Chapter 20: Bonds

Cameron succeeded in getting his degree and the position as Sports Agent. All of the family was extremely proud of him. He achieved the things he wanted to accomplish and more. Lilly went back to work with Zoe in her catering business since all the kids were in school. Both parents found themselves busy between work, children and their own relationship as husband and wife. They still couldn’t believe they were now adults with two teenage daughters and three children. James retired from the police force and settled into a small house in town to stay close by. The kids (all five of them) were growing more and more each day. All was going well, or so it seemed.

“Willow, where the hell is my book!?” Amelia confronted her twin sister. “What book?” Willow asked though she really did not care. “My text book you dumbass! You borrowed my textbook because you couldn’t find yours!” Willow yelled. “Chill out will you. I think I put it back in your book bag.” Amelia replied. “You think? Geez you can’t be trusted with anything you know that?” Willow griped.This was an everyday occurrence between the Palmer Twins. It did not seem like a normal day if they were not arguing with each other. “Whatever Willow.” Amelia snapped as she stormed out of the room. Willow scoffed, “I can’t wait to get out of here!” she searched the room for her textbook.

“Amelia, where are you going?” her Lilly asked. “I’m going to hang out with Gavin or something.” She said as she grabbed her keys. “Just stay out of trouble, please.” Cameron told her but his words were ignored as she slammed the front door. “Ah the teen years.” Lilly mumbled. Cameron sighed, “And to think we have three more.” Lilly laughed, “Remember when you said you wanted more after the triplets were born.” Cameron thought about it, “Yea hell no. The five we have are enough.” She smiled, “good because my lady parts can’t handle anymore.” “I’m sorry, ‘Lady Parts’?” he asked. Lilly pointed behind him. Aurora was standing there listening in on their conversation. They were not sure how much she had heard. The atmosphere became awkward. “Hi Rora honey.” Cameron smiled nervously. “What are lady parts?” she asked with all innocence. “Say, where are your brothers?” He asked her instead. “Way to dodge her question.” Lilly snickered as she walked out of the kitchen. “Thanks love.” Cameron said with a smile, missing the sarcasm in his wife’s voice.

Aurora still looking confused, “Wyatt and Bryson are in the clubhouse.” “Oh and why haven’t you joined them?” her father asked her. “They said no girls allowed. They don’t want me to play.” She gave him that puppy dog face that he couldn’t look away from. The look Lilly used to give him when they were kids. “I’m sorry baby girl. Boys can be that way sometimes,” He tried to comfort her, “They’ll be begging you to play with them before the day is through.” “Well boys suck!” Aurora said. “Hey.” Cameron crossed his arms. “Sorry. Boys stink.” She corrected. “That’s better.” He gave her a smile and he could see she felt a little better. Aurora walked away and headed to her room, which she shared with the twins. “I don’t think I handled that well.” He said aloud. “No. You handled that just how I thought you would.” Lilly remarked as her re-entered the kitchen with a smile.

Aurora walked into the bedroom to find Willow playing video games. “Can I play Willow?” she asked. “Sure Rora. The boys not playing with you again?” she said not taking her eyes off the TV. “Yea, what else is new?” Aurora grabbed a controller. “I know what that’s like. Amelia and I used to go off and play by ourselves because the other didn’t want to play.”  “Do you really want to leave Willow?” she asked. Willow paused the game, “I don’t really know Rora. I would really like to get into this school but part of me thinks I'm not ready to leave.” Aurora looked at her, “Maybe that means you don’t really want to go.” She was small but she was smart. “Why do you ask anyway? Do you not want me to leave?” Willow asked. Her little sister became quiet for a second, “The boys always leave me out of things and Amelia’s constantly grouchy about one thing or another. Other than mommy and daddy, you’re the only one who pays attention to me. I like spending time with you.”

It hadn’t occurred to Willow that she had formed such a strong bond with her baby sister. She and Amelia were not this close when they were younger. Heck, they were not this close now.  She regretted that in a way. Willow loved her twin sister a lot but she could not be around her for very long. They were like polar opposites. “I love you Rora.” Willow said with a smile. Aurora smiled back, “Thanks Willow, I love you too.” The sisters continued to play their game and enjoying their bonding time. To them it was...peaceful.

***

“Oh my gosh! I can’t stand even sharing a room with her!” Amelia complained to Gavin. Gavin’s fathers, Erik and Noah, were Cameron and Lilly’s closest friends. “It’s kind of hard to believe that you two shared a womb honestly.” He was being honest. The twins were older than he was but he had known their whole family for a long time. He was always there for Amelia anytime she wanted to vent. They had so many things in common so there was plenty for them to discuss. Gavin was oblivious to the fact that Amelia had the biggest crush on him, okay so maybe it was more than a just a crush. Amelia loved him.  While he enjoyed spending time with Amelia, Willow was the one that made his heart jump every time he saw her. “Hey Mel? There’s a party this weekend.” Gavin was nervous and Amelia’s ears perked up. “Yea there is.” She said with a small smile. “Please ask me. Please ask me.” She said to herself. “I was wondering if you knew whether or not your sister was going.” He said instead. Amelia’s heart sank. “I…I don’t know. Why do you ask?”

“Well I was going to see if she maybe wanted to go with me but didn’t have the courage to ask her.” He replied. Amelia didn’t give him a reply. “Listen I have to go home. I’ll talk to you later.” Amelia hopped onto her bike and sped home as fast as she could to avoid hearing what else he had to say. She tried to fight them but lost; the tears started streaming down her flushed red cheeks. “I should have known.” She thought. Her feelings for Gavin bubbled up inside her for so long. How could she have not noticed? She threw her bike down on the front lawn, stormed into the house and headed straight to their bedroom. Willow was Just putting away the video game controllers when her sister stormed into the room. “Why are you always trying to ruin things?” Amelia yelled. “What the hell are you talking about?” Willow looked at her sister with a very perplexed look. “I’m talking about Gavin! He likes you. You’re telling me that you didn’t know.”

“No. No I didn’t. Why does it matter anyway?” Willow asked the question but she instantly remembered, “Oh yeah…” her voice trailed off. All those love struck looks her sister had whenever Gavin was around. Willow knew for a long time that her sister liked him. “I’m sorry Mel. I didn’t know he had those feelings.” She said sincerely. “Yea right.” Amelia said with tears still running down her face, “How could you not know?” “How could you not tell him how you feel?” Willow asked. Her sister didn’t respond. “As long as you’ve liked him and as much as like him why didn’t you tell him?”

Amelia fell onto the bed, “I don’t know but you’re wrong.” Willow hesitated, “About what?” “I don’t like him. I love him. I love the way he smiles, the way he laughs, the way he fidgets when he’s nervous. I love how klutzy he is and I love how passionate he is about even the smallest things.” Willow didn’t say anything to her. The quiet room filled with the muffled and heartbreaking cry of a heartbroken teen. Willow grabbed her pillow and decided she would sleep on the boys extra bunk bed along with Aurora giving their sister time alone.

***

Two weeks had passed and the twins weren’t saying much to each other. For once in a long time, the house was quiet from their bickering and yelling. They were somewhat being civil to each other. Willow found out that she was been accepted into the private school that she wanted. She’s scheduled to leave in about another week and settle into the dorm room.

Amelia had not spoken to Gavin since that day. He called the house constantly looking for her. Amelia was hurt, everyone could see that but not talking to Gavin wasn’t making her feel any better.

“Mom, Dad I’m heading over to Gavin’s!” Willow yelled as she grabbed her house keys. “Oh good, can you take this book to Erik for me. I was going to head over there later to give it to him.” Cameron said. “Sure dad. Anything else you need?” she smiled. Cameron smiled back, “Yea ask them if they'd like to join us for a cook out this weekend. You know, before you leave.” his voice mellowed out. His daughter was leaving. Cameron and Lilly both knew this time would come eventually. The realization that one by one their children would leave the nest. “Okay dad. I'll be back later.”

Willow hopped into her car and heading down the street. As she rode along the streets of Starlight Shores she understood why her mother and father picked this town to raise their family. She would miss this town and hoped to come back after she graduated from college but she had dreams of traveling  and seeing the world. As she pulled into the Gavin's driveway it occurred to her that she really didn't know what to say to him but she had to say something. Before she could make it up to the doorstep Gavin emerged from the side of the house. “Oh. Hey Willow.” His face turned bright red and he wasn't sure of what to say other than “hi”. “Hey Gavin. Do you have some time to talk?” she asked trying not to make much eye contact. “Yeah of course. We can go into the living room.” They both headed into the house which was quiet. “Your house is so quiet. I forget that you don't have a house full of siblings ranting and running around.” she said a nervous chuckle. “Yea it's pretty quiet. Both of my dads like it that way. I think at one point they discussed adopting another baby but they got busy with their careers.

 I've gotten used to it being so quiet but you're right about your house. That's where I go when the silence is deafening or so to speak.” They sat down on the sofa, “What is it that you wanted to talk about?” Willow cleared her throat, “my sister. You know she's heartbroken right?” Gavin didn't respond. “Listen I don't know what feelings you have for me but I do know that my sister cares about you a lot and she's torn apart. I don't know if I'm expecting you to say something to her or what. I do know that I can't leave with her angry at me or angry at you. I just wanted you to know that.” Gavin still didn't say anything and they sat in silence for a few minutes. “I know now that Mel has feelings for me. I'm not that dense. But I also don't know what I can say to her. I care for her but not the way that I care about you.” There was more silence. Willow was starting to think that her coming over was a bad idea. She was afraid that at the end of it all two people would end up with broken hearts. “I'm sorry Gavin. I'm sorry that I don't have the same feelings that you have for me.” She stood up “But I hope we can still be friends. Do me a favor? Talk to Amelia.” With that she left. She wasn't sure she handled that well but at this moment she was more concerned about her sister than Gavin.

***

Willow walked into the house to find her parents frantic. “What's going on?”  Lillibeth was in tears, “When was the last time you saw Amelia?” “I...I don't know. The night before. I still sleep in the boys room so I haven't seen much of her.” Aurora tiptoed into the room, “She's gone.” Everyone turned to look at the child. “What do you mean she's gone?!” Cameron asked. “She...she said she had a plane ticket and she was leaving.” “You didn't say anything?!”  her father yelled. “Dad, calm down.” Willow chimed in, “Rora did she say where she was going?” Rora was trying hard not to cry, “No. She just said she was leaving and goodbye.”

Just then Willow's phone rang. She didn't hesitate to answer it, “Amelia! Oh hi Grandma. What?!” she pulled the phone away from her ear, “DAD! She's at Grandma's!” “What the hell!?” Cameron yelled, “Tell her I'm coming to get her.”  Lilly grabbed him by the shirt and shook her head “no”. “Let her go Cameron. She's safe that's the important thing.” Lilly let the tears fall down her face. Willow put the receiver to her ear, “Grandma can I talk to her please?” There was shuffling on the other end and Amelia's meek voice spoke, “hello?”

Willow took a deep breath, “You really messed up Mel. You always think of yourself and never about other people's feelings. I'm glad you're safe I really am but maybe this is exactly what needed to happen. Take care and I love you.” she hung up the phone. Willow and Amelia were once close and now there was a big rift in their relationship. 

*End of Chapter 20*

Coming up Chapter 21

Chapter 19: Our Lives

Lillibeth found herself busy cleaning and rearranging things often. She was trying to keep her mind busy; Cameron had been gone for a few months and she missed him terribly. They talked almost every day at the beginning but as his classes got harder and he became busier, they talked about every week. She missed him being by her side; they had not been apart this long ever. She was proud of what he was doing though and she told him that every chance she got. The kids were growing more and more every day. The twins were busy with school and activities if they weren't at home driving her crazy. The triplets were big balls of energy and keeping up with them took the energy of at least two people but she managed. James was a big help and she was thankful for him. He helped the girls with their homework, fed and changed the babies when needed and played games with them, Lilly loved him for that.

"Give it back!" yelled Willow from their bedroom, "Give it back now Amelia!" She continued to yell and scream at her younger sister. "Great, what is it now?" Lilly mumbled under her breathe. "Mom! Amelia keeps taking Harlow!" Willow yelled. Harlow was Willow’s toy bear that she held dear. Her yelling caused the triplets to stir and wake from their nap an hour earlier than Lilly would have liked. Lilly sighed, "Amelia, get out here now." Amelia strolled into the living room while trying to wipe the smile from her face. "Why do you torment your sister like that?" Amelia didn't say anything. "I asked you a question young lady." This was an everyday occurrence with them: Amelia would take something or hide something just to get a rise out of Willow. In addition, every day Amelia would just smirk and laugh it off. Between the two of them and the triplets, Lilly’s strained. The triplets were getting restless, "I got them!" James yelled. Lilly just stared at Amelia, "listen to me when I say this: I'm tired of your little antics. I don't know what is going on with you but this will stop. Do you understand me?"

Amelia just rolled her eyes and walked away. Her mother had to admit, that child pushed all her buttons and she was not making things easy lately. Lilly figured it was because Cameron was gone. James was helpful to them all but he was busy with work lately with the recent break-ins. She just sighed and went to help with the babies. Wyatt was on the floor with his bottle while the other two whined and fussed in their cribs. "I'm coming Rora and you too Bryson." she told them. James picked up Bryson and snuggled the little tyke. The triplets were Wyatt, the oldest, Bryson is the youngest boy and Aurora is the youngest of all the Palmer children. They were all spunky and had their own personalities. Bryson was more rambunctious, stubborn and active; he apparently got that from Cameron. Wyatt was very timid and quiet; he was easily content with a few blocks and a bottle. Aurora was one that needed to be watched closely. Look away long enough she would be out in the yard if you were not careful. They were a handful together but were adorable.

***

The kids were finally in bed, James was in his room reading and Lilly could relax for a little bit. As she listened to the empty silence that filled their home, she could not help but start to cry. She missed her husband as she replayed their last conversation two days before in her head. "Hey honey! I'm sorry I hadn't called in a couple of days. These professors do not give you a break at all some times. Studying, studying and even more studying.” he told her. "It's okay. I’ve just been busy with the kids; they all miss you a lot.  When will you be home?" she asked with sorrow in her voice. "It's still a couple more months.  I'll be home soon though I promise Lilly." he reassured her. Before she could respond to him he said, "Honey I have to hurry up and go. I love you all!!" then the dial tone. She sighed and tried to fight back the tears that were stinging her eyes. "I love you too…" she whispered. 

"Why don't you go out for a bit?" James said breaking the silence. "I don't know." she mumbled.  He sighed, "I know things haven't easy with Cameron being gone. I know they are harder than you thought they would be but you cannot mope around here all the time. Take some time for yourself, go to the spa, go OUT!" he said sternly. Lilly knew he was right. If she did not get out, she would go crazy. “Alright. Do you mind watching the kids?” she asked. He just looked at her with a raised eyebrow. “Right of course you don’t.” She said with a gentle smile.

Lilly chose to head to one of the local bars, “A glass of anything strong would be really good right about now.” She felt like she needed some to calm her nerves with all of this anxiety getting to her. Lilly walked into the bar which seemed to rather empty and went to the bar to order a drink. As she sat and sipped on her drink she wondered if this stress would ever go away; it was as if she could not shake it or was being buried by it and struggling to breathe. She was enjoying her drink and was about to order another one when she heard a familiar voice. “Haven’t seen you in a while.” said the voice. It was Jason Porter. “Look who’s talking." She smiled. Jason took the seat next to her, “How have you been?” he asked. Lilly thought about it for a second, “I’ve been better to be honest." A frown came across Jason’s face. Lilly filled him in on the situation. As they talked she wondered why Cameron was so against him.

Jason also filled Lilly on his life since he dropped off the face of the earth. His father in fact disowned him. Jason struggled with gambling and other things that got in the way of the family business. Jason spent a lot of time getting help and getting back into his father’s good graces. He was slowly but surely getting back on his feet. “I can’t believe Cameron would leave you to care for five kids.” Jason complained while still trying to use his Old Jason Porter charm. “Well to fair we didn’t find out about the triplets until before he left. Our lives are full of surprises like that.” She replied. “Still though, I wouldn’t have left. I couldn’t have.” He told her. She told him how she convinced him to go and how James came to live with them to help. 

 After a couple of drinks they decided to play a few rounds of pool. Lilly was enjoying herself. It had been a while since she had been out without a baby or two in tow. She laughed at Jason's corny jokes and enjoyed another drink. An hour later Jason approached her with that devilish smile that only Cameron had really seen. Lilly could tell he had consumed his fill of alcohol. "Listen, I'm really enjoying myself. What do you say we continue the fun at my place?" he asked. Lilly's smile quickly turned to a frown, "Um. Thanks for the offer Jason but I'm going to have to decline. I may be a bit tipsy but I'm alert enough to know I don't want to make that mistake." she tried to say with a smile but he was starting to make her skin crawl. Jason's face turned in an instant as he grabbed her by the arm.

 Jason was silent for a second, “What exactly do you see in him?” The question took Lilly by surprise, “What do you mean?” Was he really asking her this? “I don’t know. For a long time I thought you two just weren’t a perfect fit.” He confessed. Lilly took a second to think about what to say next. “ I honestly don’t think it really matters what you think. You’re on the outside looking in. Cameron may not be perfect, hell I’m not perfect but we’re human.” She paused, “out of all the humans on this earth I truly believe Cameron was meant for me and vice versa; that “cosmic connection” if you will. He’s smart, whether he thinks so or not, he’s loving, caring and sensitive. He’s the father of my children and I wouldn't trade him for anyone. But why am I explaining this to you? Listen Jason, thanks for the drinks. Whatever it is you’re looking for or trying to find, I hope you succeed. I think it’s time for me to head home. Cameron was right about you. Oh and another thing..." she leaned in close to him, "If you ever touch me again they'll never find your body." She gave him a pat on the shoulder, “Take care.” Lilly smiled and left Jason Porter at the bar holding his ego and a little afraid.

***

The next day Lilly took James’ suggestion and went to get some much needed pampering. As she made it back home her phone rang, it was Cameron. “Hey honey!” she answered eagerly. “Hey you! Figured I’d call to check up on you and the kids. How are things?” he asked. “The twins are argumentative as always and the babies and growing more and more every moment it seems.” She gave a relaxed and contented sigh. “I can’t wait to see them again. I look at their pictures every day.” Cameron got quiet for a second, “ I know things haven’t been easy for you, for any of us really, these past few months. I want you to know that it will all be okay, I promise you. I love you and I want you to remember that. I’ll call back later on this evening after my class.” He told her. “OK. I love you too. Talk to you later.” She replied. At that moment, it felt like a weight was lifted off her shoulders, even if just for a little bit. She smiled and headed into the house.  

The kids were inside playing as James was reading. “Whoa, look at you. Nice hair cut!” he said. Lilly smiled, “Yea I thought I could use a change.” “Well it looks really good on you.” James replied. As the kids played and James went back to fixing things around the house, Lilly decided to rest on the couch. The last few months had been stressful. She cried herself to sleep most nights. She missed her husband; she missed way things were before their lives became so hectic. Lilly felt guilty for feeling this way but she knew it was common to think about what life was like without the kids. She glanced at Wyatt as he played with his xylophone, Bryson played with the blocks, Rora played with her bear and she could hear the twins bickering in the background. When she thought about it, the lives they had when they first moved to Starlight Shores was great but the life they had now felt: Complete. Lilly gave a contented sigh, "I wouldn't trade that for anything in the world." She smiled and joined Wyatt on the floor. "I wouldn't change a thing about our lives."

*End of Chapter 19*

Coming up: Chapter 20: Bonds

Chapter 18: Family

Things had become tense between Cameron and Lilly over the past three months.  Lilly did not get rid of the baby and Cameron agreed. However, they still had not addressed the real issue at hand. Why exactly did Cameron think this was a bad time? They always talked about having a house full of kids. Whatever the reason, he wasn't saying. The girls had just left for school and Lilly was busy cleaning the kitchen while Cameron was doing his morning workout on the back deck. As Lilly glanced at her husband and he paced himself on the treadmill, she wondered what was going through his mind. They had never been this distant and it hurt. She let out a trembling sigh as she continued with the housework.

Cameron increased his pace on the treadmill as he slipped into his deep thoughts, “I hate this.” He hated being this distant from his wife and he hated himself for the things that he said. He didn’t want her to get rid of the baby; he couldn't believe those words even blurted out of his mouth. How do you take words like that back? How do you smooth this over? He ran even faster as the questions raced through his mind. Cameron didn’t want her to hate him and even more important he didn’t want the twins or the unborn child to hate him. That was a huge weight he would have to carry on his shoulders, he had to tell Lillibeth everything. The truth was: he was just worried.

Lilly finished her housework and figured she would catch up on her TV shows she had recorded. Just as she sat down on the couch and started to become slightly comfortable, the doorbell rang. "Damn it! Really?" she complained. She got up reluctantly and answered the door, it was Zoe. They hadn't seen each other in a while since Zoe's business started doing well. "Hey! Look who's glowing!" Zoe exclaimed with a smile. "Yup…" Lilly said with a frown. She could care less if she was "glowing" it didn't really matter. "Oh someone's a bit moody or bitchy, whichever floats your boat." Lilly and Zoe made their way to the dining room and sat in silence for a minute as Lilly just glared at her husband through the window. "You two haven't said much to each other have you?" Lilly looked at her, "No we haven't." She looked down at her feet. "We've just avoided the subject. Talked when we needed to talk." Zoe frowned, "Now I'm no expert at relationships. I've dated two guys in the past six months and they've both gone to hell." "The relationships or the guys?" Lilly asked with a slight smile. 

"The relationships but don't think I didn't tell the guys to take a one way trip there." Zoe giggled. She realized how much she missed her friends since they all were so busy. Eric had a family of his own, Emma was busy, Summer was gone and Zoe was living her dream. Lilly loved the comfort that Zoe brought the atmosphere and she really needed that. She felt like she was neglecting her motherly duties, though the girls spent most of their time together and were pretty self sufficient. Lilly missed spending time with their little faces. Cameron and her had to fix this, she just wasn't sure of what to say or when to say it. She was going to say something else to Zoe when the doorbell rang yet again, "Who is it this time? Eric?" "No. Him and Noah were busy, I called them before I came." Zoe responded. Lilly grunted as she lifted herself from her seat and headed to the door. She opened it to find two people that she didn't expect to see together, at all. Constance and James.

 ***

"Constance? James? What...what are you two doing here?" she squealed. Out of all the people, Constance and James together would be the very last that she thought would show-up.  James slowly paced the living room looking around. "Is everything okay James? Can I get you something?" she asked him. He didn't reply right away, "I'm okay Lillibeth. Thank you for asking sweetheart." Honestly, that had to be the nicest thing he has ever said to her. She respected him to a certain extent, it was just odd to have him in her living room and she wondered why he was here. "How are you Constance?" Lilly focused her attention on her mother-in-law. "I'm well sweetheart but more importantly how are you and the kids?" she asked with a gentle smile. "We're good actually." Lilly replied. There was an awkward silence. No one seemed to want to address the giant elephant in the room.

Cameron hopped off the treadmill and tried to catch his breath. He heard voices coming from the living and wondered who had come to visit. As he entered the house he saw Zoe sitting at the table and farther over he spotted James and his mother. "Mom, what are you doing here?" he wanted to ask what James was doing there but he figured he better not. They hadn't spoken much to each other since the divorce. "We're here to visit but also to see what the hell is going on between you two!" she didn't want to waste anymore time. The atmosphere went from awkward to tense in a matter of seconds. "Let's all have seat." Constance directed. "Mom, we're fine we -" "I. Said. Sit!" she yelled. Everyone scrambled to find a seat. Even Zoe feared of being put in time out for the remainder of the conversation. "Now what's going on with you two?" James asked. "Do you really think you have the right to know?" Cameron shot back. "Quit it Cameron!" Lilly snapped back at him. "No Lillibeth. He's right. I haven't exactly been there for him the last 15 years but I'm here now…" James trailed off.

"What's going on with you Cameron?" his mother interjected before Cameron could give a smart reply. He glanced down at his shoes, "I just didn't think it was the right time to be having a baby. I didn't exactly handle things well, I know." he said. "You bet you didn't jackass." Zoe chimed in. She couldn't help it but it pissed her off that this was happening. She didn't want to see this tear them apart when all they could do is communicate with each other.  Cameron sort of rolled his eyes and continued, "The team is offering me the chance to be a sports agent. In order to do that I have take college classes."

"That's it?" scoffed Zoe. "Zoe hush, let him finish." Constance snipped. Cameron stood up, "If I did this it would mean I would be away from Lilly, the girls and the baby. Of course it would also mean more money." he paused, "the last time she collapsed and could have died. Her and the babies could have died. I can't leave them again, this scares the shit out of me." The room got quiet. Lilly walked over to her husband. "Cameron is that what this is all about." She smiled. All of her fears subsided at that moment. "Willow, Amelia, the baby and I will be fine. The last time was scary, I won't deny that, but I don't think this should stop you from doing what you have to do. Doing what you want to do, you might not get another chance." she said with a smile. "I told them I'd think about it. They're pressuring me for an answer." Cameron told her."Well think about it. Whatever you decide I'll support you." Lilly said. That's why he loved her: She was always there for him and supported him. He forgot that's one of the reasons he fell in love with her. He loved her, he loved their family. He had to make a decision of what to do. He apologized to her, to everyone for the things that he had said. Now another matter at hand: Why exactly was James really here?

***

Constance and James settled into the house for their visit after they spent some time catching up with Lilly and Cameron. Zoe left but not before giving Lilly a big hug, her belly a rub and not before punching Cameron in the arm though she really wanted to punch him in the face. Willow and Amelia came home and were excited to see their grandmother. James kept his distance from them for a bit while the girls caught up and chatted about the new baby and what the twins were up to. 

Cameron was out back on the grill preparing hotdogs for dinner. James figured he would take the opportunity to talk to him. Let's hope this goes well. He wasn't sure exactly what to say to him at first. James kept picturing the little boy he used to cradle and make laugh. He was certain bouncing him on his knee wouldn't work this time, it would just be awkward. "Is there something I can help you with?" James asked him. "Nope." was all that Cameron uttered. James took a deep breath, "Look Cameron. I know we haven't said much of anything since our fight and the divorce." Cameron gave no response. "I just want to be able to put this behind us and move on. Someone has to be the

bigger person in all of this." Again Cameron said nothing. James took a long pause, "I'm sorry Cam." Cameron stopped what he was doing. He hadn't been called that in a long time, not even by his mother or his wife. Cameron turned around to look at the man that raised him. James wasn't always an ass. He was the one that taught him to throw a baseball when he was a little. The one that made him love sports to begin with. How could he have forgotten that?

"You may not be my son by blood but you're still my son. I vowed to raise you despite how you were conceived. Nonetheless  you were conceived out of love. Your kids love you, your mother loves you, your father loves you, and I love you too. More importantly, your wife loves you. I loved your mother, I still do and that's something that I will have to live with. Letting her go but deep down it was for the best. I don't want you to live with any regrets." James told him. 

That's the exact same thing Bryce told him before he left, "What are you saying then James?" he asked. James sat down at the table, "Do you want to be a sports agent? No, don't answer that. I can tell that you do. This is something you've worked hard for. You've fought tooth and nail to get where you are." Cameron knew he was right he wanted to do this, he really did. He was being very transparent; everyone could see right through his bullshit. He also knew if he didn't he'd may never get another chance. He glanced over at his family sitting at the dining table laughing and having fun. "You're right." he mumbled. "You have a whole support system here that you've forgotten. You have your wife, your kids and your friends. While your parents and I don't live here, we support you as well. You should do this Cameron, you really should." James told him, "I may not be your real father but I still hope you consider me to be a father. I'll stay here with the girls if that would make you feel better." Cameron couldn't believe that they were having this conversation. That the man he spent so much time hating was offering to care for his family while he was away. "You'd do that?" Cameron asked. "Well, we're family aren't we?" James said with a smile.

They were family despite the disagreements. All that they've been through together, they were in fact a family. Cameron let his worry cloud his mind. For the first time in a long time, all the Palmer's were gathered and enjoyed a meal together. Cameron and James let the family know what the plan was and they were happy to hear that the men were slowly going to patch things up. Though she would miss him, Lilly was glad that Cameron was taking this opportunity. When he came back they would have a brand new baby in the family. There was just one thing left: If James was going to move in, they needed a bigger house.


*End of Chapter 18*

Chapter 17: The New Girl

It was a beautiful late afternoon; a young Cameron spent the most of the day trying to think of something to do. “I hate this town. I really do.” He grunted as he sat on the swing. “Dad’s busy with work all the time and mom’s parked in front of the TV.” He let out a large sigh, “And I’d play video games, if I had someone to play with.” Cameron did not have many friends in town and he wasn’t completely sure why. He would keep to himself just to keep from being noticed, but when he was, he always ended up with his face in dirt and his hands scrapped up. “I hate this town.” He muttered again. Cameron decided to go to the park, something he rarely did for fear of bumping into his tormentors. “Mom, I’m heading to the park for a bit!” he yelled, “Mom? Great she is probably napping again. Whatever.” He hopped on his bike and left anyway. As he made his way there he daydreamed about being an athlete, he loved sports and always had. He enjoyed anything to do with sports. He looked at his scrawny arms, “yea right buddy. A flea could kick your butt.” He scoffed.  Cameron made it to the park and spotted some kids on the other side, “Oh great DJ’s here.” DJ Harlow was the main kid that picked on Cameron in school. He made sure to avoid him whenever he could. Cameron still had bruises from that kid that were at least a month and a half old. 

He decided to sit by the pond to avoid any attention. “Maybe I’ll just wait it out. They’ll have to go home eventually.” He sighed yet again, “Yea then you’ll have to go home too or face the wrath from dad for being out late.” Cameron tossed a rock into the pond and before he knew it he heard laughing coming in his direction. “Alright I see you guys later!” a voice yelled. “Oh god, DJ’s heading this way.” He whispered. Cameron literally held his breath hoping DJ would just walk right past him. Nope. “Hey loser, hiding out are you? Missed you in school today, wimped out?” he mocked. “Listen DJ I don’t want any trouble today. I just came to the park to play.” 

“Who’d want to play with a loser like you?” DJ replied. “What’s your problem DJ? Is there something drastically missing from your life that you have to make mine a living hell?” Cameron started to walk away when he was shoved from behind. “Listen you little punk! You have no idea who you're messing with!” DJ yelled. Before Cameron knew it, the kid was wailing on him. “HEY! GET OFF OF HIM!” yelled this delicate little voice. DJ looked up to see a little girl with ginger hair. She looked like she meant business, “I mean it Donald!” she continued to yell. “How do you know my real name?” 

The little girl smirked, “I know a lot about you. I know your name. I know you’re smarter than you like to admit. I even know the nickname your grandmother calls you!”  DJ stood up while Cameron tried to regain his own bearings. “Who do you think you are? He took a step towards the little girl.” She called his bluff and stepped towards him, “Your WORSE nightmare punk.” The bully scoffed and gave Cameron one last push before leaving.

The little girl smiled at Cameron while he tried not to blush. “You didn't have to do that; I can take care of myself.” He rubbed the dirt off his face and tried to wipe a bit of the blood away from his cheek. “You’re that new girl that moved in with Mr. Weber aren't you?” “Yea that’s me. The name’s Lillibeth by the way but most people call me Lilly. You’re Cameron Palmer aren't you?” “Yea how’d you know?” he looked at her puzzled. “DJ and his friends tripped you in the hallway the other day, whose feet do you think landed at?” she smiled. “Oh yea that was you.” He blushed even more. Just great, he fails at avoiding DJ and his thugs while managing to embarrass himself in front of the cutest girl in school.  

“You should get that scrape looked at.” She suggested. Cameron mumbled something under his breath. He looked at her and couldn't help but blush. “She is pretty when you really look at her.” He thought. “Thanks for the suggested. I better head home to get it taken care of. It was nice meeting you Lillibeth.” “Please call me Lilly. Hey, maybe we could hang out sometime. Maybe tomorrow?” she asked and glanced down at her feet, “if you’re not doing anything that is.” “You're asking to play with me? On purpose?” he was actually shocked. Again he didn't have many friends and he wasn’t really sure why, but someone actually wanted to play with him. “Um sure. I could come to you house if you want or you can come to mine.”

“I’ll come to yours. My grandpa has a somewhere to go tomorrow.” “Oh so he’s her grandfather.” He should have figured that out earlier. “Sure let’s say around 11 am?”  “Can't wait.” She smiled at him and not the usual smile that he usually received, The Smile of Pity. “Bye Lilly. It was nice meeting you. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” He actually managed to force a smile and a decent one at that.

***

Lilly strolled into the house just before 6 p.m. “Hey grandpa I’m back!” he yelled. “Lilly…what did I say?” “Sorry papa, there’s no yelling in the house.” She smiled as she mocked his rule. Ben Weber was a gentle old man that took into her home after her parents died. Lilly never really knew much about him but even at the young age she was, she could see her father in him and that brought so much comfort to her. “Have fun at the park Lillybug?” he asked. “As much fun as I could have, most of the kids around here either stare at me or are nothing but a bunch of bullies.” “Who’s bullying you?!” he asked. “Nobody Grandpa, you know I can take care of myself. Just another kid was being bullied, Cameron Palmer.” “Oh yeah I’ve seen that kid around. Sweet kid, I’ve bumped into him a few times at the book store while he picked up stuff for his mom. It’s a shame that he’s being bullied.” Ben looked upset. “Why do they pick on Cameron? Do you know Grandpa? Why do they pick on him?”  Lilly asked. She desperately wanted to know why they would choose him as a target. “I’m not really sure honey actually. I think to them he’s just an easy target.” She sighed and her grandfather could see she was upset. “How about we have spaghetti for dinner? Looks like you’ve made a new friend today; I hope you two become fast friends.”

She smiled, “I hope so too grandpa.”

***

“Mom, I’m back.” Cameron heard snoring from the couch and looked like his father still was not back yet. He sighed and went to the kitchen to get some leftovers. “She didn’t have to help me. I could have handled it myself.” He mumbled. However, he couldn’t help but think about how pretty she was. An image of her face flashed into his mind again. “She really was pretty but why would she talk to me?” he finished his dinner and decided to play some computer games before bed, all the while, Lilly’s face kept flashing into his mind. Yup, Cameron was starting to fall hard for the little redhead girl that saved him from a beating, well, a brutal beating. Perhaps he had finally made a real friend? 

***

Cameron and Lilly became inseparable. They spent a lot of their time together even in school. Yea they would get weird stares and everything but none of that mattered, at least not to Lilly. “Lilly does it bother you that no one really talks to you anymore?” Cameron asked as they tossed a ball back and forth. “Why would it? You and I have fun together and that’s all that really matters. I like playing with you.” She smiled. He was having fun with her too, it was nice to have a true friend. “I don't know. I just keep thinking that you’ll get bullied too if you keep hanging out with me.” He hated saying it but he felt like it was true. They had been so close and if she kept spending time with him, it probably wouldn't be good for her. That thought, that possibility, depressed him. He didn't want to be the reason she got hurt.  “Cameron, you're worrying too much.” She paused for a second, “Do you just not want to hang out with me or something?” Cameron looked down at the dirt, “It’s not that Lilly. I just don’t want you to get hurt. I don’t want to be the reason you get hurt.”

Lilly just glared at him, “If you don’t want to hang out with me Cameron fine then. I think you’re worrying for nothing but if that’s what you want then fine. We can stop playing and hanging out together.” She started to walk away but stopped and said, “My grandpa is very important to me. He took me in after I lost my parents and I love him for that. You’re the first kid in town that wanted to be friends with me because of me, not because you wanted something in return. So what I’m trying to say is, you’re important to me too Cameron. Remember that.” She gave a weak smile and left. Cameron stood there as the sun started to set. “I’m sorry Lilly.” 

Cameron sat down to play with his toys until dinner was ready, he couldn’t help the feelings he had. He like Lilly a lot but he was just too afraid of her being dragged into his bullying, which he had to admit had tapered off since they started hanging out together. “Cameron? I thought Lilly was staying for dinner.” Constance asked. “She went home.” that was all he said. “Maybe she’s right. I was overthinking things.” Cameron figured he would tell her he was sorry the next day at school. After all he didn’t want to lose his best friend. “My best friend?” he smiled, “yeah that’s exactly what she was.” With a mom that spent most of her day watching TV or napping if she wasn’t at her part-time job, and a father that seemed to be a work-a-holic, it was nice to have a friend to cure the loneliness that he inevitably felt. 

***  

Lilly was not at school the next day and Cameron started to worry. Since she wasn't around he couldn't avoid his tormentors and ended up with yet another black eye. “I really do need her around.” He mumbled as he peddled his way to her house after school. “I don’t care if it’s just me and her. I like it that way. She’s my best friend.” He was smiling ear to ear by the time he pulled up to her house. “I have to tell her. I have to tell her.” He kept

thinking. He took a deep breath and rang the doorbell. There was a long silence before the door finally opened. “Hey Cameron. What’s up?” her smile instantly turned into a frown when she saw his eye, “Not again. Was it DJ?Sorry I wasn't there I had to go to the dentist.” “Nevermind about that, I have to tell you something.” He took another deep breathe, “You’re important to me too. You’ve always been there for me even if it's just to talk. You’re funny, smart and pretty. And you don’t mind getting dirty when I want to go hiking and you like me for me. You’re my friend, Lilly you’re my best friend.”  

“Really Cameron?” She couldn't stop the smile on her face. Cameron was going to say more but was interrupted by Lilly’s lips against his cheek.  “That’s the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me.” He turned bright red and lost his

train of thought. “You’re my best friend too Cameron. Even if it’s just us I’ll be happy with that." 

Little did these two know that their friendship would blossom into much more. 

Chapter 16: Faithful

*Four Years Later*

“What do you want for dinner James?” Constance asked as she walked into the living room. Here they were four years later and married. She had not heard much from Bryce but she had heard he was doing well and making a name for himself. James and Constance graduated high school and moved in together afterwards. She did however miss Bryce from time to time. Do not get her wrong James made her happy as well; he was funny, loving, kind, and supportive and he would do anything for her. He applied to the police academy after they finished high school; he was the third generation to go and wear the uniform. She was proud of him. 

Though she could not help think that there was something missing from their lives. She wanted a child and she knew James did too. Her womb felt empty and so was their spare bedroom. “My heart is aching James. Baby fever is starting to get to me. Everywhere I turn, I see a baby, and my friends are having babies, pregnant women everywhere it seems like.” She confessed while they cuddled on the sofa after dinner. “I know Connie. It will happen for us I promise you.” he replied. He wanted her to be a mother and he wanted to be a father. Well they tried; they tried repeatedly for the last eight months and no luck. Each time their hearts felt it. Conversations between the married couple eventually became far and in-between. They were just going through the motions. It did not help that James worked late and long hours since he was promoted. That left Constance home by herself a lot, so she would absorb herself in her painting and sketching. Deep down, they both blamed themselves for not being able to conceive. They still tried but it all seemed hopeless.  

*** 

James was in the bed passed out from his night shift so Constance decided to do some sketching. Before she could even sit down the phone rang and scared the daylights out of her. “Gee!!” she walked across the room, “Hello? Palmer residence.” she was reluctant to answer the phone to begin with. “Hey Connie.” A male voice said on the other side. The voice that made her heart skip a beat with every whisper. “Bryce? Bryce Green?” she asked. “Yea, it’s me. I got your number from a friend in town. Thought I would call to see how you were. I hope I didn’t interrupt anything.” He said. Constance was silent for a few seconds, “I’m fine. How are you?” “I’m doing pretty well actually but something’s wrong. I can hear it in your voice. Why don't we have some lunch, if you are not busy? Maybe we can talk about it?” “It’s great to hear his voice,” She thought, “Maybe I should go.” She listened to her husband’s snoring coming from the other room. Constance loved him dearly but they had been so distant lately with not being to conceive yet. “Sure. I’ll meet you at the bistro later this evening.” She replied as she hung up. “It would be nice to see him again and catch up.” Bryce has always been easy to talk to even when Constance was not willing to talk.

 He has a way of making her feel safe. They met for dinner and caught up on their lives, his years in school, her wedding, and their families. It was nice to be around him again. They finished dinner and prepared to part ways, “It was nice to see you again Bryce.” She said. “Yea it was nice seeing you too Connie. Maybe we can get together again sometime next week?” he asked. She was again hesitant, “Sure. That’s sounds great.” She went to lean in for a hug but ended up kissing him instead. That shocked both of them. She caught a cab back home and just kept thinking. “What the hell am I doing? What are you doing Constance? You are happily mar-. Okay so you’re married.” The stress of trying to conceive was getting to her and her husband. She still loved him dearly. James was sleeping when she got back home so she gently lay down next to him and whispered, “I do love you James.” 

Constance awoke to the smell of pancakes in the air. She followed her nose and found James at the stove. “Morning my Love. Sleep well?” he asked. “Yea I guess I did. You’re cooking breakfast?” she was stunned really. “What a husband can’t make breakfast for his wife once in a while? I also take offense by your comment. I can cook don’t make it sound like I’m horrible at it.” She laughed, “But you are horrible at it. The last time you tried to cook spaghetti the spaghetti came out crunchy.” She could not help but laugh. It felt good to laugh with her husband again, to talk to him really. They finished their breakfast (which he did burn) and cuddled on the sofa. It was nice to be near him again. Before they knew it they were making love like they did when they first got married. There was no pressure of trying to conceive, just love.

***  

Over the next month James continued to work late and long hours at the station, while Constance found herself constantly restocking on painting supplies. That’s all she could really do, if she wasn’t painting she was thinking about Bryce and that made her feel guilty, so she’d paint even more. It was nice to catch up with Bryce, but it was tearing her apart that she had been unfaithful to her husband. Her and Bryce had rekindled a flame that they once had. 

“What the hell was I thinking?” she asked herself as she stood on his doorstep. She took a deep breath and rang the doorbell.

 Constance was about to turn around and walk away when Bryce answered. “Leaving in a hurry?” he asked. “Um I was thinking about it.” She tried to give a chuckle but it came out horrible. “Are you okay Connie? You seem tense.” he asked. “Yea I'm okay.” she replied though you could hear in her voice that she wasn't. “Seriously though, you're not okay. What's up?” She figured the best thing to do was to just blurt it out, like ripping off a band-aid. “I'm pregnant!” she shrieked. There was a silence that filled the house completely. “I'm...I'm sorry. You're...preg...pregnant?” his eyes looked like they would pop out of his face. “Yup. I'm pregnant.” she said again. Again there was silence. “Please say something Bryce. Please.”

“Marry me. Just marry me Connie.” he couldn't even believe he just said that. “You can't be serious, Bryce. I'm already married remember. That's why this is such a huge deal.” She sat down, “We shouldn't have done this in the first place.” “Marry me Constance.” he said once more. “You can't be serious Bryce. I can't. I'm married to James. I've done enough to hurt him I can't hurt him anymore.”

“So is that it? Are you just going to end it here?” he looked down at his feet. Constance leaned towards him and gave him one last kiss. “I'll keep in touch but this is it. It has to stop.” She grabbed her keys, “I better go home. I have to tell James everything now.” Constance waved goodbye and left. Bryce was left there watching the woman he loved and his unborn child walk away. “So this is how she felt when I left.” He couldn't think of anything to say, to tell Constance to make her change her mind.

***

Constance made it back home but James still wasn't back yet. She paced the floor, back and forth. “This is a new low Constance even for you. You've sunk so low you're sitting on a couch next to the devil himself!”  “What about the devil himself?” James walked in the front door and startled her. “Oh nothing. Just talking to myself is all.” She gave a nervous chuckle. “What's up? You seem tense.” her husband asked. That's the second time she was asked that in the past hour. “Well actually. I have something to tell you honey.” Constance tried to smile but it probably came out creepy. “Okay what is it?” he couldn't help but react to her creepy smile, “You look like you’re up to something.” “No I’m not up to something. It’s just…I’m pregnant.” She felt her stomach turn. “That’s great honey!! Oh my gosh I can’t believe it.” He ran to hug her. That sinking nauseating feeling she had was getting worse and this time she was sure it was not morning sickness. “Tell him. Tell him that it probably wasn’t his.” she thought.

“We’re having a baby.” Her husband said. Constance looked at his sky blue eyes and wanted to tell him everything, instead she said, “Yup. We are having a baby, our own bundle of joy.” Constance knew she had sunk really low but the words that just came out of her mouth, she would have to live with.

***

Pregnancy for Constance was a rough time. She couldn’t get past the guilt of lying to her husband on more than one occasion. Though she loved the smile he had that was ear to ear, the fact that she was carrying the child of another man. She would get a letter from Bryce now and again; he still could not convince her to leave James. Constance didn’t want to though, her life was by James side and she would eventually have to deal with her transgressions. However, putting them off as she was doing was not going to solve anything. Things would only get worse as time went on and she knew that. “Only two more days.” James said excitedly as he prepared the baby’s nursery. They both agreed to leave the gender a surprise to the very last moment and you tell it was making James antsy towards the end. “That’s just a due date. The baby will come when he/she is ready, you know that honey.” She smiled at his enthusiasm. “I’m going to get some yogurt.” she smiled.  “Okay honey, I have to head to work. Call me if you need anything.” he yelled as he ran out the door. 

Constance tried enjoying the quiet that filled the house as she ate her yogurt. Despite how things have transpired, she was excited to be a mom; to have a little bundle of baby-joy to cradle and hold. She looked at the completed nursery, it was not much but it will do for the baby. Afterwards, as she finished cleaning the dishes, a sharp pain struck her in the stomach. “Oh great, not now, seriously not now.” She pleaded, as if that would work. That of course didn’t stop what was to come next. Constance couldn’t decide whether to go through it or make it to the phone and call James. The baby didn’t give her much of a choice.

 Constance gave birth to a beautiful and healthy baby boy that she named Cameron. She love him from the first moment she saw him and right away she could see, he had Bryce’s eyes. Her little baby boy was the most precious thing she had ever seen.  

*** 

James was a wonderful father to baby Cameron he loved that boy with all his heart and it showed. Cameron grew more and more as the time went by. Constance started to paint more and more and she stopped replying to Bryce’s letters. “I need to time to think it all through.” She’d tell herself. James was so proud of their little tike. 

“Okay say ‘ball’ Cam, say ‘ball’. Oh fine buddy. We’ll give it a rest for today.” He said as he tried to teach Cameron a few new words. The tiny tot was stubborn and James knew that. James also knew from the moment he saw his son's red hair that there was more than meets the eye. He recognized that red hair anywhere. The thought of where it came from crushed him inside. He loved that little boy more than anything. After all the difficulty of trying to conceive, they had their son.

Cameron was down for a nap when James decided to confront her wife. “Constance, there’s something I want to ask you and I want you to be perfectly honest with me. “Okay.” She said as she wiped the paint from her hands. “Is Cameron mine?” he asked before she could even put the rag back down. “Uh. Why do you ask?” she timidly asked. “Constance. I may be dense at times but I’m not stupid. He has Bryce’s red hair and everyone can see that. I guess I just want to know why.”

“She stood there not being able to say anything. “I’m sorry. I’m really sorry James, it was a huge mistake and it’s over. I just couldn't let go of what him and I had.” she told him. James took a step back. “You know I love you right? I love you and Cameron more than anything in the world. And because of that love, I’ll put this behind me. I want to raise him as our own but one day you’ll have to get the courage to tell him the truth; to tell him everything.” Constance knew he was right and she hoped they could move passed it all. James left for his night shift at the station without another word. She heard Cameron stirring and went to check on him. She sat him down to play a game, as they played she whispered to her young son as if he understood, “I hope you can forgive me for everything. Someday I’m sure you'll understand.”

Constance’s mistakes ate away at her little by little. She lived with so many regrets that she couldn’t get passed. James struggled as well, he couldn’t let go of what his wife had done and the bond that he built with his son began to fade overtime. All the while, Cameron grew up believing his parents were happy and loved each other. He would soon grow up to know the lies and deceit his parents tried to hide.   

*End of Chapter 16*