callum-jackson

[callum-jackson]

If Callum sat back and ran through all the good memories he had with Teagan, he'd be here all night and well into next week. For a time, she'd been one of the most important things in his life, second only to his daughter. It still felt strange to look at her now and realize he barely knew the woman she was now. Callum ordered them a bottle of wine to share and they put in their orders for dinner as the server stopped by their table again.

"So, tell me something Teagan, are we just having dinner tonight or is there a possibility of more after this?" He smiled and rested his forearms against the table. "Because I was thinking a walk by the lake with some ice cream would be a perfect way to round out the evening." He wasn't interested in jumping the gun with her, knowing it might scare her off if he tried to do too much. He would have loved to suggest she come home with him but he knew better.

With a chuckle, Teagan nodded. "Oh I remember." she laughed. "It was hard to forget." she added. "I never told you, but, for months after that Addi wanted to put glitter in your shampoo so your hair would be glittery and I wouldn't let her. I told her that wasn't a wise decision and that those things were supposed to be fun, so surprising you with glitter shampoo wasn't something we should do." she spoke. "That girl would bathe in glitter though if you'd let her I'm sure." she admitted. There were so many stories that the two could share about their time together that made Teagan a little sad to think about. Because on one hand, things between them had been so good she still didn't know why she'd left. But then there was the part of her that had been so scared of commitment and getting hurt that she'd done that instead. His question brought her out of her thoughts and she nodded. "Of course." she smiled. "Is there any other kind of wine to enjoy?"

The mention of throwing a princess party at the hospital both made Teagan smile and also nervous; she'd done plenty of parties to the point that it was second nature, but, something about doing something like this for children who had nothing more positive in their lives was stressful; she wanted to make it the best or them, and nothing else. That's what they deserved after all. "My schedule's pretty flexible, but, I want to get ahold of some of my other friends, see what I can do to make it really special for them." she admitted. "I'll let you know, thanks Cal." She hadn't noticed again that she used his nickname again, but when she heard him call her Teag she felt her cheeks flush a little. Shaking her head she looked over at him. "I'm just telling you what you deserve to know. You know I've always been full of compliments." she smiled. "It's one of the many things I got from my father." @callum-jackson

[callum-jackson]

Callum was thrilled to hear that Summer was planning to stay in town. As much as he loved knowing she was out making her dreams come true all this time he had missed his friend. While she and Quentin had been a mess in the past, he loved them both and their kids deserved to have both parents around. "That's great news, have you talked to Quentin about it?" He asked, folding his arms over his chest. As she continued on about how things could change in the time they'd been apart, Callum nodded solemnly and sighed up at the sky. "You're right. And I'm probably making it a bigger deal than it needs to be. I just feel like if she can look me in the eye and say she just wanted to leave me, I don't know if I can get over it.

Summer rolled her eyes at Callum, mumbling "yes, dad," but she appreciated it all the same. She had no intention of overdoing anything; she wasn't going to do anything to make the scars on her legs any uglier. The quicker they healed, the quicker she could call her plastic surgeon and return to some sort of normality. That was the plan, anyway. She frowned at his question about his ex-girlfriend, trying to work out an answer that would actually help him. "Then you see if she's really changed," she offered. "I haven't told you this yet, but I'm planning on staying in East Haven for a while. Like, a long while. I'm selling my house back in LA. I want to be closer to my family and finally be the mom my kids need to me to be. If you asked me to do that, like, six months ago? I couldn't have. So, yeah, maybe she left a while ago for no good reason. That doesn't mean she can't change now," she shrugged, hoping her words were useful.

[callum-jackson]

"The trauma intern, Dr. Wells, how's he with patients?" Callum asked, leaning on the desk at the nurses station. "I've noticed him being a little short with nurses and if he acts that way with patients too I may have to speak to him." He was running through the list of staff in his head that he needed to evaluate this month. Being chief came with more responsibilities than he'd realized, keeping Callum out of surgery and in a stuffy little office. "I don't have any concerns right now about Dr. Hastings but is there anything you've noticed on the floor that I may not see?"

Sunny gave a nod. "Glad to hear it." He said. The ER had been so busy that night that it was hard for him to keep tabs on whether or not the patients coming in were people he knew. He had been so busy worried about Ashi and his girls. He nodded again as he turned his attention to the man. "Of course. Although I don't know how much help I would be. I have a hard time keeping up with the new nurses and interns around here, let alone the doctors." Although he did technically work with them, it was a different kind of working relationship he had with some of the doctors depending on their department. @callum-jackson

[callum-jackson]

Callum rolled his eyes as he poured himself a cup of coffee. "Pretty sure you spend a lot more time with Roman these days than you do with Ben." He opened the fridge to add some milk to his coffee while he nodded at Addilyn to set the table for them per Andrew's request. Cal shook his head and leaned against the counter, taking a swig of the hot coffee and sighing at the taste hitting his tongue. "I will never complain about you making us breakfast. Even if I do have to do the dishes afterwards." He shrugged, watching his daughter put out the plates and silverware. "You want some OJ, Addi?" He was already pouring it though, he knew his girl. "You feeling alright this morning, bud?" Cal glanced at his brother with a chuckle. @drewxjackson

Andrew looked up the moment his brother made his appearance in the kitchen, letting out a chuckle at his chosen words. "Addi, let the record show your father mentioned Roman and not Benjamin, my actual twin in regards to my culinary skills. And besides--" Andrew then turned his attention to his brother, pointing the spatula at him. "I have done my fair share of learning my way around the kitchen on my own, okay." And if Callum thought he was actually concentrated on cooking when Roman bothered to teach him, he was sorely mistaken. Roman was hot when he was in chef mode. "Addi honey, will you set the table?" He asked his niece, giving her a hip bump to get her moving before he turned his attention to his brother again. "Hope you don't mind I made myself at home. I figured a breakfast couldn't hurt." @callum-jackson

[callum-jackson]

Callum had been terrified when he'd seen both Quentin and Summer come into the hospital that night. Those were two people he cared very much about and seeing them both severely injured was not something he'd been ready for. But luckily for all of them he had always been calm in a crisis and was able to assure everyone involved that it would be okay. He'd made sure that Addi came out to keep the kids company and all was going to be fine. "I just don't want you to overdo it okay? If it gets to be too much, call me." He made Summer promise before he would let it go. Cal made a mental note to check in on Quentin as well. "Honestly, I don't know what she was doing since I last saw her. She hasn't told me much because her father's been so sick since she got back to town." He sighed and looked up at the sky a moment, trying to figure out the answer to her question. "What if there is no major reason? What if she was just, living her life somewhere else without me?" @summercassidy

"I'm fine, babe, seriously. It'll be nice to have the distraction. Luke needs something to take his mind off of all this, too. It's been a lot for him and Sadie." She couldn't imagine what it was like for her kids, seeing both their parents injured in different ways and having to try and help both. She would be more than willing to put up with a sleepover if it made her kids happy for a night. "You came to the best of the best for that," she smiled, resting her chin on her hand as she listened to his woes. "Has anything happened within those last five years? Like, has she returned from a lifechanging yoga retreat in India or discovered her true passion of pottery or something? I'm a firm believer that people can change and we should be willing to give them chances, but I think you have to get some closure in the real reason things ended five years ago. People don't just break up with other people for no reason. Unless she's, like, in witness protection and had to be moved to a new city. Or got enlisted by the FBI. Or had to complete a decades-long mission to unlock a family secret." Her mind was running away with her, coming up with wild and fantastical scenarios. "...But whatever the reason was, you need to find out why before you make your next move."

[callum-jackson]

For too long Callum had been getting distracted and not spending enough time with his brothers. When their father was alive, most of Cal's energy had been on Andrew, making sure that he was okay after all the awful things their father had said to him. And before that, he'd focused a lot of attention on Travis after the tragedy of his wife and child. He also had his own trauma to deal with around losing his wife and being a single parent. In the last few years he'd thought Ben was doing fine, he hadn't spent enough time focused on him. Because of that, things had been missed, signs he should have been more worried. That would never happen again. "Yeah no rush." Callum told him as he stepped inside and looked around casually. He wanted to make sure the place didn't look like a depression den. @benjaminxjackson

Ben had really suffered after the storm, he had locked himself in his room for a few days. Not wanting to deal with the world as his mind and emotions played games on him. He had his phone on silent and he had basically slept nonstop before finally feeling better. He did not have the energy and when he finally saw the text and phone calls, if he was honest he felt overwhelmed and panicked a bit but did calm down after a shower. He was about texting his siblings after getting dressed when he heard the door finally and opened it to see Callum. "Hey," he spoke with a small smile on his face running his hands through his semi wet hair as he opened the door wild enough. "I am fine, doing better," he answered nodding his head.

Ben looked at Callum and studied their face for a moment before answering. "Sure, I don't have any plans today and could use some fresh air and get out of the house," he sighed. "Want to come in? Need to grab my keys, wallet and phone." @callum-jackson

[callum-jackson]

Callum: Not too much at all. I had no idea what I was doing making arrangements for my father but now I do so I'm happy to help. We can make some calls together tomorrow. Callum: Teag, the sandwich costs like five bucks, it's fine, I promise. Callum: And if there is ANYTHING else you need, please tell me. I can get one of my brothers to watch Addi and I can be there in a heartbeat. Callum: I'll do anything for you. [UNSENT]

Teagan: I would like some help, actually. If it's not too much to ask. I just - it's hard doing this alone and I could use some help making sure that I cover all the bases. Teagan: If you insist, but I feel bad. I don't want you buying a sandwich for me, you've already offered and done enough. Teagan: It's so overwhelming. I'm glad I was able to be with him though. Teagan: And I'm thankful to have you around..even if I won't say that out loud. [UNSENT]

[callum-jackson]

Callum: I appreciate it. She needs more people to talk to. Callum: All the bad guys in the bible were tax collectors that's all I'm saying.

Travis: Oh, yeah? I'll try to get it out of her. See if she brings it up first and maybe I can pull some secret teacher thing. Travis: You're a freaking BIRD. At least you're living up to it by shitting on my name Travis: I'm a happy toll collector, thank you

[callum-jackson]

Callum: Teagan? Hey, slow down, whats going on? Callum: [ He stepped into his office and closed the door, the noisy hospital behind him as he tried to make sense of her words. ] Callum: Talk to me, what can't you do?

Phone Call - Callum Jackson

Teagan: [ dials Callum's number, hearing a click on the other end followed by Callum's voice] Teagan: I know this is probably the most unexpected call to get at eight o'clock in the morning but I didn't know who else to call and I'm just freaking out. I don't know if I can do this..

@callum-jackson

[callum-jackson]

Callum: If you need help please let me know. We just went through all this with my father recently so I can help if you need any support. Callum: Of course. And please, don't worry about that, I don't need you to pay me back. Callum: It's an overwhelming feeling when this happens and you uprooted your life to take care of him so this is a tough spot to be in. Callum: God I wish I could just hold you right now. I hate this. I miss you so much and now I'm scared that you're going to leave again. I don't know what to do. Fuck. [UNSENT]

Teagan: Callum, hey. Thank you. It was, I was with him. Teagan: I - honestly don't even know what I'm doing right now. I have to make arrangements and I don't even know where to start... I just, I feel lost. Teagan: I honestly haven't eaten much today, but, a turkey club from Patty's sounds fantastic. If you happen to go by there could you grab one and bring it by the shop tomorrow? I'll be there all day, I'll pay you back.

[callum-jackson]

Callum: Teagan, I'm so sorry. I just heard about your father. I hope it was peaceful and that you got to be there. Callum: Is there anything I can do for you? I know nothing can take away that pain but if there is absolutely anything you need, please let me know. Callum: A meal, a drink, a distraction, a hug. Whatever you need, I'm here for you.

@teaganweatherford

[callum-jackson]

Callum: she definitely would like that. she's been having some trouble at school lately with a bully and wont talk to me about it. im thinking maybe her favorite uncle and soon to be auntie can maybe get her to open up about it. Callum: Uh, it's a cool Scottish name? my name means dove which is a symbol and peace and purity and your name means TOLL COLLECTOR. please.

Travis: We'll definitely work something out. You know she's always free to hang out and spend the night whenever she wants. She'll basically have her own room once the house is done being built. Travis: What's your excuse for having Callum as a name then, huh?

[callum-jackson]

Callum: good thing kids are easy to bribe. Callum: but seriously, i think Addi would really like to spend some more time with you and Lili, she's very excited to have another girl in the family. Callum: Interesting that you didn't learn to multitask before you were born?

Travis: It's all I have Travis: I was busy doing other things like growing

[callum-jackson]

"Ben? You home?" Callum knocked on his brother's front door a few times, not hearing any noise inside and frowning as he called out to him from outside. He hadn't heard from him in a few days and after a couple of unanswered texts after the windstorm, he'd taken it upon himself to go check on him. He pulled out his phone and started to pull up his contact, ready to call him again and see if he could hear his phone ringing inside when the door swung open. "There you are. You okay buddy? You haven't been texting me back and I was getting a little worried about you." After their last talk before the storm, Ben had shared some things with Callum that had his big brother senses tingling. "You up for a little time out of the house today? I was hoping we could go for a drive." He nodded back at his car parked on the street behind him. @benjaminxjackson

[callum-jackson]

Callum: Bribery, nice. I like that strategy. Callum: Can't believe you didn't use your time in the womb to convince her to give you a proper name.

Travis: At least someone loves me more. I'll make sure to give Addi a gift when I see her next. Travis: It's not my fault Mom named me with a name from the place i was conceived

[callum-jackson]

Callum took a seat next to Sydney at the bar and thanked her for the drink, taking a sip of the cool liquid and letting his eyes settle on the blonde as she spoke. He toyed with a napkin on the bar top and decided that he'd stick around as long as she wanted to catch up. "All I really do is work and hang out with my kid honestly. My life used to be fun and exciting ten years ago but now I'm an old man with a pre-teen and it's devastating." He laughed and shook his head. "She's great, she's in middle school now and she's so grown up. Looking more like her mother every day." For a long time it had been hard to talk about his late wife, but it had been ten years now and he no longer felt that sharp ache when he said her name. "Millie had that perfectly dimpled smile and the bright green eyes, Addi's like her spitting image." He sighed softly. "How have you been holding up? You doing alright, Syd?" @sydneyhcywood

Sadly, this was not the first time something like this happened. Pretty much since she was a teenager, she'd experienced some degree of feeling uncomfortable, to being harassed by a man. Same as almost every other woman on the planet. Some were more serious incidents and others were nothing but a small annoyance that Sydney could easily ignore. But tonight, the man hadn't taken no and wouldn't leave her alone, and she'd been afraid to leave in case he tried to follow her. "Well then, I'll take you up on that discount." Sydney gave him a gentle smile that almost reached her eyes. She knew she didn't have to buy him a drink, but she felt like it was a nice way to repay him. A friends and family discount on her end if you will. As she ordered her drink, Sydney slid into one of the empty bar stools and turned towards him. "So what have you been up to? How's your daughter doing?" She vaguely remembered seeing him with his daughter last week at the grocery store.

[callum-jackson]

Callum: Addi would like me to reiterate the fact that she still loves you more but I think that's only because she has known you longer than she's know Lili. Soon you will be replaced as her favorite person. Callum: You know we hate the French and you still walk around with that offensive name.

Travis: Thanks, Cal. I appreciate that Travis: This is because my name is French, ISN'T IT?

@callum-jackson