After All • Calum Hood (Sequel to ISTTY)

61

We had breakfast together like we usually used to do, Madeleine and I didn't talked much because for some reason, it didn't felt like the right time to do so, but we did share some complicity smiles and glances.

I finish my apple juice and unlock my phone only to find out it's already time to go, I get up from the table, intending to wash the dishes but Mad interrupts me

—No, leave that there, I'll handle it -she smiles as she grabs another bite of her toast-

—Are you sure? -she nods- thank you -I smile and leave the kitchen to grab my suitcases and carry them to the living room. Once I finish doing it, Mad was standing there looking at me and Wyatt, walking all over the place- 

—You're not gone yet and I already mi... -she pouts as her eyes begin to fill with tears- I'm sorry, sorry

I walk to her and surround her in a hug, she sobs a little bit, but our son interrupts us, purposely crashing onto us so he can become the centre of attention.

—Do you want to be part of the hug, mate? -I ask him, the little boy smiles, I hold him in my arms to have him join the hug-

After a minute, Madeleine breaks the hug, looking up to us smiling, even though there were a couple of tears on her cheeks. Wyatt putts his little hand on his mamma's face, as if to say "don't worry"

—Mummy, watah -he says, making us laugh-

—Water, mate -I correct him, poking the tip of his nose-

—Water? I'll get you water -Mad says- Cal, I know last time I acted a different way when you left, but this time everything changed. I'm going to miss you more than I used to, more than the usual.

—I know, love. I'll miss you too, you and Wyatt is what I miss the most when I leave.

—The moment will arrive when we'll go with you -she shrugs-

—And that day, I'll be the happiest, I'll be doing what I love the most, accompanied by who I love the most -I peck her lips shortly, but long enough for Wyatt to try to break the kiss-

Now he has this grumpy face on, Mad and I look at each other and laugh at this boy's character.

—But I need to know who's making you feel jealous, if your dad or me -she chuckles-

—I think we both are -I say and kiss Wyatt's cheeks- well, it's my time to go

—I hate goodbyes

—Me too, babe.

~

I arrived to the hotel totally tired, I hadn't seen any of the men yet, I didn't even asked any of them to pick me up from the airport because I didn't wanted to bother that much. I just let them know through the iMessage group chat that I had arrived to the hotel—I was choosing something to wear so I could hop in the shower and go to the hotel's restaurant to have lunch when there was a knock on the door, I could already tell who it was, I walk to open it and find Ashton with the widest smile, Michael and Luke, I smile back at them and stand to aside, letting them into the room.

—The Calum Hood -Luke says pulling me into a hug- I missed you, mate -I chuckle-

—Missed you too

—How's everything? -Ashton asks-

—Long story -I sigh- that I haven't told, yet

—Yet? -Michael asks-

—Yeah. At least not the reason why Madeleine was admitted -I sit on the bed. Each finds a comfortable spot to sit in- where's Sierra? -I ask Luke-