hey rockstar

ninety five ; light at the end of the tunnel

What comes next in the story is not in time with what is happening with the world - i did this in order to make the story more open and because writing about COVID in COVID is becoming harder. Please enjoy a world with less of it.

CALUM

When mum called i was expecting our chat to be the save as it usually is now, spaced out and boring because we can't do anything but this time it wasn't. She was so excited when she answered the phone I could hear it in her voice.

"Calum, Tenleys father had texted dad about something today and I wanted to know if you heard yet.."

"About what?" I scrunch up my face looking into the kitchen to see fi Tenley is acting weird at all - like she knows something but she's just making dinner not even watching me.

"Residents of Australia are being welcomed home, and they can get the vaccine here as soon as possible. Calum..."

I don't respond instead I put her on speaker phone googling it as much as I can and suddenly text messages from the boys start to flood in about whether we heard the news. Are we going? Or are we staying with the girls. Is it smart and do we think the states will get anywhere near them soon?

"Mum..."

"Cal, you don't have to come home but...I think she might need it. You could send her home...without you," I sigh looking back into the kitchen I smie softly. I know shse wouldn't go if i didnt and I know that she would rather we be together especially now.

"I think we'll come home. I mean what's the worst that can happen? I mean they posted the rules...'' I scan the page reading the requirements they have.

A negative test two days before the fight, the flight is to be nonstop to prevent exposure and spreading, only residents going to Australia may be on the flights exceptions for business or work travel only - same rules apply. There's a required two week quarantine at a hotel; those travelling with animals may pass them off to a family member if able. And once your quarantine is done..you're home.

It's practically a dream.

"Son," dad's voice shocks me for a moment, "coming home will give you and her a better opportunity at experiencing something even remotely normal for just a little while. It will help both of you so much."

"I know dad, I think we're going to come home. But she hasn't heard about this yet so I have to actually let her know and discuss it but...I think we need to. Or at least she does."

"You do. This gives her a chance to be with her students for a few more months, sell her place and remember a normal life. And you love being back home so it gives you an actual break."

"Will Mali come home too?"

"I don't think so she's rather busy up there with her music and recording. But you, you're okay for a few more months right?" I nod to myself and as if she can see it she sighs, "I'm so excited to see you again."

"Me too mum, i'll let you know what she says okay?"

"Tell her soon alright? We wanna spend time with you kids again."

"Alright," I laugh to myself a little and smile again looking out at the setting sun. "I'll talk to you soon. I love you guys."

I hung up the phone but stayed in the backyard scrolling through the different rules, and flights that were available. FInding different options and the easiest way to get back home to Sydney. I found an article that claims citizens with private homes may quarantine at home with government check-ins. The more I read the more emotional I feel for myself and for Tenley. I know she'll hear about it through work but likely not until tomorrow when she has another meeting with students for a check in.

And while I don't know if she would really want to go home I think she should. She talks so much about her students and how excited she is that they'll be off on their own in the next year and graduating - she was emotional thinking about not being at the graduation. This really gives her the chance. Not only that I can see mum and dad and get the ring to finally propose to her for real. The longer I dig through things the more messages that I start to get. Simone asks if we think we would be willing to come home, Mali asks if I'm going cause she's thinking about it. Crystal urging me to go and even Roy saying it's a good idea.

"Cal?" I look up, Tenley's eye brows are furrowed together and she looks almost concerned for a second before she hooks a thumb towards the kitchen, "dinner is ready. Are you hungry?"

"Yeah I'll be in just a second darling."