Carry On. || Calum Hood

ii.

(A/N: this fetus picture AHHH)

"So, what do you think?" Ray asked in anticipation.

"Uh, it's a nice poster!" I commented, observing the scribbled drawings and intentional scratchings of the poster's design. "I just have no idea who this band is. . . are we going to a concert?"

Christina wasn't lying when she said I wouldn't understand my gift. I mean, I had no idea what to make of this. Yes, I enjoy my fair share of bands like Green Day or Sleeping with Sirens, but I've never heard of this one. I'm grateful no matter what it is, but still. . .

A chorus of laughter rang around me once again, confusing me even more.

"I told ya," Christina told Ray, nudging her with her shoulder. Ray rolled her eyes.

"Alright, alright," she raised her hands up in defense. "Okay, so Ara, you've been saying you were considering being a teacher, yeah?" I slowly nodded my head. "Probably a language teacher, so obviously you're going to have to find a language you like."

"Okay?" I replied, still unsure of what was going on.

"Since your music styles seems to resonate more with bands, we thought it'd be a really exciting experience if you went on tour with one!" she finished, smiling largely. "I mean, obviously you'd have to live with them and all that, but we can't afford a trip around the world and they offered your stay with them for free! You could even be a translator since you learn so quickly! Isn't that cool?"

My jaw fell slack. "A-are you kidding? I can't leave you all here," I immediately blurted out, sounding a but harsher than I intended. That was the first thing I thought of when she finished; the kids.

Expressions of shock covered most people's faces, clearly not expecting my reaction, but Christina nodded her head and slowly said, "I get it, Ara. We know how much you wanna help out here." I thanked her, but she continued, "But, you're not going to be staying here much longer. We think it's time that you get a taste of the real world, if that makes sense. It'll be easier for you to be more successful after this! And we all thought if anyone deserved an opportunity like this, it'd be you."

Thinking about her reasoning, I bit my lip. After a moment of contemplation, I hesitantly said, "But going on a tour? Around the world? Isn't that a little. . .drastic? When is it?"

Slowly, people started to ease up after they realized I might actually consider doing this. I just needed to know more.

Ray glanced at Christina, before saying, "Um, they said they'd pick you up around next week. . ."

"What?!" I nearly knocked over my chair standing up. "No, no way. I don't even know this band, whoever they are, and I can't just leave you all here! I need the stay and help out and-"

"Woah, woah, slow your roll Ar," Christina held her arms out. "First of all, as much as you might not want to go right now, it's already been made official by their management. We literally can't legally back out." I stared at her.

Ray spoke next, "Also, we've been meaning to tell you this but decided to wait for today, just so it makes things easier." I quirked an eyebrow. "We actually received a great donation from Christina's boyfriend's company. . ." She gestured around the room. ". . .over $20,000!" she finished off excitedly, and I put my hand over my mouth.

"Oh my god, that's amazing!" I congratulated to no one in particular, looking around with a giant smile. People were hugging each other and kids were cheering and jumping around.

"Exactly!" Christina encouraged, coming towards me. "Not only do we have a huge donation, but there are already enough volunteers to last us a whole year! I promise, Ar, you not being here will not tear us apart. We all want you to do this."

After the celebrating had settled down, the attention was drawn back to me once more. While kids my age looked at me with faint jealousy, they still looked happy, and volunteers were nodding their heads with the younger children.

"I don't know," I replied, still unsure. This isn't just me leaving for a week the go to one place. I'd be gone for a few months, living on the road for the most of it. And with people I didn't know. . .

"Who is this band again?" I asked.

A grin broke out on Christina's face. "I think you'll quite like them. They're made up of four attractive, Australian boys." I rolled my eyes. "They're your age, and I think one or two of them are sin-"

"So you want me to learn or do I just need to get an 'attractive Australian boy'?" I teased, quoting her words.

"I don't think she'll even look at them that way, I've heard they're as boyish as they come. Just think of them as your 10-13's!" Ray intervened, clapping her hands together.

"Oh joy. . ." I mumbled in a fake enthusiastic voice. I sighed. "Fine, I'll go. Just to see what it's like!"

A round of cheering came for the third time. I rolled my eyes as my two best friends ran to me and gave me a hug.

"But if I end up hating this tour, I'm blaming both of you."

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A/N: She said yes! So stubborn though. But don't be upset she didn't jump at the chance to go, it shows how much the orphanage means to her:) Next chapter will be in Calum's POV! Remember to vote and comment! Thanks loves!

-M