Episode 3
Mariel's POV
When I got home, the house was empty. As usual.
I showered quickly, slipped into fresh clothes, and collapsed onto my bed. My stomach wasn't in the mood for food, and neither was my mind. The weight of the morning still clung to me, pulling me into a restless silence.
Somewhere between thought and despair, sleep claimed me.
---
A sharp ringing stirred me awake. Ugh—my alarm?
No. My phone.
I squinted at the screen, blinking through the blur. Ellie.
"Hello?" I rasped.
"Good evening," she said warmly.
"Evening," I answered, still half-asleep.
"How are you feeling?"
I chuckled softly. "Ellie, I'm not sick."
"I know," she replied quickly, "but I just… I had a feeling you'd be down after what I told you this morning." Her worry seeped through the line, and despite myself, I smiled. Ellie was a gem—sometimes I wondered how I'd survive school without her.
"Yeah, I was down when I got home. But after a nap, I think I feel better now," I admitted.
"That's my girl. Enjoy the rest of your day, alright?"
"Thanks, Ellie."
We said goodbye, and I climbed downstairs. My parents were back, as expected. Dinner was already set, and I ate quietly until I was full before retreating to my room.
Sleep didn't come easily. My thoughts spiraled, circling the same fears over and over. I couldn't let myself drown in them. So, I picked up my phone and wandered into the noise of social media.
The school group chat was alive with chatter—memes, gossip, pointless arguments. None of it interested me. Talking too much online only ever led to disrespect, and that was something I couldn't stand.
With a sigh, I powered off my phone, lay back, and willed my mind into silence.
---
Caleb's POV
I finished packing my things, more than ready to leave for our new house.
Ah, right. I forgot to introduce myself last time. Caleb Hollies. Son of wealthy parents who give me anything I ask for—even things I don't. People at Majestic High know me as a playboy. And they're not wrong. After my first heartbreak, I stopped caring about love. It was easier to use girls and throw them aside than risk feeling that pain again.
But Mariel… Mariel is different.
She's beautiful—stunning, even—and she carries herself with a quiet confidence that makes her stand out. Any guy would want her. But she doesn't give in. It's as if she's untouchable, uninterested in everyone.
That only makes me want her more.
She thinks she can play hard to get, but games don't last forever. I'll get what I want from her, and when I do, I'll decide when to walk away.
Moving close to her only makes things easier. I can already picture it. Tomorrow, the packing begins. Soon, she won't have the luxury of distance.
---
Mariel's POV
The next morning, I dressed for school and joined my dad in the car.
As we pulled out of the gate, I noticed something unusual—a house I'd always thought was abandoned now had its doors wide open. Movers, maybe? So someone's finally moving in.
I brushed it off and focused on school.
Ellie, of course, was waiting at the gate, bright and early. Always early.
"Hey, baby!" she greeted, beaming.
"Hey, girl," I replied, chuckling as we walked into class together.
We talked until the History teacher walked in. History—ugh. The most boring subject on the planet. After her lecture, she announced an assignment.
"You'll be working in pairs," she said.
The class erupted in murmurs—most of them liked the idea. I didn't. Pairing up meant pretending to enjoy someone else's company, and to make matters worse, we had to pair with the opposite gender. That meant no Ellie.
One by one, everyone picked a partner until only I remained. Relief washed over me. No partner meant freedom.
"Mariel," the teacher said, noticing me. "You don't seem to have a partner. Would you prefer to do the assignment alone?"
"Yes, ma'am," I answered, trying to hide my happiness.
But just then, the door creaked open.
Caleb strolled in. Late. As always.
"Caleb Hollies, you missed the entire class," the teacher scolded.
"Yeah, I had more important things to do," he replied lazily.
She sighed, clearly unwilling to battle him. Everyone knew Caleb was a handful.
"Well then, it looks like you already have a partner. Mariel, you'll be working with Caleb."
My heart sank. His eyes met mine, and a slow grin spread across his face.
No. No, no, no.
TBC