Calum

The goodbyes weren't as hard as I thought they'd be. Mainly because I didn't do them. I didn't tell anyone the date I was leaving; the only person who knew was my mum and that was only because I needed a lift to the airport. The drive there was silent; I hadn't spoken to my mother directly in days and I wasn't about to start now. We pulled up at the airport with three hours to spare before I would have to board my flight. She hardly said a word as she opened the trunk of her car and slipped my suitcases out, lining them up all in a row on the pavement.

"Go on inside," she said quietly. "I'll park up the car and meet you inside."

I nodded and grabbed as many cases as I could carry. I made my way into the airport, mumbling profanities under my breath. I was still mad as hell that I had to leave, even though I'd brought it on myself. I felt nervous in the pit of my stomach and I was so preoccupied I almost didn't notice the Hemmings family standing in an awkward line, each baring a sign that had a similar message to the last on it.

Luke stood awkwardly in the middle, waving enthusiastically at me as I blushed crimson. Everyone was staring. I edged closer to the huddle and Luke pulled me into a hug.

"Do they know?" I hissed into his ear.

"No," Luke replied, a fake smile plastered on his face.

I rolled my eyes. "Luke."

"Calum!" Liz reached over and hugged me tight. "We're all going to miss you!"

I looked around. Mr Hemmings stood, a picture of discomfort, his briefcase tucked obscenely in between his legs. He was obviously heading straight to work after this, and he so didn't want to be here. I didn't blame him - I think I'd seen him a total of maybe three times in all the years I'd known his son.

Next were Ben and Jack, two people who I was adamant hated my guts. They were shifting uncomfortably, holding a joint sign that said, "we'll miss you Callum." I winced. I expected that of Ben, I don't think I'd spoken more than three words to him in three years, but Jack? Jack was in my advanced calc class, not to mention the fact we were on the football team together and we shared gym period. And he couldn't even spell my name.

"This is..." I tailed off. "So, nice."

Liz beamed. "It was your mother's idea. She said you were feeling a little down about leaving, and we wanted you to know you'll be missed!"

Logical. I noticed my mum walking through the turning doors and silently thanked the man upstairs. We stood whilst her and Liz chatted for a few moments, then made our way into the airport cafe to grab a bite to eat before I left. Luke and I had a table to ourselves, something which I'd been counting on.

"So," I said. "You and Michael?"

"I don't," Luke began, but he stopped. "I don't really know about us right now, ok? Whether there is an us."

I nodded. "Look man, whatever happens, I don't care. You're still both my best friends. Ok?"

He smiled thinly. "Thanks, Cal. So. Cas?"

I shook my head. "That ended... badly. I don't think she wanted long distance, you know? Maybe in another place, another time..." I tailed off wistfully. 

Luke sighed. "I know you really liked her, man."

I shrugged. "Yeah, I did."

We finished eating in silence, and then it was time for me to leave. I gave Luke a bro hug and maybe cried a little, and then the Hemmings left and it was just mum and I.

"Calum," Mum said tearfully.

"Don't," I said flatly. "Please. I don't want a fuss."

"Ok," she wiped her eyes. "Ok."

"Bye, mum," I sighed and gave her a kiss on the cheek. She stifled another sob and I turned and went to board the plane.

And do you know what? I didn't even particularly care. 

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shit fam this is really short because rn cas is a more exciting character to me and i dont care about calum lmao

13k reads or 700 votes for an update yes i'm a terrible person

//not edited/ proof read//

- cait