Everything I Didn't Say

“Hey, Calum. I think this’ll look good on—” Everybody paused as she walked to Calum. Stares were exchanged and I was probably the only one not surprised.

“Aislinn?! Why the hell are you two together?! Alone too!” Amber announced loudly, making things more awkward than it should be.

“Sorry, we need to go.” Calum quickly grabbed the shoe that Aislinn was holding and dragged her out of the store. Everybody was left speechless and whispers were soon exchanged.

“Wait, are they on a date?!” Iris suddenly spoke but no one seem to knew the answer but me. “Calum! Wait!” Amber tried to run after them but I immediately grasped her wrist to stop her.

“Bye, I guess!!” As soon as she realized what I did, she just waved to Calum and Aislinn’s direction. We saw that Aislinn tried to turn around to wave back but Calum’s grip must have been tight which made it difficult for her to turn.

I thought hard of what just happened and I was angered. Everyone was surprised, even Aislinn but Calum’s expression was off. He panicked for the first bit but his face remained blank for the whole time.

“Was he embarrassed to be seen around with her?” Amber whispered and I was astonished since that was exactly what I was thinking. I knew Calum all too well and he wasn’t like that when it comes to a girl he likes; in fact, he even likes showing her off.

“Why don’t we follow them?” Ashton cheekily suggested. I questioned everyone in our group as they agreed quickly. Everyone started walking to the direction that Calum and Aislinn took and we quickly caught up.

Everybody started speculating theories but I just kept on observing. The space between them was larger than when the red sea split. Calum looked around, avoiding Aislinn’s eyes while Aislinn took quick glances at the nonchalant Calum Hood.

Calum seemed to notice that we were following him as he turned his head a bit as if trying to see from his peripheral view. After that, he quickly pulled Aislinn to his side and wrapped his arm around her shoulder.

“Be gentle.” I whispered under my breath. I balled my fist at the thought of how he’s handling her. He’s playing with her as if she’s a ragdoll and I know Aislinn deserved so much better.

“Do you think he’s faking it?” Amber suddenly pulled me out of my thoughts. She started walking my pace and just stared at me until I gave an answer. “Faking it?” She nodded and I squinted my eyes to think.

One thing about Amber that I liked was she was very well aware of everyone’s behaviour as she was very observant. She was the one that can very much explain one slight mood change and in most cases, this trait of hers was very helpful.

“Explain.” I said sternly. She could very well be right but I want to hear her reasons to assess it. “He might be faking all of this just to prove a point, whether to Aislinn or us. C’mon, haven’t you seen Calum with girls?” She raised an eyebrow to prompt me to think hard of what she just said.

“Let me spell it out for you, Lucas. Calum is a happy little kid. He looked pissed earlier. Yes, his face was blank but usually, that is his ‘I am pissed. Leave me be.’ face. Was he pissed that we found out they’re on a date? Usually, he would have announced it already even before the girls says yes.” I thought about everything she said and got even more frustrated.

What if she’s right? Then Aislinn is in trouble and Calum is basically ending things with our group. What is he trying to prove? That he’s an occasional douchebag?! We already know that.

We followed them around the mall but we learned to keep our distance and after an hour, we suddenly found ourselves at the food court of the mall. We made sure we didn’t lose them in the sea of people in here.

“Wait, they’re here.” Iris suddenly pulled Kane and the rest followed. They were in a line for Calum’s favorite pizza place here in the mall. We got close enough to hear what they were talking about.

“Hey, come here.” Calum opened his arms and Aislinn slowly walked with caution, confusion drawn on her face. “Quick.” He pulled her in to speed up the process and everybody was just watching. “I just want you to know that I’ve always liked you and that I always have the best time around you.”

Notes