Cashton Oneshots

CoffeeHouse Soundtrack

Warning: Triggering content (don't want to spoil the plot though. Read at your own risk)
Word Count: 1949

"Goodnight, Calum," the pleasant voice of my mother's voice rang through my mind like a record on repeat. I'd grown all too familiar with her nightly ritual of wishing me sweet dreams, as if I'd be snatched away from her while she slept. If she could, I bet she wouldn't even sleep, if it meant being with me.

"Goodnight," I replied, smiling softly at her before turning on my side and closing my eyes. I listened intently, waiting for the recognizable sound of the door shutting, and footsteps fading away down the hallway, before reopening them.

My whole mind buzzed with anticipation and excitement, but I contained it, knowing I had to be patient.

The wait was the worst part. I had never been very good at that, but for this, I'd make an exception.

After a good twenty minutes in absolute silence, is when I made my move.

Quickly, but quietly, my feet tread across the flooring to my dresser, and I slid it open. From inside I pulled out a simple pair of skinny jeans and band tee. With utmost care, I quickly changed, then tiptoed to the windowsill, which was tightly shut, keeping out the heavy winds.

I had been doing this for almost a week now. Sneaking out. It felt good to get out, and away from my parents every once in awhile.

As I pushed the window open, a cold breeze blew into my room, causing me to shiver. Doing this during the winter wasn't a very smart choice, but I'd put up with it.

My legs hung over the ledge. The drop wasn't far. Five feet at most. But at this moment, I always paused, almost as if to rethink my decision to leave. Doubt would cloud my mind. Though, I jumped down anyways, ignoring the feeling. I relished in the pride and exhilaration I received.

My feet led me to the street, now walking comfortably, without a single care. Silence hung in the air, a nice change from the constant noise in my life. From the criticism of my parents, to the praise of my teachers, and endless chatter of students. The noise never stopped. That's why I liked it out here so late. No one talked.

I had no idea where I was going. I never did. In this small city, I didn't know my way around like the other kids did. I wasn't allowed outside enough to learn.

So for about an hour, all I did was wander around, without any real destination. I took random turns, paying attention to my surroundings, so I could make my way back without getting lost.

Eventually, during the coldest part of the night, when my breath could be seen in small puffs, I stumbled upon a cute little coffee shop, a bright sign flashing open.

Curious and shivering, I pushed on the heavy door, relishing in the flood of heat that hit my cheeks, tinting them pink.

The place was nice. Fairy lights hung from the ceiling. Dark couches surrounded a small table in the corner. Adjacent to that, a stage, set up with guitars, mics, and a drum set. The rest was just some tables, and booths lined against the wall. It honestly looked like belonged on tumblr or something.

The was a worker behind the counter, a guy with dark hair, and creamy brown eyes, framed by glasses. A name tag on his shirt read Joshua.

"Hello," he greeted, "what would you like?"

"Um, could I just get a tea?"

"What kind?"

"Chai."

"Alright, name?"

"Calum."

He nodded, accepting the cash I handed him and promptly turned to start my order. I took that as my cue and went to find a seat, settling on a random chair.