Stay Together For The Kids - Michael Clifford Fanfiction

Home.

I wake up to noises outside the room. Ruby is standing up in her cot, grinning at me. I can't help but smile at her too. From the dreams of her being snatched away, and masked men hurting her, it was a good sight to wake up to.

I pick her up, and slowly open the door.

I find Calum, Mali and my mother sitting down in the living room, laughing and chatting away.

Calum looks better, his face looks fuller and his eyes more alert. But there is still a red tinge that is harsh to look at.

"Hello." Mali greets us as I enter the living room. She is smiling next to Calum on the couch, but there is something in her eyes that betrays her.

"Hey" I laugh, surprised. "How did you know Calum was here?"

"You're mum called me." Mali nods to mum.

Mum and I exchange a quick glance, and she understands straight away.

"I'll take Ruby for a bath." She says quickly, taking Ruby from my arms.

Ruby waves good bye to rest of us, and we watch as they walk down the hall.

I turn back to Calum and Mali.

"Do you want to explain, or should I?" I ask Calum.

Calum glances to Mali, looking sheepish.

"I was doing speed last night with Michael." He announces to the room.

"What?" Mali looks livid. But the fear is apparent.

"What the hell were you thinking?" She breathes.

Calum shrugs, looking down at the ground.

Mali looks at me, begging me for answers.

"I met Michael and Calum just down the road." I begin, deciding to skip over why we were down the road. "Michael and Calum got into an argument. I offered him to stay here."

Mali looks from Calum to me.

"Did you know they were doing drugs?" She asks me.

Calum glances at me, and I can see him begging me not to tell her that he gave drugs to Michael.

I shake my head to say no.

"I'm sorry." Calum breathes. There are tears I'm his eyes again.

Mali wraps her arm around him, and she looks so helpless. I feel like I'm intruding on a family matter.

"I'll give you two some time to talk." I say, standing up.

"No." Mali says quickly, standing up after me. "We should get going."

I nod.

Calum stands up too, and he keeps silent with his head down as he follows his sister to the door.

"Thank you." Mali says softly, giving me a hug.

"It'd fine." I shrug, knowing none of this is fine.

Calum and me look at each other for a long time.

"Lily-" He begins, before I cut him off.

"I know." I say quietly.

Calum steps forward and holds me tightly. His body is cold and I worry if he had an ok sleep. I worry about him altogether, really.

"Thanks." He says, letting go of me.

Mali and him leave, her old car rumbling in the distance as they drive down the street.

I feel restless from the last night and all what had happened with Calum.