hey rockstar

eighteen ; prep time

CALUM

I stand beside Crystal, my arms crossed as I look at the shelf in front of me.

"You're sure this is what she uses?"

"Yeah, that's what Simone said. Why, should I get something else?"

"No, no that's okay, just don't want to be wrong," I nod as she throws things into the basket, moving along the self with the list in hand. "Flower? You're getting her flowers?"

"Yeah, I get her flowers all the time...why?"

"Well, you're going to draw attention to yourself. Alongside being famous and at the airport - I thought you wanted to keep these things under wraps?"

"Well I do but...maybe it's time to unwrap it a little more?"

"Oh you're so cute. She's going to be so happy when she gets to your house. What time does she land?"

"Uh around 6:30 it looks like. But with customs and stuff she'll be a little longer," She nods her head continuing to toss things into the basket. I laugh as she pulls some sour candy off a shelf, nodding slowly. "We won't be home until a little later though i'm going to take her to Dina's."

"Oooh, your favourite breakfast place. Looks like things are getting serious," Mike winks at me, giving me a gentle push with his shoulder. "You're serious though? You don't want anything serious for your party?"

"No, I just wanna hang out with you guys. I feel like I'm almost too-"

"Don't you dare say you're too old for a party. I love parties, and I will come bearing party supplies no matter who is there."

"Alright hun, relax. He's just happy his girl is safe."

"Oh yeah, sometimes i forget about the fires. They're not getting better are they?"

"Not even close. Hey keep catching people intentionally setting fires. If they don't stop they're going to burn a city down."

"Okay that's depressing. Happier news, happier news!"

"Oh I have some?" We both look at Michael, eyebrows raised. As if he leaves the house without one of us with him - how could he have news? "Yeah, uhm. Calum is totally in love with Tenley and he doesn't even know it."

"What?" I stare at him with wide eyes, a little shocked by his apparent realization.

"No, honest to god you are. You are so excited to see her name on your phone, you ta;k about her all the time, you would do anything for her. HOnest."

"You're being ridiculous," I can feel the heat on my face but I choose to ignore it as Crystal begins to agree.

"I mean he's kind of right. You are so sweet to that girl, and you pay such close attention to anything people could be saying about her. I mean anyone else you wouldn't - you actually probably wouldn't even be with them anymore."

"I feel attacked right now. Can we stop talking about my love life?"

"Ah, you said love life!"

"That's what it's called you dumbass."

"Alright, alright, you're drawing attention to yourselves," Crystal hushes us with a stern look, turning down a random aisle to browse. "So, are you and T worried about this virus at all?"

"I mean, no?"

"Is T? I mean from what I've read she's at risk and if this spread quickly-"

"If, If this spreads. It could be contained and right now I'd like to not worry because she's stuck on a plane with recycled air," I shrug, prompting a nod from the two.