A Man's Bestfriend ⇢ malum [✓]

Chapter 5

Ashton drove everyone to the graveyard that Saturday morning. Joy, who sat in the front seat next to Ashton, kept silent throughout the journey. Mali, Luke and Michael was accompanied by Max who thoroughly enjoyed the ride. Upon reaching the site, Joy left the car first and walked over to Calum's before anyone else.

Joy placed a bouquet of flowers on the head of his grave. She kneeled down beside it and spent a moment alone while everyone else stood a distance away, to give her space.

"Happy birthday, honey," Joy smiled, "You know, a puppy came to our house the other day and I decided to take him in. His name is Max. I know you'd love him if you were here."

"I miss you, baby," she paused and took a calming deep breath, "Mumma misses you, so, so much."

Joy failed to hold her tears back. Max ran over to Joy and climbed on her lap, squeezing through to get to her in an attempt to make her feel better.

"This is Max. He's helped me cope with things a lot," Joy played with Max for a bit, "You're in a much better place now, sweetie, and when it's time, I'll see you soon."

Mali came over to Joy and hugged her from behind. They both shared a moment, then saying their goodbyes to Calum.

"We'll wait at the car," Mali said, then gestured for the car keys from Ashton.

Luke went next. Michael stayed put by the distance because Luke and Ashton were still on rocky terms, so they have all decided to take turns having a personal time with Calum.

Finally, it was Michael's turn as Ashton walked past him and back to the car. Michael had already decided earlier that he did not want to take up too much time, but the moment he began crying, he lost track of it.

"...and with Luke and Ashton fighting over the smallest things, I can't help feeling alone — like I'm in this fight alone," Michael laughed as he wiped his tears away, "I know I shouldn't say this but I really, really wished you were here. I'd give anything to have you back. I miss you, Calum, and happy birthday."

Michael carried Max as he walked back to the car. Everyone was quietly listening to the radio and as soon as Michael had shut the door behind him, Ashton drove off.

The ride home was better with the radio playing over the deafening silence. Mali had planned for a quick lunch so that she could prepare a nice dinner. Pizza delivery arrived about five minutes after they have all reached home. Everyone sat at the table while waiting for Mali to bring the pizza in. She placed the boxes on the table in which Michael and Luke helped to unbag them. They all began savouring in the cheesy goodness with various side dishes like honey chicken drumlets, garlic bread, mozzarella sticks, onion rings, and spicy chicken nuggets. After devouring a slice, Mali got up to go to the kitchen and she came back with a beautiful, small chocolate cake in her hands. She stuck the in candles all around the cake and lit them up.

"Here's to Calum," Mali held Joy's hand.

"Happy birthday, Calum!" everyone synchronised and blew the candles out together.

Mali cut the cake up to 6 slices and gave one each. Luke ended up having the last slice which by then, Joy had left to take a nap. Mali was also done eating soon after and she went to the kitchen to prepare dinner. Ashton, Luke and Michael ate quietly with high levels if awkwardness in the air.

"I can't believe this," Ashton cut the silence.

Luke and Michael gave him curious looks.

"It's Calum's birthday and some of our fans are more concerned on whether we'll be going on tour or not. It's all over my Twitter, maybe you'd like to answer their questions, Luke?"

"Ashton, please," Michael interfered, "Can we please not do this — especially not today?"

"Fine, I'm sorry."

"I'm actually with you on this one. They're being so insensitive," Luke added.

"That's only the down side of the fam, " Michael said, "Everyone else is trending #happybirthdayCalum and #wemissyouCalum hashtags. We shouldn't get worked up over the negative bunch."

"Yeah, I guess."

"We must not lose each other and we must not lose ourselves, alright Ash? Luke?"

Luke and Ashton just nodded and continued eating in silence.