After All • Calum Hood (Sequel to ISTTY)

24

"I'm almost there babe. Be aware"

I text Madeleine, I already left Mali's flat because it was too late already and Mad asked me to pick them up. They were in a mall near Mali's, I go into the car park and start looking for my girlfriend and her friend, after a little bit, I finally found them, Wyatt's stroller was what leased me to them. I park the car in front of them and go to help them with the stroller, Wyatt was asleep. I approach to Mad and kiss her, Maddy just waves at me, after putting the stroller on the trunk, I go into the car again and start driving

—How was your day?

—Horrible, I don't want to leave Madeleine after so long -I look at Maddy through the rearview, her face was tragic like she was about to cry- and I don't want to leave Wyatt

—Well, you can move here -My girlfriend talks-

—I can't and you know it -Maddy rolls her eyes and Mad laughs-

—College? -I ask-

—It's not just the career, my parents are in London... Plus, I really love my country, can't just leave it -she shrugs-

—I'd like to leave Australia so I can have more laboral opportunities -I say, Madeleine turns to look at me in shock-

—Really? -she asks, I nod- Oh... you've never told me that, we've never talked about that in the past

—Because that's something that could happen but in a long while, not right now, that's why we haven't talked about it yet, I thought it'd be useless if it was just a vague idea

—I understand -she smiles at me-

The way home was silent, but it was a nice silence. My hand was resting on Madeleine's thigh as usual, Maddy was on her phone. When we went to our apartment, it was too silently

—Well, as much as I'm sad this'll be our last dinner together for a long time -Maddy pouts-

—You're right -Mad answers- what do you want for dinner?

—Girlfriend, let's do this: let's order pizza so you won't have to cook. Do you guys agree? -Maddy asks while looking at Mad and I-

—I'm fine with it -I say-

—Okay, good -Madeleine takes her phone out and starts dialing- Hawaiian, right? -she asks me, I nod- and you, Maddy?

—Pepperoni -Maddy answers and my girlfriend nods-

She ordered the pizzas and then, they sat on the living room. I took Wyatt to his cradle since he was asleep, then I laid down on my own bed. I was feeling anxious thanks to what I talked with Mali, I needed a cigarette and a cup of black strong coffee, but if I lighted a cigarette here, Mad will kill me. She doesn't like the fact that I smoke but she respects it, but I can't smoke at the house, those are the rules. I stand up again and walk outside to see them talking

—Want some coffee? -I ask out of nowhere, interrupting their conversation-

—At this time? It's almost 10PM -Mad says-

—Yeah, I'm craving coffee. Do you want? -I ask again-

—I do -Maddy smiles-