close as strangers | calum hood

twenty five

Jaden

I had been back in Australia for a few weeks now. After that interview at Apollo Magazine, my name had blown up. I was getting asked for interviews at local magazines and newspapers. As my name kept growing, the orders kept coming. I had orders for original paintings and mini sculptures. I was a busy woman.

I was hanging out in my garage with Matthew, painting an original for one of my orders. We were both working on our own things in silence, when the sound of my phone ringing interrupted the peace.

"Hello?" I asked as I answered the call, putting it on speaker so I could continue painting.

"Hi, may I speak with Jaden?" The lady over the phone asked.

"This is her." I confirmed.

"Hi, I'm Danielle calling from ABC news." She started saying, "We're interested in setting up a live interview with you. Is this something you're interested in?"

I stopped painting and looked at Matthew, who was already looking at me with wide eyes.

"Wow- uh- yes! That sounds amazing!" I exclaimed.

"Perfect. The interview won't be too long, we just want a short segment to interview you, and maybe you could show some of the work you've been doing." Danielle explained.

I nodded, "Yeah, that sounds great."

"Okay, I'll grab your email and send you all the details. We can talk about what days you can make free for an interview."

So I gave Danielle my email, and the call was over. Matthew and I stood in awe for a few moments before I started jumping in joy.

"Holy shit, Matthew! Holy shit!" I yelled.

"Jade, that's so freaking cool!" He jumped up as well and ran up to me. He pulled me into his embrace and we were jumping in joy together.

"What happened!?" I heard my mum's voice echo around the garage as she entered. Matthew and I both looked at her.

"Mum, I got an interview at ABC news!"

My mum's eyes went wide as I told her, and she began jumping with us as well. That night, we had a huge dinner, and Matthew stayed the night.

"I think it's crazy how big your name is becoming and so quickly, too." He commented from beside me. Matthew and I were taking a stroll down the beach. After a hectic day, we both wanted a calm walk to end the night.

"I know. It's insane." I agreed.

He looked over at me, "You think it has anything to do with the five sos boys?"

I shrugged, "Maybe. Maybe all these news channels know I have that association. But I like to think that's it's becoming more about my art than my association."

"I hope so. Your art is really good." Matthew said.

I smiled over at him, "Thank you."

After our walk, we went back to my place, got ready for bed, and went to sleep. Matthew was on one side of my bed and I was comfy on the other. I wasn't sleeping yet because I was awaiting a text from Calum.

jade: guess what

I waited about half an hour for his reply.

cal: crazy night! fans are wild in asia.

cal: how was your night, babe?

I smiled at his messages before replying.

jade: i got an interview at abc news!

cal: woah!! that's insane, jade

cal: when is it? will i be back in australia by then?

jade: idk. they're supposed to email me the details. but i'll let you know

cal: okay. wow! i'm so proud of you

jade: thanks :)

cal: is it late there? you should get some rest

jade: only a few hours ahead of you

cal: okay, you get some sleep babe

jade: okay, gn

cal: goodnight love