sunshine | l.r.h

eleven

chapter eleven:

the c word

"Why?" Luke questions, looking over the counter at Calum. The blonde's brows are furrowed and his arms are crossed. Luke's looking at him like he's just delivered the worst news.

"We got partnered up for a project," Calum shrugs nonchalantly. "If it's a problem, go out and do something."

"Calum, I'm supposed to be getting her out of my head," Luke groans, running his hands down his face. A slight smirk flickers in Calum's eyes.

"Ever think there's a reason why you can't get her out of your head?" Calum questions, leaning on the counter. "Maybe a five-letter word that starts with c?"

Luke shoots a quick glare Calum's way. Luke's pushed the thought so far back that it wasn't even an option for him. He's not someone who gets to feel like this. He feels he doesn't deserve that luxury with everything he's done and continues to do. "And you're telling me that you two just so happened to get paired up?"

"Maybe," Calum grins, "Maybe I planned it. Either way, she's coming over and I don't want you to make it weird."

"It won't be," Luke assures. Calum knows he can't guarantee that. "Plus, she's pissed at me anyway."

"I wonder why that is," Calum ponders, drumming his fingers along the counter. "Would it really have been that bad to leave in the morning?"

Luke's jaw tightens at his words. "I had things to do."

"Well, if she's pissed at you then there should be no issue, right?" Calum presses. A knock sounds at the door.

"Yeah," Luke mumbles, pushing off of the counter. Calum nods before heading over to the door. Delilah's on the other side when he opens it. Luke steals a quick glance. Her hair is pulled back into a low messy bun. Her jacket hangs off one of her shoulders, revealing the tank top underneath. Luke looks away. "I'll be outside."

Without another word, Luke goes onto the roof. Calum sighs as he lets Delilah in. A sting of guilt shoots through Delilah. "He shouldn't have to leave."

"He'll get over it," Calum shrugs, heading over to the fridge. If he'd get over himself, there'd be no reason for him to leave, Calum thinks to himself. "You want anything to drink?"

"No, thank you," Delilah answers, suddenly feeling out of place. He nods before grabbing an energy drink. Calum gestures for Delilah to sit. She takes a seat at the dining table, pulling her laptop out of her bag. Calum sits in the seat next to her, resting his head on his hand.

"So, why art?" He inquires. Delilah's quiet for a moment, pondering her answer.

"It's an escape for me," she responds. She looks towards the blue haired boy, "what about you? Why music?"

"Same reason, I guess. It's an escape. It's something I want to do."

"What about football?"

"That would be my dad," Calum nods, tapping his fingers against the drink. "When the guys and I came here, my dad really thought I had a shot at it. Turns out, the man was right."

"I'm sure he's proud of you," Delilah whispers, noticing his slight change in emotion.

"I hope so," he breathes. Delilah wants to ask more, to know why, but she refrains. "So, what's art your escape from?"

She laughs slightly, realizing how her answer parallels his. "My family." Calum stays quiet, waiting for her to continue. "My dad likes things going his way. When his daughter didn't want to pursue being a doctor or lawyer, he got kinda pissed. So, I moved across the country on a whim."