Unpredictable: Calum Hood fanfiction

Chapter 26

A month, a whole month has passed since Calum and I were together. We don't ignore each other all the time, obviously being because we're always around each other, but it's definitely awkward. 

We didn't make it long into our relationship without cutting it off completely, which just goes to show we are not, and never were, made for each other. Although the few days we were together were very good, I don't think I would be able to do months, or maybe even years, of knowing the possibility he would cheat on me is there. 

Everyone has come aware of the split between him and I, and it's made school much less stressful. I don't get the constant stares, I don't hear the slight whispers about how he could've been with someone prettier, I don't get the random boys cat-calling me saying I'm a whore. 

I worry for Calum, I often wonder if he's doing okay, if he's back to drinking and smoking 2 times a day, or if he's having those nightmares that prevent him from getting the sleep he needs. Sometimes I see his lights flicker on from my window, even at times like midnight or 3 in the morning. Part of me comes close to checking on him, but the other part knows it'd be dumb to do that.

We've been on Christmas break for a week and a half now, Christmas Eve is tomorrow. I have my presents for everyone, including Calum. Tomorrow we're all meeting up and exchanging gifts, and honestly I can't wait to see if he got me a present in return.

--

Once I parked completely outside Luke's house, I turned in my seat to grab one big box with a smaller box on top. I lifted them gently, setting them on my lap before opening the door and sliding out. The night makes it much more complicated to see everything. We all decided it'd be cooler to spend the night of Christmas Eve together, instead of the day.  I fumble with my keys, nearly dropping the boxes as I try to lock my car. I hear a front door and notice Luke walking down the grass hill to me.

"Need help?" He asks between laughs.

"That'd be nice."

Luke takes the bigger box, letting me carry the small one. I slowly walk up the steep hill to his front door and push it open with my foot, everyone else is sitting around the tall Christmas tree that's lit up in various colors, shining throughout the small living room. 

"Where are you parents?" I ask Luke as I set down the box in front of the tree.

"At one of their friends parties." He clarifies and I nod, leaning down to sit beside Luke and Ashton. 

Abby is googly-eyed at Michael, looking as if any second she would faint, even if all he did was take a breath. Ashton is typing on his phone, I assume it's to one of his friends sending out a random merry christmas text. Michael has his arm wrapped around Abby's waist, rubbing small circles in her thigh with his thumb. I turn and see Luke plugging in his phone to the stereo system, scrolling through at least 1,000 songs to find one. 

Then Calum.

Calum is staring at the Christmas tree, like he's observing every small detail about it. Every time a strip of lights change colors, a small smile tugs up at his lips. The multi-colored lights flash in different patterns about every 10 seconds, leaving his eyes to light up along with them. 

The tree is honestly beautiful. There is many strands of lights wrapped around it, some all white, some red, some green, and some mixed between every color of the rainbow. There's white, sparkly ribbons hung at random heighs, letting them fall down along the side of the tree. The star is small yet shiny, a tiny light placed at the top of it shining bright as ever.

The rest of Luke's house is decorated as well, wreaths hung in the hallway, red bows hung up, stockings, little Santa's on top of dressers, snowmen plushies at the foot of the fireplace, even a mistletoe hung between the kitchen and the living room.