Strings C.H

Chapter 11- Backyards

Nah, probably just indigestion.

I could care less if he was with the bitch. That was between them, Calum wasn't mine; I had no reason to feel anything, I texted Michael a simple 'ok' and he said he'll be here in 20 minutes. That gave me some time to make myself look somewhat presentable. Slamming my computer shut and getting up from my bed I made my way toward my drawer and pulled out a pair of black ripped jeans, slipping them on quickly. I caught a glance of myself in the mirror and my hair was a mess to say the least; my deep brown locks were knotted and frizzy, the straight hair look I did this morning was far gone, it was back to its naturally curly state. I rolled my eyes and ran my fingers through it in attempt to tame it and quickly grabbed a random white band tee I had, throwing my jean jacket over it.

Just then my phone buzzed and of course it was Michael informing me that he was right outside; I slid my feet into my Converse and quickly made my way out the door.

"Hey there," A blonde haired Michael greeted as I entered his vehicle.

"Hey, Mikey. What's up?"

"Nothing much, we've been really focused on the music this past month, the album releases real soon."

I nodded in understanding.

The ride there was a quiet, yet comfortable one as The 1975 played lowly on the radio. Pretty soon we were pulling into the driveway and I took a deep breath. I don't know but I was a little anxious to see the boys, we haven't really spoken since that incident with Calum, I wondered if Calum told them and they were upset with me for it.

"You coming out?" Michael's voice snapped me out of my daze, I looked over to the driver's seat only to see that it was empty and Michael was out of the car. I chuckled and made my way out of the car, closed the door and followed Mikey to the front door. I cracked my knuckles; a nervous habit of mine, as he opened the door. He let me in first and followed suit.

"C'mon, this way." He motioned with his hand for me to follow him and he went towards the large glass sliding door, where I could clearly see the boys sitting out at a table on a patio. The same one I remember entering from the night me and Calum had our last conversation. Luke turned his head first and luckily a bright smile graced his features once he noticed that it was me. I smiled back and he got up from his seat which grabbed Ashton's attention and he too, got up. I was smothered in a group hug by the hot guys and couldn't help but feel a happiness ignite inside me; they were such cool people and to have them be this excited to see me felt good.

"How are you, Grace?" Ashton asked, his accent thick and eyebrows furrowed.

"I'm great, how are you two?" I looked between him and Luke.

Luke shrugged and Ashton made a thinking face. "Pretty busy, but good overall." Ashton responded for the both of them.

"Come sit down." Michael said and we all took a seat around the table.

-

About an hour and a half had passed, we were still outside on the patio, the boys were downing their third drink for the night and I, on the other hand, sipped my lemonade. I had school in the morning, a hangover and morning classes do not mix well at all. It was a pretty good time, good laughs, good music and good people but I still couldn't help but wonder where Calum was.

"So." Luke began "Let's get to the matter at hand."

Ashton and Michael looked at each other and a smug look played on all their faces. I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion. What were they on about?

"We know that the tension is high between you and C-" Michael was robbed of his chance to speak when a new voice emerged.

"What's going on here?" the voice said. I shot my head towards the sliding door only to see Calum with a concerned look, he wasn't alone either. Reed clung to his side and their fingers intertwined. My heart sunk just a little and I turned my head away quickly.