Double Or Nothing // C.T.H

26 ~ Calum

I woke up groggy from last night, it was such a mix of emotions. I was still exhausted from being locked in the shower, and I can feel the ache of a cold in my throat.

A small smile crept on to my lips as then remember the night I had with Valerie. It was indescribably astonishing. The mere fact that she even took me to her hideaway, but then how we just talked, was amazing.

It wasn't just a talk, it was a talk. The kind that feel like they could last forever and you just talk about...you talk about everything. She told me more about her brother, Ollie and little stories that were random yet so appropriate at the time. And I did the same.

It was a time that I'm sure will always captivate my mind, sending be back to the trees and the small gold lights that reflected off of Valerie's pale gray eyes and the way the crickets sounded in the background, I don't ever want to forget that feeling.

The warm fuzz from the memories of last night abandoned me as I then recall what happened once I got home. I had finally fell asleep for a hour or so when a loud band against my wall jolted me awake.

Investigating the alarming sound, I rush to Thomas room to be met with a sight that I'm sure I'll never forget either, but this one I wanted too.

He was bent over the floor, a bottle of cleaner was splattered on the wall and pooled on the carpet, yet Thomas was trying I clean up some small stains on the floor with tears sliding down his cheeks and on to his glasses.

He screamed again and I latched myself on him. To some people, this would look crazy. Thomas crying and screaming over some stupid stains, but I knew better. I knew it was something more, and I also knew now was not the time to ask him about it.

So he soon pushed himself from my arms, and telling me repeatedly he was fine, before I left his room.

When I walked out I found Mali sitting outside the door, so I sat beside her.

"We got in a fight." She said, her eyes on her pale pink toe nails as she spoke. "It was pretty bad."

I sigh, putting an arm over her shoulders, she lent into my side. "I couldn't go back in, I just couldn't. I'm still mad but...but hearing him like that...I was stuck here, outside and listening to him cry but I couldn't go in." She mumbled into my side and I played with the ends of her hair to sooth her.

Mali's never been good with fights, not since Cody. I knew he only reason she didn't want to go in to help Thomas was she didn't want him to yell at her. Yelling is her least favorite thing in the whole world, but sadly it's always present in our house.

My heart swelled in sympathy as I thought of my siblings, how the roles had been reversed, usually it's Mali holding me and Thomas avoiding me. Everyone just so different now.

I sucked in a deep breath as I realization hit me. I missed band practice. I grabbed my phone, knowing that I was about to get angry messages from my mates.

I had 5 missed calls and 8 messages from Michael.

Mike 6:07pm - Hey, wanna come over early and play Fifa? Bring pizza.

Mike 6:23pm - okay I guess not. rude.

Mike 6:43 - Bro, we are waiting for you. Luke even brought a audience...the joy 🙄