Between life and love

The apology

Episode 13 – The Apology

Caleb’s POV

I flopped onto my bed the moment I got home. Today didn’t go as planned. Not one bit.

I replayed everything in my head—the way Mariel had shouted at me, her glare, the way she stormed off. I didn’t know why it hit me so hard. I hadn’t meant to hurt her, yet the words lingered between us like a sharp knife.

I tossed my phone across the bed, groaning. Why did she have to be so… sensitive? But then again, sensitive wasn’t the right word. There was something behind her reactions, something I couldn’t quite touch, yet I could feel it.

Why did apologizing feel like such a mountain to climb?

I ran my hand through my hair and sat up. “Maybe… I should just tell her.” No. Too soon. I’m Caleb Hollies; I don’t just go around saying sorry. And if I say it wrong, she might hate me even more.

But the thought of seeing her at school, pretending nothing happened… That was worse.

I let out a long sigh and stared at the ceiling. My chest was tight, and for once, I felt like I needed guidance. But who could I turn to? Me? Yeah, right.

I groaned again and flopped back onto the bed, this time hugging my pillow like it could take away the weight in my chest.

Mariel’s POV

Tears blurred my vision the moment Caleb left. I ran to the bathroom and splashed water on my face. My hands shook slightly as I tried to calm down. Why did his words affect me so much?

I quickly changed into my checkup outfit, smoothing my hair. I needed to act normal for Dad. I couldn’t let him worry.

When Dad arrived at 5:20 p.m., his presence calmed me slightly. “Are you okay?” he asked, voice soft and concerned.

“Yes, Dad. I’m fine… just tired,” I lied, forcing a small smile.

He didn’t push further, and we drove to the hospital in silence. My mind kept wandering back to Caleb. Did he know? Did he understand what he said? Or was he just being Caleb?

At the hospital, the doctor ran the usual tests.

“She’s doing very well,” he said, smiling. “She’s been taking her medications regularly.”

I nodded, barely listening. Medications. Pills. Routine. I was tired of it all.

Dad took the prescriptions quietly, already planning our next steps. My thoughts, however, were still on Caleb.

Why did his teasing words feel like a punch straight to my heart?

On the ride home, I debated calling him. Maybe I should explain, maybe not. But Ellie was the safe option.

Mariel’s POV – Later that Evening

I dialed Ellie’s number and waited.

“Hey girl!” Ellie’s cheerful voice sounded like a lifeline.

“Hi…” My voice cracked slightly.

“That doesn’t sound good. You went for your checkup, right? Don’t tell me something happened!” she rushed, worry evident.

“It’s not the doctor… it’s Caleb,” I admitted.

I told her everything—his teasing, my shouting, the way I sent him away.

“Oh, Mariel,” Ellie sighed. “I get it. But he doesn’t know about your past. He wasn’t trying to hurt you, you know.”

“I know… but it still hurts,” I whispered. “Now I don’t know if I should apologize or just let it slide.”

“You have to tell him you’re sorry,” Ellie said firmly. “He’ll never expect it, and it might clear the air.”

“But he makes it so difficult!” I whined.

Ellie laughed softly. “That’s why you need to do it. Just be honest.”

I let out a heavy sigh. “Okay… I’ll try.”

We drifted into other topics, but I still couldn’t shake the thought of him. My heart kept skipping every time I thought about what happened.

The Next Day – School

I arrived early, walking with Ellie as usual. Classes dragged slowly, and every tick of the clock made me more anxious.

Then, of course, Caleb strolled in late. And my heart skipped again.

I tried to focus on my work, but it was impossible. I wanted to apologize, but I couldn’t find the words.

Break came, and Ellie and I headed to the cafeteria. My stomach tightened when I saw him coming toward us. He didn’t have his usual smirk. His expression was different—hesitant, almost guilty.

Ellie suddenly found a reason to leave, waving me off. Great. Alone with Caleb. My heart raced.

“Uh… hi,” he said, scratching the back of his neck nervously.

Nervous. Caleb Hollies? Impossible.

“About yesterday…” he began, his usual confident tone replaced with something softer, almost unsure. “I’m really sorry. I shouldn’t have said what I did. I was teasing, and I… I didn’t mean to hurt you. I promise I won’t do it again. I hope you can forgive me.”

I froze. Did he… apologize?

He looked at me, waiting, his eyes almost vulnerable. I couldn’t move. My mouth opened, then closed.

“Maybe now’s not a good time,” he said finally, starting to turn away.

“Wait!” I shouted.

He spun around, eyebrows raised.

“I’m sorry too,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. “I overreacted. What you said… it reminded me of some… dark parts of my life. That’s why I got angry. I hope you forgive me too.”

He blinked at me, then slowly smirked.

“Have you forgiven me?” he asked.

I nodded.

“Good,” he said, leaning back smugly. Then, with that infamous smirk, he added, “Because I haven’t forgiven you. Bye.”

“Hey!” I yelled, chasing after him down the hallway.

He laughed, dodging my playful punches, and I couldn’t help but laugh too. The weight in my chest lifted slightly, replaced with a warmth I hadn’t felt in days.

Somehow, we ran like children, the apology exchanged but the teasing—and the chase—never really ending.

For the first time in a while, I felt like I could breathe. Even if just for a little while.

Caleb’s POV – Running Away

I couldn’t stop laughing as she chased me down the hallway. Her shouts, her flailing arms—it was chaotic, yet it made me feel alive in a way school and popularity never did.

She caught up, nearly tagging me on my back. I ducked, spun around, and she swiped at me again.

Finally, I raised my hands, surrendering. “Okay, okay! You win this round, partner!”

She panted, hands on her knees, still glaring but with a small, victorious smile creeping up.

I sat next to her on the steps, catching my breath. “You know… that was fun.”

She didn’t reply, just leaned back and exhaled. I could feel the tension fading between us.

Maybe things weren’t as complicated as they seemed. Maybe all it took was a little honesty—and a lot of running—to remind us both that teasing and frustration could coexist with… something else.

And for once, I didn’t mind being this tangled up with Mariel.

TBC