Chapter 5 5

Mother appears from the kitchen, holding four bottles of chilled water in her hands. She sets them on the table, taking a seat next to me.

I keep my head down, focusing on dishing out some oatmeal and scrambled eggs onto my plate.

Everything goes peacefully and silently until mother decides to break the calm by drawing all eyes on me.

"Lest I forget, Hazel. You haven't been talking about Caleb for so long. How is he anyway?" She picks up one of the bottles, pouring the water into a glass cup before bringing it to her lips.

Talking about Caleb is the last thing in mind, more so, the sound of Nolan's fork pausing midway is almost not faint.

I look half-way, muttering slowly. "I don't want to talk about him."

"Why not? Did something happen between you two?" Her voice holds genuine curiosity and concern, but I really don't want to discuss Caleb's matter with my parents.

The plate makes a sound signifying it is Nolan's. I return to my plate, gently taking a spoonful of oatmeal.

Of course, I am scared Caleb may harm me, but, I don't allow it to get to me.

My father, who becomes perceptive, clears his throat, "If anyone makes my princess feel insecure at school, I don't care if he's a boyfriend, I'm taking legal actions on him. I hate bullies of any kind." He threatens and I almost smile.

This seems to attract Nolan because he turns directly to me this time, asking calmly, although there's a frown on his face.

"You're bullied at school? Tell me, who's the person?"

"No one. I'm good, I'm really fine." I respond too quickly.

Nolan's eyes search my face suspiciously so that it feels like he is peeling away my words to see if the truth lies beneath. He soon looks ahead, saying nothing.

I eat my meal in silence, as everyone utters not a single word till I set down my fork, halfway through the food.

"Thanks, but I'm done eating." I force a small smile on my face and then excuse myself, retreating to the safety of my room.

I plop on the bed, falling asleep quicker than imagined, allowing the events from the past two days to go off my mind.

I dress up for school in a rush the next morning. When I come down the stairs, I see Nolan already waiting by the entrance, one hand lazily in his pocket, the other swinging the keys loosely.

"Morning." I murmur.

"Morning, Hazel." He replies.

I walk into the kitchen, wrap two pancakes already kept by my mother, and grab a chilled juice can from the fridge.

Nolan holds the door open as I step into the cool morning air. In the garage, I access his car fully for the first time, before sliding into the passenger's seat, shutting the door with a muffle click.

He reaches the car, steps in, and starts up the engine. I stare ahead, keeping my thoughts from him.

"Your dad left with Frank earlier. Therefore, I'll be heading to the company after dropping you off. The architecture work starts today," He discloses, driving through the huge black gates.

"All good." I nod, staring out the window.

The thought of Caleb suddenly flashes into my memory. I cannot forget the wild and angry look in his eyes while approaching me yesterday.

My hands shake nervously in my lap. I remember seeing a notification glow on my phone at midnight.

I pull out my phone from the side pocket of my trousers, opening the message almost immediately.

It is a message from Caleb and my heart can't stop beating. In it, he sternly warns me to call him immediately.

I drop the phone on my thigh, sweat prickling at my hairline. I try to look brave, but his violent attitude has been causing me to panic.

Nolan glances back suddenly, his eyes roaming my face.

"You're sweating." He says, looking back in the road. "What's wrong?"

I shake my head slightly, unable to form the words.

"Talk to me." Nolan's voice softens, "Is everything okay with you?"

Yet, I don't answer because I may burst into hot tears suddenly if I try to.

It is a matter of time till we reach the campus. Countless students pass by, each one rushing into their respective department.

But just outside my department, far away, I catch the appearance of three figures standing by the wide window that is close to the entryway.

When I look further, I realize they are quite familiar and two of them seem to be the miscreants Caleb calls his buddies.

They recline on the open window, whispering and cackling at whatever he says.

They are the first to notice the car before he does. The triumphant looks on their faces makes bile rise in my throat.

Nolan pauses and follows my gaze. "Who are they?" He asks.

I hesitate. "Well, the one in the middle is my boyfriend, no, I mean, ex-boyfriend." I correct myself. "He's Caleb."

His brows rise, recalling he is the same person mom tried talking about last night.

"Does he bully you? You are shaking."

But silence is the only thing I can give.

Nolan's jaw tightens, he gets out of the car, and opens the door for me. "Come on." He says. "I'll keep watch."

I step out of the car, peeping at those waiting for me, and then stare back at him. "I think you should start work today. I'll be fine."

He doesn't look convinced, but steps aside. "He won't get a chance. Keep going."

I know Nolan's somewhat hefty so I walk toward the department, fixing my eyes ahead.