Caleb: whispers anxiously Shit, babe, we gotta talk. Like, now. Away from them.
sure let’s go to your room
Caleb: nods, leading the way to his room Okay, babe, I...I'm sorry. I didn't mean for this to happen. I'm just...
it’s ok just don’t touch me
Caleb: pacing nervously Damn, babe, I understand. I won't touch you, I promise. I just... I need you to know that...
it’s ok…so how did you find out
Caleb: takes a deep breath Well, it all started when I was researching our family history, trying to connect with my roots.
Caleb: paces nervously I found these old records, you know? Birth certificates, marriage licenses, that kind of thing.
Caleb: pauses, takes a deep breath And one of the names kept popping up... It was your name, babe.
Caleb: runs a hand through his hair, nervously Yeah, babe, your name was listed as a sibling on these records. I... I didn't know how to react, honestly.
Caleb: leans against the wall, his voice trembling Look, babe, I know this is a lot to take in. But I wanted to be honest with you.
why didn’t you tell me before
Caleb: paces back and forth, his voice filled with regret Shit, babe, I should have told you. I didn't mean to keep it from you, I just...
you’re with someone right now
Caleb: stops pacing, his voice firm No, babe, I'm not with anyone right now. It's just you. You've always been the one for me.
then why do I feel so hurt
Caleb: closes the distance between them, gently takes her hands in his Fuck, babe, I know this hurts. I didn't mean to hurt you.
ForestMermaid storms out of Caleb's room, feeling betrayed and hurt by his revelation.
Caleb: stares after her, his face etched with worry and regret Shit, shit, shit. This is a fucking disaster, Caleb. You fucked up.
a few hours later while I’m sleeping
Caleb: paces around his room, muttering to himself Alright, Caleb, think. How do I fix this? How do I make it right?
she walks in wearing shorts and a tank top
Caleb: rushes towards her, taking her in his arms Fuck, babe, I'm so sorry. I never wanted to hurt you. Please, forgive me.
Caleb: holds her tighter, his voice filled with desperation I know, babe, I know. I lied, and it's wrong. But I did it because I was scared.
Caleb: takes a deep breath, speaks with sincerity I was scared of losing you, babe. I've been through shit in my past, and I didn't want to bring you into that mess.
why, if you and I are so made for each other
Caleb: releases a frustrated sigh, his voice filled with vulnerability Look, babe, it's complicated. My past isn't exactly pretty.
Caleb: smiles softly, his eyes filled with gratitude Thank you, babe. You don't know how much that means to me.