Mess is Mine // Calum Hood

Chapter 8

January 2018

I stepped into the kitchen to make my morning cup of coffee to see Sierra already had a pot brewed.

"You're a lifesaver," I commented, taking a mug and filling it with the liquid energy. She was once again sat atop the counters, sipping her coffee and scrolling through Instagram.

"Let's have a chat," she said, locking her phone and setting it beside her. I raised an eyebrow at her and leaned back against the counters next to her. "Calum." I let out a heavy sigh. The New Year's party - and kiss - was a week ago, and I'd barely heard from him since then. It was extremely frustrating how hot and cold he had been with me.

"I don't even know what there is to say," I admitted with a shrug.

"Well how're you feeling about it?" she asked.

"Like shit," I responded, raising my eyebrows. Sierra frowned and placed her arm over my shoulders, pulling me into a half hug. "I know he's been hurting, and I know how easy it is to push people away when you're hurting."

"It's easy, but it doesn't mean it's right," Sierra pointed out, still hugging me. I shrugged, still unsure what to make of the situation. Obviously, it wasn't ideal, but I made a promise to him - one that I didn't plan on breaking. "What if he's just using you?" Once again, my shoulders raised in a shrug.

"Something's just different about this. I can't give up on him yet," I said, softly shaking my head. "I'm just going to give him some space and let him come to me when he's ready." I moved my eyes from the floor to Sierra, and she had a concerned look on her face that made me feel slightly guilty. "Don't worry about me, S. I'll be okay."

"I will worry about you, because I love you," she said, giving me a final squeeze before hopping onto the floor and placing her empty coffee cup into the sink. "And I will not hesitate to fight a fully grown man for you."

A laugh escaped my lips for the first time that day. "Now that's an image."

"I think I could take him," she stated with a nod. I laughed again and pulled her into another hug.

"I know you could take him."

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Over the next two weeks, Calum remained silent, and my desire to message him grew as the days passed. Sierra helped keep me in check, reminding me of my statement two weeks prior about letting him come to me. It was hard not knowing what he was up to or if he was doing okay.

She made an exception on his birthday, telling me I could only send a single text. I had rolled my eyes at this but agreed anyway.

Cameron Nichols

Happy Birthday, Cal!

Calum Hood

Thanks. Party this weekend, see you there

His response had been short, but it was something. And I'd rather have something instead of nothing. I couldn't stay away from him, and I really wanted to see Ashton and Luke. So, Sierra and I found ourselves at a club the boys had rented out for a night to celebrate Calum turning 22.

"If they don't play 22 by Taylor Swift, I'm gonna be real pissed," Ashton commented as he returned from the bar, handing me a drink. Luke rolled his eyes and threw his arm over Sierra's shoulders, pulling her close.

"You know what, I agree," I concurred with a nod. Ashton clinked his glass against mine and we took a drink together. "It's a crime to not play that song on someone's 22nd birthday."