Foster ✘ 5SOS

•11•

;emily;

Around four, my phone goes off with a text that makes my heart stop.

I feel my mouth dry as I read the text again, just to make sure that it's real and not some sick game or joke.

Could it be Calum? I don't have his number. He could just be fucking with me because him and the boys are currently hanging out, they could just be bored.

For some reason I don't think that it's Calum. I feel like it's real. My phone screen lights up again with another text from the number, making my heart drop. Why did this have to happen?

"Um, I have to go guys." I mumble toward my friends, still staring at my phone screen.

"Everything okay?" Beth frowns, getting my attention as I lock my phone and slip it into my back pocket.

"Yeah, just a thing with Luke again," I bite my lip and roll my eyes, trying to seem convincing. Very far from the truth, but I should get back now.

"That sucks. We'll see you at school tomorrow," Ella sighs, giving me a short hug.

I slide down the rock, feeling my heart beating faster by the second. At first it stopped, but it's just been picking up since.

Once I'm positive my friends can't see me, I begin to run. I want to get home fast so that I can sleep forever. If this is what's actually happening I don't want to exist. Not that I really wanted to in the first place, but this makes everything even worse.

I run down the street briskly, this week I've exercised more than I have in years I think.

When I see the house I slow down to a jog, feeling some type of relief. Not fully, but knowing I'm here makes things a little better.

I throw the front door open, meaning to close it as I rush in but failing and not feeling like turning back. I hear the boys in the living room, heads snapping the see me as I rush up the stairs.

I slam my bedroom door behind me, untying my flannel from my waist and tossing it somewhere, kicking my shoes off and watching them hit the wall, the bang caused by it somewhat satisfying as I rip my phone out of my back pocket. No new messages.

My bedroom door opens again to reveal the boys, looking very confused and a bit concerned. When they walk in breathing normally is when I realize I'm panting heavily.

"Are you okay?" Calum asks, licking his lips. I just give a slow nod, already looking unsure.

"You ran into the house like you were being chased and didn't even close the door, or listen to us when we yelled your name." Luke rolls his eyes at me.

They were yelling to me? Did I tune it out? Did I just not hear it? Was I too focused on this stupid text?

I give a slight shrug, my breathing slowing down a bit but my heart rate still up.

"I thought you were hanging out with your friends?" Ashton furrows his eyebrows as he examines me carefully.

"I was, I left early." I speak quietly, flopping face first onto my bed. Luke scoffs at me.