Take Me Back // Luke Hemmings

☮ Katie's POV ☮

They run through my mind like a boy running from a pack of savage dogs. The words, the only words I can say and think. It's tearing me apart.

Charlotte texts me later, having no idea what happened today. I don't think I could explain it to her.. All I remember from the moment is his words. They're like swords stabbing into my heart and mind. I just chat with her, and ignore going down the road to hell.

The lock of the door jiggles from outside the door, and I throw a sweatshirt on with a bandage over my wrist before opening it. It's my mom, and she's smiling. "There's a very cute boy here to see you! Is he your boyfriend?" She squeals with delight. I laugh softly at her, knowing it's only Calum.

"No. It's Charlotte's boyfriend. I'll go see him." I slip past her, tossing my hair up before jogging down the stairs. Calum sits at my dinner table, slowly chewing a chip my mom must have gave him. He looks up when I walk in, and shove the remainder of the chip in his mouth. I sit down, looking to see he has a bowl of sour cream and onion chips.

"How you been?" He asks, pushing the chips away from him. His accent is Scottish I notice, not the weird Chinese lisp I'd thought it was. I feel the sting of tears rushing in again, but I can't let him see me cry again.

"I don't know." I answer honestly. He nods, looking at the wood finish on the table. He pulls out his phone, and then hands it to me. On it is a video, and I press play. I watch as Luke begins to play a beat up guitar, which sounds amazing I can't believe it's Luke. He then begins to sing, which sounds like angels. The familiar lyrics and chords come to me, and I'm shocked at what he's playing. I Miss You by Blink-182. It's got to be the most beautiful thing I've ever heard, and I'm shocked when I stop the video and hand it back to Calum. His eyes are as big as plates as he stares at my outstreched hand with a half played video clouding the screen. He takes it anyways, and shuts it off.

"I know what it is." I say with more determination. "I can't handle him. I can't forgive him.. It's too late. I don't care what he tells anybody about how self centered and stupid I am. I don't care what you say about me. I'm done. His chance is over." The words just tumble out of my mouth, and I can't stop them. I'm shocked at the phrase I just spoke. Calum obviously is too. His jaw almost drops to the table.

"You know I have to tell him all of that... He won't leave me alone if I don't." He says with warning. I shrug it off, and feel the sting of tears again. I pull my sleeve over my hand and wipe at my eyes. Don't cry. I say to myself, and the tears instantly leave. "What is that on your arm?" Calum asks unexpectedly. I look down. It's blood. The bleeding must have soaked through my bandages and my sweatshirt. I look up at him, and meet a horrified expression. He stares at my wrist that I don't even bother to hide. He knows. He sees it now.

He screams Mrs. Stan, and that's when I loose it. He bursts from his seat, yelling loudly and running through the house. I instantly jump out of my seat and chase after him. My arms wrap around his torso, but I don't slow him down. He draggs me behind him as I sob and beg him to stop. He yells my mom's name one more time, and then turns around. He wraps his strong arms around my waist, then picks me up like a toddler. I'm still sobbing and I feel a panic attack coming on.

He slowly walks to the couch with me in his arms, soothing me with soft whispers and brushing my hair back. He hugs me tightly, still trying to calm me down. He yells Mrs. Stan one more time when she comes rushing down the stairs. There's a hint of mischeif and bewilderment at the sight of Calum holding me like this. He gently takes my left arm and twists it over. I hear my mom gasp.

I then feel my sleeve moving up my arm, and I don't attempt to stop it. Calum also sucks in air at how many cuts line up my arm. He sets my arm down, and hugs me closer. "She's been cutting for a while, I think Mrs. Stan." Calum says. I don't deny it. One year I've been doing it. My mom chokes on a whimper, but she doens't come take me from Calum's arms. I snuggle deeper into his chest, and ignore them. I want to die, or fall asleep. I'm not sure which one yet.

I hear footsteps walking away, and then I look up at Calum. He's watches me so carefully, and there's fear in his brown eyes. "Why would you do this to yourself?" He askes. I half-heartedly shrug, taking his question like it's nothing. I can tell how hurt he is for some reason. I close my eyes again, and strangly except his kiss on my lips. Calum loves me. Not Charlotte. But I'm still not sure if I can leave Luke in the dust. Not like this.