-chapter 8-

      Ana didn't know where she stood with Calum, and she didn't know what she meant to him. All she knew was every time she thought of him, she wanted to be with him. Meeting him was fate, befriending him was by choice, but falling for him was beyond her control.
   Two days isn't enough to fall, good point, but it is enough to become attached. Not in a creepy way, more in a 'you make me happy' kind of way. Coincidentally, Calum felt this way too. He was beginning to enjoy Ana's smile and bright blue eyes.
   Although, the other night was still imprinted into Anastasia's brain and she was a bit curious and a dash of upset. She kept thinking, what if Calum wasn't drunk? What if he took advantage of her? What if he took her to a bar on purpose? But the thought still remained, what if she's overreacting?
     Sure, she couldn't remember everything that happened, but you can never be too safe these days. If she found out that Calum did in fact take advantage of her, it would change everything and they both knew it. Therefor, Cal already had the perfect lie lined up for when Ana would question him about it.
   The comfort of her best friend was another thing Anastasia was questioning. Isabelle was gone from the apartment and it was only Thursday. No doubt Chaz picked her up earlier. It actually pained Ana to watch her friend basically destroy herself, but no matter how much Ana 'nagged' or reasoned with her best friend, she would continue to use.
   Ana's frame of mind was different from Izzy's. She thought of it in this way; stealing is bad and wrong so it's illegal, and because drugs are illegal they're also bad and wrong. Isabelle on the other hand was trying to find herself at the bottom of every pill bottle, but came up short every time. So she continued to look, in hope of finding her center, her mind, and her feelings again.
    Molly laid carelessly on Ana's legs, barricading her to the couch and making her incapable of moving. The blonde girl didn't mind, her dog was welcome to sit on her whenever she so desired. She loved Molly, probably more than herself.
  As soon as she got home the chocolate lab went crazy. Being the smart owner she is, Ana fed and watered her food bowls the let her roam around in the small field next to the parking lot. Molly did her business then dashed back through the front door.
   Of course Molly was allowed in the apartment. But when the landlord came around to check up on things, she had to make Molly stay on the terrace.
  "Looks like it's just me and you tonight," Anastasia spoke to her dog while petting behind her ears.
Suddenly, her phone rang and her default ringtone played from her pocket. Curious, she took out her phone and examined the caller ID. It was Calum. She actually didn't talk to him all day, which was surprising because she wanted to so badly.
"Hey Calum," She greeted him.
"Hey boo," That was the first time he used a pet name with her, making Ana blush fiercely.
She took a moment to suppress her fangirling before replying, "So what's up?"
"I was wondering if I could stop by tonight?"
     The front door suddenly swung open and a seemingly frustrated Isabelle stomped through. Ana was curious, but then remembered who she was on the phone with and immediately put her attention back on him.
"Uh, sure I don't mind," She smiled to herself.
Calum nodded on the other end and replied with an, "Okay, I'll see you later then."
"Yeah, see you later. M-bye."
     Calum wanted to see her again. In Anastasia's mind, that was wonderful, because it meant he liked her. And oh, how she liked him. Although, Ana was afraid to care too much, for fear that the other person does not care at all. In the back of her mind she still had that aching thought of what if he really did get her drunk on purpose, or what if he doesn't really like her for her?
     That's the main problem with relationships these days - the trust factor. Whether it be long distance or marriage, there's always the questions and the stress of wondering if he or she is loyal. People say hate is a strong word, but so is love and people throw that around like its nothing.
    No, Ana did not love Calum. Honestly, she still barely knew him, but she craved more from him. More attention, more laughs, more awkward silences, more kisses. She just wanted more of him, but she wasn't positive whether he wanted more of her, or to get between her legs again.
    It was extremely frustrating actually. The constant interrogation line up she had in her mind. It tore apart her thoughts and drowned her whole body in regret and guilt. She was conflicted. What was she to do? She could not just assume the worst. On one side she was overjoyed to see Calum again, but on the other side she wanted to yell and slap him for taking advantage of her.
    Ana then realized not everyone was going to like her. She wasn't going to like everyone. It was likely best if they were up front with one another. That way, they could save time and get to those genuine relationships sooner rather than later.
    However, no matter what, Anastasia must stay positive. That's how she was raised. So she shook the questions away and slammed her head on a throw pillow.
    Isabelle cleared her throat, causing Ana's eyes to dart in the direction of the noise. The dark haired girl looked upset, pissed off even. Truthfully, Ana didn't particularly care at the moment because of her mixed emotions, but she knew she would want Izzy to ask what's wrong and help, so that's what she did.
    Ana sat up, "What's wrong Izzybear?" She pouted at her friend from across the living room.
Isabelle sighed, "Chaz got sick, so I had to come home early."
   Molly adjusted herself in Ana's lap and nudged her nose between her owner's hand and the cushion, wanting to be petted. The blonde cooed at the dog and began softly stroking her fur while continuing to talk to her friend.
  "That's why you're upset?" She raised an eyebrow.
Isabelle nodded, her lips forming a straight line, "He was dumb and drank spoiled milk on a dare."
  "Well that's not thaat bad," Ana shrugged.
     Isabelle scoffed, "Yes, it is! We were going to go to the grand opening of Toxic Palace because it was a one night everything free. After tonight everything was going to be overpriced and expensive," she whined, making huge hand gestures.
   Her reasoning for being 'distraught' has dumb to Ana. So what if she can't go and party? It's one day, it's not going to kill her. So many things were wrong with Isabelle's head it was incomprehensible.
Ana squinted, "Who has a grand opening on a Thursday?"
     The dark haired girl groaned and gritted her teeth, "I didn't expect you to understand," she took a deep breath and continued, "But since I'm here can we have a girls night?"
   The taller of the two bit her lip knowingly, "A-actua-.. I already have someone coming over tonight," Ana admitted and awkwardly watched as her friend crossed her arms.
"Cheating on me, eh?" Isabelle pouted.
   "It's Calum, so when he gets here don't like, freak out like you did earlier," Ana was talking about when Izzy pinned her on the ground earlier that day after she told her the guy she was seeing was indeed, Calum Hood.
   "Calum Hood is coming here?!" The crazed girl waved her hand in front of her face like a fan.
Anastasia pointed to her friend's actions, "See that, don't do that."
    Izzy's mouth made an 'o' shape as she slowly put her hand down. Inside she was screaming because Calum goddamn Hood was going to be in the same room with her, but on the outside she was biting her cheeks to suppress the excitement. Not going to lie, this was going to be difficult for Isabelle.
      She wasn't the only one excited. Calum was as well. Because, seeing Ana again, meant sealing the deal even further and maybe having a round two. He was ready, and already had his excuses and lies lined up; he even practiced in the mirror. Calum was very conceded. He believed that he was the best at everything and everyone should know who he is. That's part of the reason he pursued Ana in the first place.
    At the pharmacy, she had no clue who he was and still only has an idea. That broke him to pieces. Calum had nothing but his image, and he wanted everyone to know about it and practically worship the ground he walks on. It caught him off guard when Americans talked to him like he was a regular person; considering they weren't very popular in America at the time, it still dug under his skin.
       Although, when Ana's roommate recognized him last night it made his ego grow a bit. He felt that arrogance rise in his thoughts and his confidence sky rocket. He craved the feeling of fame. Not the fortune part, he just wanted to leave a mark and have everyone know his name. Starting with Ana.
      The Australian wanted to leave an imprint in the American girl's head of who he was and what he was capable of; whether it be sexual, friendly, or talent. He wanted Ana to remember even after he leaves her in the dust. Or so he thought..
      Carelessly, like the rockstar he is, Calum parked his rental in half of one spot and half of another. First, checking his hair and teeth in the rear view mirror, he then stepped out and locked the car. Before he could walk up the stairs he heard a loud screech from Ana's apartment.
     Worried something might of happened to Ana, the raven haired lad dashed up the steps and through the unlocked door. Suddenly, he was relieved when seeing Ana sitting with s dog in her lap.
     "OH MY GOD ITS CALUM HOOD!" Whaled a dark, almost black haired girl from the other side of the living room. She was holding the sides of her head, pulling her hair and murmuring words to herself.
Calum was caught off guard at first, he wasn't expecting someone to freak out like that. Deep down, he was flattered and becoming increasingly cocky by the second; but Isabelle's intensity was scaring him.
    "Oh my god, you probably think I'm a freak. Holy fuck, you fucked my friend. And you're Calum Hood. Calum Hood fucked my friend. Friend Hood my Calum fucked," she rambled uncontrollably. Anastasia was hiding her face with a throw pillow, dying of embarrassment.
    "Uh, yeah. Hi, Isabelle is it?" Calum confirmed her name and Izzy nodded fiercely with a crazed smile, "Yeah, Ana has told me so much about you."
   The fangirl looked from her best friend to the sex God in front of her, "You-you-you told him about me? You told Calum Hood about me?"
   The blonde nodded her head against the pillow and waited for her immediate death. She was mortified at her friend's actions. It was bad enough what happened with Calum last night, but now she got to add something else to the embarrassing list.
   Calum didn't know what to say either, the situation was kind of awkward from the beginning. He only sprinted up the stairs and through the door because he thought the scream meant Ana was hurt. Now he knew, it was just Isabelle fangirling excessively. Her wide smile was enough to make someone run for the hills.
   "Yeah, she did. Anyway, Ana can I talk to you?" Calum went straight to the point and did his best to escape the tension with his mesmerized fan. He loved being recognized and drooled over, but not in such a creepy and excited way.
    Ana shrugged Molly off, "Yeah we can go to my room," The boy followed her to the hallway and smugly waved to Isabelle as they both disappeared through one of the doors.
Ana motioned to the foot of the bed and waited for Calum to come in before closing the door behind them. She secretly felt bad for leaving Isabelle in the living room alone, but it was better than her fangirling in front of Calum.
      Calum draped his body on top of the comforter and pulled Ana on him. Immediately he attached his lips to hers. Lost, Anastasia kissed back and smiled into the ambush attack. Suddenly the thought of last night struck her mind and she pulled away.
    ''Noo, come baack," Calum whined in his adorable accent almost making Ana give in.
She wanted to kiss him. Oh, how much she wanted to kiss him. But before that could happen she needed to sort a few things out. It's only been a few days, she wanted to know whether Calum was interested in a relationship or not.
Ana bit her lip, "There's actually something we need to talk about."
     He sat up and nodded, "Yeah, I needed to ask you something as well," smirking, the cheeky boy leaned forward and connected his lips with Ana's before she could react, "But that can wait," he added then placed soft kisses down her neck to her collar bone.
    The blonde shivered at his soft touch and smiled. Leaning her head back, she allowed his lips to explore her neck and sweet spot just behind her ear lobe. His affection was addictive and caused a tornado of emotions in her head. She wanted to beg for more, but again, there were things they needed to discuss.
"Calum, stop and let's talk," she hated to use that phrase, but it needed to be said.
    He sighed and nodded, "I wanted to ask if you wanted to come over next week and hang out with the guys and I."
Ana smiled, of course she would want to. That means he was looking for something serious, "I would love to Cal."
Smirking, he laced their fingers together and met her eyes, "What was it you wanted to talk about babe?"
    Ana trusted Calum more than she trusted herself so she didn't notice all the cliche things he did just to manipulate her. Hearing the pet names and having him hold her hand sent electricity through her body. She loved the feeling.
    "W-well, I wanted to discuss last night," she gathered her thoughts, "We had sex?" The way the flustered girl said it was more in a question.
Calum smirked, nodding his head, "We did," he smiled at her, recalling the events from the night before. How her body on top of his felt and how badly he wanted that feeling again.
    "Was it - um.." Ana was at a loss for words. Calum's hypnotic stare was all she could process. His eyes continuously switched from her lips to her eyes which cause Ana to blush.
    A kiss is a lovely trick designed by nature to stop speech when words become superfluous. This time, Ana crashed her lips on his and pulled the Australian's body closer. All the questions she had thought of washed away as she drowned herself with Calum's heated kisses.