In Due Time | m.c.

// Chapter Four //

The clock struck noon in school, signalling resource to be let out and the lunch ladies to open the gates to serve the students. The guys and I rose from our table in the back of the commons and walked to the lunch line. Calum and I were extremely hungry so we quickened our pace leaving Michael, Ashton, and Luke behind. My ears couldn't help but overhear them speaking.

"I'm so fucking pumped. I can't wait to finally see them!" Luke shouted out of excitement.

"I know, it's going to be epic." You could hear the smile coming through in Michael's voice.

"You guys are so lucky you get to go." Ashton put his hands in his pockets. "I'm stuck watching my sister and brother at last minute." He sighed.

We grabbed our trays and I spun around on my heel, clutching my tray to my chest. "What are you guys talking about?"

"Michael didn't tell you?" Calum asked. I shook my head. It's not like he needs to tell me everything, but at the same time I like it when he gives me insight as to what he does.

"I was getting to it." He looked down at me. "Next week we're going to see that band I showed you in the car the first time we hung out. You know, All Time Low." He shrugged his shoulders with a lazy smile. I nodded my head, understanding.

"And I can't go." Ashton grumbled.

The line moved faster and soon enough we got our food and went back to the table. I sat between Michael and Calum, while Ashton and Luke sat across from each other. "Hey." Ashton took a bite from his sub. "Since I can't go, do you wanna take my spot?" He pointed his finger to me. "What sense does it make to waste a ticket?"

I've never been to a concert, let alone a Christmas concert at my old school. Mum and Dad wouldn't approve of me seeing this band. They even asked me to turn down the volume when I played the CD Michael gave me because they said it was distasteful.

Michael's eyes peered at me, but I didn't look his way. "I don't know, guys. My parents wouldn't be for it." I took a bite from my sub.

"Come on." Michael pushed.

"We're staying at my house afterwards in town. It'll be fun." Luke coaxed. Mum and Dad don't even know who Luke is. I highly doubt they would let me spend the night at his house. I really wanted to go, but I didn't know how I'd be able to swing it.

"Look, I want to go. I just don't know how to pull it off." I asnwered honestly.

"Just tell your parents you're spending the night at my house." Michael smirked at me. My cheeks heated up when I caught his stare.

I pondered on that thought for a moment. There were some cons to lying, but the pros definitely weighed them out for this situation. "All right. I'm in!" I squealed. The guys high-fived each other in succession of getting me to tag along.

"You'll have fun." Michael stuck out his pinky finger. "I promise.

I giggled. "Your promise is being based on a pinky swear. Really Michael?" I laughed more.

"Just showing you how much I promise." He smiled. I hooked my pinky with his and we shook on it. He better keep this promise, knowing I'm going into a lie-to-mum-and-dad situation.

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All week long I waited to ask Mum and Dad if I could "spend the night at Michael's house" next Friday. I would've asked sooner, but Dad was very stressed about his book situation in his office, and Mum was working late. She said she was getting more hours. I finally had Mum and Dad in one place at the same time during dinner so I took the opportunity. "Do you know if we're busy at all next Friday?" I asked, scooping mashed potatoes onto my plate.