✔ Run Baby Run ✖ punk hood au

xvii - regrets

g w e n:

Calum was missing in action for almost two weeks.

It wasn't just skipping out on school or his hours at the Center-- he couldn't be traced. It started with missed calls and texts, then his phone was completely shut off. I don't know if Calum forgot to pay for his phone bill or if he was completely ignoring me. I honestly thought things were moving forward between him and I; I thought we could actually be friends.

I was legitimately worried about Calum. You could say that I cared for the dark haired, troubled soul and I wouldn't deny it. He could be sweet and gentle when he wanted to be and it was that kind of feeling that drove the hope in me. I can't fix something that's not broken. Calum wasn't broken; just chipped and I had the piece of tape to mend the crack.

"How's desk duty? Enjoying it?" Evan asked as he plopped his bottom down on the empty rolling chair next to me.

"It's really relaxed, but I do miss teaching the kids," I looked at Evan with a smile. My eyes were beginning to cross from staring at a computer screen all day. "Especially Lauren, there's a lot of things we need to catch up with."

"You didn't hear?" Evan gave me a quizzical expression.

"Hear what?" I questioned, spinning the chair completely in his direction.

"Her older brother Ashton got jumped and has been in the hospital for the past week. Officials just moved him to a detention center," Evan informed. His voice was at a whisper, careful that his words weren't heard by anyone else. I assumed that this information wasn't meant for the public and I made a note to keep it a secret myself.

"Oh, that's terrible. That explains why Lauren hasn't been here in almost two--"

"Two what?" Evan raised a brow, eyeing me in confusion as he waited for the rest of my sentence. "Gwen, are you alright?"

"Can you access volunteer files on this thing?" I hastily asked, pointing to the large computer on the desk.

"Uh yea I can. But that's kinda unethical and against the rules," Evan explained with a cautious tone. His light eyes bore into mine as he tried to search for some kind of justification for my sudden criminal intent.

"Do you think you could bring those files up for me?" I asked him earnestly. I bit my bottom lip and laced my fingers in hope as I watched Evan mull over my request.

"May I ask why?"

"Calum,"

"What about him? Gwen, he's bad news. You shouldn't get caught up in his business," Evan persuaded, but his attempts to sway me away from Calum faltered.

"He's my friend Evan and I want to make sure he's okay," I explained. "Evan, you and I both came to Australia with the goals to aid those who are lost. I have the map and Calum needs it. Please help me?"

Evan gazed at me for a moment, not uttering a single word. Finally he sighed, rolling his chair closer to the computer, "fine, I'll help you."

"Oh my gosh!" I whooped, "thank you so much!"

"On one condition," Evan suddenly added, holding up a finger. "You let me take you out to dinner tomorrow night."

Whoa, did not expect that.

I opened my mouth to speak, but no words came out. I just sat staring at Evan with the utmost confusion. I had completely missed the memo that this boy who I've known for several years, felt something for me. Then again, when we met he was in a relationship and when he wasn't, I was with Ryan. Evan was always a nice boy and good looking too. We had the same values and I guessed time was never on our side, except for now.