Chapter 4: Sun, Tape, and a Fight

To fix the mural, I ended up going to the pool more often.

I brought my sketchbook, music, and snacks. Ben offered critiques, Tanya sent silly memes. The pool became my second home.

One day, Tanya, all made up, was heading to the library for a date with Marcus, giggling sneakily all the way.

She wore her cutest sweater, hair in curls. I teased her, wishing her luck.

"Why do you want me and Caleb to get together so badly?"

I cornered her by the fridge, arms crossed. Tanya just smirked.

"Can't let Lillian win, you know? She even considered Marcus a backup—lucky I showed up and my dear woke up to my awesomeness."

She winked, proud of her matchmaking skills. “It’s not about her money—it’s about her messiness.” I groaned, hiding my smile.

......

"And..."

I waited, sensing another bombshell.

"What?"

She hesitated, then grinned. "Ah, nothing, go ahead!"

I rolled my eyes, grabbing my sketchbook.

Weekend morning practice, Ben, hair a mess, was warming up, waved at me.

He wore a swim cap askew, goggles dangling around his neck. I waved back, smiling.

I wanted to chat, but someone grabbed my collar—Ben immediately jumped in the pool.

Caleb appeared, cool and collected, gently steering me toward the lounge. “Coach wants focus time,” he murmured. Ben did a cannonball, splashing the deck.

No need to guess who.

Caleb’s grip was gentle but firm. I let myself be led, grateful for the escape.

"Go wait in the lounge."

His tone brooked no argument. I nodded, grabbing my notes.

"No need, I can..."

I started to protest, but he shook his head.

"Go wait there."

Caleb’s stare was insistent. I relented, slipping into the lounge.

"Fine..."

I plopped onto the couch, doodling in my sketchbook.

Under Caleb's watch, I shuffled to the lounge, and just as I opened the door, my phone buzzed.

Message from Ben.

"Captain doesn't want you seeing our abs hhhh 😭🫠"

"You have any?"

Ben sent a selfie, flexing dramatically. I laughed, texting back.

"Rude! Ah, coach and manager are here, phone's getting confiscated (ಥ_ಥ)!"

I put down my phone, sat quietly in the empty lounge, looked through the small window at a cute figure nearby.

A stray cat wandered by, rubbing against the glass. I smiled, scribbling a quick sketch.

Good thing I wasn't outside—I didn't want to run into her.

The pool area was full of drama. I was happy to be alone, just me and my doodles.

My face felt hot, itchy.

Dry air itch, probably, with the lounge door propped open to the deck.

I opened my eyes angrily, saw Caleb's reddened arm... chose to close my eyes again.

He grinned, showing off a matching itch. I giggled, grateful for the distraction.

"If you're awake, get up and wipe your drool."

His voice was teasing. I wiped my chin, playfully scowling.

"Too bored, so..."

I mumbled, making excuses. Caleb just laughed.

"Blaming me for not keeping you company?"

He leaned against the door, arms folded. His laughter was contagious.

He laughed to himself, "Then I'll keep you company properly."

My heart fluttered. His smile made everything better.

Ah... he looks so good when he laughs.

I sketched him in my notebook, embarrassed by my own crush.

Alright, I know Caleb's company isn't that simple.

He had a way of making me feel special, even in the smallest moments.

Under the scorching sun, we measured the mural's dimensions together.

We paced the pool deck, tape measure in hand. Sweat beaded on my forehead, but Caleb handed me a water bottle and smiled.

When I was about to melt, a baseball cap was put on my head—Caleb's usual one.

He pressed the brim down, shielding my eyes. I adjusted it and he smiled; the cap smelled faintly of him—clean, comforting.

"Do proper sun protection, or nobody will want you."

He teased, voice soft. I grinned, flipping the cap backwards.

I adjusted the cap, happily took notes, finalized details, and was about to leave.

The mural sketches were ready. Caleb gave a thumbs-up, promising snacks for my effort.

Unexpectedly, Derek appeared.

He emerged from the shadows, hands in pockets, gaze intense. Ben whistled, sensing drama.

Maybe not so sudden, since I felt he'd been watching us for a while.

Tanya messaged me, warning me to stay calm. I braced for confrontation.

In the shade, Derek looked gloomy, and when he saw us notice him, he hurried over.

He walked fast, jaw clenched, eyes locked on Caleb. A coach stepped forward, and a teammate reached to restrain him.

I thought he was looking for me, but when he raised his fist, I realized too late his target was Caleb.

I tried to intervene, but Derek shoved past me, fist aimed at Caleb’s shoulder.

"Lillian broke up with me because of you!"

His voice cracked, anger spilling over. The crowd froze, unsure what to do.

I reflexively tried to push Derek away, but he shoved me hard, then Caleb pulled me aside.

Caleb caught me, steadying me. Derek’s face twisted in frustration.

I fell straight down, scraping my knee.

A surface scrape bloomed, a smear of blood I quickly wiped. Pain shot through my leg. I hissed, clutching my jeans.

Stunned for a moment, I grabbed my leg and screamed: "My leg's busted! Busted!"

I made a scene, hoping to diffuse the fight. Tanya texted "Nice move!" from afar.

Smart, right?

Ben clapped, pretending to cheer. The crowd relaxed, the tension broken.

That successfully defused the violence.

Derek hesitated, his anger deflated. Caleb knelt beside me, concern etched on his face.

Derek froze, and Caleb squatted down to check my leg.

He inspected the scrape, gentle fingers tracing the edge. I winced, milking the drama.

"It hurts! Don't touch!"

I yelped, making it sound worse than it was. Caleb smirked, rolling his eyes.

Caleb didn't dare move.

He raised his hands in surrender, backing off. Ben brought over a bandage, Tanya texted jokes.

But after observing me up close, he smirked slightly.

He knew I was faking, but played along. His eyes danced with amusement.

Laugh all you want.

I stuck out my tongue, feeling proud of my distraction tactics.

I did it for you?

I whispered, hoping he caught my meaning. Caleb squeezed my hand in silent thanks.

"Aubrey, you like him too? You used to like me! Why do you all like him! I get it now, you're happy being clingy for anyone—disgusting!"

Derek ranted, voice rising. The crowd murmured, uncomfortable. I rolled my eyes, done with his drama.

So he always knew I liked him, just pretended not to. That attitude is truly nauseating.

I realized he’d never cared—he just liked the attention. My crush evaporated, replaced by annoyance.

Caleb glared coldly, aura full blast, just about to teach him a lesson, but I stopped him.

I shook my head, placing a gentle hand on Caleb’s arm. No more violence needed.

I shook my head, then slowly stood up.

I steadied myself, ignoring the pain. Caleb watched, protective.

Walked over, stood in front of Derek.

I met his gaze, refusing to flinch.

"Derek, I hurt you, I..."

I set my jaw—nope. I wasn’t tolerating verbal abuse. I lifted my foot and made my point.

I kicked his leg, and as he howled, I grabbed Caleb and ran.

The crowd erupted in laughter. Caleb snorted, tugging me to safety.

Wind whistled by, my heart pounded.

We sprinted down the sidewalk, adrenaline surging. I grinned, exhilarated.

So nervous, so thrilling.

My hands shook, but Caleb’s grip was steady. I felt alive, free.

"I don't feel guilty at all for hurting his leg!"

I boasted, laughing. Caleb rolled his eyes, smiling.

"Must've been blind and stupid to ever like that guy! I need to wash my eyes!"

Tanya texted "Preach!" Ben sent laughing emojis.

After running, I wiped my sweat, stopped.

We caught our breath, leaning against a tree. Caleb handed me water, concern in his eyes.

"Don't cry for him."

His voice was gruff, but gentle. I shook my head, smiling.

Caleb pressed my cap down, tone stiff and awkward.

He fussed over me, making sure I was okay. My heart fluttered.

"Who's crying for him! My knee really hurts! Already injured, then ran so far! Skin's torn!"

I pouted, showing off my scrape. Caleb rolled his eyes, but smiled.

......

"Hurts so much!"

I whined, milking the attention. Caleb produced a band-aid, eyes soft.

"Got it, stop yelling."

His voice was gentle, barely hiding a smile. I grinned, letting him fuss over me.

But I heard his tone go up: "Wait here."

He jogged to the front desk, then a friendly teammate handed over a fresh bandage.

I watched him ask every passing girl something, then came back with a band-aid.

His cheeks were red, breath uneven. I realized he’d gone out of his way, just for me.

I wanted to take it.

He knelt, gently applying the bandage, fingers cool and steady.

He squatted down, gently treated my wound.

I blushed, touched by his care. The pain faded, replaced by warmth.

"All done."

He patted my knee, smiling softly. I grinned, feeling cared for.

"Thanks. Good thing you guys didn't fight."

I joked, nudging his shoulder. Caleb laughed, ruffling my hair.

"You think I'd lose?" Caleb raised an eyebrow.

He flexed, pretending to show off. I giggled, rolling my eyes.

"Fists don't discriminate, you could get hurt! If you did, you really couldn't swim anymore!"

I worried about his future, wanting to protect him. Caleb shrugged, smiling.

I still cared about that secret. And I felt Caleb didn't care about his popularity at all.

He was humble, never letting the rumors get to him.

If he got hurt, thousands of girls would cry.

I teased, imagining the campus in mourning. Caleb snorted, shaking his head.

If I was present, they'd hunt me down.

We laughed, sharing the joke. I felt closer to him than ever.

I won't let myself go through that!

I promised to look out for him, no matter what.

Caleb gave up, "Actually, I didn't compete this time because of Marcus."

His voice was quiet, almost vulnerable. I leaned in, curious.

"...Huh?"

I listened, sensing a story behind his decision.

Caleb decided to let Marcus, the veteran, lead the team in the city meet before returning.

Marcus is a senior; it’s his last meet before med school acceptance and classes take over.

The reason was to let Marcus win glory and retire.

Caleb was selfless, putting his friend’s dreams ahead of his own. I admired him even more.

"He's a med student, will focus on his field, won't do other activities."

Marcus had bigger plans—medicine, research, saving lives. Caleb wanted to give him a proper send-off.

"Basically, my presence in the team became too awkward, teammates too reliant on me, not what I wanted. If I explained, Marcus would overthink, so I just brushed it off."

He shrugged, as if it was no big deal. “I want everyone confident even when I’m not there,” he added. I realized he was more thoughtful than anyone gave him credit for.

Caleb is a good guy!

I whispered, hoping he heard. He smiled, eyes crinkling.

Back then, I believed the rumors about him being cold-hearted! All lies!

I mentally apologized for ever doubting him. Tanya texted "Told ya!" Marcus sent a thumbs-up.

Whoever becomes his girlfriend will be so happy!

I pictured myself in that role, heart fluttering. Maybe, just maybe, I had a chance.

But...

At the apartment, I said goodbye.

I lingered at the door, hoping he’d say something more. Caleb smiled, waving.

Then secretly watched him leave, thinking he's so excellent and caring, he'll have a girlfriend eventually, and I felt sour.

Jealousy tinged my thoughts. I wondered if I’d ever measure up.

Fine, I admit, I'm moved, I like Caleb.

I confessed to myself, heart racing. Tanya heard, grinning wide.

But, he definitely doesn't like me.

I doubted myself, afraid to hope. Tanya disagreed, texting encouragement.

"Why wouldn't he like you? Be confident, girl!"

She slapped my back, making me choke on my soda. I laughed, grateful for her belief in me.

Tanya slapped my back, making me gag.

She cackled, tossing popcorn in my hair. I swatted at her, smiling.

"Ew, gross, eat properly, stop it." she said, disgusted.

We bantered, our friendship a source of comfort.

"Aubrey, you don't need to hide it from me, my boyfriend's so smart, how could he not know his roommate's greatness?"

Tanya winked, hinting at inside info. I stared, mouth open.

"What? You guys know?"

I pointed, incredulous. Tanya shrugged, smug.

Tanya shrugged while removing makeup, "That's why we're setting you up."

She wiped off mascara, grinning. I blushed, hiding behind my pillow.

I was confused, pointed at myself: "What does that have to do with me?"

She sighed, dramatic as ever. "Because Caleb likes you."

"Impossible."

I protested, voice shaky. Tanya just smirked.

"Why not!"

She raised her eyebrows, daring me to deny it.

"He's Caleb!"

I insisted, but my conviction wavered.

"Even gods fall for mortals."

She teased, wiggling her eyebrows. I groaned, hiding my face.

"...I think you're insulting me, I'm calling the police."

I grabbed my phone, pretending to dial 911. Tanya laughed, tossing a pillow at me.

Couldn't be bothered with Tanya, under her disappointed attitude, I started eating again.

We settled into comfortable silence, munching snacks and watching reality TV.