Response || Malum || (Sequel to Reaction)

15

Calum's POV

I swallowed down nerves as fast as I could manage while Michael pushed open the huge front door. I thought we were just having dinner with his mum but the cars in the driveway state otherwise. The day with Michael was so simple and I was hoping that maybe we could just have a simple evening to match. I feel like ever since the band took over I haven't taken a breath but today I was breathing fine until just now. The marble floor is shadowless, covered in darkness. Just as our shoes meet the floor, the light flicks on revealing a room full of familiar faces. A fucking surprise party.

"Surprise!" The voices all shouted in unison, making us both jump. Before either of us could go any further into the foyer, Michael's mother had him wrapped in a hug.

"Mikey I've missed you." She gushed, hugging him tightly. I was watching her hug her son so I didn't notice my sister walking towards me with a glass of what looked like champagne.

"Surprised?" She smirked and I nodded, taking a heavy sip of the bubbly alcohol.

"Yeah what is all of this for?" I questioned my sister while she led me towards the crowd of people.

Some faces were familiar while countless others didn't seem to ring a bell. Luke and Ashton were the first to greet me with hugs then Mali drug me into the crowd. Black and silver balloons were tied to various things and streamers lined walls and doorways. A huge banner was hanging in the massive kitchen saying 'welcome home' along with too many other decorations. Mali definitely had a lot to do with this party it was obvious. I smiled and excused myself to go stand behind the counter and away from the people. I gulped down the rest of my champagne, sitting the glass against the granite with a clank.

"Well what do you think?" Mali strutted into the kitchen to stand across the counter from me. Numerous finger foods were placed on the island and I picked up a celery stick to chew on.

"It's... Nice." I shrugged, chewing on the celery.

"You don't like it?" My sister pouted but picked up a carrot, taking a noisy bite.

"No I do I just wasn't expecting a party." I half lied, glancing around my sister to look into the dining area mostly searching for Michael.

"It was my idea, well Karen helped too." Mali was obviously proud of her work. It's not that I wasn't grateful for them doing this for us, I just wasn't up for a party.

"Thank you for it." I stared at my glass, swirling it around against the countertop.

"Come on, let's go mingle." She smiled, bumping me with her hip.

"Do I have to?" I whined earning an eyebrow raise from my sister. She was just about to scold me when another voice joined us in the kitchen.

"Calum there you are!" Karen chirped and I looked up to see the smiling woman walking towards me with arms spread wide. Mali was smirking as she pushed me towards Michael's mum.

Her arms wrapped around my waist pulling me into a hug. She was much different from the woman I first met. Like Michael and I, she had changed so much for the better. I was sort of thankful Michael didn't give up on her because I would give anything for a relationship with my mother.

"Good to see you Karen." I said pulling back with my hands on her shoulders.

"You too. Look at you! All grown up and famous." She smiled, pinching my cheek in a very unlike Karen gesture.

"You look lovely." I smiled.

"Oh honey you don't have to kiss up to me, you have my son." She teased tapping my shoulder with a laugh.