Episode 7
Mariel's POV
School was finally over. I should've been happy about that, but no—every time I turned around, Caleb was there, smirking at me like some villain from a cheesy high school drama. And of course, I never back down. My eyes sharpen into glares so precise, I'm convinced they could slice through steel.
Who knew group projects could feel like punishment? Mrs. Shapiro probably thought she was doing me a favor by pairing me with Caleb, but no—she basically tied me to a ticking time bomb.
Ellie's driver came to pick her up, and I was left standing by the roadside, waiting for a cab. While waiting, I spotted Audrey and Ken—Majestic High's newest lovebirds.
"Goodbye, Mariel!" they chimed together, waving with the energy of people who'd just discovered fireworks.
I waved back, but when they turned their backs, I rolled my eyes so hard I nearly gave myself a headache. The way they laughed, poked each other, whispered like they were the stars of some Wattpad love story… ugh. Part of me wanted to gag, but another part of me—some tiny, traitorous part—felt jealous.
Yeah, they just started dating, and it already looked like the best thing that had ever happened to them.
Meanwhile me? Well, I had my reality check stamped in bold letters: SS genotype.
The invisible wall between me and anything close to romance. Every time I caught myself looking at a guy twice, I instantly forced myself to hunt for a red flag. It's my coping mechanism. My self-defense system. Because what's the point in letting myself feel when I know the risks?
I pushed the thoughts away before they ruined my entire evening. A cab slowed, I got in, and for a second, I felt like maybe the day would end quietly. Except—I decided to stop by the supermarket. No rush to get home; it's not like anyone was waiting for me in that silent house.
After grabbing the things I needed, I walked home at my own pace. That's when I noticed someone stepping out of the newly opened house on our street. A woman. Her face sparked something in my memory—like I'd seen her around school before. But I couldn't place her. My brain poked at it, then gave up. Not important, I told myself.
As I reached our gate, I heard the roar of a car engine pulling into the compound behind me. I didn't bother to look back. Why should I? I was too busy fumbling with my bags and keys.
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Caleb's POV
The perks of being me? I don't do public transport. I stretched out at the back of my dad's sleek car while the driver took me home, windows tinted, AC on blast.
As we slowed near the gate of our new house, my eyes caught a familiar figure up ahead. Mariel. Arms loaded with shopping bags, entering her compound like she owned the street.
I smirked. So my suspicion was right. She's my new neighbor. This street just got a lot more interesting.
When we pulled in, I was surprised to see Mum waiting outside. She's usually not home until later.
"Good afternoon," I greeted, switching instantly from "school rebel Caleb" to "dutiful son Caleb." People forget—I do respect my parents. Always have.
She smiled. "How was school today?"
"Fine, Mum," I said, though if she pressed, I'd have to explain how much fun I had tormenting a certain someone.
"Good. Lunch is ready. I'll be gone until late. Don't cause trouble," she teased, kissing my cheek before heading off.
The gate closed behind her car, leaving me in silence. I hated it sometimes—being the youngest, stuck in this giant house alone. My older siblings had long since moved on to college, living their best lives, while I was the last bird in the nest. It was boring.
I ate the lunch Mum left, tried to nap, but of course, I just tossed and turned. Afternoon sleep never worked for me. So I did what restless people do best—took a walk.
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Mariel's POV
After dropping my bags, I tied my hair up and cooked. Yes, I cook. And not the lazy kind—actual meals. Thanks to YouTube tutorials, I could probably host a cooking show by now.
By the time I finished eating and tidying up, it was only 5:10 PM. Too early for Mum and Dad to be back. The house was dead silent, and honestly, I needed to escape that stillness.
So I changed into baggy jeans and a casual—but not sloppy—top. Locked the door behind me and decided to head to my favorite spot to relax.
At first, I considered taking a cab, but something about walking felt better. The cool evening air brushed against my face, clearing my head. My pace slowed near the newly opened house. That's when I heard it—the gate creaking open.
I glanced sideways and froze.
Out stepped Caleb.
No. Freaking. Way.
My brain short-circuited for a moment. Of all the people who could've walked out of that gate, it had to be him? My tormentor. My partner. My unwanted shadow.
He leaned casually against the gate, smirk already locked and loaded. "Hello, partner."
Partner. The word echoed in my head like a curse.
I swallowed, mentally calculating how fast I could run back to my house if I had to.
This was going to be a long week.
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TBC