Callum McGregor: juggling keys Hey, love, game was good, yeah? Ready to head home?
Callum is lying in bed again. This time though he has taken the children and the wife to Edinburgh so he can go and watch the game himself. He is being deceitful and full of secrets. We have been together for 2 years and I honestly know next to nothing about him. He is cunning, deceitful and untrustworthy. He has lied so many times that I think I’m going to vomit. But I’m not gullible. He’s lied about his whereabouts, his work. And his relationship with his parents. His brother is younger than I am and I have never met him. He has also lied about his relationship with a player called Ryan Christie. He claims to dislike him but will go out drinking with him and laugh with him. He gets drunk and then comes home and gets drunk. He doesn’t even like alcohol. He lost money gambling last night and he is aggressive towards me when he has had bad luck. He sits on his phone chatting to some girl who he has been chatting to for months.
Sorry, babe, woke up groggy. How was the game then? Looked alive from where I was sitting. He takes a swig of water Yeah, it's a weird one this year, what do ya think?
The game was great. It was crazy. I was watching his scores and goals and highlights when I got home. He seemed happy enough. He’s pretty high on adrenaline most of the time. He was at the pub yesterday chatting to Ryan Christie and some other guys. They were all drinking and talking about football and cars and women. He came home late and started making up stories about where he had been. I was too tired to care by the time he made it home. I was just happy to see the kids.
Ryan Christie thinks he's so much better than me just because we had a fallout once... please, I've gotten over it
If I hear another lie or see him laughing with Ryan Christie I’m not going to be so forgiving. He told me he hated him. But then he was hanging out with him. He wants to be a better person but I’m starting to doubt it.
Alright, listen. I know things have been rough lately, but I promise you I'm trying, alright? I don't want to keep hurting you. And as for Ryan Christie, look, he's a twat, okay? I can't stand the guy, but I'm trying to make it work here, I really am. I swear, I'll work harder to prove it to you. I love you, babe. You know that, right?
I love you too. I know you are trying. And the kids adore you. I’m just so frustrated sometimes. I’m sorry. I hope you know that I’m not trying to be mean or angry or anything like that. I just hate being lied to.
Look, I get it. I do. I'm gonna try to cut back on the lies and be more open with you, okay? I don't wanna keep making you doubt me. He leans in for a kiss, but hesitates, clearly conflicted Just let me know if there's anything specific you want me to change, alright?
You could start by being honest about where you were last night. You didn’t go to watch the game. You went to the pub with Ryan Christie. You didn’t stay long at the game. You left after half time. You were drinking with Ryan Christie. You didn’t come straight home. You went gambling. You lost money. And you came home drunk. You told me you would never lie to me. You told me you would never hang out with Ryan Christie. You’ve lied about your parents too. You have never introduced me to your brother. You barely speak to your parents. And you’re not even close to chasing trophies. You’re happy being a second division football player.
Look, I know I messed up last night, alright? I should have been honest with you. I was having a rough night and I needed a break from the game. Ryan Christie was just there, so I decided to hang out for a bit. I know I shouldn't have gone to the pub, but... I'm only human, you know? His voice trails off, clearly struggling to find the right words As for my parents and my brother, it's complicated, alright? I don't exactly have the best relationship with them.
And what about the gambling?? You said you wouldn’t do that! You told me you wouldn’t gamble or drink or lie or hang out with Ryan Christie! You lied!!! You said you wouldn’t. And you did!
I... I messed up, alright? I know I did, and I'm sorry. I shouldn't have gambled, and I definitely shouldn't have lied to you about it. He runs a hand through his hair, clearly frustrated with himself Look, I'm trying here, okay? I am. I don't wanna keep screwing this up. I love you, and I want to make things right. Just... please don't give up on me, alright?
Callum. If you lie to me one more time I’m going to leave. Please don’t do this to me. I’m already insecure about myself. I don’t need you lying to me too. You’re my husband. And yet you don’t seem to trust me. You don’t seem to respect me. You’re still out drinking and laughing with Ryan Christie. You’re not even trying. You tell me you love me. But I don’t believe you.
Look, I get why you're upset, and I'm sorry. I truly am. He reaches out to take her hand, but she pulls away I know I messed up, and I hate myself for it. But I'm trying to be better, alright? Just... give me one more chance. Let me prove it to you. Please, love, don't leave me...
I just want the truth. I’m going to get dressed and take the kids out. I’m taking them to the beach today. I leave the bedroom and start getting dressed.
He watches her leave, looking conflicted I... I really messed up, didn't I? He sighs deeply, running a hand through his hair Look, I know I've messed up, and I'm sorry. I really am. But I want to make it right, alright? Just... please don't go, okay? I love you, and I don't want to lose you...
I get dressed and take the kids out. I’m taking them to the beach today. I’m going to show Callum that I’m capable of being a mother. And that he doesn’t need to lie to me anymore. He can have his life outside of our family. And I’ll take care of things myself.
He watches her leave, looking confused and hurt Wait... where are you going? He stands there, staring after her, clearly conflicted Look, I know I messed up, alright? But I'm trying to be better. Just... don't leave me, okay? I love you...
I walk out the door with the kids. I’m going to show Callum that I’m capable.
He follows her out of the house, looking desperate Wait, love! Don't go! Please! He reaches out to grab her arm, but she pulls away Look, I know I messed up, alright? But I'm trying to be better. Just... give me one more chance. Please, don't leave me...
Fine. You get one more chance. But I’m taking the kids out today. You can join us if you want.
He pauses, clearly torn Yeah... yeah, I'll come with you. He follows her out of the house, a small smile playing on his lips Look, I know I've messed up, alright? But I'm trying to be better. I want to make it up to you, babe. He wraps his arms around her I love you, you know that, right?
I smile and hug him. Good.
So, what's the plan for today then? Don't get me wrong, I love a good gamble sesh on the side... He chuckles, trying to lighten the mood ...but what are we doing with the little ones?
I smile and look at the kids. We’re going to the beach.
The beach, huh? Well, that sounds fun. Guess I can put my beach volleyball skills to use then, eh? He ruffles the kids' hair affectionately Just don't expect me to show off too much, alright? I don't want to make you jealous, babe.
I smile and look at Callum. Oh, I’m not jealous.
Good, 'cause jealousy is a real bitch, ain't it? He ruffles the kids' hair again So, let's hit the beach then, shall we? He grabs his keys from the table and heads towards the door Just one thing though, alright? Don't leave the kids unattended, yeah? I don't want anything happening to ya bunch.
Great! Let's get this show on the road then, eh? He opens the car door and helps the kids into the backseat So, what do you kids want to do first at the beach? Build a sandcastle? Play in the waves? Or maybe have a friendly game of beach ball?