beside you • c.h

ten

I awoke the next morning, half an hour earlier than planned.

I sat up on my bed and sighed. Today was the day. I didn't want to get out of bed. I would rather Michael have never told me.

My phone started vibrating relentlessly and I groaned at the thought of answering it.

"Yes Michael?!" I shouted so he could be annoyed.

"Oh fuck! You are up! Are you ready?" He asked.

"No. I'm not Michael. I almost want to say the hell with it and not come." I replied as I pulled myself out of bed and walked over to my closet.

"I'm sorry but you agreed and promised that you wouldn't back out of this." He responded.

I found my green day muscle tee and some ripped skinny jeans and put them on as Michael had reminded me of the mistake I had made.

"I know. And that makes me the biggest idiot." I replied with a slight laugh.

"Both of us are. I gotta go. I'll see you soon." He replied.

"Mhm." I said before hanging up. I tossed my phone onto my bed and nearly screamed. I didn't want to go, but I did.

I went downstairs and made breakfast. Sighing that my Mum was here.

"Hi Honey! You're up early. Got plans?" She asked as I grabbed a bowl from the shelf.

"Yeah. Seeing Michael and the guys." I replied as I poured my cereal and milk.

I wished I hadn't agreed.

"Have fun. Tell them I said hello!" She spoke.

As if I actually wanted to go.

I ate my cereal and looked at the clock. It was 10:00am.

"SHIT!" I nearly shouted, earning a scowl from my mum.

I ran upstairs and quickly did my hair. Curling it and putting it up in a ponytail. I did some light make up as well. I grabbed my converse and slipped them on before looking in the mirror.

"Fuck. Am I going to?" I spoke to myself. I ripped off the green day shirt and dug through my clothes until I found my white tee.

"Better." I said with a smile.

I walked over to my desk and grabbed my shoulder bag and keys before grabbing my phone and slipping it into my pocket.

I walked out of my house and climbed into my car.

Upon starting it, my phone vibrated.

Michael🐨:"He's awake. So text me when you're outside."

"Okay. Leaving now." I replied.

I turned the ignition of my car and listen to it start. The radio blasting what was left of One Direction's single "Drag Me Down". It was a catchy song.

"And next up, we have "Jet Black Heart" by you guessed it! 5 Seconds of Summer!" The radio host almost shouted.

"Fuck. Here we go." I shouted to myself in my enclosed car.

As the song started, I could hear Michael singing. The vocals and drums carried me down the highway as I made my journey to the venue.

By the time the song had ended, I found myself tearing up.

I missed him. I missed Calum.

"Not today." I said to myself as I pulled into the venue parking lot.

I pulled my phone out of the center console and pulled up Michael's name.

"I'm outside." I hit send and turned off my car.

When I stepped out, I saw him almost prancing towards me.

"Hey!" He shouted as he embraced me into a giant hug, lifting me off the ground. I couldn't help but hug him back.

"Good to see you too, Mikey!" I replied. He set me on my feet and we laughed at the scene we had probably just caused.

"Ash and Luke know you're here. He is in the shower." Michael spoke when our fit of laughter had ended. I nodded and we walked towards the bus.

"Are you going to be okay?" He asked, placing his hands on my shoulders. I nodded. He gave me a smile and opened the door to the bus, allowing me to step inside first.

"TAYLOR!!!" Luke said, nearly shouting. He jumped up and hugged me tightly.

"Hi Lucas!" I said as he rocked us in place. It was so nice to hug Luke after so long.

"Hey Ash!" I said as he joined the hug with Luke and I were in.

The two let go of me and we heard the shower door open. I looked at Michael with wide eyes and he looked at Luke and Ashton.

"You know what to do." He whispered to them. They nodded and formed an almost wall in front of me.

"Mike, have you seen my jeans?" I heard him say.

"Back lounge, under the tv." Michael replied.

I could feel myself starting to crack. Two and a half years. Two and a half years of missing him and I thought I could handle it.

Ashton turned around and gave me a thumbs up, signaling that it was okay for me to talk.

"Michael, I-" I started. I felt my voice stop when I heard the sliding door open.

I looked at Luke and he gave me a faint smile, assuring that I'd be okay. I nodded and took a silent deep breath.

"Guys? Is someone else here?" I heard Calum ask. He shoved his way between Luke and Ashton and stopped when he saw me.

"Taylor?!" He shouted with confusion. Every single instinct in my body told me to run. But I couldn't move my legs.

"Hi, Calum." I replied shyly. I could feel my heart sinking as he looked me up and down.

He embraced me in a giant hug and I suddenly felt so at ease. I hugged him tighter than I had the night he left.

"I'm so sorry. I've missed you so much. Please forgive me." He whispered into my ear.

"I forgive you. And I love you." I replied.

He set me down and cupped my cheeks with his hands.

"I love you." He replied before planting a rough kiss on my lips.

I drowned everything out, except the kiss. I felt him pull me closer and I let it happen.

"THANK FUCK!" I heard Michael shout from behind me.

"You're my safety pin." I whispered when our lips parted.

Michael, Luke, and Ashton laughed and cheered as Calum and I had been reunited once again.