My Bully~ Calum Hood

39.

Calum gulped quietly as my dad towered over him. I almost laughed at how helpless he looked but that would be mean.

"Uh yes sir." He managed to get out, his voice was higher than usual. My dad's expression didn't change and he didn't uncross his arms, he just stared down at him. Both my mom and I were watching nervously.

Calum was waiting for my dad to say something but I could tell my dad was doing the same. It was starting to get really awkward so I looked at my mom for help. She nodded as if she understood.

"Ok guys, uh dinner is almost ready. Why don't we set the table?" She said. I smiled and grabbed Calum's hand, pulling him into the dining room with me. I apologized for the awkwardness but he claimed he was all right.

My mom handed Calum and I plates and silverware while my dad got the cups. I could smell the chicken cooking in the oven and it made my mouth water.

None of us talked as we set the table. I was just really ready to eat.

Once all the table looked good all three of us sat down and waited for my mom to bring out the food. She was taking a long time so my dad asked me to go check on her. I was nervous to leave him and Cal alone but I didn't want to be rude so I went, giving Cal a sorry smile.

He shrugged it off but I saw him take a deep breath before I turned into the kitchen. I saw my mom hunched over the oven, humming quietly to herself.

"Is everything alright mom?" I asked, making her jump a little. She laughed when she saw it was only me.

"I'm fine darling but since you're in here could you grab the bread and corn?" She asked as she put the chicken on a serving tray. I gladly pick up the plates and start walking into the dining room when I hear them talking.

"You look familiar, where have I seen you before."My dad asks in a deep voice. I can tell he's trying way too hard to be intimidating.

"I did go to high school with Elyse, maybe you've seen me there." Calum replies with a confident tone. I smile knowing he isn't letting my dad get to him.

"Maybe.. what's your last name, son?" I felt my mom's presence behind me and I knew she wanted to hear this conversation too.

"It's Hood, sir." Calum says with a smile. My dad didn't have a response to that, he just sat awkwardly.

My mom and I took this as our cue to come in, we walked into the dining room with all the food. Calum's face lit up when he saw me... or maybe when he saw the food.

Once the food was all set and ready my mom started to do grace. It's a thing in my house, you're not allowed to eat until grace has been said.

Even though our eyes are supposed to be closed I could feel Calum's eyes on me. I looked up and opened my eyes to meet his. We both smiled at each other while my mom finished.

Finally it's time to eat!

I instantly grabbed my fork and stabbed a piece of chicken before putting it on my plate.

It was silent for a while, everyone was too busy eating to talk. Even though it was a little awkward I liked it better than my dad trying to scare Calum. I looked up to see Calum smiling down at his plate and I saw my mom and dad look at each other.

"This is delicious, Mrs. Carter." Calum said with his mouth full. I laughed a little but my dad didn't think it was as funny as I did.

"Thank you dear, I'm glad you like it." My mom responded with a tense smile.

"I love it." Calum replied, obviously trying to warm up to her. I tried not to focus on the intense glare my dad was giving Cal.

My mom held up the conversation, mainly small talk or asking about college. Calum and I replied with short answers, not on purpose, it was just really tense.

"Calum Hood. I swear that name rings a bell." My dad spoke for the first time since dinner started. We all looked up at my dad with questioning looks.

"Hood, babe don't you remember that name?" He asked my mom who just blushed. Either because of the pet name or because she was embarrass that he put her on the spot.

"Uh I really don't know what your talking about." Calum stuttered. I honestly didn't know either, I was just as confused as everyone else.

And that's when it hit me.

In high school I would come home and tell my dad about my day, everyday. I would tell him about how Calum used to hurt me, he would always get furious and call the principal who always claimed to be "working on it." Of course that was a lie.

I saw something click in my dads eyes and I began to get nervous. I didn't want him to bring it up at all, maybe he's seen Calum at a football game or something.

I looked up at Calum who still seemed confused, then I looked at my dad who seemed to be thinking.

"You son of a bitch." My dad suddenly burst out. The lump in my throat wouldn't go away as I looked at the two men across from me.

"Dad no." I said quietly. I looked at my mom who seemed worried and confused.

"Calum Hood, now I know where I've heard that name. Elyse used to come home every day of high school and tell me about you. How dare you come into my house after the way you treated her." My dad shouted while pointing a finger at him. I felt my eyes water.

"Dad stop please." I begged. Calum looked at me with sad eyes and I almost started crying.

"And you." he said turning to me, "How on Earth could you be so stupid, do you remember how much he hurt you?" Do you have any idea how worried I was for you whenever you went to school because of him! Why the hell is he in my house?" I looked at my lap to avoid his stares.

I heard my mom make a hiccup noise letting me know she was crying too.

"Get out of my house." He said simply, I didn't see who he was talking to but I wanted to leave anyway. I stood up from my chair at the same time Calum did. He gave me a weird look as he started walking towards me. I walked over to my mom and gave his a kiss on the head before saying goodbye.

My dad was obviously overwhelmed, I know he didn't expect me to get up. I thanked my mom once more for dinner and walked out of the door. There were tears streaming down my face when I heard both of my parents call for me to come back.

I ignored them and followed Calum to his car. He still looked sad but he wasn't crying like I was.

I had just gotten in the passenger side of the car when I saw my dad open the door and walk out.

"Please drive." I said to Calum, he started the car and pulled out of the driveway before my dad could say anything.