11:11

VI.

The week had gone by fast and it was finally Thursday. Between talking to Calum and packing I barley noticed the days turn into nights. My mother finally spoke to me yesterday, The first time since our argument. It was a small simple thing, she wanted to know where I put her jimmy choos. The first frickin words from her in 2 and half weeks, "where are my jimmy choos".

I huff in annoyance as I drag my large black suitcase out of my room and into the hallway. I'm the first one awake today, my mother decided to sleep in since being a bitch is such a energy consuming career.

I text Calum a quick good morning before getting ready to go shopping for a few more things I'll need for the trip. I pull my hair into neat ponytail before slipping on my white flats. I consider putting on jeans instead of a skirt just to spite my mother but I decide it isn't worth it. I grab the keys to my mothers corolla before stepping out into the California heat. The sun nearly blinds me as I struggle to find the door handle to the car.

The drive to the local outlet store goes by slower than usual as I take in every small detail of my childhood home. It's hard to believe after tomorrow I won't be back here for a while. I won't see the play ground where my father use to take me, on my way to school anymore. Nor the neighbors cat that liked to hang out in our yard from time to time.

The small outlet comes into sight as I pull into the parking lot. I enter khols which is basically the biggest store we have here. I sigh in relief as the cold air conditioner whips around me. My phone starts to vibrate just as I walk into the clothing section.

A smile tugs at my lips after I see who was calling.

"Calum?" I answer the phone on the second ring.

"I think I know where I'm going this summer."

"Mmhmm" I reply absentmindedly looking at a shirt that held my attention for a moment.

"I'm going to try to take a trip down to New York and I want you to come meet me."

I stop in my tracks as I fully soak in what he just said. To meet him? In person? We've only known each other for about 3 weeks. Granted we talked every single day. But still, how much do I really know about him?

"Hello?" Calum asks snapping me back into reality.

"Meet... in person?" I stutter.

"Yea, Its not like we don't know each other... unless you don't want to"

"No, no I do it's just... when?"

"July, I'm going there to check out
NYU"

I want to be a coward and say no. But to decline the offer of meeting one of the only people who understand me, would make me worse than a coward.

"Yes." I reply before my brain can catch up and I end up saying something dumb.

"Yes what?"

"Oh my god Calum I'll meet you down there" I tell him laughing.

"I knew you would say yes." He states bluntly and I can just hear the smirk on his face.

"Don't be such a fuckboy, I can still say no" I retort giggling.

.........

The shopping trip went much faster talking to Calum. Thats the way most days are with him, he makes every second a little bit better than the last. I get out of the car before grabbing my bags out the back of the car and walking inside the house.

I groan as I notice that my mother is sitting on the couch staring at me and I can already see the wheels turning in her head. What is it now? My skirt isn't long enough?