AFFAIRS (c.h.)

Four

Naomi

The room was completely dark to my surprise. I sat up in the bed, rubbing my eyes and watching around for my phone who's alarm I was afraid went off already.

When I finally found it the light blinded me for a second before I could read 7:16 clearly on the screen. I groaned lowly trying not to wake Stella up. The cold floor made me shiver even more as I quickly wrapped myself up in my blanket.

I slowly walked over to my closet where I ruffled through my clothes until I found a simple pair of washed out blue jeans and a Nike sweatshirt.

I pulled my bottom lip between my teeth as I mentally reminded myself to get some more clothes for the upcoming fall weather. "Leaving this early?"

"Yup. Mr. Hood insisted on picking me up at 8 even though he doesn't really have to leave for work til later." I shrugged nonchalantly while picking my dirty clothes up off the floor.

"Hmph, okay. I'll see you later" she turned back around with a smirk and buried her face back in the pillow. I thought nothing of her expression as I started packing up my books in my bag.

I went into the bathroom for a quick shower before I had to leave. I hurried to get dressed before I hear my phone going off.

An unknown number came up on the screen, I was very hesitant about answering it but after I declined the number called yet again.

"Hello?"

"This is Naomi right?"

I paused for a second before the voice sounded a bit similar. "Who's asking?"

"Mr.Hood" the simple one worded answer sent a child down her spine. "uh yes I'm coming" I got no reply just a silent line from the call being ended

I pulled my shoes on and grabbed my bag and walked out the door. When I got outside, in his black Range sat Calum. His suit looked sharper than ever and his freshly cut look took years off of him.

I was left with no words as I carefully knocked on the car window. He didn't look up as he clicked the locks open.

I slid into the passenger seat with ease and dropped my bag on the floor in front of me. "Goodmorning"

He nodded and said a small greeting back. There was very little conversation as he drove me back to his house.

I cleared my throat after texting Stella and decided to clear the thick air, "so uhm do the kids have school to go to?" That was the only conversation I could actually think of on the spot. It wasn't a very good one, but the air started to thin out a little more.

"Well no, their mother doesn't want them enrolled in school so early because of the "stress" it's going to put on them." I slowly nodded with slight confusion.

"They are a bit chatty to not be in school but I am just their caretaker for the time being not mother"

Calum didn't say anything else back but I did catch him stealing a couple of glances at me.

He pulled up into his drive way, turning the car engine off and getting out. I followed close behind him with my school bag hanging off my shoulder.

"Naomi!" Rose's tiny arms clung to me as soon as I walked through the door. Her eyes beamed with joy, and her hands were once again filled with crayons.

"Hey cutie" I reply giving her a hug back. "Where's Ethan?"

She shrugged without a care in the world and went right back to watching tv.

"They're quite a handful huh?" I turned around to be greeted with Vanessa's face and bright smile. "Good morning"

"Naomi it's so good to see you" I was pulled into a crushing hug and I could smell the strong perfume on her. Smelt expensive.

"It's nice to see you too Vanessa." She kissed my cheeks and walked away with her coffee cup in hand and a gym bag in the other.

"Well I've got to go, come give me hugs and kisses babies" Rose ran up to her and Ethan following behind.

"Come on Cal, I need one from you too" he smiled and pulled her in by her waist and planted a kiss on her lips. They went on for 30 seconds before I decided to look away with heated cheeks.

I cleared my throat and they pulled away, him with a smirk plastered on his face.

"I love you baby" he closed the door and walked pass me without a word.

"So what do you guys wants to do today?" I asked focusing on the kids.

"The park? Ice cream? Donuts? Movies?" I laughed at their answers.

"Okay Ethan were not having that much sugar today, you'll be bouncing off the walls. But the park and ice cream sounds so like the plan. Do you guys have any books to read?"

Before they could answer Calum interrupted us, "I'm heading out." He came closer and kissed them on the head.

"Bye Daddy!" He smiled at them and gave me a small wave goodbye.

"Well come on kiddies let's go get you cleaned up and changed. We're going to have so much fun today"

I'm back on my bullshit and it's better than ever