When he was young, he was very rebellious. Instead of being low-key and calm, he insisted on being high-profile. Even the flowers he used to tease Clara cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Many girls liked him for his fearless and daring spirit. He was attractive for being willing to confront the world like a young warrior.
Of course, I was one of those girls. In my eyes, Caleb was like a stubborn and unruly young man who insisted on competing with the whole world. I couldn't look away from him.
In high school, we were in the same class. Although our school was a selective private school, dress codes, and grooming rules were in place.
On the first day of school, Caleb challenged the dress codes, and he did it with several other people.
"Come and see my hairstyle, isn't it cool?" said Troy Malone, Caleb's good friend and loyal follower, who was from a wealthy family and born with a silver spoon in his mouth.
“You dyed your hair green, huh? Don't be too exaggerated, okay? Caleb looks handsome in the wine-red color. He is noble and elegant, and yet low-key."
"Get lost! All you know is how to flatter him!"
Several boys laughed and had fun together, jokingly blocking the entrance to the classroom.
Suddenly, a clear female voice rang out, which sounded familiar to me.
"What are you guys doing?"
It was Clara, the pleasant voice I had heard at the mall that day.
Then Clara burst into laughter, saying, "It is so funny, Troy!! What color did you dye your hair? Did Caleb tell you it looks good so you fell for it? I am laughing my ass off!"
Clara was familiar with these people. They could joke around freely.
Clara was lively and outgoing. She never flattered or fawned over these second-generation rich kids. Troy gradually treated Clara as a bosom friend.
Troy said, looking at Caleb, "How is that possible? Would Caleb lie to me? No way!"
Caleb's gaze shifted back and forth between Clara and Troy several times. Then he chose to stand beside Clara.
"What do you mean? You punk!!" Troy angrily launched a fierce attack against Caleb.
Clara and several others laughed loudly and stirred up trouble, making it noisy and lively.
But I was despondent.
On the first day, I found that the whole class was filled with groups of people familiar with each other. I was overwhelmed. I didn't like to take the initiative to introduce my family background or talk to others. In other words, I was more introverted.