Page 115 of Escape Velocity
Mason looks away from Callum.
He knows he’s being unfair to Callum. He knows it’s harder for him. He has an abusive father who’s willing to do anything to get what he wants. As much as he likes to think Callum has it easier with his popularity, scholarships and awards, he doesn’t.
“Then maybe we should just stop trying, Cal.”
Mason looks at Callum, who blinks. “What?”
“I think we’re in different places now.”
Callum scoffs. “Mason, don’t do this, you’ve had a rough day.”
Mason shakes his head. “I actually have a lot of clarity right now. What I know is that this just isn’t going to work. We keep trying to, but maybe it never will. I need to stop being selfish and let you pursue your dream and get out of Northwood forever.”
Callum kneels down to Mason and stares into his eyes. “You mean so much more to me than anything else, Mason. More than you know.”
Mason’s chin trembles. “I know.”
He hates how complicated everything’s become. He just wishes he could escape from everything and everyone with Callum.
Another twig snaps and he fully stands up.
“Mason? Are you here?”
It’s his mother’s voice.
Callum stands up too and turns around to face where Mrs. Fanning’s voice is coming from.
His mom enters the clearing. “Oh, thank God,” she says, as relief floods over her.
Her demeanor shifts as she realizes that Callum is also in the clearing.
Her eyes dart between Mason and Callum, but she doesn’t say anything.
“What are you doing here, Mom?” Mason asks, swiping a tear from his eye.
“I came to try and find you, of course.”
“I don’t want to be found, right now, Mom.”
His mom sighs and runs a hand through her hair. “Mason, can we please discuss this back at home?—”
“With Joel there? Thanks, but I’m good.”
His mom puts her hands together. “Callum, can you please leave us alone? Mason needs to have a talk with me, and I’d prefer you weren’t here.”
Callum shakes his head. “I already know everything, Melissa. Whatever you can say to Mason, you can say to me.”
Mason panics as he looks between his mom and Callum. He didn’t think he’d ever see Callum challenge his mom, let alone anyone else.
His mom furrows her eyebrows. “Excuse me?”
Callum nods. “We’re together, Melissa.”
Mason puts his hand on Callum’s shoulder. “Callum?—”
Mrs. Fanning squints. “I’m sorry, what?”
Callum takes a step towards her. “Me and Mason are boyfriends. We have been for the past month, so whatever you have to say to him, you can say to me.”
