cryptic ⋙ calum hood

11. Cassie

Laughter filled the air, a hat pulled snugly over his messy hair as he chased me down the path.

“Time out,” I stopped, panting. “I’m not a runner,” I pouted. I’m not anything athletic, actually. The most exercise I would get were these walks in the park with Parker, which were my favorite parts of the week. I looked forward to the alone time every Saturday afternoon, and occasionally we’d have Sunday brunch with his parents. Our weekends were spent immersed in each other, and I didn’t mind one bit. Parker had told me he hadn’t meant a thing that night of the party, and that he wasn’t as bad as I thought. He was right and I found myself wrapped up in him and all his quirks.

Calum and I hadn’t talked for a month. He was all I could think of when Parker came up beside me and his warm hand engulfed my own.

“Can we get coffee?” I leaned into him as we continued down the path.

“Sure,” he agreed quietly. “I’m hungry, too.” He let out a light laugh and I smiled at the sound. We drove to Leo’s, as usual, and the smell of coffee was relaxing, filling me warmth. I got my muffin and cappuccino and sat at a table, waiting for Parker’s coffee to be made and for him to join me. My phone vibrated from beside my cup and the name that showed up caught me off guard.

‘Can we hang out soon? I miss you Cass. I’m sorry :(‘

I held my breath.

‘Hey to you too Cal ;)  Of course, just tell me when’

I decided to avoid the awkward in between conversations and just skip right back to being friends. Parker set his coffee and his sandwich down, grinning at me and I put my phone in my pocket. Over the steam and smell of mocha we laughed and talked and he drove me home, where my mother was getting ready to leave.

“Hey mom,” I greeted her as I shut the door behind me.

“Cassandra, I’m not enjoying how much time you’re spending out.”

“Mom, you’re never home. What do you expect me to do?” I rolled my eyes at her.

“Where have you even been Cassandra?”

“I went for a walk and then for coffee,” I pinched the bridge of my nose.

“Who were you with? Cassandra I’m just worried, I don’t want anything to happen to you again.”

Even though I shouldn’t have, I brushed my mother off and rolled my eyes.

“Mom, I’m 17. I’m fine.”

“A boy came by earlier, wondering if you were home,” she raised her eyebrow at me.

“What? Who?”

“A dark haired boy named Calum? He told me to have you call him.” She was slipping a light jacket on now and turned to face me. “Please be careful Cassie.” My nickname in her voice caught me off guard as she came over to me and pressed her lips to my forehead. The affection she normally never showed me left me in shock as she opened the door. “Stay safe Cassandra, I’ll be back later.” She slipped out and I began to realize how worn my mother looked.

Her circles under her eyes were nearly as dark as my own, and she was skinny and seemed tired beyond sleep. I know I put her through quite a lot with the unplanned move, and then she was always at work. I couldn’t help but suddenly feel awful. If I had just gone without seeing her today, my mood would still have been good but instead I felt terrible as I walked up the stairs slowly to my room. I checked my phone again.

‘Brunch tomorrow maybe? On me’

‘That sounds great. Sunday brunch is the best part of the week’

I’d have to cancel on Parker, but I’m sure he’d understand. I decided to text him immediately.

‘Can’t make it tomorrow :(‘

‘Why not?’

‘Something came up but next week’

‘What is it?’

‘Calum asked to hang out’

I decided to be truthful with him, because lying would only cause drama.

‘You’re ditching me for him?’

And so would telling the truth.

‘I’m not ditching you. I haven’t seen him in a while’

‘Whatever’  He texted back childishly. I rolled my eyes, disregarding him for being so immature. He knew I was upset about Cal, and I wish he’d be normal about this.

 

***

The familiar car sat in my driveway, causing my lips to turn up as I ran down my front steps, my hair flying out behind me and I pulled the door open.

“Cal!”

“Hey Cassie,” he had a cheeky grin plastered on his face while I slid into the passenger seat, taking in the smell of pine his car always had. “It’s great seeing you again.”

He took me to his favorite diner that him and the boys usually went to, and we sat for nearly two hours catching up. My food was piled high while Calum and I giggled at each others jokes, entirely avoiding the past month and diving straight into our normal conversations.

“Michael dyed his hair blue yesterday,” he chuckled, mouth full.

“Oh my god, I haven’t seen him since last week. He’s full of surprises,” I shook my head, trying to imagine the once bleach blond boy with vibrant blue hair. I could picture it quite clearly, actually.

“You know, I never got to come to band practice,” I raised an eyebrow at him while he washed his food down with coffee.

“You can come by on Friday if you want?” He suggested. I thought about it. I had plans with Parker but it’d be okay if I bailed, right? It wouldn’t be such short notice either. He wouldn’t be mad. I nodded. After we ate, Calum gave me a ride home, and before I got out of his car I pulled him in tightly.

“I missed you Calum.”

What I registered as shock led him to hesitate, but he hugged me back and I could hear the smile in his voice.

“I missed you too, Cassie.”

I waved at him as he pulled out of my driveway, unlocking my door and checking my phone as I entered the house. Seventeenmessages. All from Parker.

‘Where the fuck are you? Why aren’t you replying? Are you still with him? I swear to fucking god Cass’  Being the most recent message. I bit my lip and called Parker, scared but knowing I did nothing wrong. The way his voice boomed through my phone made even me question my time spent with Calum.

“What the fuck have you been doing?”