Mr Hood (Calum Hood AU)

Part 53 - Reality

Oh and there is another update...

It's been two weeks since I got out of the hospital. Two weeks since I last spoke to Calum. And it is finally the day where I go back to school.

You know how after summer holidays and you go back to school and you kind of forget what it was like? That's how I'm feeling right now. Except it hasn't been the summer holidays. It has been a little over eight months. Eight months since I stepped foot in this place. It is like I forgot this place even existed. That is scary. The last time I was here, I got taken. The last time I was here was the day I met Elijah. It's a strange concept. And I don't know how it's going to be.

I get dressed in my uniform that I haven't worn in forever. I pack up my bag with supplies for school. I have my maths textbook, my biology notes, my English book and all my art and photography equipment. I have a massive folder of the pieces I am using for my art and photography portfolios. The things I created for fun in the time I was gone. The photos of a place I will never go again. Pictures of a place that people died. Where I got shot. Where I lived a life that no one knows. Nobody but myself.

I get in Spencer's car after eating my breakfast and we drive to school. It is a strange morning. Full of anticipation for a day I didn't expect to go back to after what has happened to me. I don't know how people are going to act and I don't know what to expect when I get there. "How are you feeling? We don't need to do this if you don't want to." Spencer tells me as we get closer to the place of education I've not been at in over eight months. "I have to go back at some point Spence. No point in putting it off any longer." I tell him truthfully. I am going to have to finish my last year of high school. And I do not want to repeat the year. I've done the work, or most of it. I know that most people in my year are preparing for exams and I'll sit mine in the holidays but I don't care about that. It's exceptional circumstances and I have to get used to that.

"I know. I just- if you need me then just call me. I'll come and get you. No matter the situation. I will pick you up." He tells me seriously as he parks in the car lot. "Thanks Spence." I smile at him as I give him a hug. "I love you Hale." He tells me as he squeezes me to him hard. "I love you too bro." I grin. I missed my brother. This is the only physical contact k an cope with at the moment, hugs from my big brother, the only family I have left.

I hop out his car and grab all of the things I will need. Carrying everything I walk hesitantly inside the school. I'm scared. They all think they know what has happened. I don't want to have to talk about it. I don't think I'll be able to cope if someone brings it up.

As I walk down the halls people look at me. Their eyes widen and they all looked shocked to see me. They don't say anything though. It's uncomfortable, but not as bad as if they actually spoke to me. I walked to the head teachers office. I had to have a meeting before I went into class. And I was hoping he could give me my locker combination, I couldn't remember it. The one memory that didn't come back.

The secretary gives me a small sad smile as she tells me to take a seat in the waiting area. I nod back to her and sit. Nerves are still bubbling in my stomach and I feel like I'm going to throw up. Mr Giles comes out of his office and tells me that I can come in now. I pick up my stuff once more and walk in after him. "So Summer, it is your first day back. How are you feeling?" He asks me. "I'm alright I guess. Kind of nervous, I suppose." I say honestly. "That is expected. And your studies, how are you getting along with your work for the classes?" He inquires as he eyes up the massive folder beside me. "Alright. I've completed the work for art and photography. I have pieces for my English folio, so still a little bit of work to do. Biology and Geography are fine, just the last units to complete for them." I tell him how I've gotten on and he looks at me surprised. "Someone's been a busy bee then." He chuckles and I let out a little laugh also. "And maths? I know you've struggled with that as it is." He asks. I was honestly shocked that he knew that about me. I let out a little cough. "Erm, well that subject is still a struggle. But Mr Hemmings is tutoring me. My brother arranged it for me." I say and he nods in reply. "Okay. That is good then." He smiles at me.