Interrupted Peace
1250 Words
Episode 10
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Caleb’s POV
The house was too quiet. Again.
I tossed my backpack onto the couch, walked straight to the kitchen—not to cook, because let’s be real, I can’t cook to save my life—but to hunt. Food hunting is an art, and I’m a professional.
I opened the fridge dramatically like I was in a food commercial. Nothing. Well, not nothing nothing, but just leftovers I’d already destroyed earlier, plus a yogurt cup and half a cake. Jackpot. That was dinner now.
While eating, my brain kept replaying the walk with Mariel from yesterday. Her tiny punches, her sarcasm, the way she rolled her eyes like it was her favorite hobby—it all made me grin like an i***t. Don’t get me wrong, I tease lots of girls, but this one… she doesn’t bend, she doesn’t fake a smile, and she’s not trying to impress me. It’s actually… refreshing.
Still, I can’t figure her out. She doesn’t hang with many people—just Ellie. No guys. None. It’s like she built a wall around herself. A tall one. With barbed wires. And I don’t know why, but I suddenly want to climb it.
Before I could overthink it, I heard the front door slam. Parents were back.
I headed downstairs.
“My son’s looking so happy, what’s the secret?” Dad asked, raising an eyebrow.
Wait—happy? Don’t I always look happy? Okay fine, maybe not.
“I told you he was happy when he heard we were moving to this street. Like he knows someone here,” Mum chimed in, giving me that sly mum look.
“Really, son? You’ve got a friend around here?” Dad asked.
“Yeah, kinda. She’s my classmate,” I said casually, instantly regretting that last word.
And boom. Mum’s eyes lit up. “Oooooh, it’s a she.”
Why did I say ‘she’?! Rookie mistake, Caleb. Rookie mistake.
“Is she—” Mum started, and I did the only logical thing.
“Goodnight Mum, goodnight Dad!” I shouted, bolted upstairs, and shut my door before she could finish.
Parents. They smell gossip faster than bloodhounds.
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Mariel’s POV
Morning came too fast. But at least no nightmares this time. Small win.
I stretched, yawned, dragged myself up, and did my routine. Wednesday. Midweek. Ugh. Can’t it be Friday already?
When I entered the dining room, Mum and Dad were already there.
“Someone had a sweet sleep,” Mum said with a grin.
“Good morning, Mum. Morning, Dad,” I greeted.
“How’s my princess?” Mum asked, overdoing it as usual.
I chuckled. “I’m fine, Mum.”
I started eating quickly because Dad was almost done. And when Dad leaves, that means the school car leaves. And if the school car leaves, that means me walking. And I’m not about to walk to Majestic High in this heat.
“Seems like you were tired yesterday,” Mum started, her arms folded.
I wanted to say, Mum, I’m late. Please not now. But she looked curious, so I sighed.
“Yes, I was. Just stressed out.”
“Stressed out? What did you even do?”
“Well…” I hesitated, poking at my food. “I went to the supermarket, then cooked, then went to relax but—”
“Relax? With who?” she cut in.
“With Caleb.”
“Caleb? Who’s Caleb?”
Oh no.
“Mariel! Don’t keep me waiting!” Dad’s voice boomed from outside.
Saved by the Dad. Bless you, Dad.
“Bye, Mum!” I said too quickly, grabbed my bag, and dashed out before she asked more questions.
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At School
We reached school, and Dad reminded me of my checkup later. Double ugh.
As soon as I got down, Ellie bounced toward me.
“Hey, why didn’t you reply to my texts last night?” she pouted.
“Because you were annoying,” I said, rolling my eyes.
“Annoying? Is it because I said Caleb is handso—”
I shushed her so fast. “If you say it, I’ll block you physically too.”
She giggled, dodged me, then yelled, “Handsome!” before I could tackle her.
I groaned, but I couldn’t hold back my laugh. “You’re impossible.”
“Admit it, I’m right!” she teased.
I fake-glared and stomped ahead while she skipped behind me. Honestly, sometimes I feel like Ellie’s the main character of my life.
Classes dragged as usual. Teachers came, lectured, left. Caleb, of course, waltzed in late like he owned the place. Typical.
Finally, break time arrived. Ellie and I hit the cafeteria. The smell of fries saved my soul.
We got our food, but just as we sat down, Ellie’s phone rang.
Her face fell. “Oh no, the principal wants to see me. I think I’m in trouble!”
She gobbled down half her plate in record time and sprinted off.
Great. Alone.
I poked at my rice absentmindedly until I noticed Caleb. Alone too. No bodyguards. No girls clinging to him Just Caleb, walking right toward me.
Oh no.
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Caleb’s POV
The cafeteria was buzzing as usual—noisy, crowded, too bright. And there she was. Alone. Perfect timing.
I grabbed my tray and strolled over, wearing my best grin.
“How are you doing, partner?” I asked, sliding into the seat across from her.
Her fork froze midair. Her eyes narrowed. “Partner?”
“Of course. Assignment partner. Life partner. Take your pick.”
She groaned, muttered something I couldn’t catch, and stabbed her food dramatically.
I leaned in. “Careful, Mariel. That rice never wronged you.”
“Careful, Caleb. My fork might wrong you.”
I laughed. Honestly, I couldn’t help it. Teasing her was like breathing—effortless, natural, addictive.
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Mariel’s POV
Of all people, Caleb had to sit with me. Of course.
“Why are you here?” I asked flatly.
“To eat?” He waved his spoon like that was the most genius answer in the world.
“You have other tables.”
“But none with you at them.” He smirked.
I rolled my eyes so hard I thought they might stay that way. “You’re unbelievable.”
“And you’re fun to annoy,” he shot back.
I tried to ignore him and eat, but he kept humming. Loudly. Off-key. And tapping the table like a drummer in training.
Finally, I snapped. “Can you stop?”
“Stop what? Existing? Sorry, can’t help it.”
Ugh. Why does he always win?
But… I’ll admit this. Just a tiny bit. There’s something about his stupid grin that makes it hard to stay mad. Something warm flickered in my chest, but I shoved it away before it grew. Nope. Not going there.
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Caleb’s POV
Watching her squirm was priceless. Every glare, every sigh—it only made me grin harder.
Still, between the sarcasm and punches, I noticed something else today. When she laughed with Ellie earlier, her smile… it didn’t look forced. And I liked it. Too much.
She doesn’t let people in easily, but when she does? It feels special.
I don’t know what this is yet. But I know one thing—Mariel isn’t just another girl I’ll tease and forget. She’s different.
And maybe, just maybe… I’m not ready to let go of this feeling.
TBC
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- Writer
