Rise of the Arcane Heir

From Me To You (Part 2)

Callum stared at his bloody knuckles and the gash on his forearm through the ripped sleeve of his suit jacket with dead eyes as he caressed the cold pint of beer between his hands. The other customers of O'Connors pub left him alone in the dark corner with only his grief and rage for company.

The cracked screen of his phone on the table drew his attention as it vibrated. A glance was all he needed to confirm it was Dani calling him back before answering.

"I'm here. Where are you?"

Callum's left brow rose slightly at Dani's tone before telling her he was seated in the rear right corner near the toilets.

"I'll be right there."

Before he could place the phone back on the table, Dani's face appeared as she rushed between the tables. Her black dress for the funeral hugged her curves while still being suitable for the occasion.

"Gods, Cal, are you okay?"

Her silvery voice rang in his ears as she placed the heavy bag she carried in an empty seat before taking his right hand in hers. Callum's hand trembled at her gentle touch while she studied the wounds.

"She really cut you?" Dani's voice cracked as her expression twisted in disgust. "I'll kill her the next time I see her. That's definitely going to leave a scar."

Callum nodded as he felt his heartbeat quicken at the warmth of her skin on his. Calm down. It's the shock of everything that's making me feel this way. I can't do that to Dani. I can't use her as a tool to make myself feel better.

He knew if he made a move, Dani would accept it. Only because he was aware of her feelings for him. If he sought the kind of comfort he was thinking of from her, Callum knew he would only be using her to feel like he had gotten back at Amy for what she did.

Dani seemed to sense the awkward thoughts and let go of his hand. Her cheeks were flushed as she stared into his eyes.

"I brought you a change of clothes. They didn't have much, but they should be your size." 

Callum accepted the bag Dani had set down and checked its contents. He could see a pair of jeans, a black hoodie, a black T-shirt, as well as a pair of black and white hi-top trainers inside. He threw a confused look at Dani whose face turned red.

"I've known you for years. Of course, I'd know what size clothes you wear."

With the way Dani's eyes avoided his, Callum doubted that anyone would just randomly know that about their friends. However, he wasn't the kind of guy to call her out on it.

"Thanks, Dani. I don't know what I'd do without you."

The smile on Callum's face was the first honest one he had shown since the day his grandfather passed away. It made Dani's heart flutter as she clenched her dress before gathering the courage to ask what she needed to.

"Where are you going to go, Cal? Have you thought about it?"

In all honesty, he hadn't. Between the funeral and the revelation of Amy's betrayal, it had never crossed his mind. I didn't even think about clothes. The deep frown on Callum's face told Dani everything she needed to know.

"You can stay with me at my parents' place if you want. I've already spoken to them, and they'd be happy to have you."

Callum could hear the hopeless enthusiasm in her voice as he mulled over the offer. It's a bad idea. She knows as well as I do what would happen between us with me in this state. I can't let her offer herself up as a rebound, hoping it would become something more. It was then he remembered the other keys in his pocket. 

"I'll be fine. I have the keys to my grandparents' old place. With both of them gone, I won't bother anyone. I'll crash there for a while as I figure out what I'm going to do."

"Call me if you change your mind," Dani said while tormenting her lower lip. "I don't like the idea of you being there alone. Especially not tonight."

After promising he would, she squeezed his hand before giving him a light peck on the cheek. Her eyes misted with regret as she left Callum alone with his thoughts.

A few hours, a couple of drinks, and a taxi ride later, Callum found himself standing in the dark, silent living room of his grandparents' old house. It took him a moment to turn on the lamps while he covered his eyes from their dull glow. 

The laughter and voices of his grandparents could no longer be heard, but he could've sworn he could still smell their tobacco in the air. The realisation they were gone for good finally set in during that moment. Callum's insides felt as if they had turned to ice while his chest ached from his struggles to breathe.

I need a shower.

Callum's feelings threatened to burst out at any moment, but he knew once they did, he wouldn't have the energy to do anything else. A shower first would hopefully warm up the cold in his guts, and wash off the blood on his arm and hand. Only then could he allow himself to grieve without being reminded of Amy.

Unfortunately, that wasn't to be the case. The hot water on his skin reminded Callum of the warmth he experienced growing up in that house, while the blood in the water dragged the memories of what happened a few hours before to the forefront of his mind.

The house echoed with the roar of a wounded beast. A beast, all alone in his misery while the world around him seemed to lose its luster. The rage Callum felt pushed against his skin from the inside. Violently attempting to force its way out as he roared again.

Now breathless and having given voice to his pain, Callum could finally notice he could no longer feel the water hammering on his back. As he turned to check what was wrong, only one thing came to mind.

"What the hell!"