k a r r i s

✖

I had no clue how I was supposed to function on this date with Calum when he looked extremely good today. His outfit was simple-- just a pair of black skinny jeans and a gray Saosin tee shirt. His dark hair was in a slight messy disarray, yet had about a dime-sized amount of product in his strands. He smiled at me brightly, and I swore the sun couldn't compare.

"Good morning lovely," he opened his arms wide and I felt my tummy drop a thousand feet.

"H-hi," I stammered. My heart was beating at 300 miles per hour, and I didn't understand why I was so nervous. I spoke to Calum every single day at school; he was in my classes and we texted often. But suddenly I didn't know how to act around him.

"Are you gonna stand there all day, or are you gonna give me a hug?" Calum pouted, his arms still more welcoming than ever.

I giggled, stepping away from the front door and walking straight into his chest. I breathed in deep, inhaling the light spritz of cologne Calum was wearing. His arm muscles flexed as he held onto me, and I didn't feel like letting go. I fit so well with him that it was crazy. Was this how love felt? Because I knew my crush on Calum wasn't a crush anymore. These feelings bubbling inside of me were much deeper, and struck me with so much power that I was actually scared.

"Are you ready to go?" Calum asked, as he separated from our embrace.

Darn it.

"Yes, let me just grab my jack--"

"--forgetting something?"

I turned around to find both Sophie and Berkley with their shoulders leaning against the door pane. They had incredulous grins plastered across their faces and I knew it was because they had witnessed my and Calum's exchange. Sophie held onto my jean jacket while Berkley swung my purse around from its strap.

"Thank you," I whispered with a smile as I took the jacket from Sophie's hand.

"Behave, missy," Berkley raised a brow just as I grabbed my purse from her fingers and placed the strap on my shoulder.

"Always," I replied with a soft smile. I closed my eyes for one moment, taking the time to release a breath I didn't know I was holding. I was mentally preparing myself for what could possibly happen today. Several hours with Calum could result in absolute embarrassment and I wanted to avoid a travesty at all costs.

When I opened my eyes, I was met with reassuring gazes from both Berkley and Sophie. Their encouragement was enough for me to buck up the courage to turn around and face my fear of total humiliation. I looked up at Calum who still continued to grin merrily. This was it.

"Let's go Karris, we've got a full day ahead of us," Calum hinted. He rested a gentle touch to my lower back, pushing me away from the front porch.

I followed him towards his car, remembering the last time I was in it. Calum had saved me that day-- made me feel better after Tegan's tirade. Despite the stint we had due to Ashton's poor judgement in the ideals of sportsmanship hazing, my trust in Calum continued to remain. He was my friend, and I was hoping that one day we would become more than just friends.

"So what's the plan?" I asked, just as Calum backed his car out of the driveway. We waved to Berkley and Sophie who still stood on the front porch, watching us drive away.

"We're going to San Diego," Calum announced, excitement ringing in his voice.

I just about had a heart attack. San Diego? Seriously? Don't get me wrong, I freaking love San Diego! But I had the idea that Calum and I would stay local. Whether we hung out in Arden Heights, or go into one of the neighboring cities, I was more than pleased to be out and about with Calum.

But this beautiful boy, who was sculpted by the Gods, decided to be all cutesy. While the coastal Southern California city was only 20 miles away, it was the biggest city in our area. When we wanted a getaway, when families wanted to spend time together, or when the Newcoast University kids wanted a little excitement, San Diego was always the answer. And now, here I was, sitting in the passenger side of Calum's car as he drove us to one of the top spots for ultimate entertainment.

"What are you thinking about?" Calum suddenly questioned, quickly glancing at me with apprehension, "do you not like the idea of traveling so far?"

I shook my head, suddenly feeling guilty in not replying right away. He was probably expecting me to gasp; to shriek excitedly in response to his plans. But instead, I sat in contemplation because that's what I do best-- over think.

"I do, I promise. It's a wonderful idea," I praised.

"Then why don't you look to keen on it," Calum asked, flecks of guilt still plaguing his expression, "we can do something else if traveling out of town makes you uncomfortable."

Now I really felt bad. I just wanted to have the best time with Calum, and less than five minutes into this play date and I'm already ruining it.

"I'm sorry Cal, I just..." my voice faded, and I quickly looked down to my own fidgeting fingers. How the heck was I supposed to tell him that I was nervous?

"Karris," Calum sighed, "you know you can tell me anything, right? You don't ever have to feel scared around me."

"But I do," I murmured, keeping my head down. I was ashamed at my own words, my own feelings, my own self that I couldn't bare to look Calum in the eyes.

"Yo-you're scared of me?" Calum stammered. Confusion was laced in his voice, and if you listened closely, there was some hurt in it too.

"I just don't know how to do this," I told him, the words coming out of my mouth faster than my brain could process. "I don't know how to act around boys. It's not like I get much practice; guys aren't exactly lining up to spend time with me."

"I don't see why not? Karris, don't let idiots get into your head. Whatever Tegan and her friends say; whatever Ashton stupidly talks about... all of that is bullshit," he ranted, anger tethered around him. "I asked to hang out with you today because I think you're fucking cool."

I was taken aback, "really?"

"Yes, really," Calum let out a chuckle, reaching over to squeeze my hand.

I died.

"Since day one you've been one of the coolest chicks to ever step into my life," Calum gushed, "you helped me with my hockey tryout, you help me during practice, you have more to offer in conversation than just gossip, aaand..."

"And what?"

"And no matter how many times Ashton or anyone tries to bring you down, you rise from it all, ten times stronger," Calum finished, a satisfied smirk on his face, "and that's why you're fucking cool."

I literally had no words. I was awestruck, stunned, bamboozled. I had to pinch myself because there was no way that thee Calum Hood had just went on a spiel about me. Me? Of all the freaking people in the world, me! What actually is my life?

"Thanks, I guess you're alright," I nonchalantly quipped with a shrug.

Calum's jaw dropped, "I just recited the 'Why Karris is Cool Declaration,' and you only say that?"

I bursted into a fit of giggles, "I'm joking! You're more than alright Calum. You're pretty dang amazing."

The drive to San Diego was in no way short of enjoyable-- it was down right incredible! With the music blaring through the speakers, the windows down, and the empty freeway ahead of us, my adventure with Calum was only beginning. My anxiety was thrown right out the window and I was more than prepared to spend the rest of the day with Calum.

Seaport Village was a waterfront extravaganza of entertainment. Shopping, dining, and at times exclusive events, the San Diego complex was top notch for Saturday merriment. I had only been here a few times as a kid, but coming here with Calum brought back all the nostalgia. I loved being by the water as we walked around, checking out a few of the boats parked on the harbor.

"Are you hungry? I was thinking we grab something to eat?" Calum suggested. His hands were in his pockets as we trekked on the brick sidewalk, parallel to the ocean on one side, and retail stores on the other.

"I'm up for some food," I told him with a smile, "and I know where we should go!"

"Oh, a girl who makes the decisions?" Calum raised a brow, and in realizing what my statement was, my eyes widened. I basically insinuated that I was taking away his man-card.

"I, uh-I'm--"

"Dude, chill!" Calum laughed, draping an arm around my shoulder and pulling me into him, "it's fine. I actually like girls who do that."

If my skin didn't hold so much melanin, then Calum would for sure see the bright red painted on my cheeks. My face was hot from Calum's words, and I knew that I was most definitely blushing from it.

"Where did you want to eat?" Calum asked, his arm still around me, as he glanced down with a grin.

My mind reverted back to the time when I was thirteen years old. It was the summer before Gabe and I started high school; the first year where we would be separated, not just by classrooms but by an entire academic institution. Our entire family decided to take a weekend trip to San Diego, and it was one of my favorite times because it was simpler back then.

My family and I were hungry, but weren't in the mood for anything too heavy, so we opted for an outdoor cafe. While Gabe and I were very much different, we were still twins, and our twin mind 'power' couldn't be anymore stronger. We made a game out of it: whispering into our parents' ears exactly what we wanted, not leaving out any details to our orders. Gabe and I were always right about each other's meals, and on that particular day in San Diego, did we amaze the staff with our freaky twin thing.

"Is that you and Gabe?" Calum was pointing to a photograph on the wall of the Village Cafe, as we waited for our food.

The old photo, with the bent edges, was one among many photographic embellishing the wall of the cafe. The picture was of both Gabe and I with some of the staff, and the table piled high with food. My brother and I stared into the camera with furrowed brows, and fingers on our temples as if to bring attention to our alike minds.

I smiled at the memory and nodded my head, "yea. Summer before our freshman year."

"Aw, you looked so adorable," Calum pinched my both of my cheeks, giggling at my expense.

"Order number 23!"

"Ha, ha, thanks," I swatted Calum's hands away from my face as I sauntered to the counter where an employee pushed out our tray of food.

"You miss him a lot, don't you," Calum guessed, walking beside me as we headed towards the outdoor tables. "Gabe, I mean."

"He was my twin," I shrugged, "and one of my best friends."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to suddenly bring him up," Calum apologized, "I saw the picture and... I didn't let my brain finish thinking."

"No, no, it's fine," I grinned, taking a seat at one of the empty, decorative iron tables as Calum distributed our meal, "it feels good to be here, brings back happy memories with my brother. I miss him everyday; he was a good kid."

I smiled to myself before coming back to reality and directing my attention to Calum. There was a peculiar expression on his face that I couldn't quite decipher; something very off that was so blatantly broadcasted, I just had to ask about it.

"Are you alright?" I cocked my head to the side, "something I said?"

Calum smiled and quickly dismissed it, "I'm good. Sorry. Something my mum said."

As he dived into his food, breaking any eye contact he had with me, I stared at him in wonderment. I let go of his explanation and the off-kilter behavior, even though there was something in my gut telling me that there was more to his story than he let on. But this wasn't a time to pester and probe Calum with things he obviously didn't want to discuss, so I took an exhale out and dug into my food too.

"Can I ask for some advice?" Calum sipped on his cold beverage, before placing it down and wiping his hands with a napkin.

"Yea, sure," I nodded my head, "hockey?"

"Nope," Calum responded, before letting out a nervous breath, "a girl."

I raised a brow, "a girl."

"A girl," he repeated, and a blush formed on his face as he grinned at me, "a cute one at that."

"What do you need to know?" I pressed on, curious as to why Calum, of all people, needed girl advice. And also curious as to who the girl was. Was this Calum being cutesy again, or did he have girl (who was not me) in mind?

"How can you tell if a girl likes a boy?" Calum questioned.

I sighed, resting my chin into the palm of my hand as I let my mind go into deep thought. I could only think of me, and how I reacted to Calum. I was so into him that I was sure my reaction in his presence was very obvious.

"She gets nervous," I began, "her palms get clammy, her heart starts racing, her mind thinks 300 thoughts per minute, and she'll babble. She'll get flustered, or will blush easily, or--"

"--are you describing yourself?"

Aw, nuckin' futs, he's onto me.

"No!" I responded a little too quickly and a little too assertively, and all attempts to sound believable went out the window.

"Okay, whatever you say," Calum was smirking, and it was a mischievous one at that.

Did he only ask me for "advice" just to trick me into confessing my harboring affection towards the boy? I felt my cheeks grow hot, and I hoped that the color of my skin kept me from glowing like Rudolph the Reindeer. I wanted to save myself the embarrassment and challenge his observation, but before I could, the topic was quickly wiped away.

"Let's go walk around," Calum stood up from his chair, beaming down at me with pleasure.

Calum and I continued our Seaport Village escapades, and the topic of girls liking boys or vice versa was dropped faster than Beyonce dropping Lemonade. The two of us enjoyed each other's company by exploring the different shoppes they had to offer. There were also several side cart shows and kiosks to check out. We took tons of photos, many of them were candid shots of me that I caught Calum taking, and I was pretty sure I had a double chin in all of them.

Guys don't understand angles.

In the midst of our sight-seeing, we became hungry again. All the walking, laughing, and pushing each other around resulted in needing sugar to wake up our system. And that's when Calum suggested the best idea ever.

"Let's get ice cream!"

"That's the best idea you've had all day, Hood," I declared, playfully punching him in the arm.

"I've had plenty of awesome ideas today," Calum defended himself.

"Okay, name one," I challenged, crossing my arms above my chest and smiling amusingly at him.

"The duck pond was pretty rad!" Calum justified.

I furrowed my brows, "yea, until one of them attacked me and almost bit my finger off."

"Whatever," Calum retorted with an eye roll, "that duck was just jealous anyway."

"Jealous of what?" I squished my face in puzzlement.

"Because all the other girl ducks aren't as cute as you, and I get to spend the day with her," Calum disclosed happily.

I literally did not know how to respond. My mind was completely frazzled by all the cuteness, I just wanted to jump into the ocean to avoid it all. I didn't know how to function at a time like this and I think Calum knew that. So instead of waiting for me to respond, he simply draped an arm around me again, and led me towards the ice cream parlor.

"Let's get waffle cones, they're more fun than cups," Calum expressed as we walked over to the brightly painted building.

We sauntered right into the store, being hit severely with the wonderful smells of vanilla, cinnamon, and chocolate. My mouth was salivating with excitement and I was more than ready to have the delectable confection in my tummy. However, as we headed for the glass counter where the ice cream was at, did we see a very familiar figure.

Ashton Irwin was standing at the front counter handing cash to the woman behind the register. Next him, were two little kids who were incredibly adorable as they each held onto an ice cream cone. Ashton took a moment to look down at them, an ear to ear grin on his face.

"Try not to make too much of a mess sweetheart," Ashton bent down on one knee with chuckles escaping his mouth. He met the little girl eye to eye and wiped her mouth with a napkin before placing a tiny kiss on her forehead.

This was a side of the hockey captain I never would've thought I'd see in my entire life. There was something about seeing Ashton in this way, that made my mind spin and spin. He looked so pure, so happy, and just plain light-- like any dark heaviness he so often carried around on campus had disappeared.

But that soon came to an end the moment Ashton noticed that there was another presence in the room. His lightheartedness shifted the moment his eyes landed on Calum and I, and I almost wanted to cower from the mood change.

"Ash, hey, what brings you here?" Calum asked, smiling and ignoring the fact that Ashton looked like he wanted to murder me.

Ashton shrugged, keeping his eyes on me, "just wanted to take my siblings out for the day."

"Cute," Calum replied, "Karris and I are doing the same. Just spending our Saturday out of Arden Heights."

"Cute," Ashton haphazardly responded, darting his eyes from Calum to I.

It was a good thing that Calum was with me, because I wasn't so sure I could handle the awkward tension in the air. The last I spoke to Ashton was only a day ago when he blatantly demanded that I not spend time with his teammate. But having a body guard didn't last very long when Calum pulled out his wallet and handed me some cash.

"I gotta use the restroom, but go ahead and order for the both of us. I trust your ice cream decision-making skills," Calum mused, and just like that, he walked away and into the confines of a urinal.

I of course didn't want to speak to Ashton, so I turned away from him and made my way to the glass counter to examine the different ice cream flavors. I was hoping Ashton would ignore me like he always did and tend to his siblings, but because this was me and my luck, it didn't happen. I stared at the flavors, trying to completely ignore the fact that Ashton's gaze was beating down on my back. It was uncomfortable, annoying, and I just wanted to smack him with a tub of ice cream.

"What did I tell you?" Ashton questioned, glaring at me with annoyance.

"Please, leave me alone," I pleaded. I hated the fact that I had to beg; that to get what I want with Ashton, I had to practically gravel.

"Don't be so fucking stubborn Karebear and listen to me. You don't wanna waste your time on Calum," Ashton insisted, his voice peppered with anger.

"Why not? He's been nothing but kind to me," I defended.

"He's nice, I'll give him that," Ashton agreed, "but he's got a dark history that you shouldn't be a part of."

Just as I was about to counter his stupid argument, Calum strolled back into the picture with a smile. However when he noticed the scowl painted on Ashton's face and my distressed expression, did Calum's grin morph into smooth, unpleased lines.

"What's going on? Ashton, why does she look upset? What did you say to her?" Calum stood in between Ashton and I, glaring at his captain with ire.

Ashton cackled and shook his head, "nothing, man. Just trying to convince her that the strawberry flavor is the best, but she doesn't believe me."

Calum turned over his shoulder to look at me, "was that it? Nothing else?"

"Yea," I nodded my head and pretended to laugh it off, "I'm more of a cookie dough type of girl."

Calum stared at me for a moment, as if trying to decipher whether or not I was lying. I of course was, but I didn't want the boys to start arguing and potentially start a scene. When Calum sighed however, and shot me one of his million-dollar grins did he dropped the idea from his mind.

"Let's order," he said, gesturing for the ice cream. He held onto me as our eyes scanned the flavors, but I couldn't help but to feel an odd feeling surrounding me.

And that's when I decided to turn my head, and when I did I saw Ashton and his siblings walk out the door. But before Ashton was totally out of view, did he look me straight into the eye and shook his head, as if giving me one last warning.

I got chills. 

✖

Hmmm, Ashton definitely knows something Karris doesn't.

Any who, thank you all again for being incredibly patient with me, as I try to get back into the swing of writing regularly again. Thank you for being such amazing and loyal readers, and I'm happy to have you all!

I really hope you all liked this chapter. If you did, please don't forget to vote for it. Leave some comments and make sure to share this story with all your Wattpad friends! Thank you again, and I'll see you next chapter <3