Tommy boy | c.t.h AU

chapter 14

chapter 14- you belong with me (Taylor's Version)

Calum's pov

"Mum, what the hell am I supposed to bring?"

My socks slipped easily across the light carpet while I stomped to the living room. My tie hung untied around my neck and I tried to button the sleeves of my cuffs to no avail. Mali didn't stifle her laughs from the couch as she watched me flunder. I stuck my tongue out at her and she flipped me off but of course mum would enter just then and tell off the both of us.

"You watch your mouth and you be nice to your brother, he's nervous," My mum was just shorter than me but taller than Mali. She probably came up to my nose and her nimble hands brushed against my neck as she crossed my tie.

Pulling the fabric tight she let go and patted a hand on my chest. I don't exactly wear formal stuff often and I wasn't sure what to wear for a holiday I've never celebrated. However Adwin was always dressed nice and I didn't want to disappoint and be underdressed so I asked Mali to pick out a green button-down shirt for me. And slacks I didn't know I owned.

Duke pitter-pattered across the floor and my heart felt warm. Man, I love my dog. Before I could reach down and pet him Mali had scooped him off the floor and held him in her arms. The two squished down onto the couch and I watched with envy.

Innocently my older sister batted her eyes and gaped at me, "What?"

"You stole my dog,"

"Oh please," She waved a hand in my direction, "you don't need his fur all over you,"

"I wouldn't mind-"

"Nah hun your sisters right," Mum had strolled back in again holding a bottle of some fancy red wine she kept in the back of the pantry.

"You wanna make a good impression. A clean one. Take this wine though," She pushed the bottle into my hands.

Heavier than I expected. The green bottle made a clunking noise where I sat it on the coffee table.

"No ma I know. I don't want Adwin's dad to think I'm some stupid soccer boy. I mean yeah I'm not... the um.. there's a word for this..."

"The brightest?" Mali offered, running her hands across Duke's head.

"Well yeah. Yeah that works. I know I'm not the smartest or anything but I'm not the worst either. I just wanna kinda prove that I can be mature too,"

I gestured with my hands to really emphasize how important this dinner actually was to me.

The women in the house drew silent and only Duke's snores could be heard. Wide-eyed, I looked back and forth between them.

"What?"

"You're so sappy,"

"Fuck you Koko,"

My sister grinned evilly at me while my mom tapped my face, bringing my gaze straightforward and back to her. Her hand was rough but sweet as she held my cheek in her palm.

My mom had really dark eyes. Pretty eyes. I didn't have to crane my neck down to listen as she said what she did next.

"Hey, you're not just some stupid soccer boy. You're perfectly intelligent and kind and good, Calum. You're my boy. Kia kaha."

Stay strong.

"Thanks mum,"

Her lips pressed firmly into a smile. Soft crinkles formed at the corner of her eyes from where she watched me. Leaning back on one of her legs my mum crossed her arms over each other, like she was giving herself a hug.