Choices || Calum Hood

Realize

"If you just realized what I just realized..."

Since Mason and Bella are on their summer trip I haven't had any reason to go home, so I've been spending every moment possible with the guys. In the time being I have come to learn that Ashton is always smiling at everything and everyone, that he has a crush on one of their make-up artists and that he misses his younger brother and sister more than anything in this world. I learned that Michael is probably the most insecure out of all of them, he enjoys continuously dyeing his hair abnormally cool colors- that only he could pull off- and he loves overwhelming people with hugs. Luke is, without a doubt, the most shy person I have ever met, regardless of the fact that he performs in front of thousands and thousands of admirers every night and he is the least loved by kids, they just don't like him for some reason. Lastly there is Calum, he is still the same teddy bear that I knew when I we were younger, however he has coated with toned muscles and an even more enticing grin than before.

After Cal and I had a little talk about how things have changed since he last left and he has adjusted to them, things have been just perfect. Its just simply a joyous occasion when I hang out with them.

I think I forgot how to have fun over the years, after mom died and dad... well, stopped being a dad, so many responsibilities were pushed onto my shoulders but the past two weeks have allowed me to rejuvenate and just breath a little. My lungs feel like they can carry out the exchange of oxygen to carbon dioxide more efficiently now. I just feel like I am finally functioning properly now, thanks to Calum.

Since moving to their beach house the hotel has returned to normal, which means work has been boring. I tap my fingers on the counter I'm sitting behind as I stare at the clock. My shift is over in almost an hour, so I decide to send Calum a text:

Wat r ur plans??? I eagerly ask

Interview. U should come. He types a minute later.

When? I reply

Pick u up after work.

C u soon.

A small smile spreads on my face as I toss my phone into my backpack, but the happiness is shaken when Lily comes up with a slightly mischievous smirk plastered on to her face.

"Who ya textin? Is it Calum?" she asks, while rocking on her feet like a kid who stole to many cookies from the family cookie jar.

"Maybe." I bite my bottom lip in hope of concealing the smile that was about to take over my face. Since spending time with Cal, something has began stirring from within, I'm not exactly sure what it may be, but I am sure it's very different.

"Sure." Lily says dragging the word out. "I mean, you have to admit, he's pretty hot."

My insides suddenly flare with this deep irritation at the thought of Lily having feelings for him. "What? You Like Cal?" I tried to nonchalantly say but failing to hide the edge in my voice.

Cocking her eyebrow she says "No, but you clearly do."