The Royal Love Triangle

3: Unknown Caller

Callie’s POV

I watched Tess for what seemed like hours. But it honestly couldn't have been more than a few minutes. She was deep in thought. I could almost see the gears turning in her head. I took a deep breath in and looked at her.

"Tess... what are we now?"

I needed an answer. At this point, I don't think that I could be just friends with her. It took a lot of courage for me to just admit my feelings to her. Then again, having her as a friend was way better than not having her at all. She may have told me she loved me too, but what kind of love? There are so many different kinds. Like a sister? She was like a big sister to me. Tess was always watching out for me, protecting me. Maybe she loved me like just a friend? Maybe she was just telling me what I wanted to hear? I knew she's done that in the past, not to me, the guys she used to date. Then it hit me. Oh gosh! She hasn't come out yet! No one knows...

"Tess, does anyone know?" I watched her expectantly, trying to gauge the look that's on her face.

Tess’s face turned completely white. She hadn’t thought that far ahead yet. I knew there was nothing I could do to help. The only thing I could do is support her. Then again, I always have. I remember when her parents kicked her out right after she graduated. She called me crying. She was in complete dismay. I was still only 16, so what could I do? I talked to, well… begged, my parents and they agreed to let her stay in my older brother’s old room. He was off at college, at least that’s what my parents wanted to think. He was really touring with his band. That afternoon, I borrowed my Dad’s truck and helped her pack her things. They wanted her out before they got home that evening from work. Between the two of us, it only took a couple hours and a couple trips to my place to get everything out. That evening, we built a blanket fort in my room. We spent that entire night agreeing that we would always be there for each other. Nothing would stop me from keeping that promise.

“Callie, what do I tell everyone? Where do we go from here? What… How...” I could feel her anxiety rising as she started pacing around my room. I hated seeing her like this. “Cal can we… can… I can’t ask that of you…” She trailed off and collapsed on the floor into a big ball of tears. I don’t think she was ready to admit that she liked girls too. I ran to her. She needed me more than anything right now. I was honestly her only family. Her “parents” disowned her, for really no reason. What kind of family is that? My parents stepped in and took her in like she was their own. I couldn’t thank them enough! They had really helped Tess get her confidence back and within a couple weeks, she had a new job and was able to pay my parents rent, much to their protest. I really admired them for being so selfless and loving Tessie as much as I did.

“Tessie. Anything. I’ll do anything for you. You just name it. But I can’t help you if you don’t tell me.”

I looked at her. Her head was hanging from her shoulders. She looked nothing like her confident, happy-go-lucky self. I lifted her chin with my fingers, being as gentle as I could be. I locked my eyes with hers, all I could see was her fear. Fear of what? Judgement? Did she hate herself? Did she hate me?

She smiled nervously. “Cal, I never had a girlfriend before. I haven’t even come to terms with being bi yet. Loving you has always been natural. I’ve never had to think about it. But I don’t know if I’m just ready to take things to the next level… Can we just… take things slow? Not tell anyone yet? Enjoy this as our little secret for now?” I could tell she was nervous.

“Of course, Tessie. Anything for you. I’ve waited this long, and as long as I don’t lose you, I can wait a while longer. I want you to want this as much as I do.”

I gave her the best smile I could. I was honestly dying inside. This was almost as bad as her saying she didn’t have feelings for me. I tried to keep my poker face on, I couldn’t let her see me hurting. I didn’t want to make her feel worse about herself. I didn’t want to be a secret. I wanted to flaunt her in front of the entire world! But, if I lost her, I would be devastated.

“Why don’t I run you a bubble bath? I got you more after work yesterday. It’s your favorite, the apple scented!” I smiled at her.

She looked up at me and gave me a smile. It was a small one, but it was genuine. With that I left the room and went to the bathroom. I started running some hot water and poured in a ton of bubbles. Before I knew it, the bubbles were as tall as I was! I was giggling uncontrollably. This was great!

Just as I was turning around to go get Tess, I heard a small gasp. “Cal! I left you alone for less than five minutes, and you fill the entire tub with bubbles?”

My face dropped and I froze. Okay, so maybe it was a little immature. But I couldn’t help that bubbles made me smile! I was definitely more like a little kid than an adult. I turned around to face Tess. My head was down, causing my bangs to be in front of my face. My eyes were locked on the floor. I was biting my lower lip absentmindedly. I was afraid to look Tess in the eyes.

“Cal… Callie! Look at me.” I took a deep breath in and looked up at Tess. She took both hands and placed them on my cheeks. She brushed her thumb over my lower lip, and I released it. “I can’t leave you alone, can I?” Her face broke out into a smile. I watched her, confused for a moment. Then she broke out into a giggle fit. I just watched her for a few seconds before joining in.

Our neighbors were probably confused as hell. I didn’t really care what they thought. Or anyone for that matter. I made my Tessie laugh. This is what she needed right now. I knew she wasn’t thinking about what was going to happen next. Just then, she kicked her slippers into the hall. She shut and locked the door, as if anyone else was going to be here, and took her shirt off. I couldn’t help but stare. Her tan skin on her stomach looked so soft. It took everything I had to not stare at her. I turned back to the tub, finally turning the water off. When I turned back around, Tess was standing in her sports bra and panties. I gulped. I could feel my face turn hot. She smiled, putting her hands on her hips and she c****d her head to the side. Oh gosh. Maybe I shouldn’t have told her how crazy that drove me. I licked my lips and bit my lower lip again.

Tess started walking towards me. I started to back up until I hit the wall. She walked towards me, until I was sandwiched between her and the wall. I’d be lying if I said I never dreamed about this. Just then, my phone started ringing. Who could that be? My parents were on a cruise, and I had gotten specific instructions to leave them be and only call if there was an emergency. My brother was on tour overseas. I was off from work this weekend. They know not to call me on my days off. That if they really needed me to text me or send me an email. Tess and I stared at each other for a moment. My phone silenced for a moment before it started going off again. I looked up at Tess nervously and smiled. My phone started going off again and again. Seriously, who the hell was blowing my phone up? I sigh and look up at Tessa.

“I should really get that, Tessie. I don’t know who it is. But I swear, if it’s a telemarketer, they’re going to get an earful, I swear!”

I was yelling, more to the phone than anything as I made my way to the bedroom. I picked it up. Some number I didn’t know. I didn’t even recognize the area code. My parents had given me all the emergency numbers, and this wasn’t one of them. I looked behind me and saw Tess standing in the door way.

I could feel Tess’s eyes on me, watching me carefully. She was just as confused as I was. “Hello?... I’m sorry who is this?... Yes… This is her… What do you mean?... That can’t… Wait… What...”