Turn Away | c.h

Chapter 36 - Walking Bliss

The room had become an overwhelming temperature of something degrees, but either way, it was hot. Either that, or my nerves were slowly taking hold of my body. I was already fidgeting away at my clothes, constantly readjusting my dress as my knee bounced up and down. Calum's hand was constantly trying to urge my body to calm down. But nothing could bring my state of mind to a more calmer place, because I was focusing on the way my father watched every little move both Calum and I made.

His blue eyes stalked Calum's movements, his eyebrows furrowed as no words were spoken.  I wanted to jump up, grab Calum's hand drag him out of this restaurant, where we wouldn't be under dads surveillance. I wanted to be anywhere but here. This was all too much for me, the past couple of days. I mean, I was still trying to figure out what had went down at Chet's party, I still wasn't able to uncover even an hour of my life. And to make matters worse, Calum hadn't said a word about it, either. And now, I had to fill my worries mind with this scenario... God, I wanted to up and run.

"So... Dad, how was the business trip?" I asked, trying to stop the silence- I couldn't handle it anymore. I needed someone to speak to ease up my nerves. Truth be told, I had no idea why I was so nervous- maybe it was because my father had the potential to crush the one little thing that managed to change my entire world. My father could end Calum and I if that's what he honestly wanted to do... The possibility of moving me away to a boarding school was high. I was already an embarrassment to him, I only caused his trouble and grief, and now after tonight- god knows where he'll send me.

"It was fine." He replied, giving me a light shrug before he leant on the table, looking back at Calum's direction. "So, Calum, you go to Stella's school?" He asked. Oh god. Here comes the interrogation.

"Uh, yeah. I'm in her grade." He said, voice lower than usual as he gave a nod of his head. I glanced up at him, holding onto his hand under the table. Calum comfortingly squeezed my hand, thumb running across the back of my hand.

"Right, okay... I assume you're doing ATAR?"

"Yeah, six ATAR." He responded. Dad raised his eyebrows.

"Six ATAR subjects, that's impressive. What do you want to do once you leave school?" He pestered. I wondered if Calum had even thought this part through before. Had he ever required to find something that interested him after school was over?

"I'm applying for a University in Canberra to get a doctorate of nursing." He said, with such certainty, that I had actually believed him. I honestly was expecting some sleazy excuse like engineering or I'm not sure yet. But Calum was really pulling out the big guns here. And the saddest part is, I couldn't stop my mind from picturing what Calum would look like as a doctor... God, calm down, Stella.

Dad nodded his head, humming under his breath as he stared at Calum. I wanted to know so desperately, what dad was thinking about Calum so far. Surely, he adored him like I did- in this very moment, he probably sounded like the worlds most perfect boyfriend. Oh no, maybe dad knew it was fake.

"Right... So, you're in Stella's classes?"

"Only her home room and English." He responded, thumb still running across my skin, distracting my nerves every time I remembered his touch.

"You're in her home room?"

Both Calum and I nodded. I watched as Dad glanced at Katy, who had remained silent all dinner. She placed her hand on his, giving him as smile before she looked over at us.

"So you're from Canberra? I have relatives over there." Katy smiled.

Of course she has relatives in Canberra, of course she had to be born there or something. Calum nodded in acknowledgement.