Chapter Eleven #2
After all my homework is done, I plop down on my bed and turn on the TV. It’s huge, practically taking up the entire wall. When I watch, it feels like I’m in a movie theater.
I’m in the mood for a good movie. After all the hard work I put in today, I should reward myself. But what kind of genre am I interested in? I figure I’ll choose something that came out recently that everyone is raving about.
As I search, I feel eyes on me. Ever since we got to my room, Caleb has been sitting on his usual chair and watching my every move.
He also glances around from time to time, like at the windows, bathroom, and doors.
To make sure no one has somehow gotten into my room.
I want to tell him to relax, but he won’t listen to me anyway.
“Want to recommend something?” I ask him.
He looks from the window to me. “I don’t watch movies.”
“Yeah, I bet you don’t.”
He waves his hand. “Pay no attention to me and enjoy yourself.”
I frown. “Maybe you can watch the movie with me. Once I pick it, that is. Any preferences?”
“No. I’m not watching.”
“Sheesh. Way to be a sour puss,” I mumble. “Fine. I’ll just pick the most recent movie.”
I press play and lean back on my bed to get comfortable. I’m five minutes into the movie when I pause it and turn to Caleb. “Are you sure you don’t want to watch?”
“Yes.”
“You’re just sitting there not doing anything, only looking at me. You might as well watch the movie.”
“No.”
I give him a look. “You honestly think you’ll put me in danger if you watch the movie?”
“Yes.”
“Fine. Your loss.”
Ten minutes pass, with me focused on the movie and him on me. Then he gets up and makes his way to the kitchenette. A few seconds later, I hear what sounds like a microwave. It’s not long before he returns with a bowl of popcorn.
He heads to me, places it on my lap, then returns to his seat. I just stare at him. He fastens those eyes on me.
Why would he microwave popcorn for me?
The sounds from the movie pull me in and I forget about him and the popcorn. This movie is okay. It’s action with romance, but I haven’t gotten to the romance part yet.
Suddenly, Caleb stands and walks to my bed. He drops down next to me, though he keeps to the edge of the bed, as if he’s ready to defend me if he needs to.
I just gape at him. He looks at the TV screen, at me, lifts a brow, then turns to the TV again.
Okay…
I hold out the popcorn bowl to him. He reaches inside, takes a few, and pops them into his mouth. He refuses to take more.
We’re quiet as we watch. Caleb manages to pay attention to the movie while still being on guard. Though it seems he’s mostly on guard.
When the romance scene unfolds, I get a little excited.
Who doesn’t like action mixed in with romance?
But then it dawns on me that I’m sitting right next to a guy.
A hot guy who’s pretty much taking up all the oxygen in the room.
Sure, he’s my bodyguard and in no way in heck could I ever consider him a potential boyfriend, it’s still weird.
And when the guy and girl make out in the most intense, passionate way that makes the world turn on its axis? It’s super, super awkward.
Maybe not for Caleb, though. He watches those two eat each other’s faces off with the most indifferent expression I’ve ever seen on a person. How can he not think that’s sexy?
He turns his head, gaze connecting with mine. For some strange reason, my stomach twists and a chill rushes down my back. His eyes squint a bit, as if he’s trying to read me. But then he glances back at the movie. Once again, he doesn’t seem one bit moved by the passion taking place on the screen.
When the romantic bits are over, I breathe a sigh of relief. Caleb looks at me again with that same expression.
I reach into my pocket and pull out two candy bars. I push one into his hand, unwrap the other, and stuff it in my mouth. Caleb tears off his wrapper and takes a large bite.
We finish the movie, barely looking at one another. When the credits roll down the screen, I stretch my arms over my head. “That was a good movie, wasn’t it? ”
He shrugs. “I don’t care for movies.”
“Yeah, I know. But didn’t it make you feel something? I love movies that make me feel good inside.” Especially after the hard month I’ve had.
He keeps his eyes on me for a bit. “I’m glad you enjoyed it.” He stands and returns to his seat, putting all his focus on me.
I look at him for a few seconds before getting to my feet and glancing around my room.
I don’t know what to do now. I finished my homework and it’s not dinner time yet.
Then I spot the pile of clean clothes the staff left for me.
I didn’t have a chance to put them away yet. I guess I’d better get that done.
As I enter my closet to hang them up, I stop when I notice my old backpack in the back, hidden behind some skirts and jeans.
When I first came here, I put it there, planning to empty its contents into the drawer of my desk.
But I haven’t had the chance yet. I guess I wasn’t brave enough to go through my things—my parents’ things. But I think it’s time now.
I remain in the closet because I want privacy, even though I know Caleb is still watching me. I face my back to him in case I start crying or something.
Slowly, I unzip the backpack and carefully spill the contents on the floor.
The only things I was able to take with me were photos and various other things that are meaningless to other people but mean so much to me.
Like souvenirs from trips we went on and other items that have memories attached to them.
Tears flash in my eyes when I look at the pictures. Of all three of us with bright smiles on our faces. Who knew that only a few months later, my parents would be taken from me?
Footsteps sound near the entrance of my closet. “Addilyn?” Caleb says, though he doesn’t enter. “It’s nearly six and we should go to dinner.”
I swipe my arm over my eyes. “Yeah, I’m coming.”
He backs away from the door, probably figuring I need some space. After staring at the photos for a bit longer, I place them in the bottom drawer of my desk.
Then he follows me to the dining hall. I’m not really in a social mood and I’m glad my friends haven’t arrived yet. On any normal day, I’d be happy to spend time with them, but I want to be alone now.
That’s why after I eat a quick meal, I tell Caleb I’m going for a walk to try to clear my head. He nods as he follows me outside.