Understanding Caleb

Part 4

"Break a leg," Liz whispered. Kris's face paled greatly at that. She trailed behind Caleb, who was the tallest, and used him as a cover from the audience. She picked up her guitar and pulled the strap over her shoulder.

"It's okay. You can do this. You can do anything through Christ," she said to herself. She started feeling better and completely calmed down by the time she had to start playing.

The music that day was moving. They played the same way they usually did but something was different. Caleb's thoughts ran in that direction for most of the sermon. Something was going on. He couldn't put his finger on it but it was amazing. He loved every minute of it.

Turns out that everyone else did too. When the Kris's father was done with the lesson of the week, he called the band up and asked them to close the service with music. Even though they were shocked, the band agreed.

People with plans for Sunday lunch were delayed because everyone felt the need to talk to the band.

"You guys were wonderful up there," someone said.

"I have never heard the band play the way they did. Ever," another said and it went on and on.

The only statement that stood out, to Caleb at least, was, "It's almost like the new guitarist took Chloe's place."

Caleb's good mood turned sour once he heard that. No one can take Chloe's place. How can the new girl, no matter how talented, make it seem like Chloe's never been there? It’s not fair. Chloe couldn’t be forgotten like that.

Kris noticed the smile on Caleb’s face fade. She looked at him worriedly. She willed him to look at her silently. When he did, Kris felt like cowering. His glare couldn't melt butter. Kris shrunk when she saw it was directed at her. Wondering what it was, she approached him, only to be pulled away by her father.

"I'm leaving now. You coming with me or will you stick around for a while?" he asked. Normally, he would be the last to leave but the youth group rented out the room for a fundraiser movie-night, so they'd be setting up. Besides, there was also the Bible study they had with the rest of the youth group that they’d have before it.

"Uh, I'll stick around for now. I'll have to go home anyway so I can get changed. Actually, I think I'll just stick around til then," she said, taking a glance at Caleb. He still seemed to be angry but he wasn't looking at her anymore.

"All right. Well, you know where we live and you know when you have to be home, so I'll be off now. I love you, pumpkin."

"I love you too, dad," she said wrapping her arms around him.

Her father ruffled her hair. "I know you do. Now, go hang out with your friends and remember, don't do anything Jesus wouldn't do."

She let go of him and saluted him. "Yes, sir!"

He walked away with his shoulders shaking with laughter. Kris turned back to where her band mates stood. Liz waved her over.

"So, what do we do now?" she asked when she got to them.

Liz shrugged. "I don't know. We have a few hours left to set it up. Maybe we could get snacks?"

"Yeah, I guess that's cool. I mean, how'd you do it before?" she asked.

"We never had a set pattern. I mean, Chloe always had it planned out," Matt answered from behind Liz.

Kris frowned. "Well, we can't exactly work without at plan, can we? Maybe you two could stay here getting everything while Caleb and I go over to the grocery store."

Liz and Matt nodded. Kris looked over at Caleb. "Hey, Cale. You ready to go?" she asked.

He didn't bother answering. He just walked out of the room. Smiling apologetically at the others, Kris ran after him.

"Cale, wait up! Your legs are longer than mine! I can't walk as fast as you do!" she shouted from behind him.

He waited for her to arrive before walking off again. "What's up? Why the angry face?" she asked.

He didn't answer and she knew better than to bother him then.

The walk was uncomfortably silent but they finally reached the grocery store. It was just as she remembered it. The alley was still next to it, but this time, there was no cat for her to feed. She looked up at Caleb and found him glaring at the floor.

“Caleb, do you want to go choose the things or should I?” she asked.

“I don’t care,” he grunted.

She frowned. He confused her. She didn’t have time to think about it because one of the women from church walked up to them. “Hey you two! Getting ready for movie night? Caleb, it’s good to see you outside again. Kris, you must be good for him if he’s out here right now,” she said. The control Caleb had on himself snapped.

“I don’t have time for this,” he growled as he stalked off, leaving both the woman and Kris staring after him in surprise. Kris wasn’t happy with his reaction.

She turned to the woman, who looked very confused, and apologized. “I’m sorry. He’s  just very stressed about tonight and we had a long week. Practice and all must have taken a lot out of him,” she said. “I’ll go after him. Just to make sure he’s okay. Have a great day!”

The woman wasn’t even able to reply. Kris was off in the direction Caleb had gone.