Turning Around

(Camilla’s POV) “And we’re done!” Becky announced after securing the last mason jar. The scent of simmered strawberries lingered in the air, a sweet reminder of our afternoon spent together. My cheeks flushed with a mixture of exhaustion and pride. It was my first time making jam, and the success of it felt like a small victory. I didn't know making jams takes a long process. It was enjoyable though because I made it with Bekcy who made sure to fill our activity with a bunch of stories, mainly about Kalel’s childhood. I can really see how much she loves her grandson. No wonder why Kalel is the same to her. At that moment, a man entered the kitchen, his face a little darker than the last time I saw it. Something tells me that his mood is off. He’s not even smiling even when Becky looks at him. “Would you like to try the jam, dear?” Becky asked sweetly. Kalel smiled briefly and shook his head, focusing his attention on me. I gave him a curious look. I don't see any reason for him to be in a bad mood. Becky and I were genuinely having fun. “You should rest, Camilla,” Kalel said, his voice laced with concern. “We have to leave tomorrow, and it’s going to be a long drive.” I frowned, confusion clouding my features. “Leave tomorrow? But I thought we were staying here for at least a week.” He even told me that I needn't have to worry about clothes because Becky would have nice clothes for me. Why is he suddenly talking about leaving? Did I do something wrong? Did I offend him in any way? Becky, ever the observant one, joined the conversation, her smile a little too knowing. “Kalel and Camilla will share a room, of course. It’s only natural,” she reminded. Shit. I almost forgot about that. My cheeks burned crimson. I am used to sharing a room with anyone because I used to sleep in a small, shared studio apartment before, but the thought of sharing with Kalel, even in the most platonic of ways, made my stomach churn. Sharing a room with him never crossed my mind. It was probably due to the fact that I know it would only make me feel butterflies in my stomach. “Actually,” Kalel interjected, his voice a bit too quick, “I can sleep on the sofa in the living room. It’s no problem at all.” I let out a sigh of relief from what he said. At least, he knows that I’m not comfortable with sharing a bed with him. We literally just met. I might have heard some stories from Becky about him, but those stories were when he was just a child. He’s a grown ass adult now. People can drastically change from experiences. Becky’s smile widened. “Oh, come on, you two. Why are you acting like you’re not a couple? Everyone knows you’re engaged,” she said, wiggling her brows to remind us about the fact that we announced it to the world. It’s everywhere on the internet and in the media. I already expected that Becky would have watched that interview already. I just hoped she didn't have to see that one interview where I attacked Lester. But what really made me worry was the fact that Becky is starting to doubt whether our engagement is real. She can't not know that it’s fake. It will break the agreement! Kalel and I exchanged a panicked glance. The truth hung heavy in the air, a secret we desperately wanted to keep hidden. “We… we’re just not used to sharing a room,” I stammered, my voice barely a whisper. Kalel nodded, his gaze fixed on the floor. “Yeah, that’s it. We’re just… not used to it.” The air in the kitchen thickened with unspoken tension. I could feel Becky’s observing the two of us. I know that she’s been noticing that ever since we came here, we haven't been really close. We don't even act like a couple like how we should. “We’re just keeping it… traditional,” I added, earning a proud smile from Becky. “Alright, alright. That's lovely to hear. I’m happy to know that both of you know your limitations. Some young couples nowadays don't anymore,” she said, a crinkled smile on her face. “But you two better get some rest. You have a long day ahead of us tomorrow.” I watched as Becky left the room, feeling a wave of relief wash over me. But it was short-lived. I just realized that we had to share a room now if we don't want his grandma to doubt our relationship. Damn it. “I can sleep on the floor.” My brows raised at his suggestion. He looked at me seriously, not a hint of amusement in his eyes. I can see that he doesn't want to be in a situation like this with me, too. Maybe, it’s because he knows it would make the both of us uncomfortable. “And when Becky enters the room? I’m going to look like a heartless woman who doesn't let her fiancée share a bed with her,” I retorted, a hint of annoyance in my voice. I just hate the fact that I have to make this happen, or I will end up breaking the agreements of our contact. “Just sleep on the bed with me. We’ll go back to the city first thing in the morning anyway.” He didn't answer. I turned my back against him, and entered the room. It didn't take long before he followed me inside. I didn't bother looking at him to avoid awkwardness between us. I could hear him moving around the room though. “Just so you know…” I started, catching his attention. I felt him looking at me. “I don't wear a bra when I sleep.” My ears perked when I heard him hurried to the door. The last thing I heard was the door shutting loudly. I stared at the door with rounded eyes. What the fuck? Did that offend him, too? ***** I can’t sleep. There's no WiFi here so I can't really check the internet. It’s so boring. I’m definitely a night owl. That's why this is a challenge. Kalel hasn't come back since he left the room. I wonder if he really slept in the living room. That would be his own decision though. I did not break any agreement. Should I follow him? I frustratedly pulled myself up the bed, following a faint trail of moonlight, I found Kalel sitting on the porch swing, his gaze fixed on the star-studded sky. He looked lost, his shoulders slumped with a weary sadness. Is he having his sentimental moment alone? “Kalel?” I whispered, my voice barely above a whisper. He turned to me, his eyes filled with a mixture of concern and worry.. “Camilla, I’m so sorry. I should have told you sooner.” “What’s going on?” I asked, my voice laced with urgency. “Why are we leaving? And why are you so… worried?” Kalel sighed, his gaze returning to the stars. “Lester… he’s turned the situation around. He released a statement, saying you stole money from him, threatened his mother… he even accused you of causing your own miscarriage.” What? That asshole… My blood ran cold. I have already expected that Lester was capable of anything, but this was beyond anything I could have imagined. “He said you were obsessed and delusional,” Kalel continued, his voice barely above a whisper. “He said you were a danger to him and his family.” My fury erupted. He’s even mentioning my dead child to his lies. “He’s twisting everything! He’s the one who’s obsessed, the one who’s delusional! He ruined my life!” Kalel reached out, his hand gently resting on mine. “I know, Camilla. I believe you. But we have to leave. We have to fix this before things get out of hand.”