Distance||Calum Hood

twenty three

*Katie's POV*

After the surprise visit, the mood in the apartment was very different. I felt guilty even though I knew I shouldn't do but I was embarrassed by my own mum and dad. I didn't react much after they left, in fact I stayed in the same position while everyone else shuffled around.

"Katie darling, are you alright?"

I turned round and saw Liz standing as I forced a smile and nodded.

"Mum, leave her" Luke said as he silently moved her away. I looked over to the couch seeing Calum with Joy holding an ice pack on him while he continued to move out of her grasp.

I walked over to them and nodded at Joy silently telling her that I was alright and I could take over. She smiles at me and placed a hand on my shoulder before walking away.

I kneeled down in front of Calum as I sighed and looked at him.

"I wish you would stop doing that" I said, frowning.

"Doing what?" He asked, "Protecting you because there's no way I'm going to stop-"

"No, I just.." I sighed, "I just wish you wouldn't end up getting hurt whenever any problem comes my way"

"If I'm keeping you safe then that's all that matters" He said, cupping my cheek as I examined his lips.

"Are you about to kiss me?" He asked, smirking and raising his eyebrow.

"No, your lip is bleeding" I laughed holding up a cloth that was sat next to him, to his lip.

"So how are you about all of this?" Calum asked as the smile dropped from my face.

"I'm... alright" I nodded and kept my attention on the cloth.

"Katie I've known you this long, I know when you're lying" He frowned, taking the cloth from my hands.

"I'm scared" I said, almost in a whisper but just loud enough so Calum could hear and no one else.

"Why?" He said, helping me up from my knees and sitting me on his lap as he put his arms around me securely.

"I don't know, I don't like knowing my parents know where I am, especially Keith. I mean what if they do something?" I asked wrapping my arms around his neck as he sighed.

"I know it will be hard to get through, but we'll deal with this alright?" He said looking at me with concern as I nodded.

"Okay" I said playing with my fingers.

"You'll be fine" He continued, as he placed a soft kiss on my forehead.

"Katie, darling, are you wanting dropped home or anything?" Joy asked me, walking over.

I stood up from Calum's lap and shook my head, "No, thank you, but I think I just want to continue with Christmas and try and push everything to the back of my mind" I said smiling as she smiled brightly and pulled me in for a hug, moving our bodies from side to side.

Calum walked up from behind and took my hand as we all walked to the dining room with everyone moving seats and finishing setting the table.

"Oh, my soup!" I said as I ran to the kitchen and tried my hardest to put all thoughts of my parents away.

Although, no matter how hard I tried, they were still always going to be there.

----

After dinner, the families all passed down their presents while I sat and watched. However, I didn't feel left out, Joy had bought me a present, an indoor plant.