeing Caleb again made me shiver. I could never imagine such a horrible thing. I would probably die.

I spent the whole day and night in my room. I didn't eat or even get up from the bed. I was just staring at the wall, imagining Caleb laughing, smiling and in my arms...I groaned and slowly I drifted into a troubled sleep, filled with Dara's angry face.

Suddenly, I was jolted awake. There was a knock on my door. I ignored it, just lying there on my bed, not caring about anything. I heard the door opened and didn't even turn to look. I felt somebody came in and sat on my bed. I could smell him. I could always tell when he's near me. I closed my eyes, trying to stop myself from looking at him.  I felt a hand on my cheek. And that was it. I couldn't resist it. I looked at Caleb and grabbed him. He took me in his arms as I cried. He kissed my hair and murmured to me, soothing words meant to make me feel better, but it was all in vain. The only thing that would make me feel better was Dara accepting me being with Caleb.

Slowly, Caleb lay on the bed with me in his arms. I clung to him, already feeling that I would lose him soon. He kissed me softly and pushed my hair from my face. He looked at my tear streaked face and smiled. But it didn't reach his eyes.

"Everything will work out Charlie. I promise. I will make everything ok. Trust me alright...No matter what happens, I will never, ever leave you. Never..." Caleb whispered with his lips against my forehead. I held him tighter. Slowly, I fell asleep....
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Christmas was grim. Dara never came to my house. Caleb was quiet the whole time he was around. My parents and grandparents tried to liven things up. I could see Caleb struggling to put on a happy face, but I know him. I've known him since I met him when he was a mere toddler.

After breakfast, I went to Caleb. He was staring at his phone. I sat beside him. And took his hand. He looked up and pasted a smile on his lips.

"Hey, baby." Caleb said and squeezed my hand.

"Caleb, go to your sister. It's Christmas. She's all alone at that house. I know she would be happy if you go to her." I said, although I wanted him with me, Dara needs her brother. He's the only family she has.

Caleb sighed as he stared at his phone. I saw that he had been texting Dara, but she hadn't even read his texts let alone replying to them.

"I..I don't know what to do. She wanted me to choose between you and her. How can I do that. I love her, she's my only sister. And you, there's no way I'm leaving you. That's not happening." Caleb said stubbornly, his mouth set in a determined line.

"Caleb, please. Understand her point of view. Just go to her, give her time to get used to the idea of us being together. No matter what, she is still your sister." I said. Caleb sighed. He slowly got up and hugged me. Then he looked at me and kissed me deeply. I closed my eyes and kissed him back, like I knew this would be the last time. I don't know why, but there's a sense of finality in that kiss.

"I'll be back ok." Caleb said and I nodded.  He took his jacket and left. I just looked at his back as he slowly disappeared from view. I sighed and closed the front door.
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Caleb's POV

I walked to grandma's house and peered at the back door. The house was quiet. And locked. Then I realized, Dara's rental was not in the driveway. I took out my phone and clicked her number. It went to voice mail. I cursed and dialled again. Voicemail again. I cursed under my breath. And thought hard. Where the hell is Dara?!

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Caleb came back late that night. I saw him walking slowly towards the house like he was defeated. I lay back on my bed and waited for him to come in.

My eyes fluttered open and I blinked against the bright sunlight. I looked around me. Caleb was nowhere to be found. I sighed and got up.

After I got cleaned up, I went down and saw Caleb, in the kitchen talking to mum. He was dressed and carrying his luggage. I frowned. Wait, he's leaving?!

"Caleb? Where are you going?" I asked, trying to keep the panic from my voice.

Caleb looked over his shoulder at me and smiled bitterly. He put down his luggage and went to me. He sat me at the breakfast stool. Mum went out of the kitchen and patted Caleb on his arm. He smiled at her. Then he turned to me. I looked at him, unblinking. My heart hammering in my chest.

"I think Dara's gone back to her campus. She hadn't been reading my messages and answering my calls. I'm worried about her. So, I have to find her. Alone. I'll be back ok." Caleb said, holding my hands in his.

"Of course. I'll be here. Just let me know how it goes," I said casually eventhough my heart was beating so fast. Like this is the last time I would see him.

Caleb looked at me and sighed. He held my cheek and kissed me, deeply. I held him by the waist, knowing very well this is it. Caleb has made his choice. For real.

He left after that. I sat there, on the stool, still as a statue. I just couldn't move. He didn't have to say it. I just knew. And I understand. It's his sister. His only blood family. You never turn your back on your family. Even when you have to leave the person you love the most....
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Caleb's POV

I got off the cab and walked to the apartment Dara shares with 2 other girls. I went up to the entrance and rang the buzzer.

"Yes?" A female voice was heard
"Dara, it's me. Let me come up please." I pleaded with her.

She didn't say anything. I almost begged her when the buzzer sounded and the entrance was opened. Feeling relieved, I pushed the door open and hurried up the stairs.

I stood in front of her door and started knocking. After a few moments, the door slowly opened.  Dara looked at me, her eyes slowly filling up with tears. I took her in my arms, holding her tight.  She sobbed uncontrollable. I just held her, feeling relieved that I found her.
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And thar's it for now. My laptop is being repaired, so am updating using my phone. Which sucks like you won't believe. So hope you guys be patient ok. It ain't easy typing on tinnie tiny keypad ...so bear with me..

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