Stationed! (A Michael Clifford fanfic)

Chapter Nine

Calum's eyes followed Michael and Bella as they walked off into the distance.

'Shall we get going before we miss our reservation' Luke asked.

'Yeah, come on let's go it's cold' Nia answered.

'You coming Cal?' Ashton asked 'Earth to Calum, is anyone there?'

'Huh, oh sorry Ash. What did you say?' Calum said, pulling himself away from his thoughts.

'Are you coming? We're heading to the restaurant' Ashton repeated.

'I'm suddenly not feeling hungry anymore' Calum said, as he looked back in the direction where Michael and Bella had disappeared.

'Come on mate, they'll be fine. You know what Michael is like. He won't tell anyone what's going on until he is ready.' Ashton reassured.

'It's not Michael i'm worried about, whatever is going on has had an effect on Bella too.' Calum explained.

Calum and Bella were really close as cousins having grown up in the same house after Bella's parents died when she was young. They told each other everything. Calum could tell something was wrong, and it worried him that she hadn't told him.

'Mate, if you feel you need to confront them... I will be there to fully support you. However maybe they just need some time alone to talk and get there heads straight. Do as Bella said and enjoy yourself and if you are still worried when you get home then we can go and talk to them together.' Ashton finished, watching Calum carefully.

'Yeah, maybe you are right. Thanks Ash' Calum said after a long pause.

Ashton smiled at his response. 'Come on lets catch up to Luke and Nia'. They ran to catch up.

'You alright Cal' Luke asked.

'Yeah i'm fine, you?' Calum replied.

'Yeah' Luke smiled.

'I just wanted to make sure, you know they'll be alright don't you?' Luke continued, putting a reassuring hand on Calum's shoulder. Calum nodded and smiled back at Luke.