Still Waiting (Cake)

Chapter 3

Luke's POV

"You know, maybe you shouldn't tell him." Michael slurred. "At least not yet."

"Why not?" I raised an eyebrow. "Isn't that what you and Ashton wanted me to do? Tell Calum I like him?"

"Well yeah..." Ashton said as he exchanged his books from his locker. "But the thing is, it might seem like you're rushing into things. I mean, you've barely known him for a week now."

Michael nodded in agreement as he heard these words and I stood there confused. Should I tell him? Or would I only look desperate? I didn't know what to think. Calum would probably feel awkward since we literally just met a few days ago. I can't tell him yet. I should just wait.

"Okay, you're right." I said waving my hands, signaling that I gave up. "I guess I'll have to wait then. But when will I know to tell him?"

"When it feels right."

I gave a dimpled smile to my friends and made my way towards my PE class, knowing that I had to see Calum there.

I walked into the locker room and changed into my black PE shorts, along with a T-shirt that had the logo of Ravallon High printed on it. Calum then approached me.

"Hey Luke!" He greeted with a huge smile.

I turned to him and then quickly looked down as soon as I noticed I turned red.

"Are you okay? Did I scare you? Is it my face?" Calum quickly said with his three questions seeming like three words.

It is your face. You're so beautiful. I thought to myself, quietly answering his question.

"It's nothing." I flickered my eyes back to his.

Soon enough, Calum and I were jogging around the PE tracks together, just chatting away.

I glanced at his arms, noticing how strong he looked. I bit my lip as I looked away from him. I stared off into the path in front of me, noticing the awkward silence between him and I. The silence seemed so loud, and I was worried that it all looked obvious, so I broke the silence.

"So, are you happy you came to this school?"

How stupid of me to ask. Why did I ask? Does he think I'm nosey or annoying? I probably shouldn't have said anything. Now I'm scared to say anything else.

Right then was when we decided to take a break from jogging and we just walked.

"I... I didn't think I would be happy, but I actually am. I mean, I'm still waiting for something to happen, but you know."

"What are you still waiting for?"

Why do I always feel like I'm saying the wrong thing? It's just a question, right? I shouldn't worry too much.

"I honestly don't know. I mean, I feel like I've found you, and that's what I've been waiting for."

"Wait, what do you mean?" I asked, slowing down my pace.

"Oh-uh, nothing, really. I was waiting for you because... I-I mean, not you exactly. Like, a good friend. You know? Nothing weird. I'm just glad to have a good friend like you is all. I mean, you, Michael and Ashton, you know? Nothing strange..." Calum rushed his words as he scratched the back of his head nervously.

Why does he do that? I wondered to myself.

"Umm okay." I mumbled, unsure of what to say next.

We once again began to jog after noticing we were just standing there in the middle of the track field. The rest of the jog was very quiet and only a few words escaped from time to time. I feel like I've already said too much and that we already know so much about each other.

It seemed so awkward between him and I.

-

I waited at the steps in the front of the school after the last bell, waiting for Ashton and Michael. As I waited, I noticed Calum. I stood up from the steps and walked up to him confidently.

"Calum?" I called.

He turned to face me.

"Hey Luke!" He grinned.

"Do you maybe wanna come over my place? Maybe stay the night if you want?"

"Uhh..." Calum looked down nervously. I don't know why.

"Will Michael and Ashton be there too?"

Wait, why does he want Ashton and Michael to be there? Does he like one of them? Both of them? What is going on!?

"Uh sure." I spoke without thinking.

What am I doing? I'm worried about Calum liking one of my best friends, but I'm agreeing to inviting them over as well?

"Then, okay!" Calum nodded with a smile.

I didn't understand. Would he have said no if Ashton and Michael weren't coming?

-

"Nice house..." Calum complimented as he sat on the couch in my living room.

"Thanks." I said uneasy.

Ashton and Michael walked in right away.

Calum suddenly jumped from his seat yelling, "Hey guys!"

"Hey Calum!" Michael and Ashton spoke in unison. That always happens.

Calum hung his right arm around Ashton's shoulder and his left arm around Michael's shoulder while looking at each of them side by side. "Finally, we get to all hang out outside of school! Isn't this great!?"

I don't know why, but that kinda made me feel jealous.

"It sure is!" Ashton laughed as he pulled away from Calum, Michael doing the same.

"Yupp." I mumbled while rolling my eyes. "Just great..."

"Huh?" Michael looked at me. The others were looking as well.

"Oh nothing. I'm just agreeing with you." I said as I hid my hint of jealousy.

Maybe I shouldn't worry. He's just trying to be more confident. That's all, I hope.

It was quiet for a while. But that usually never happens when I come over. I guess Calum made it different.

"So, uh..." Calum turned to face me. "You guys have any video games?"

Before we knew it, we were playing videos games like Calum requested. He ended up winning most of the time.

My mom got home and she greeted us all before heading up stairs to go to bed. She seemed so stressed. I tried to ignore it and I focused on the game.

After that, we decided to watch a movie. Calum sat next to me.

"Uh, be right back." Calum interrupted the movie. "I've gotta use the restroom."

After it was quiet for 30 seconds, I turned my face towards Ashton and Michael.

"Guys... What do I do about Calum? I really like him, but I'm not sure he likes me..."

"You really can't wait, huh." Ashton said as he placed his hand on my shoulder.

"No, I really can't!"

"So, do something about it." Michael chimed in as if it were that easy to do.

"I don't know guys." I scratched the back of my head.

"All I know is that I really like Calum..."

Seconds later, I heard Calum's voice.

"What'd I miss?"

"Nothing." I slurred.

Instead of sitting next to me like he did at the start of the movie, Calum sat next to Ashton on the other side. It upset me, but I tried not to let it get to my head.

The fact that he did not like me.