We were up in ten minutes. I was pretty nervous since we'd only done a few shows before this. The boys calmed me down and before long, we were onstage with Luke introducing us.
"Hello, we're 5 Seconds of Summer. I'm Luke, that's Calum, Michael and Ashton."
As soon as he was done, we started with Teenage Dream. My vocals voiced through the room and as the chorus began, the crowd started dancing.
We continued with other songs. Just until the last song, it acted up. To say the next moment was a blur was an understatement. My head spun and my fingers were numb. The last thing I remembered was Michael running to me.
I woke up in the hospital bed. The familiar scent of pills filled the building and the white sheets were placed over me. I looked around and saw Luke curled up on the sofa. His 6'4" body was curled up into a ball and he was propping his head on the armrest.
I sighed. I had another episode. I'd get them when my body lacked oxygen. My fingers and lips would turn blue and I wouldn't be able to support myself.
As usual, every episode would end in the hospital. The pills were helping. Instead of monthly episodes, they usually only occur once every three months. It's an improvement but still not good enough.
Reaching over to the bedside table, I grabbed a pen and flung it at Luke. As the pen hit him, he shook awake.
"Ayy, Calum you're up," his deep voice echoed throughout the hospital ward. He rubbed his eyes sleepily as he sat up. Tiredness was clearly written over his face as he half smiled.
I hated this part of the episode-- waking up. I never liked watching anyone sleeping on the couch, awaking with exhaustion present in their faces.
"You feeling better?" Luke questioned, interrupting my train of thoughts as I nodded. He called for the nurse after stretching. She sauntered into the room, with a doctor holding a clipboard.
"Calum Thomas Hood," I cringed as he called out my full name. He paused for a bit, analysing my reports before announcing, "You're free to go." The familiar words once granted me permission to return home. I changed into a hoodie and jeans, grabbed my bag and left the ward.
Walking down the hallways, I saw a trail of baby blue tulips outside the children's wards. I squatted down and found a tag attached.
Hi Kayla, how's chemo? I miss your luscious raven hair. As for me, I'm just average. I'm always snapping at people. Yesterday I met a boy. He had thick fluffy black hair and large brown puppy eyes. I think his name was 'Calum'. I snapped at him and I feel really bad now. What do you think I could do to make it up to him?
Love, Beth
A giant smile crept onto my face. I looked into the ward through the glass panel and saw a peaceful girl lying on the bed.
"Uh, Calum?" I looked up and saw Luke in the elevator, scratching the back of his head.
"Go ahead, I'll catch up with you." He nodded and left, awkwardly pulling down his beanie. As the lift doors shut, I grasped the cold metal handle of the door. Twisting it, I pushed the door and entered the room, bouquet of tulips in my free hand.
