Sophia
Have you ever experienced something exhilarating and wonderful that you start to think is this too good to be true? Something that you deep down knew wouldn't last forever and these sort of things weren't supposed to happen to you, but you just kind of roll with it because you're so happy and you think things are finally working out and then something happens that snaps you back to reality and everything starts to break down to reveal what actually is happening? Because I feel like that right now.
Laying here, it's three in the morning and I still haven't slept yet. The events from the airport were replaying over and over in my head on a constant loop. Every time I attempted to shut my eyes I would see everything unfold as clearly as it was when it happened.
Earlier
I cringed as Calum's fist made contact with the concrete wall.
I couldn't believe what had just happened. I wanted to fight off the tears so badly, I'm not one to cry, it shows me as weak and vulnerable. And me crying now, the big sobbing mess I am just highlighted that I was in fact a coward. Why couldn't I have stood up for myself why did I have to cry like a fucking baby.
I was embarrassed, humiliated and furious with myself. And I felt bad for Calum. This was all my fault, I shouldn't have agreed to come on this trip, I wasn't needed anyway. I was just asking for this to happen.
"Calum I'm so sorry," I sniffled. Girl get yourself together. I stood up and walked to him, taking his hand in mine. It was all bloody, I sighed.
"Don't be silly Sophia, this isn't your fault, it was Chris'," He pulled me into a hug and I took a few moments to get my unsteady breathing under control.
"I know Calum but we all know this would never have happened if I wasn't here." I pulled away and folded my arms looking down at the floor.
Ashton put his hand on my shoulder, "You can't think like that Sophia. Don't put yourself down like that. Calum is absolutely right...for a change," He winked at Calum and I smiled lightly, "Chris didn't plan this with your safety at mind." He rubbed circles around my back.
"Sophia, I should be apologising too, I can't believe I outed us like that. I've ruined this opportunity for you now because of my loud, unfiltered mouth." Calum said, it was obvious he was still super mad.
I shook my head in defeat, "Honestly Calum, that's the last thing on my mind right now. I mean, I knew I would be going home soon anyway." I shrugged.
"Yeah, but you would have still had someone to work with and support you." He snapped.
Luke approached us, "I've been thinking this for a while now, but as front man of this band, I think I speak for everyone that one this has blown over, we need a new management team."
They didn't have to do this.
***
I was one hundred percent shitting myself. I paced the waiting area outside as I waited for Calum to arrive and the doors to Chris' office open. I'm scared, I mean I know I'm getting kicked off the probation but what's going to happen with Calum and I?
The doors to the waiting room opened and Calum strode in, his hand was bandaged up and he looked like he hadn't had much sleep either, if not any.
I didn't know what to say to him and he obviously felt the same as we both took a seat on opposite couches.
I studied Calum, he was leant back in the chair, his knees apart and his hands clasped together on his lap. He had his head rolled back and he was staring up at the ceiling. Every few seconds he would let out a sigh and gulp and then occasionally shake his head like he was thinking deeply about something.
I on the other hand was sat at the edge of the seat, ankles crossed, sat up right and constantly cracking my fingers out of nerves. My eyes trailed to the clock on the wall, and it felt like time had frozen I had been here that long.
There was a click and the door to Chris' office opened. He stood there, arms folded. He didn't even have to say anything. Calum and I stood up simultaneously, glancing at each other briefly. I felt like I was at school and had been sent to the principles office for misbehaving. And trust me, I know that feeling. I wasn't the most willing student.
I walked in first, taking a seat, and Calum sat next to me. I did notice he scooted the chair closer to me.
Chris took his time taking his seat. Fairs to him though, I don't blame him, I've waisted his time too.
"So, care to explain to me when this happened?" He asked, leaning on his desk.
"It-" I started to talk but Calum held his hand up to stop me.
"This hasn't got anything to do with Sophia. You honestly thought bringing a beautiful girl like her into my life wouldn't make me fall for her?" Calum said in a 'duh' like tone.
I blushed slightly.
"Calum. I thought you were that broken and messed up that no one would ever change you. My aim with Sophia was to use her as a way to bring you back to your old ways. Which she has apparently done more than that. I specifically said no romance." I looked at Calum and he grew angrier every word he spoke.
"Just-" He started.
But there was anger filling inside of me too, "Calum. Let me say something please." I looked at him and he nodded.
"You mean to tell me, I was only being used as a pity project for one of your clients and you never had any intention to keep me on afterwards." I said in disgust. I can't believe this.
"Well, I always thought you were talented Sophia but you're nothing special. I was considering a possibility of keeping you on, but to be honest you're just not what we're looking for." He said smiling.
Was this douche being serious? Calum and I both stood up at the same time. Anger was evident in both of us.
"You are a dick! I want off your management right now. And not just me, the whole band! There is no way in a hell we'd want to be under your control after you manipulated and treated Sophia the way you have!" He said pointing his finger in Chris' face.
"It's completely unprofessional, and you know what. Fuck you and this stupid probation." I snapped and turned on my heels.
Calum was close behind me as we left the room and power walked to the lift. Once inside we looked at each other and we burst out laughing.
To be honest it wasn't really that funny but what was funny is I don't think either of us was expecting me to react in that way.
"I can't believe you said that." Calum laughed, wiping his tears.
I grinned, "me either."
We both calmed down and I let out a sigh. Calum grabbed my hand. "I'm so sorry this happened to you. I promise I'm going to do everything I can to find someone to take you on and work with you. You deserve to be recognised for your incredible talents. And trust me when I say, you are more than special, Chris has always been a puny bastard who only cares about getting his own way. You're one of a kind Sophia." It felt like we should kiss but instead I pulled him into a hug. It felt right, being here in his arms. I didn't care that he outed us, in fact I'm glad he did. This way I wouldn't have to be disappointed at the end, but now I have time to just relax and spend the rest of the summer with Calum.
Suddenly a memory from yesterday popped into my head.
"This is stupid, putting someone I care about, who I love out there putting them in a vulnerable position is ridiculous!"
I pulled back slightly, "Yesterday you said you cared about me and that you loved me, is that true?" I felt nerves settling into my stomach as I waited for a response.
Calum sighed, "I know one thing is certain, I am falling madly in love with you, and I am certain I have the capacity to love you in the future."
I wasn't disappointed, his words were soothing. I'm glad he didn't simply say 'I love you,' because it was definitely too early for that, we weren't even official. But he was right, I completely agreed with him.
AN
Hope you enjoyed this part! Sorry it's not that long.
But aw aren't they cute!
- Liv x