Distraction

Chapter 4-United

In my eyes, I was struggling. I was nothing more than a washed up partier that peaked too soon, trying to find another outlook on life.

In my parents' eyes, I was a mistake. The remnants of a wasted relationship that stained their memories.

But in Calum's eyes, I was something more. Not only a musician, but an outlet for relief.

We spent an entire evening tearing our fingers to shreds on the strings of our guitars, playing everything song we knew, bits and pieces of others not so familiar, and duets aplenty.

Never had I had so much relief since high school -no- childhood, even. Just sitting there, in the light of my whimsical purple lamp, conversing with a stranger so openly...

"Can I ask you a question?" I giggled, on a mental sugar high from Mountain Dew, the closest thing I could get to a state of drunkenness.

"I guess," Calum smiled, eyes focused on a sheet of music.

"When I asked you why you were being nice to me, you said it was because you know what it felt like to lose a guitar. That's a lie. If that was the case, you wouldn't have come back. So what's the real reason?" Way to go, Sherlock Holmes.

Calum met my inquisitive stare with a shrug. Why did he have to be so nonchalant? "I don't know. I just thought you seemed...like an interesting person. Like someone I should get to know, because if I don't, I'll never get another opportunity. You know?"

Easy there, Hood. You can't just drop a bomb on me like that. "Yes, I understand. And why exactly is that? I'm not that interesting once you get to know me."

"Well, now I'm starting to sound stupid," Calum grimaced sheepishly. I was quick to shake my head. Oh, how this stranger intrigued me.

"No, please go on."

"Ok. Well, it might have been the way you dress-"

"You mean jeans and a t-shirt?" I scoffed.

"I thought you wanted me to finish?"

"Ok, I'm sorry. Continue." Now it was my turn to hide burning cheeks.

"As a matter of fact, jeans and a t-shirt is all I ever wear, too. And I like this," he slowly reached over and picked up a lock of my hair, "this little blue streak, and how it contrasts the blonde. Such an artistic choice."

"Well, now you are starting to sound stupid."

Calum retracted his hands into his lap, and I worried for a minute that I'd hurt him somehow. "I-I mean, I'm still trying to figure you out."

He raised his head a bit. "Really? What's there to figure out?"

Now I'd caught his attention. I used this to my advantage, leaning back against the wall confidently. "I don't know. Are you really a nice guy, or are you playing me? I've hung around with players before, and I'd rather not go down that road again."

"What? I'm nice! I mean, I'm trying to be nice! I don't know what kind of people you know, but it's stupid to play someone like that. It's not me."

"Prove it."

He set down his bass and rose from the ground. "Alright. Can I take you out sometime?"

My heart melted into a puddle of desire right then and there. I was flattered to say the least. "I guess."

"When do you want to go?"

"You decide. I've got nothing on my schedule," I instructed.

"Ok then. Friday alright? At...8? Yeah, that works. I'll pick you up. See you later."

I was at a loss of words. "Goodbye."

He was halfway out the door when he called back, "Keep the guitar."

xxxxx

Sorry these have all been filler chapters but excitement will come soon so be prepared and don't give up on me.

The spot for the new character is still open so comment here if you'd like it. Anyway, thanks for reading.

xnoxnamex