Hanging Tree

Chapter 38

Calum

'Like I Can' by Sam Smith was playing as I sped down the road. I loved driving around at night. It made me feel calm and gave me a sense of serenity. The boys did suggest for me to leave tomorrow morning but I preferred leaving tonight so I did. I knew what the boys said was right. Going back home and meeting my parents might help me. Mom and dad hasn't seen me in sometime so I guess they would be ecstatic to see me. I hadn't told them I was coming over so hopefully they would still be awake when I got there.

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I parked my car and got out of it. I slung my bags over my shoulder and walked over to the front door. I placed soft knocks on the door and waited for someone to answer it. I had to admit, I was nervous to meet them again. I don't know why but I guess its cause things has changed since the last time I saw them. I've been playing more gigs and I guess I could say I've became more known. The door swung open and right in front of me stood my elder sister, Mali Koa Hood. "Hey," I smiled at her cheekily.

She told there, looking at me dumbfounded, trying to register what she was seeing. Her lips finally erupted into a smile and she exclaimed. "Calum!" she swung her arms around me and pulled me into a hug. I smiled as I hug her back. Damn. I've missed this.

"How have you been?" I asked her, still enveloped in her hug. "How have I been? How have you been?" she asked, finally letting go. I laughed in response as she invited me into the house.

My eyes scanned around the surrounding. Nothing has changed. Everything looked the exact same as it was just before I left. It felt good to be home. I felt happy here. Comfortable. Safe, even. Loud footsteps of someone descending the stairs could be heard. I turned around only to come to face with my dad.

"Calum!" he said happily, his deep voice echoing through the room. "Joy, c'mon down. Guess who decided to give us a surprise visit," my dad said calling my mom down. I walked over to him and gave him a hug. "How has my big boy been?" my dad asked. I chuckled at his way of addressing me. "I'm alright, dad. What about you?"

Before my dad could answer, my mom was down the stairs and making her way towards me. "Calum!" my mom smiled, ear to ear, as she approached me. I smiled back at her and wrapped my arms around her, embracing her into a hug. "Hey, mom."

"Why didn't you tell us you were coming over? I could've made you something nice for dinner." My mom always went all the way. Every time I came home for a short visit, she would cook a whole load of food and make sure everything was perfect. But honestly, I didn't mind. I was always just happy to be home.

"You didn't have to make anything for me. Something light would be fine."

My mom eyed me then sighed. "Fine. I'll make us sandwiches or something."

"Can I help?" I asked my mom. I never usually helped her with cooking, but something inside of me made me want to help her. Everyone in the room seemed to be shock at what I said. "What?" I chuckled.

My mom just smiled at me and shook her head. "Nothing. C'mon you can help me with the vegetables and stuff."

Once we were done with the sandwiches, all of us sat together in the living room and had our little snack session while catching up with things. Soon everyone got tired and we all decided it was time to hit the hay. Just as I got up the couch, my mom asked, "How long are you going to be staying here?" I thought about this for awhile. In all honesty, I had no idea. I shrugged my shoulders and smiled. "Not quite sure, mom." She nodded and excused me.