risk// 5SOS

37

Calum

"How was school?"

"Good!" they both said, climbing into the car, "Our project won the competition,"

"No way, that's awesome,"

"It was about castles,"

"I am so proud of you both for putting yourselves out there,"

Gia smiled and strapped herself in, then helped Rider who was struggling. The energy that radiated off them both was beautiful.

"Can you guys wait here while I go and talk to the office?"

"Okay,"

I put the radio in for them and went back into school, waiting at the office for someone to come. Instead, I was greeted by the headteacher, who shook my hand.

"How are you, Mr Hood?"

"Great, thank you. I need to change Rider's contact details, and would like to see if he could get sessions with a counsellor like Gia,"

"I heard he moved in with you, how is he finding it?"

"Oh, he's loving it,"

"That's good to hear. Leave it with me, I'll make sure it gets done,"

"Thank you, have a good evening,"

"You too,"

I got back into the car and strapped myself in, leaving the car park.

Both of them stayed quiet on the way home, then got inside and sat on the sofa, so I chopped them up an apple each and gave it to them in a bowl.

I went upstairs and changed out of my scrubs, showering, then put my pyjamas on. They were practically the only clothes I wore in the week beyond my scrubs, because once in my pyjamas, I knew I could be lazy.

Other than unloading the washing and hanging it to dry, I did no errands.

"Dad, can we visit Sage?"

"Not today bud, but soon. You're doing so well,"

He nodded and rubbed his eyes, patting the spot beside him for me to sit. I did, ruffling his hair.

"You have a hair cut at 6:30, after tea,"

"Really?"

"Yep,"

"Can Gia come?"

"Yeah, we will sit and wait,"

"This is the best day ever," 

"I am glad to hear that,"

For a bit, they both shared the ipad, then Rider came and helped me cook tea. He told me he wanted to be like Sage, and since Sage was a good cook, he needed lots of practice.

Bless his heart, he was clumsy, and clueless, but I appreciated his time and excitement towards cooking.

He was curious about everything and I was glad his past hadn't stripped that from him. I hoped to help it blossom further, and help him find passions that he could fulfil. They all deserved a chance, and I would give every damn kid in the system that chance if I could.

"Did I do well?"

"You did, thank you for helping me. Shall we set the table?"

"Okay"

He set the mats out and I put the cutlery out, then Gia came and poured us all drinks. I served up the food, now running a little late due to the delay Rider put on us, but we would make it work.