Tangled Strings (sequel to Red Strings)

Chapter 7

"Hi!" Natalie and I say in sync walking up to the boys table, "hey" Luke smiles standing up to give me a quick peck Calum stands up and pulls Natalie's chair out for her "thank you" she mouths sitting down next to him. 

"So, how are you guys liking being back home?" I question reaching out for my water they all give each other a look and I glare at Michael. An awkward silence falls over the table "it's been great" Ashton coughs "yeah he's only keeked like once" Michael adds making the whole table laugh. "Hello, my names-" The waitress begins to say "hey I know who you are" Michael says "Sylvanna?" I smile remembering her from the concert "I bet Ash remembers you too" Calum winks making Sylvanna blush 

"Can I start you guys off with something to drink?" she stutters pulling out her note pad "Ashton do you wanna go first? He's pretty thirsty" Michael jokes "He's pretty thirsty" Calum repeats "Can I get uh" he coughs "coke please" Sylvanna nods writing it down. 

The rest of us order and she heads to the back leaving us again. We all break out in a fit of laughter "shut up" Ashton whines "did you see her she's extremely attractive" he shrugs "I'm gonna cry this is so funny" Michael confesses 

"I think I'm going to faint" "don't do that!" I beg "alright so boys it's time" "time for what" Ashton questions still embarrassed "why'd you bring us here?" I question the silent going once again silent, "does there have to be a reason?" Michael asks guiltily 

"yes" Nat and I agree. Luke grabs my hand under the table and I bite my lip, as they all look to Ashton "we've been asked to fly to California to record our album for out time in the summer that we have off" Luke squeezes my hand "and we where wondering if you guys would want to come with us."

Natalie's POV

"Wait California as in...CALIFORNIA with like San Francisco, LA, beaches and celebrities.....that California?" I asked shocked by the idea of it all.  "Well there is only ONE California in the world." Calum said taking a sip from his drink.  

"Well I surprisingly remember that from geography." I joked before Luke cut in and said "But seriously we want you to come." "Well I think it depends." I said shrugging slightly.  "Are you kidding Nat!  This is a once in a lifetime oppurtunity!  Besides, it's during the summer so we don't have school, and we can figure stuff out from there like where we're gonna stay and jobs.  Don't worry about it, we'll just figure it out!" Skyler said slightly annoyed.

"No I'm just saying maybe I'll stay there for good." I said taking a sip from my water.  "What?" they all asked, shocked.  "Well I may or may not have applied to the University of Southern California.....and possibly Stanford." I said.

"Oh my god Natalie that's amazing!" all the boys said, except for Cal who seemed to say it half-heartedly.  I had no idea what to do at that point.  I didn't want to exactly return the negativity, but I was scared that if I did, that I would only add fuel to the flame, one that everyone could sense was occurring.

"Thanks guys, I really do appreciate the support." I said mustering up the best fake smile I could.  I desperately tried to continue my happy face, but I could sense the tension between myself and Calum, and I knew that the others could too.  I didn't look at him, and he didn't look at me.

Finally after the extremely awkward lunch, finally we left.  I saw Ashton put something along with the tip, and I just assumed he might've sneaked his number to the waitress.  I hoped Sylvanna would pick it up.  

"Well I guess we'll see you around?" I said tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.  "We can drive you back!" Ashton said before I shook my head and said "That's alright." "I'll drive you back Natalie.  You don't mind if I use your car right?" Calum intervened.  "Are you sure Calum?" I asked my stomach twisting.  Please no, please no, please.  Not this time.