Lines We Cross

Wednesday 3rd September 2025, 09:35

Callum stepped through the front without even knocking. He didn’t need to. Even if he didn’t live here anymore, he was never away from the place.

The smell hit him straight off. Lemons and bleach, sharp enough to catch in his nose. His mam’s doing, of course. She never stopped with the scrubbing. Always going on about how she had to keep on top of it, living in a house full of lads. “Surrounded by mess and stink half the time,” she’d say, shoving a mop across the floor like it’d personally offended her.

She was house-proud, always had been. Even if it was just an ex-council house in the heart of Newcastle, she kept it gleaming. It was theirs, and she made sure it felt like home.

He lingered by the door, toeing off his trainers and dumping them in the tangle of shoes cluttering the hall. Too many people crammed into this house now. He missed it sometimes. the noise, the chaos, the way it never felt empty. Almost missed it.

But he liked his own space now. His own four walls. His little flat in the block up the road. Thin walls and dodgy heating. Still, it was his. No queue for the bathroom, no younger brother nicking his stuff. Just him.

“Flown the coop,” his mam had said, half proud, half crying. She’d held onto him like she didn’t want to let go, telling him how proud she was of her eldest, and to never be a stranger.

The memory slipped away at the sound of her voice now, sharp as ever.

“Shut that door, pet, you’re lettin’ all the heat out!” his mam shouted from the kitchen.

“Not made of money,” his dad chipped in. “Gas bills go up every bloody week.”

Cal smirked to himself as he shut the door, brushing drizzle from his hair. He headed up the hallway into the kitchen. The same battered carpet, the same dent in the wall where Declan his younger brother had once launched a remote during an Xbox tantrum. Some things never changed. Maybe that was a comfort.

The kettle, like always, was already on. It was never off in this house. Not with the way his mam drank tea, chain-brewing mugs like she couldn’t function without it. Sometimes Cal wondered if she’d ever sat down without one in her hand.

His mam was stood at the stove, manning the frying pan, flipping bacon and sausages like it was her shift down the chippy. Always making sure no one went hungry in this house.

Cal gave his dad, Robert, or Rob to most, a nod. He was sat with the paper and a mug of tea in his “No.1 Dad” mug.

“Alright, son,” Rob said, glancing up. “You seen the football results? Newcastle four-one Bradford City.”

Cal smirked, pulling out a chair. “Aye, saw it. Bout time they battered someone. Could’ve been five if Burns hadn’t skied that pen.”

Rob snorted. “Still, four’ll do. They’ll muck it up next week, mind.”

“Manager’ll get sacked by Christmas anyway,” Cal said, reaching for the kettle. “Always the same.”

“Christ almighty,” Sharon cut in, shaking her head over the frying pan. “Yous two and that bloody football. Four-one and you’re still whingin’? Doesn’t matter if they win, lose, or draw. Miserable pair, the lot of you. All I ever hear in this house is football, drives us daft.”

Rob grinned over the rim of his mug, giving her a wink. “Part of the job description, pet.”

“Should’ve had lasses instead then, Mam,” Cal said, smirking.

“Aye, right. Like I can pick and choose the gender.” She shook her head, lips twitching. “Wouldn’t change me lads for the world. Three teenage lasses in this house though? Your dad’d be off his rocker.”

“Aye,” Rob said. “I’d have went down the shop for a pack of tabs, quicker than wor Declan losin’ his temper on the Xbox and never came back.”

His mam, Shaz, or Sharon when she was in one of them moods, tutted, but a smile tugged at her mouth as she turned the bacon. She glanced over at him. “Giz a hug and a kiss then, hinny.”

Cal stepped forward, wrapping her in a quick hug and planting a kiss on her cheek.

“Didn’t think we’d see ye this week, not with you deein’ them nights,” she said.

“Thought I’d swing by after me shift, say hello,” Cal replied, edging closer to the stove. “Smells unreal in here, mind.”

“We need te start chargin’,” his dad muttered, shaking his head. “Come say hello? More like come get ya belly filled. Always here for scran, you. Should start billin’ ya.”

“Nah, divvent say that,” Cal shot back with a grin. “Just here te see me folks, ’cause I love yez.” He grabbed the kettle, pouring water into his old Sports Direct mug. The chipped one he’d always claimed as his when he lived here.

“This isn’t a bed and breakfast,” his mam said, flicking him a look over her shoulder. “You after a full English, are ye?”

“Obviously,” Cal said, dropping into a chair. “None of them tomatoes though.”

“Tomatoes are class, man,” Rob cut in, rattling his paper.

“They’re minging,” Cal shot back. “Only place a tomato belongs is in sauce or beans.”

Shaz snorted. “Picky sod. You’ll eat what you’re given.”

Cal grinned, digging into his bag. “Brought me own tea bags anyway.” He held up a box like he was proud of it.

Shaz turned, one brow arched. “Look at you. What, PG Tips not good enough now?”

“I’ve got expensive taste these days,” Cal said, smirking. “Ringtons only. Big-boy job, innit.”

Rob lowered his mug, snorting. “Listen to him. Get his own gaff, starts a proper grown-up job and thinks he’s King bloody Charles.”

“Oh aye,” Shaz laughed. “Next thing he’ll be drinkin’ owt of fine china.”

“Probably can afford it, an’ all. Since we’re still feedin’ him,” Rob chuckled.

Shaz shook her head, fishing plates out of the cupboard. “Still me bairn though, no matter how fancy his tea is.”

It went quiet for a moment before Shaz’s voice softened. “Do us a favour, Cal. Gan talk to your brother Declan, will you?”

“He’s not at school?” Cal frowned.

Rob lowered his mug, crossing his arms and speaking quieter. “School rang yesterday. Said he’s been expelled for two weeks. Caught dealin’ cannabis to some kids behind them temp classrooms.” He paused, jaw tight. “Police were round last night, an’ all. Gave him a warnin’… referred him to the youth offending team, since it’s his first time.”

“Jesus…” Cal muttered.

“He listens to you,” Shaz said, eyes flicking to him. “Looks up to you. I know we’re not exactly high-class. Never have been… but we’ve always worked, always stuck to the rules. Rough round the edges maybe, aye, but Declan? He’s…” She trailed off.

Rob sighed. “He’s not been right lately. Only home today ’cause we’ve grounded him… and you know it’s bad when we have to ground one of yous.”

“He was never like this before. Always the canny one, easy as owt, compared to you an’ Niall when you were his age. You two were a right pair of shites. Don’t kna what’s gotten into him lately.” Shaz gave a small shake of her head. “I reckon it’s since he started knockin’ about with them wrong’uns off the estate. Bad influence, them. We try to stop him, but you know what he’s like these days, Cal. Slippin’ out, not comin’ in till all hours, skivin’ school, gob on him like owt… but dealin’ drugs at school? That’s a new one.” Shaz shook her head, voice tight.

Rob let out a heavy sigh, setting his mug down harder than he meant. “We’re at the end of our rope with him. He knows how to push our buttons, that lad. We’ve been bitin’ our tongues, tryin’ not to snap, but it’s gettin’ harder every day.”

“He’s lonely,” Shaz cut in gently, giving Rob a look. “It hasn’t been the same since his best mate moved away last year. That lad was the only proper friend he had. Other than you an’ Niall, he’s got nobody. And with yous both grown up, workin’, movin’ out…” She sighed. “He’s just been left behind, hasn’t he?”

Cal rubbed his jaw. “Aye. I’ll talk to him. Best do it now before scran.” Cal pushed himself up from the table and headed for the stairs. “Declan? Dec? Where you at?” he shouted.

“In here!” came Declan’s voice, loud from the living room.

Cal found him sprawled across the sofa like he hadn’t moved in hours, hoodie up, eyes glued to the telly. A controller rested on his chest.

“Don’t you ever gan to school?” Cal asked, grabbing a cushion and lobbing it at him.

Declan didn’t flinch. “Got kicked out again.”

Cal stopped in the doorway. “You what?”

“Expelled.” Declan shrugged, eyes still on the screen. “It’s not that deep.”

“It is. They don’t expel you for nowt.”

“Don’t you start,” Declan snapped, finally looking at him. “Don’t lecture us, Cal. I’m not thick. I heard you lot talkin’ about us just now.”

“Dec, it’s serious. Dealin’ cannabis at school? You’re lucky they let you off with a warnin’. You don’t want a record at your age.”

Declan rolled his eyes, smirking as he sat up. “It’s not a big deal, Jesus. Not like I was dealin’ coke. Just a bit of green. Made eighty bar. Gonna get meself some Air Max with it. Or that new COD game.”

“Dec, this isn’t funny…” Cal folded his arms. “Where’d you get it from?”

“God, stop questionin’ is like this is bloody Mastermind. Just got it off some mates, that’s it. Can you drop it? You’re me brother, not me dad. They’ve already had a go. Don’t act like you were an angel when you were my age.”

Cal shook his head, stepping further in. “Aye, I was a little shit, yeah. But I didn’t deal drugs. Plus I got me act together. I grew up. You need to stick in at school. It’s not about bein’ perfect… it’s about givin’ yourself a chance.”

“Everyone used to talk about you at school,” Declan muttered. “The McKenna name. You and Niall. Always the popular ones. Hard as owt, any lass you wanted. Always scrap¬pin’ after school.”

“So this is about tryin’ to be like me and Niall?” Cal asked, shaking his head. “Dec… we…”

“Save it,” Declan cut in, rolling his eyes. He dropped back on the sofa and picked up the controller, shutting him out.

Cal came back into the kitchen, grim-faced, shaking his head. Breakfast was nearly plated up.

Shaz looked up at him. “What’d he say?”

“Not much,” Cal muttered, shaking his head again. “Played it off like it was nowt.”

“I can hear you all, y’know!” Declan shouted from the living room.

“Yeah?” Rob bellowed back. “Well maybe stop actin’ like a wrong’un!” He shook his head, jaw set.

“Rob,” Shaz warned.

“No, Shaz…” Rob snapped. “We’ve always been easy on the lad, but I’m not havin’ drug dealers in this house. You hear me in there, Declan?”

“Oh aye, big man now, shoutin’ through the wall!” Declan fired back. “Come in here and say it to me face, you daft fat old bastard!”

Rob’s chair scraped as he stood, fists twitching. “You what? What did you just say?”

“Dad,” Cal cut in quickly, stepping forward.

Declan stormed into the kitchen, hoodie half up, eyes blazing. “You’re all talkin’ about us like it’s some big deal. It’s not. I made some money, that’s all. You lot drag yourselves to them shite jobs every day, earnin’ fuck all, and I’m the one tryin’ to make somethin’ of meself.”

Rob took another step forward, face red with rage. He’d never lay a hand on his boys, but Christ, his fists were twitchin’ at his sides like they had a mind of their own.

Cal stepped in quick, planting himself between them.

Declan sneered. “Go on then, Dad, hit us. Do it. I’ll just phone ChildLine, get meself put in a home. Anywhere’s better than this dump with yous lot.”

Rob’s voice cracked like a whip. “Aye? Do it. You’ll sharp want to come back once you see what it’s really like out there.”

Declan barked a bitter laugh. “Don’t even have the bollocks, do you? You’re nowt but a pussy. Our gran had more fight in her. An’ she’s been in the ground two year.”

“Declan!” Shaz’s voice cut sharp across the kitchen, warning heavy in her tone.

Rob lurched forward, fists clenched, breath coming sharp through his nose.

“Dad!” Cal barked, stepping in quick. He grabbed Declan by the arm and shoved him back as the lad tried to fight past. Declan twisted in his grip, spitting over Cal’s shoulder.

“You’re a fuckin’ wanker! Nothin’ but a useless pussy!” He stuck two fingers up at Rob, whilst grinning.

Rob’s face went crimson, veins standing out in his neck. “Watch your fuckin’ gob, Declan…”

Shaz’s voice cut through the kitchen. “Enough! The both of yous!”

“Upstairs. Now.” Cal snapped, hauling Declan towards the stairs. “Stop makin’ it worse, Dec. Get up them stairs.”

Declan jerked against his grip, but Cal forced him up, step by step. At the landing, Declan spun, eyes blazing. “I fuckin’ hate you all!” he shouted, before slamming his door hard enough to shake the frame.

Silence dropped heavy over the kitchen. Rob stood there shaking, breath harsh through his nose, while Shaz hovered close, trying to calm him.

Finally, Rob dropped back into his chair, head in his hands, dragging his fingers down his face. Shaz slid another cup of tea across the table without a word.

About ten minutes on, the kitchen door creaked open and in shuffled Niall, hair all over the place, eyes half-shut. He gave a massive yawn. “Oh, hey, Cal. What time is it, man? I’m starvin’.” He scratched his head, shufflin’ to the cupboard like he hadn’t just missed World War Three kickin’ off in the house.

They all looked at him. Cal shook his head. “Jeez, Niall. How the hell have you slept through all that?”

“All of what?” Niall blinked.

“Declan,” Cal said flatly.

“Oh.” Niall scratched the back of his head, already reaching for a mug. “He been kickin’ off again? Honestly, Cal, you should be glad you don’t live here anymore. He’s been on one lately.” He flicked the kettle on, grabbing coffee like nothing had happened.

“Between the lot of you, it’s a miracle I’ve got any hair at all. An’ now with Declan playin’ the hard lad, I’ll end up bald as a coot.” Rob muttered, rubbing a hand over his head.

“Hey, I turned out fine,” Cal said, grabbing his mug and pouring himself another cup of tea.

“Yeah, now you have,” Rob said, folding his arms. “But growin’ up? You were always bunkin’ off school. Knockin’ around with that lot who used to set fires in them abandoned buildings near the bus depot.”

Cal winced. “Not my finest moments.” A grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Although, them fires did inspire us to become a firefighter.”

“Only ’cause you like fires!” Niall piped up with a grin. “Your other job idea was runnin’ off to join the circus. That wouldn’t’ve lasted. Mind, you do look like a gorilla, so maybe the zoo’s more your level.”

“Cheers, Niall.”

His mam snorted, shaking her head. “You nearly gave me a heart attack half the time, you did.”

“I’m a firefighter now. That’s character development.” Cal raised his mug like a toast.

“Well,” Niall said, puffing his chest out, “at least I’ve turned out fine. Workin’ as a brickie with me old man, aren’t I? Doin’ a grand job.”

Rob barked a laugh. “Niall, you’re lucky I’m your gaffa. You’d’ve been sacked before dinner if you weren’t me son, you lazy sod.”

“Nepotism at its finest,” Cal said, grinning.

Niall stuck his finger up at him. He opened his mouth, then shut it again, muttering, “I try.” A shrug, a smirk. “But hey, apart from that, I’ve turned out mint. Hard work, no ASBOs, no run-ins with the coppers. Can’t fault us.”

Cal sipped his tea, smirking. “Aye, but still not winnin’ Dad of the Year, are ye?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Niall shot back, turning to Cal.

Their parents looked at him in unison.

“Niall,” Rob said flatly, “we literally just dropped your two-year-old daughter at nursery, and your girlfriend at work. All whilst you’ve been snorin’ your head off all mornin’.”

Niall grinned. “Maybe I should’ve listened more in school to the safe-sex talk.”

Cal laughed into his tea. “You reckon?”

“You’re one to talk,” Niall fired back. “Didn’t you get caught shaggin’ that lass behind the youthy?”

“Allegedly,” Cal said, deadpan. “Never proven.”

Shaz shook her head. “You really do need to start pullin’ your weight, son. Can’t leave it all to Amy.”

“Urgh. I’m gannin’ back upstairs. Didn’t come down to get lectured.” Niall piled a few sausages and slices of bread onto a plate, grabbed his coffee with the other hand, and shuffled off back up the stairs.

Shaz let out a long sigh. “Should we eat? It’s gettin’ cold.”

She set a plate down in front of Rob, then another in front of Cal, before flicking the kettle back on. “Anyone want another cuppa?”

“Yeah, can do,” Cal said. He glanced at his dad. “You alright, Dad?”

Rob huffed, waving him off. “Aye, I’ll be fine. I’m a bloke, man. We divvent do heart-to-hearts, we divvent cry. We just man up. Let us eat me brekky and I’ll be sound.”

Shaz gave him a look. “Rob, love… it’s alright to get upset, y’know.”

“Aye, Dad,” Cal added softly. “It’s ok.”

Rob slammed his fork down a little too hard. “Will you both just… leave it, yeah?”

Cal held up his hands. “Ok.” He looked down, stabbing at his sausage.

Shaz sighed, shaking her head. “Bet you wish you hadn’t bothered comin’ round this mornin’.”

Cal glanced at them both. “You’re me family. I’ll always be here, no matter what.” He pushed the food round his plate with his fork, not really eating. “I’ll try talkin’ to Declan again… give him a few days to calm down, then see if I can find out what’s really goin’ on.”

Cal shovelled the rest of his food down, then pushed back from the table, grabbing his jacket. “That was lovely, Mam. Gonna head back to me flat, get some kip. Night shift’s done us in.” He gave Shaz another hug. “Love you, Mam.”

“Love you too, son. Make sure you’re here for Sunday dinner,” Shaz said, squeezing him back.

“Wouldn’t miss your dinners for nowt. Only thing that’d stop me is if I dropped dead or somethin’.” Cal smirked, like it was just another daft joke.

He turned to his dad. “See you tomorrow night at the pub for that game of pool and a pint. Maybe squeeze in a round of darts too?”

Rob grunted a nod, half a smile tugging at his mouth.

And then Cal was gone, the door clicking shut behind him. The Newcastle sky was itsusual dull grey, heavy with the threat of rain. He zipped up his coat and started the walk, leaving behind the chaos of his childhood home. A pang of guilt tugged at him as he went. Worry for Declan, for his mam and dad, even for daft Niall.