Between a Rock and a Hard Place // c.h.

33 - Regrets

Luke's POV
***

I usually don't regret many of my decisions. At least not big ones. Making a YouTube channel those many years ago, allowing Calum and Michael to join me in videos, choosing Ashton to be the drummer for our group. allowing Michael to name us 5 Seconds of Summer. Playing small shows. Agreeing to go on tour with One Direction, writing our own album in the process. Releasing our first album, then starting to write a second one. Releasing Sounds Good Feels Good to the public. Doing two tours, with only a few months between them. Here I stood, outside of a remote hotel in Hawaii, after living through all of those decisions. The most recent tour had led me to meet a girl I loved, who just so happened to be in live with my best friend. Still, I didn't regret the decision to allow myself to become infatuated with Cara. She was worth it to me, even though I couldn't call her mine. I did regret one thing. Ari. I'd brought her along because she seemed cool when I met her, and I was hoping she'd help me get over Cara. She was no help whatsoever. In fact, the more time I spent around her, the more I realized how much I cared for Cara. Ari was so different from the girl I was in love with, it was insane. She'd almost lost her cool when I suggested we stay in separate rooms on the vacation, though she knew that sex was off the table anyway. I re-entered the room, finding my date and Cal sitting at the long dining table uncomfortably.

   Cal had a phone held to his ear, a serious look on his face. "Ok," he spoke into the device, waiting for the person on the other end to respond, "ok, yeah. I'll fly out there tomorrow. I'll bring Ashton." The other person spoke. "Yeah, no problem. See you then." He hung up, looking at me. "I have to fly out to Honolulu tomorrow, they want to interview me and Ash since we never visit here. I told them I'd do it in exchange for the remainder of a peaceful vacation." He rubbed his temple with his hand, still looking me in the eye. "I can't take Cara, Ari has Mads, but Mikey and Abby are gonna want to be together, so do you think you can keep an eye on her for me?" He sounded tired. I understood the feeling. After a great day it always sucked to go back to work.

   I nodded. "I've got your back. How long will you be gone?" I twirled my thumbs in my hand. Ari stood and sauntered out of the room without a word, causing the overall mood in the room to relax. Cal glanced at his phone, then back at me.

   "Two days. All day tomorrow and I'll be back by late the day after." He sighed, running his hand through his curly hair. "I hope Cara's not disappointed." He groaned, worry etched onto his face.

   "She'll understand. She knows your famous, Cal." I rested my hand on his shoulder, attempting to be supportive. "She loves you, don't worry." I grinned, masking the hurt those words brought to me. Cal smiled at me hopefully, the expression failin to reach his eyes.

   "Thanks man." He stood from the table, turning to leave the room. "I'm gonna go tell Cara, she'll be happy that at least you'll be here to keep her company." He grinned and exited the room, walking swiftly towards his and Cara's shared bedroom. I, in turn, made my way to my own suite, dropping myself onto the soft bed. I found myself smiling as I thought of what was about to happen. Two days with Cara.

-

Calum's POV
***

   After my talk with Luke I immediately went to break the news to Cara. While knowing she would be with Luke would help with the problem, I still knew she'd be upset. But Cara was a good person, and she'd forgive me because she loved me. I pushed the door to our room open, seeing only her resting on the white bed. 'Abby probably went to be with Michael.' I assumed, walking over to the bed, stripping into my underwear, and climbing in. It was late, and the energy we'd spent at the beach today reflected in Cara's eyes. She was obviously tired beyond words, but still alert enough to comprehend what I said. I explained the situation to her, about the interview and about Luke. A look of hurt flashed across her face, but it was almost immediately replaced with understand and love. She nodded, squeezing my hand.

   "It'll be ok." She yawned, resting her head lightly on my chest. She never released my hand, which was fine with me. I held her until she fell into a deep sleep. Her breathing steadied and complete peace fell over the girl I loved. I smiled at her, at the way her lips hung open ever-so-slightly, at the way her hair fell gently across her face. She looked like nothing less than an angel. It was easy to fall asleep that night.