College [c. hood]

26

"Calum! We're going to miss the train back! Let's get going!" Michael calls, tossing his luggage in the back of his mom's car.

"I'm right here!" Calum replies, rushing out the front door of Michael's house to the car.

The two were heading back to college today. Though they both really didn't want to, they obviously had to.

Calum never went home to see his family. He stayed at Michael's for the rest of the break. Calum really tried to force himself to go home but he couldn't. He couldn't face his parents after he left like that.

His sister had texted him a couple days ago to let him know Dani showed up at the house when only she was home. It made Calum partially happy he left to Michael's house.

"Calum, get in the car!" Michael yells, just wanting to get going.

Calum groans, getting into the car with Michael and his mom so that the two can catch their train.

-

"Why didn't you drive home?" Michael asks, five minutes into the train ride.

"Didn't want to. Wasn't sure if I could even handle it. You of all people should know I'm not doing very well." Calum replies.

"Have you talked to Alyssa yet?"

Calum groans, rolling his eyes, "I'll text her when we're back."

"You gotta be honest with her, man. You really have to tell her what's been going on."

"But, like, do I really?"

"I mean, yeah. It's definitely a lot better if you do."

Calum rolls his eyes again, just frustrated.

He knew he had to tell her. She needs to know about Danielle and what happened. Alyssa deserves an explanation.

"I never told her I read her journal thing." Calum speaks up again, and Michael groans.

"Dude! What the fuck!" Michael quietly exclaims, not wanting to disturb anybody else on the train.

Calum sighs, "I know. I don't know how to tell her."

"Figure it out. You're talking to her when we get back. You have to."

"I know! I will! She's probably already there, I can go talk to her once I unpack." Calum tells him, groaning.

"Take a nap, man. You need to relax before this."

"I can't. I'm too stressed. Gotta plan what I have to say."

"You're going to spend the two hour ride overthinking about a girl you probably have the biggest crush on but won't admit it? Sounds like a great idea."

"I can admit it now, actually."

"Wait, what? You've actually realized it?" Michael questions.

Calum nods, feeling nervous now, "I guess so, yeah. I spent so much time with her, it's hard for me to not fall for her."

"You're so confusing. I need a nap."

-

Michael and Calum were both back in their room, unpacking all their stuff. Calum was basically done, he was just trying to prolong it so that Michael wouldn't force him to go talk to Alyssa.

"Hey, are you almost done?" Michael asks, walking into Calum's room.

Calum sighs, "Almost."

"Have you texted Alyssa yet?"