Between life and love

Pranks and partnering

Episode 11

Mariel's POV

Caleb was still teasing me when Ellie came back into the cafeteria, panting like she had just run a marathon.

"The principal wasn't calling me!" she huffed. "It was a prank. And the person who called me blocked me right after."

I narrowed my eyes. That smirk on Caleb's face said it all.

"Caleb Hollies, what did you do?!" I demanded.

He put on his fake-innocent act. "Ellie, it wasn't me. I just told James to call… Tasha."

I crossed my arms. "You know there's no Tasha."

"Oh… my bad." He shrugged like it was nothing.

Ellie raised both hands. "Okay, okay, no need to argue."

"Thank you," I said, trying to calm myself.

"Ellie!!!" Caleb and I exclaimed together, making her burst out laughing.

"I don't know why everyone defends Caleb. Pathetic," I muttered, rolling my eyes.

"Because I'm handsome, obviously." He smirked and winked.

I rolled my eyes so hard they nearly got stuck. That was it for me. I rushed the rest of my food, got up, and left the table. Ellie could stay there with him if she wanted to.

By the time I was halfway to class, Ellie came running after me.

"Hey! You walk too fast," she whined.

I gave her a side-eye. "Sorry. I should've waited so you could talk to Caleb and enjoy his company." I said it in my most sarcastic tone.

She gave me a dramatic bow. "Sorry, ma'am."

I laughed, gave her a playful punch, and just like that, my irritation melted away. We walked back to class together, still giggling like nothing had happened.

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Caleb's POV

After school, my driver came to pick me up, but instead of heading straight inside like usual, I kept thinking about the assignment. For some reason, I was actually looking forward to it.

So, I grabbed my bag and made my way to Mariel's house.

I got to her gate and knocked. No reply.

I knocked again. Still nothing.

"Is she seriously ignoring me?" I muttered.

Then I remembered—Ellie had slipped me Mariel's number earlier. Perfect.

I pulled out my phone and dialed.

The moment she picked up, I held the phone a little away from my ear.

"WHO THE HECK gave you my number?!" she yelled so loud I could practically feel her glare through the line.

I laughed. "Relax, partner. Ellie gave it to me. We've got an assignment, remember?"

There was silence on the other end, then a frustrated sigh.

"You couldn't just knock?" she asked.

"I did knock," I said, grinning. "But you didn't answer. Guess you were too busy ignoring me."

The gate creaked open just then, and she stood there, arms crossed, looking like she was about to scold me. But instead of yelling again, she muttered, "Fine. Come in before the neighbors think you're crazy."

I smiled to myself as I walked in. For someone who claimed I annoyed her, she sure didn't slam the gate in my face.

And honestly? I didn't mind the yelling. It just meant we were talking.

TBC

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