Forever and Always

Chapter 12:

We got into the park and didn't need a map, because it was all up in my head, I knew this place like the back of my hand, I knew what time my favorite shows started and where every animal was! I didn't want to get too excited because I felt like that would embarrass Calum. So, I just acted calm and told him some trivia and the names of the birds and other animals. We just got to where we needed to be, the bird show is starting at 2:30 and it was 2:27 right now. We walked in and took our seats. At first it sounds boring but once you see it you are left in amazement! The show is half way over and Calum is really interested in the Congo bird, the bird mimics what he hears constantly and when he did the kissing sound, Calum turned to me and we kissed. Just after we kissed, the bird whistled and I couldn't help but laugh!

The show is over and we go to get something to eat. Both Calum and I get a salad and it is amazing! When all of a sudden, I get a text. It's from my mom, and I download a picture she sent to me of the walkway of the Tull Family Tiger Trail opening! I start laughing and say, "HOLY SHIT!!! My moms here she's just now going to see the Tigers! Hurry up, eat, we're gonna surprise her!" I realize that he finished and that only I need to finish.

"What do you mean surprise her?"

"Ohh... About that, my mom and dad think I'm on a road trip through California with Jessie and Sarah. Oops!"

"Wait you lied to your mom?"

"Kinda sorta. I am on a road trip with Jessie and Sarah, but also with you, Ashton, Luke, and Michael."

"Are you embarrassed of us?!"

"No! That's why we are going to go see her now. I was just afraid 3 days ago she would freak out, especially since she hadn't met you. And then I wouldn't be here now!"

"As long as you're not embarrassed of me then let's go!"

We walked to the tiger trail since we had time! We finally reach the entry and Calum looks at it, "This is amazing! Why didn't you bring me here first?!"

"I was saving the best for last! I see my mom come on!" I grab Calum's hand and pull him. We finally walk up to her and I say, "Mom?"

She turns around and gasps, "What are you doing here? I thought you were on a road trip with Sarah and Jessie?!?!"

"I am... along with Luke, and Michael, and Ashton, and Calum... who's my boyfriend." I say that last part and take Calum's hand and smile at him and then look down at my feet.

Calum speaks up, "Awkward moment! I'm Calum. Nice to finally meet you. El has told me so much about you."

My mom laughs, "Well Calum is right, this is awkward! Because, it turns out I know my daughters boyfriend more than she thought!"

"What?" Calum and I say at the same time as I turn my head sideways slightly in confusion.

"You think I haven't listened to you since you were 13! Calum this! Calum that! And occasionally Ashton this and Ashton that!"

"Mom!!!"

"Hey you blabbed first not me, miss fan girl!" she laughs cause I started to blush, "You should've seen her it was 2 weeks of 'OMG Ashton is so hot in this picture!'"

Calum laughs and looks at me as I say, "I shouldn't have had that moment when I was 13!!!!! And either way it was over ONLY one picture, fine two, or three, but never mind that!"

"Well anyways, it's nice to finally, REALLY meet you Calum!" she smiled at Calum then turned to me with a straight face, "And Elizabeth???"

"Yes..." I say because I know it's because I was lying.

"This is our secret. We'll tell your father about this WAY later!"

"Thanks for understanding mom!" I smile because I was expecting her to scold me and then I hug her.

We spent the next half an hour or so walking the tiger trail and it looks absolutely stunning! There is a waterfall and you can see the sunset through it, so it's just amazing. Calum is hugging me from behind and has his chin in my head. It was a little awkward though because 1) my mom was right next to us and 2) everyone was clearing out, so they all saw us. Occasionally there was a 5sauce fan glaring at me specifically.

When it was time to leave I give my mom a hug and tell her I'll see her soon. Calum holds out his hand for my mom to shake it, and she does. I know she doesn't wanna embarrass me in front of Calum and all these other people because she normally would've gone in for a hug.

•

A/N: Oh yes, the mom has been brought into the story! It adds a little bit of excitement, also knowing that the mom will keep it a secret from Ellie's dad. Anyways, you may read on. Love you, as always
-Baylie <3