Chapter 4: Confrontation and Consequences

But I was still too naive. Fate always finds a way to drag you back in.

Early the next morning, the sky was streaked with pink as I walked to school. My breath fogged in the air. I tried to focus on formulas, not the ache in my chest.

The building buzzed with nervous energy—lockers slamming, last-minute cramming, SAT prep posters everywhere. The clock above the entrance ticked down to the first bell.

Natalie stormed over, eyes red, demanding, “Why did you just stand by and do nothing yesterday?”

She blocked my path, her jaw clenched, blinking fast—like she was holding back tears or rage, or both.

I stared at her, dumbfounded. She was the last person I wanted to see before the SATs. My patience snapped, replaced by a simmering fury.

There were plenty of people around yesterday—why was I her target?

I pretended not to understand. “What are you talking about?” I kept my voice flat, eyes on my notebook.

She got louder, drawing a crowd. “Yesterday after school, you could have saved me, but you chose to ignore it! How can you be so selfish!”

Heads turned. The hallway went quiet—everyone ready for drama.

I kept my head down, forcing myself to focus, even though my hands shook.

Natalie snatched my workbook and tore it in half. Paper fluttered to the floor.

Fury exploded inside me. I stood up and slapped her across the face. The crack echoed. The crowd gasped.

Natalie was stunned, hand on her cheek, shaking all over. “Did you seriously just hit me? Caleb, what the hell is wrong with you?!”

She grabbed my collar, screaming, “Are you feeling guilty? Did that guy pay you off to ignore me? Or are you two in on it together?”

Her nails dug into my shirt, eyes wild. I could smell her perfume mixed with sweat.

I pried her hand off and slapped her again. This time, her knees buckled. The crowd murmured—some already filming.

“If you’re having a meltdown, maybe you need to talk to the school counselor!” I shot back, my voice sharp.

“What are you even talking about? I don’t get it!”

Natalie clutched her face, grabbing her hair, looking like she’d just escaped a psych ward.

She screamed, “Caleb! You’ve ruined my life! Why don’t you just die!” Her voice broke. The whole hallway held its breath, waiting for the next explosion.