✔ Run Baby Run ✖ punk hood au

xii - sacked

g w e n:

When Calum informed me that he was volunteering at the Outreach Program I was beyond baffled. I almost didn't believe him, letting out a chuckle because I seriously thought he was messing with my head. But as Calum stood there not looking amused and sending a scowl my way, I knew he wasn't joking.

He was dead serious.

The moment class let out, I scurried out of school and made my way towards the bus stop. While Calum did offer to drive me to the center, I honestly didn't want to. His driving was reckless and I was dreading the idea of being alone with him. I already had to work with him for English class and now I had to supervise him at the center. What totally puzzled me was, why?!

Why the heck would Calum choose the center to volunteer at? Of all the places he could've chosen to mess around at, he chose the one I considered my home. Calum made me feel on edge; he was always insulting me or being rude to others. The center was the one place besides the Hemmings household where I truly felt safe; where I could be my good girl self and it'd be okay.

"Gwen!"

I heard a voice bellow my name through the crowded school parking lot and without turning around I knew whom the voice belonged to. I slowly turned my body to meet Calum. He was leaning against his car with his arms crossed. His uniform jacket was off, his tie was loose, and the white button up shirt was folded up to his elbows. His arm tattoos were peaking out of his shirt, and paired with his messy dark hair I'd be lying if I didn't think he looked attractive.

But I couldn't let myself think that. He was a delinquent; a criminal; a bad boy. And though I've forgiven him for defacing the center wall with spray paint, it was still something I couldn't forget.

"Where are you going?" Calum asked as he approached me, "I said I'd give you a ride."

"No thanks Calum," I told him, backing away, "I can take the bus."

When I turned away from him and continued for the bus stop, I felt a strong grasp on my wrist. I spun around instantly, my eyes fixated on Calum's hand on my arm.

"Please let me go," I calmly asked, finally lifted my eyes to meet his. "I'm going to take the bus."

He let my wrist go.

"Christ Gwen? Why? We're going to the same stupid place so why not ride with me?" Calum groaned, annoyance dripping from each of his words.

"I don't know what your motives are and I don't know what you're getting out of by volunteering at the outreach center, but if you're going to please don't insult the place," I expressed.

Calum rolled his eyes, rubbing his face like he was bothered. He had no reason to be. It was me who should feel annoyed and angry.

"I can't help it," Calum explained. I scoffed, letting out an unamused laugh. "What the fück is so funny?"

"Firstly, remember our cursing rule?" I reminded him and he let out another groan, "and secondly, justifying your unfiltered mouth with 'I can't help it'," I air quoted, "is not a real reason. It's a pathetic one."

"Damnit Gwen, what do you want me to say? Do you want me to praise the center? Tell you that it's the most enchanting place ever with sunshines, daisies, and unicorns frolicking in the rainbow fields?" Calum mocked. "Well sorry sweetheart, but that center is not all you hype it up to be. Just like your silly ideas of happily ever afters. Get your head out of the clouds Guzman before you get royally butt hurt."

I didn't even want to answer him. Once again, Calum Hood was able to make my mood drop in a matter of seconds, and he had struck a nerve. Call me sensitive, but being scorned for having a little faith seemed wrong to me. I've never had to deal with such negativity and I came from California-- a state brimming with diversity and opinions.