howl // c. hood

two

"calum hood, calum-fucking-hood," i screeched at my best friend. "how does that happen? does god hate me? wait, i'm atheist."

jackson simply shrugged with a grin, "i don't know, baby, but maybe you should see this as a gift. you get to spend all the time in the world with calum hood."

i rolled my eyes, "i don't want to 'spend all the time in the world with calum hood.' i just want to be able to do this project solo like i always do and pass the class." and because he sudden interest in me today raised a few red flags. i didn't get bad vibes from him, or anything like that, i was just confused and a little nervous. however, i didn't voice those opinions.

jackson sighed, "look, baby, you don't have that option this time. i know you don't like that fact, but think about it this way: you got partnered up with one of the smartest kids in school, even if he doesn't look it, and the bonus is that he just so happens to be the hottest babe in town."

"okay, but--"

my best friend shook his head, "no 'buts', baby. the quicker you get this done, the quicker your done with your group project, yeah?"

i nodded sadly, "yeah, yeah."

"great, and oh, look! here he comes now, hi, calum!" jackson said, his tone flamboyant and flirty as he greeted the tan boy.

the said boy smiled brightly, "hey, jackson! how're you doing?"

my best friend was practically bursting with energy at this point, "great! and you?"

calum shrugged, "i've been holding in there. not to sound mean, but i actually came here to talk to grace about our project."

"say no more, i'm outta here, bye baby, i love you, remember, i put an extra cond--"

"bye, jackson!" i cut him off with a glare, my cheeks red as cherries while calum laughed.

the boy grinned widely, much like a cheshire cat, before turning and walking to his car.

when he was sat in his car and starting up the engine, i turned to calum, "sorry, uh, wh--what did you wanna say?" i asked, trying to compose myself from the embarrassment and slight anger.

calum shook his head, "don't worry about it, i just wanted to ask when you wanted to get started on our project."

"oh! yeah! totally!" i said, thankfully momentarily forgetting about jackson embarrassing me in front of calum.

"okay! when are you free? what days?" he asked.

i hesitated, "well, mondays and thursdays, i help out at the library, and every other wednesday i have a support group to go to. other than that however, i'm free."

"okay, cool. how's tomorrow sound?" calum suggested.

"sounds great," i replied. "i have to get going to the library, but i'll see you tomorrow. bye, calum," i smiled.

he smiled back, "see you 'round, grace."

#

"you're running late this afternoon, grace," mrs. blithe said as i entered the library.

"i'm so sorry! i had to talk to someone about a school project," i explained.

the woman simply laughed and dismissed it with a wave of her hand, "you don't have to explain anything to me, grace, we're just thankful you show up to help and volunteer."