northstar - cashton

Chapter 19

It's been 2 weeks since Luke heard Calum talk. Luke and Michael haven't talked to us in person that whole time. Michael's texted me a couple times just to ask me what was due in Chemistry. Cal still lives there, but half the time he stays over at my house.

Calum hasn't talked much, I think he feels guilty when he talks because of what Luke said. I tried to understand where Luke was coming from but wouldn't you just be happy that your best friend is talking again. You're able to go back to a traditional relationship. Personally I think that Luke was being a bit selfish but I don't know what was going through his mind.

Even though I loved being with Calum in this quantity I wanted to see Luke and Michael again. If I missed them I know that Calum did. Michaels birthday was this Saturday so hopefully we'll all be fine by then. I know that this won't break them, they've been friends for years, they moved here together.

I wanted to solve it for Calum but I knew he didn't want that. He didn't need me to take control of his situations. It's Thursday and if they don't apologize to each other, neither of us are going to be at Michaels 18th birthday party. We'd miss an important milestone in his life. Calum is already heartbroken and missing this would make it so much worse.

I was brushing my teeth when Calum came into the bathroom with a smile on his face.

I spit my toothpaste into the sink, "Why are you so happy?"

"Michael texted me and told me to meet them in the front of the school before class starts." he looked at me with pure happiness.

That was the longest sentence he's said to me in these weeks.

"I'm happy for you bub, do you want me to be there?" I wiped my mouth on the towel and smiled kindly at him, waiting for a response.

"Yeah I do, I need you there for support." he pulled me into a hug.

"I'll always be right here," I hugged him tighter, showing my love physically.

"Thank you Ash," he tucked his face into the crook of my neck, breathing deeply, causing me to shiver.

"Are you cold?" he released me from the hug a bit but not fully.

"No," he's so innocent I swear to god.

"Then why- oh, oops, sorry Cal." The look of realization was adorable but I just wanted to kiss him.

"Can I kiss you?" I stared into his eyes for a moment, trying to read them, see any change in emotion.

"Of course," he smiled.

The kiss was short and sweet. I wanted it to last forever. I could feel his smile in it. His warmth radiated through my body and made me feel as though I was on the Sun. When it ended I could still skill his energy coursing through my veins. Almost as though he belonged there.

"Are you ready for school?" I asked, smiling probably showing too much teeth but I didn't care because I wanted him to know how happy he made me.

"Yeah, I was just coming to get you when Michael texted me." his soft hands rubbed my upper arm sending chills down it. His touch did things I didn't think anyone could. I never felt this safe in the arms of Justin. I never felt this warm embrace of what I think is love from him. I never felt like I was at home and I knew I was home.

"Cool, let's go now and we can pick up some McDonalds,"we pulled away completely and walked into my room.

"Sounds good." he smiled, grabbing his backpack.

"After you," I opened my bedroom door.

"Thank you," he kissed my cheek softly as he walked out the door.

We walked downstairs, once again, my mom wasn't home. I've barely seen her this whole time and I miss her more than I thought I would. I know she doesn't want me to worry about her but I can't help it.

"You okay?" Calum stops me before we reach the garage door.

"Yeah, just lost in thought," I shrugged, looking at him.

"What're you thinking about?" he questioned, looking concerned.

"I miss my mom being around. I know we've seen her a couple times but I miss her being here. I miss her hugs. I miss her making fun of me," I knew I wouldn't cry because of this but I still felt like complete shit.

"Hey, Ash, it's okay. You know I'm here for you. I wish I could help but I'm not the same as your mom." he pulled me into another hug.
"I know Cal, I know." I sighed, "I feel stupid for making a big deal out of this."

"Ash, stop, no. It's your mom, she hasn't been around since she's working, you're allowed to miss her." he gave me a reassuring squeeze.

"Thanks bub," we let go and got into my car.

He didn't play any music and neither did I. We didn't need to. I just held his hand over the console as we drove to McDonalds. He looked so hopeful and happy. I'm just scared but who knows what the guys are gonna say.

We ordered our food and ate as I drove us to school. He wanted to pay but I wouldn't let him.

We got to school soon enough. Luke and Michael were already standing in front of the doors. Calum got out quickly grabbing his bag and waiting for me. He looked adorable, he was bouncing on his feet, he was wearing one of my shirts, and his curls were just perfect. He's going to be the death of me.

I grabbed my bag and walked next to him. He took my hand and pulled me to walk faster.

"Hi guys," Calum whispered, getting nervous. I could feel his hand shaking a bit. I tried to calm him by giving his hand a squeeze.

"Hi Cal," Michael said, smiling a bit. Nicknames are a good sign, "Luke wanted to apologize." Michael elbowed Luke in the guts.

"Yeah, I actually did. I was immature and I should've been supportive. I should've tried to understand your side of the story. I'm sorry for not talking to you for like two weeks, I felt horrible but I wanted to give you space. I thought you would be mad at me still and I didn't want to make it worse. You know I could never be mad at you for that long. You're literally my brother. And Ashton," He looked at me I'm not mad at you either, you did nothing wrong. You did the opposite actually, you helped Calum be comfortable enough to talk again. You saw how much I wanted that and I feel horrible for doing what I did and saying what I said. I'm an idiot. I just miss you both a lot." he smiled at us both after his apology.

Calum looked like he wanted to cry.

"I'm so sorry Luke, I wanted to talk to you. I wanted to tell you how much I missed you and loved you. I wanted to talk to you about nonsense like we did when we were grade school. I miss you so much, I miss talking to you. I felt like I had to keep everything in and no one would listen to me. I know you're my best friend but I didn't think you'd listen either. I'm sorry." now he was crying. Luke pulled him away from me and into a hug. They both needed it.

"Michael, I'm sorry." he pulled out of Luke's grasp.

"Cal, it's okay, I was never mad at you. But I missed you loads." Michael smiled and bear hugged him.

"I know but still." Calum laughed a bit.

"I love you guys." he smiled at both of them when he stood next to me again.

"I love you too." the other boys said smiling at him.

"I knew nothing could come between you three." I nudged Calum jokingly.

"Forever friends, right Cal?" Luke joked but not really. They all looked so happy together.

"Forever."

A filler before the last chapter :-(