Silent Victim ➵ Calum Hood

Chapter One

Alexandra's POV

I sighed as I made my way down the stairs, I could see Ashton already seated at the dining room table which made me smile. I walked in, quickly sitting across from him while everyone acknowledged that I was up. "Lexie, would you like a hard or a soft egg?" My uncle Greg asked in hopes I'd reply. "Dad, you know she likes soft eggs" Ashton groans, kicking me lightly from under the table. It brought a small smile to my face until I saw my aunt gaping at me.

"Alexandra, could you even say Hello to us? I miss your voice sweetie" She took charge, her voice echoing in the big room so I licked my lips, shaking my head. "Mom, its Lexie. She doesn't like being called Alexandra anymore. You know this" He whispers to her, to which she rolls her eyes. Soon my breakfast was placed in front of me which made my eyes light up. Greg placed his hand on my shoulder, and squeezed it in encouragement before scampering back to the joined kitchen.

I glanced at the clock which read 8:10, just under an hour until school started. I quickly grabbed my knife and fork, scoffing down the food as Ashton did the same. I stood up from the table, making that chair screech while I picked up my plate, before dumping it in the sink. I gave Harry a quick hug, patting him on the head as I passed him while leaving to the hallway. I grabbed my bag, along with Ashtons and tossed it to him as we met at the front door.

"You ready?" He asked with a smile and I nodded as he swung the door open wide. The cool breeze hit my face as I stood out on to the porch, breathing it all in. I loved the outdoors, it was calming and made me relax. "Come on then" He chuckled, tugging my arm lightly as we began our walk to school. I quickly glanced around us before speaking to him, "I'm sorry". He rolled his eyes at me playfully making us both laugh.

"Lexie, you don't need to apologise every day. I understand, but I'm glad that I'm the only one you talk to. It makes me feel special" He smiles, telling me for the hundredth time. I nodded in agreement about to speak, when I saw Calum Hood stepping out his front door. His eyes quickly met mine so he turned back to the front door. "Mom, I'll walk instead today" He shouts inside, slamming the door.

My heart began to race as he jogged over to us, but not in a good way. He greeted Ashton in a bro hug, doing a stupid handshake as he walked alongside us. I was squished in between their towering bodies which made Calum chuckle. "How are you doing today Lexie?" He grins evilly at me, while Ashton was looking at an empty house with a FOR SALE sign. My eyes widened so I quickly swapped places with Ashton, who was oblivious to everything around him as we neared the school.

I pulled out my phone, glancing at the time, 8:35, before shoving it back into my pocket. "See you later Lexie" Ashton chirps, giving me a kiss on the cheek, and turning down a different street. Ashton didn't go to the same school as me, while made me extremely upset, as I was stuck with Calum and the other two of his sick posse. We continued walking the same speed, while Ashton was in sight, but the second he disappeared from view I ran as fast as my legs could go, away from Calum.

"Alexandra get the fuck back here" He shouted, trying to catch me to do god knows what. I was always going for runs and to the gym to keep fit, so I also made the cross country running team. These three put together, made me twice as fast as he was which helped me out in the long run. I kept my pace going until I got to the school gates, Calum no longer running behind me.

I stopped running to catch my breath as I strode into the school parking lot, seeing Luke and Michael watching me as I headed for the front door. The only door. They both approached the doors, blocking them so I couldn't get in. I slowed down gradually, distancing myself enough so I didn't have to face them. Michael wasn't like Luke and Calum, he always tried to help me, without making it obvious. I gulped, standing still as I made eye contact with Michael. I could tell he was trying to think before something clicked and he slapped Luke across the face. "There was a spider on your face bro, sorry" Michael apologised, as Luke stumbled backwards. I took my opportunity to run past them, and inside mentally thanking Michael.

"Forget about me, get her!" Luke shouted, throwing Michael in my direction. Luke scampered off to Calum who was now walking across the parking lot. I was already inside, but Michael came jogging in after me, making it seem like he was going to do something. I slowed down so he could catch up and I smiled at him. "Jesus Lexie that was the best I could do. Now I'm in deep shit" He kept mumbling profanities while I just looked at my hands. I pulled my phone out, and texted him a thank you before leaving him standing in the middle of the hall.

I decided to just go to my German class early, because at least that way I was out of their reach. I sat at my desk for ten minutes, while the teacher did some last minute preparation on the lesson, and some other class mates filed in, taking their seats. The bell soon rang, and everyone was here minus Calum.

I was in all of Calums classes, but I was in gym and lunch with Luke aswell. Michael was in the year above us, which meant I rarely got to see him, minus passing in the hallways. I zoned back into whatever the lesson was about, and began taking notes on new vocabulary. 15 minutes in, the door swung open revealing Calum again, this time giving me a proper look at him. He was wearing black skinny jeans, a nirvana t-shirt, and black converse. "Sorry I'm late" He apologised, looking at me the whole time. I could see the anger etched on his face as he strolled over and took the seat behind me.

"Calum, you're getting a report card. This is the third time you've been late to my lesson this week" The teacher snapped, beginning to scribble a note, for the principle. "Take this to the office" He demanded as Calum rose from his seat, reaching for the report.

"Actually no, Alexandra, bring this to the office, with Calum" The teacher told me, making my eyes widen. I shook my head vigorously to which the teacher groaned. "I wasn't asking you. I was telling you" He hissed, which made me gather my belongings and take the report from his hand.

"Let's go Lexie" Calum smiled sweetly, putting on an act for the teacher. I chewed the inside of my lip, expecting the worst as I stepped outside the comfort of the classroom.

"Fuck sake Alexandra" Calum hissed, slamming me into the lockers across the hallway. I hit my head against one, making me let out a pained whimper. He was clearly angry that I ran from him earlier, and 'somehow' managed to get past the two boys. "You're so fucking pathetic" Was all he said, punching my stomach as he snatched the report from my grasp. I slumped down to the floor, watching him slowly walk away.