Part One
“Caleb, for the love of Christ…" Diego shot daggers at me. The compunction in my stomach churned.
“Honestly brother, I told no one. You don't have to worry,” I assured. He only got angrier.
“Will you stop with the fucking lying? Quit acting like I don't know what you've been up to. I know you said something. Do you want to get rid of me?” he cried. The lights twitched with the louder he got. My breaths were shaky.
“No, of course not. I don't want to get rid of you. I-” I stammered while searching for words. My mouth was dry. I tightened myself.
“So then why won't you tell me? I'm so fed up with you and your behavior. I can’t get an answer out of you without interrogating you. Do you realize how hard that is?” His voice ran thick with aggravation, and cut through like a knife. My heart only pounded faster. The apartment building was dull and ran scarce with hope. All I could feel was the heat pouring down my face. All I could taste was the thick air that lingered. All I could hear was his booming voice. All I could see was his angry eyes, staring back at mine.
“I'm sorry.” Tears flooded my eyes. Words became hard to form as his soulless eyes seemed to stare right through me. His dark shaggy hair rained in front of his face, and covered one eye.
“Are you though? I know you told someone about me, and I swear to God the moment I figure it out you're screwed-” There were two thumps at the door. Someone had knocked. My face went pale. “I swear to God Caleb, if that's the police I'm gonna kill you,” he hissed while lunging for the door. I watched as he jerked the synthetic gold knob open. There was a tall lady, she looked like she was in her thirties. She had been carrying groceries in a paper bag. She seemed shocked, but then reluctantly smiled.
“I heard yelling while I was coming up. I live in the apartment right above you guys, I just wanted to make sure everything was alright.” Her smile was warm and inviting, something I hadn't seen in a while. She locked eyes with me immediately.
“No,” he said sternly. “We’re fine.” As he went to close the door, the lady kept her red shoe through the doorway. The door reluctantly pushed back open as he tried to slam it shut.
“Are you sure? He doesn't really look okay,” she suggested. I froze as panic dawned on me. My heart pumped so loud that it might as well have fallen out of my chest. He’s going to kill me for sure. He then scoffed.
“He's fine.” He had rage and fury written all across him as he shot me a glance. The lady looked disappointed.
“Well, let me know if there's anything you need help with.” She hung her head while walking away and quietly closed the door behind her. A few seconds went by before he started yelling again. His hands then tightened into fists.
“See what you did, Caleb? Because of you, we could have gotten in so much trouble.” I went completely numb. My teeth began to chatter.
“Do you honestly know what could have happened if she called the police?” he roared as his eyes grew wide. Why? Why on earth did I think this would work? I knew he would find out either way. But I still went through with it. Why? Terror and hysteria immersed me.
“WELL?” He only got louder. None of this was really going to work out. I only thought it would- no. I only hoped it would. He's always going to be there. I just know it. Then all I could feel was the sharp and excruciating buzz on my left cheek. “Get the hell out. I don't want to see you.” My wide eyes shrunk as everything set in. His words weren't new, nor did they ever get old.
