Chapter 7: New Beginnings

It was four days before Cameron and Lilly were scheduled to leave. They were busy getting things squared away but both were still nervous about the prospect of leaving their loved ones behind. Constance and Cameron had moved in with Lilly and her grandfather since James was being such an asshole. He still hadn’t come around since he left the month before. Constance had talked to him briefly on the phone but he wasn’t making things easy for her. 

She was cooking lunch for her and Ben when Cameron came into the kitchen. He could tell that she was a little miffed. “You okay? Something happen?” he asked. “No. There’s nothing out of the ordinary. James is just being difficult about the divorce.” She replied while shaking her head. Cameron just had to ask her: “Why’d you marry him in the first place?”  Benjamin excused himself, “I’ll go see if Lilly needs help packing. 

Constance sat down and took a deep breath. “I had always liked James. He was sweet, funny, caring, sensitive…” Cameron looked at her like she had fallen and bumped her head. “I’m serious. He was a catch but truthfully he just wasn’t my type.” “So…you settled for him?” “Yes I did. After Bryce left to do what he wanted, I sort of ‘fell’ into James’ arms. I thought I could love him, but I didn’t love him the way I loved Bryce. That’s why it was so easy for me to fall for Bryce again when he moved came back into town.” Cameron could understand that. If it was Lilly and he was in his mother’s shoes he’d move heaven and earth to be with her. 

“On a more positive yet sad note: Have you finished packing yet?” She changed the subject. “Yes ma’am. We’re all ready to go. Good thing most of my stuff was already in boxes.” They sat in silence for a minute. “You know that I will miss you, right mom?” Constance stood up to hug him. “I know. I also know that I haven’t been there for you a lot these past few years but I love you. You’re my baby.” Cameron rolled his eyes, “I love you too mom.”

“I better head over to Bryce’s house. I need the keys to the house and to say goodbye.” He got ready to head out the door. “Who’s meeting you at the new house?” Constance wasn’t completely sure of all the details. “A business associate of Bryce’s, they’ll be down in a few weeks to make sure we’re settled in. I’ll be right back.”  

*** 

“You look just like your mother.” Benjamin told Lilly. She was his only grandchild. And after losing her parents, his son and daughter-in-law, they had gotten to spend so much time getting to know each other. He watched her grow into such a bright young woman. “Papa, you’re so sweet. I’m going to miss you so much.” Lilly tried to hold back the tears. “I’ll miss you too. But you can’t let me hold you back. You have a life to live too. Besides we’ll visit each other, and Constance and I will be fine.” “Okay. I’ll call you every day.” She reassured him. He hugged her and helped her finish packing her suitcases. 

 

*** 

Cameron made it to Bryce’s house. He knocked on the door and waited until someone. “Hey Cameron, it's great to see you.”  said Bryce. They made their way to the living room where Stella his step-mother was sitting. Not the evil kind that can be somewhat cliché, she was awesome in Cameron’s opinion. “Hi Stella. I just wanted to come get the keys and say goodbye.” 

“We’re going to miss you while you’re gone; Bryce and I will be down to visit in a month or two. Work has had him really busy.” “I know. We haven’t gotten to spend a lot of time together.” He knew that was partly his fault.  

 “Let me give you the keys. Oh I also have Jason’s number so you can contact him if you need anything.” Bryce informed him. “Jason is your associate in Starlight Shores?” Cameron asked. “Yes. He’ll probably meet you at the house, you may have to call and remind him. He can be forgetful at times.” “Great associate…” Cameron thought sarcastically.  

  

“Well, make sure you call us when you get there.” Bryce told him. “I will Dad.” He smiled. Now Stella was the one trying to hold back tears. He hugged them both goodbye…but had one last thing to do. “Where is she?” he asked Stella. “She’s in her room playing.” 

 He went up the stairs to a beautiful little pink room where on the floor sat a little girl with Cameron and Bryce’s BRIGHT red locks. Eva.  Cameron was probably going to miss her most…next to his mother. He sat down to play with her for a bit. “You’ll have to come see me little one.” He smiles at her and she smiled back. He loved that little face of hers. He knew he wanted a little girl like her one day, maybe two or three. After 20 minutes of playing with baby Eva, he picked her up and held her close. “I love you Eva Marie. I'm going miss you." 

***

"I love you too Cammie." Eva squealed.

He kissed her forehead and put her back down on the floor. He made his way back down the stairs and said one last goodbye before heading back home.”  

The day was finally here. Lilly and Cameron were saying their last goodbye before they had to catch their plane. While his mom and his girlfriend tried to fight back the tears Cameron loaded the suitcases into the cab. “Please call us when you get there.” Constance reminded them for the 100^th time. “Ms. Palmer don’t worry we will.” Lilly reassured her. “Yea we’ll call you guys once a week.” Cameron smiled. “Every other day… for at least for the first two weeks or so?” Constance tried so hard to not worry about them. “Okay.” Lilly and Cameron said in unison. Benjamin gave Cameron a handshake, “You take good care of her. I love that girl.” “I will sir. I can promise you that.” 

They loaded themselves into the cab and waved one last time as the cab pulled away from the house. “I’m going to miss them so much.” Lilly grabbed his hand, “we have to come back to visit in two months or so.” Cameron kissed her soft hand, “We will.” They took one last look at Sunset Valley as they rode through the town to the airport. They were leaving behind their loved ones to start their life together. The nervousness and utter excitement collected within their hearts. What awaited them in Starlight Shores? 

*8 hours later*

Cameron and Lilly finally pulled up in front of a house that made Lilly utter: “Holy…Shit…”

“Cameron the first floor looks like your old house could fit into it.” She was in complete shock. Cameron was struggling with the suitcases, “That’s great hun, can you help with the bags?” “Oh! Sorry!” She grabbed a suitcase and headed to the door, which seemed to already be unlocked. “Cam? The door’s unlocked.” He put the bags down and told her to stay back. He knew Bryce’s associate was supposed to meet them there but wasn’t trying to take any chances. “Hello?! Anybody here?”

“Yea I’ll be right down!” yelled a voice from upstairs. After a few seconds a tall handsome man with golden blonde hair met Cameron in the living room. “You must be Cameron, Bryce’s son. I’m Jason Porter.” Cameron couldn’t help thinking: His name even sounds wealthy. “Yea that’s right. This is…oh wait. Lilly you can come in now! Coast is clear.” Lilly made her way in the house and into the living room. Jason’s face lit up at the sight of Lilly. Before Cameron could introduce Lilly he beat him to it. “Hi I’m Jason. Lilly is it?” “Yea Lillibeth. Nice to meet you.” She didn’t care who he was, only her close friends and loved ones called her Lilly. There was an awkward silence.

 

 That’s when Jason became aware that Cameron was still in the room. “Let me show around. Everything is included and is yours to use. The house has a kitchen, living room, office, four bedrooms 3 bathrooms, a hot tub and a pool, all yours. Oh and there’s two cars in the garage. Bryce said you’re welcome to use as well.”

“CARS!??!” Lilly’s jaw dropped. Jason smiled, “Yea a Chrysler 300 and a pink Audi that I think you’ll like.” Okay so you had to admit Jason had a nice smile. Jason answered his phone, “I’m sorry to leave in such a huff, but I have a dinner date. If you need anything you have my number!” Before Cameron could ask any more questions he was gone. 

“He was nice.” Lilly finally said as she went back outside to grab her suitcase. “Oh yea he’s awesome.” Cameron didn’t like the guy. There was something about him that made him uneasy, besides the puddle of drool he made on the floor after seeing Lilly.

“I'm already in love with this place.” Lilly looked around the living room. “Yea and the people are sure friendly.” Cameron went over to where she was standing. “You mean Jason? Yeah he seemed nice.” there was silence. “Cameron don't even think it. You can't immediately put your walls up when you meet new people, or else why did we come here.” He sighed. “I'm sorry. You're right just didn't like the way he looked at you.”

She smiled and winked at him, “Well can you blame him?” Cameron laughed. “No I can't I guess." They cuddled on the couch for a bit before they started unpacking. 

“Yea. We're finally here. Starlight Shores we have arrived.”

Coming up:

Chapter 8: New Neighbors 

Chapter 6: Regrets

It was the morning of graduation. Cameron was ready, just a bit nervous, but he was ready. “Got your cap? Got your gown?” asked his mother as she rushed around the living room. “Mom? I’m wearing them.” He laughed at her. He could see she was just as nervous as he was. “Well that’s not the cap I meant.” she replied shaking her head. 

 

Her little boy was graduating:The baby boy that she had cradled in her arms late at night, the baby she taught to walk, chased around the house while he ran around naked to avoid bath-time, the baby boy whose wounds she nursed when he fell on the playground. He was a young man now and moving on with his life. She fought back the tears.  

  

“Mom, come on now. Everything will be fine.” He hugged her close. “You’re right. I’m sorry. Guess we better go.” They both hopped into a cab and headed towards city hall.On the way there they passed Lilly’s house. He hadn’t talked to her since the party the day before. He avoided her phone calls and ignored her texts. She was going off to join the military. “What sense did that make?” he wondered. She always dreamed of being a chef, but she probably figured she had to do something. She recently said how she didn’t have the confidence to go to cooking school. She felt her skills weren’t where they needed to be, but that’s the point of the cooking school. He wanted her to be with him. He wanted her to be by his side but he also wanted her to be happy.

 They walked up the steps of the city hall and saw Lilly and her grandfather. “Good morning you two!” said Lilly’s grandfather, Ben. “Good morning to you as well.” said Constance. There was an awkward silence between Lilly and Cameron. “Hey…” she said. “Yea, hey…” he replied, if you can even call that a reply. There was more silence. “Well! I guess we’ll leave you too alone for a bit, don’t be late to your seats.” Constance reminded them. “Yes ma’am.” Cameron and Lilly said together. 

“How have you been?” he went ahead and asked, “I was going to call you but…”  “You were still mad at me right?” She tried to force a smile. “Listen Lilly. I love you and I want you to do whatever makes you happy. Even if it means we’ll be a part for a while.” He hated saying it but didn’t want to leave things like this. “Are you sure??” she tried to hold back the tears. “I just have to ask. Why the Military?” he had to know. “I don’t know. I didn’t apply to that cooking academy so I had to do something.” she shrugged her shoulders.  He was right.“But…” before he could finish the principal announced they were going to begin. “We better head inside. We’ll talk later.” She rushed inside with Cameron close behind.  

 

***

After the ceremony they all gathered outside. Cameron achieved the vote of “Most likely to be a Sports Star” that but a big smile on his face and Lilly was voted most likely to have a big family which they both tried hard to not smile too much at the thought of that. Cameron’s mom had to go to work and Lilly’s grandfather had a poker game so Cameron decided they’d meet at his house to talk later that evening but first Cameron had plans with his dad. 

Cameron and Bryce had decided to have lunch together that afternoon. Cameron had become accustomed to talking to Bryce about things. They had many things in common and found it easy to talk to each other, despite the circumstances. “I’m glad we were able to get together Cameron and congratulations on your diploma!” he had a proud smile on his face, “you’re a bright kid. You’re heading places you know.” Cameron tried hard to hiding the big smile on his face. James would have probably never say something like that to him. It was nice to hear. “Thanks Bryce. I wanted to just spend some time with you; I know you couldn’t make it to the graduation ceremony.”   

“I’m glad that you had called. I have some pretty awesome news.” Bryce told him, “I know you have plans and everything. I also know things with you and Lilly are strained right now…” he took a deep breathe “My wife and I discussed it and we would like to offer you our vacation home in Starlight Shores.” Cameron was stunned. “You can’t be serious!?” he smiled from ear to ear. “With an 25,000 simoleon allowance…” Bryce continued. “I also know the owner of the bistro there and made a few calls. There’s a one year apprenticeship and they’re looking for someone.” Cameron was excited. “Lilly?”

“Yup! It’s hers if she wants it. The owner is more than happy to teach and guide her.” “This is AWESOME! Thanks SO much. You don’t know what this means to me…to us. I'm really at a lost for words.”  Bryce shook his head, “I know what it’s like to live with regrets. To not be with the one you love. Don't get me wrong I love my wife but your mother will always be my first love. I left her behind because I was concerned about me. I couldn't even convince her to be with me after you were born.  I can’t let you go through the same thing.” They finished their lunch. Cameron thanked him again and said he'd call about more details later. Cameron had to tell Lil.  

***

Cameron waited for Lilly at his house. He couldn’t wait to tell her the news, but would she accept it he wondered. Night had fallen when Lilly showed up and she met him around back. “Hey!” he said with overzealous excitement. “Hey… you’re creeping me out with that smile. What’s going on?” He laughed. They sat on the swing for a bit and talked about graduation. Lilly smiled at Cameron and said “Push me, like you did when we were kids with your scrawny arms.” He smiled and started pushing her. He waited until the right moment to tell her but he just had to do it. 

So I talked to Bryce and he’s got an offer for us.” “Us? You mean you.” “Nope. He’s offering us his vacation home in Starlight with a 25,000 simoleon allowance and he’s got a friend who’s looking for an apprentice at his cafe.” “You’re kidding?! That’s way too perfect! This means…” “We can be together. He says the position is yours if you want it. This is what I have wanted but I have realized I never asked you what you wanted.”

She stopped swinging. “Cameron. I want everything; the house, the husband, the kids, the career…all with you. I’ve always wanted that. Since the moment we met, as naïve as that sounds. Let's go to Starlight Shores." He kissed her as they hugged and he asked her inside where they cuddled together. After everything they’ve been through: losing parents or gaining parents, fights, making up, laughter and tears. Cameron and Lilly realized they could begin their life together. That night they made love and Cameron vowed to himself that he wasn’t going to live with regrets. 

 

***

End of Chapter 6

Coming up Chapter 7: New Beginnings 

Chapter 5: What Now?

Cameron sat on the swing set outback and tried to collect his thoughts. He could not believe that his parents had lied to him his whole life. He felt this sudden emptiness in his heart. So that’s why his dad disliked him so much and why his mother slipped into her phases of depression, she had been harboring a secret for so long. She had a husband that had lost faith and trust in her, despite how hard he tried to forgive her and put it all behind them. James took it upon himself to raise the child of another man as long as he could still be with his wife and be happy together. Guess it was not as easy as he had hoped.

“Do you want to talk?” Lilly’s voice snapped Cameron out of his deep thoughts. “What are your thoughts on all this?” he asked her instead. She sat on the swing next to him. “I don’t know.” She let out a sigh before she continued, “I have to say it took a lot of courage for them both to admit all this. I mean your mother already confessed this to your dad, and now had to confess to her only child that the life he thought he knew was not as simple as it appeared.” “Yea I guess so. Just wish they had told me sooner. I mean I know they wanted to protect me and everything but I don’t know.”  

 

***

“What are your plans now?” Lilly asked. “What do you mean?” Cameron looked confused. “You can’t still be thinking about leaving. Not after all this!” she looked shocked. Lilly could not believe he was even thinking it.  “Listen. My birthday is in a couple of days and so is graduation. Afterwards, I’m out of here. You’re either coming with me or not but you make up your mind. I’m leaving with or without you!” yelled Cameron. Lilly stood up. “You know I can’t go with you Cameron. No. I won’t go with you. You’re leaving for all the wrong reasons in my opinion. I love you, I really do and I understand that you’re going through a lot right now but you can’t just run away from your problems. They will eventually catch up to you one day.” She stormed off. “I’m going home. Call me when you figure out what your plans are.” 

***

Cameron decided to try and forget things at the moment so he headed to the gym for some exercise. His “dad” was mad at him, Lilly was mad at him, his mother was seeking forgiveness and Bryce now wanted to be part of his life. So many things going on in his head and to add to it, he still did not have the money he needed to leave. “Damn! This is just not what I was expecting right now!” he called for cab and headed out. While on the treadmill he thought about what Lilly had said. He knew, deep down, that she was right. He was leaving for the wrong reasons. 

***

James still had not been back to the house, but Cameron was aware that James was filing for divorce; that was to be expected.  Cameron and his mother were talking here and there but Cameron was still avoiding the real issues. He wasn’t talking to Lilly either. He had been avoiding her in school and here it was the day before his birthday, two days before her birthday and three days before graduation. Six months ago he did not see his life turning into such a shit-hole. 

His mother was preparing for the party; they always threw Cameron and Lilly a party together ever since they were little. He knew he would have to face her eventually and he still did not know what he was going to do. His mother had invited Bryce to the party, which Cameron did not seem to have to problem with. They had talked a few times after the night they met. He’s a CEO here in town, with a wife and a little girl. Yes. Cameron has a half-sister named Eva. "Are you excited about the party?” his mother asked. “Yea. I mean I get to see all the people that are important to me.” He smiled. He had to admit this was a good day compared to all the others." He aced his finals. Things were getting better, but he still had some unanswered questions. He figured Bryce was probably the person to talk to about that but he'd wait a bit before talking to him.  

*** 

Lilly, her Grandfather, Cameron's mother and Bryce all gathered together as Cameron and Lilly celebrated their birthdays. This was the first time in a few weeks that Cameron felt so loved and was happy to be with the people that loved him for him. Lilly and Cameron were finally becoming adults!!  

*** 

After the party was over, Cameron decided to talk to Lilly alone. “I’m sorry for the way I acted the other day. I was just feeling so many things and I took it out on you.” Cameron began, “If don’t or can’t come with me I understand. I really do.” Lilly smiled at him. “It’s okay Cam. I know things were not easy for you. I do want to go with you and I’m glad we’re finally able to talk about this now. I want you to go. I'll join you when the time is right." 

***

Cameron went and sat down. "So is this it for us then? I mean are we done?" he asked her. "No. We're not done. We'll just have to try the long distance thing. Besides..." she paused. "I got accepted into the academy." She was a little shaky. "You're joining the military?" his heart sank."My grandfather wants me to go. He told want me stop to worrying about him so much. Your mother said she'd look after him." 

 

***

"If that's the case why not go with me?" he asked furiously. "Cameron? why are you going to Starlight Shores?" she asked with a serious look on her face. "What do mean 'why'? I'm going to become an athlete, to follow....my dreams." She smiled at him. "Exactly. I now understand why you want to go. You have things you want to accomplish and you can't do that here. I'll move to Starlight Shores after I finish boot camp. I promise." 

He couldn't believe the love of this life was walking away from him. "Fine. You do what you have to." he tried to say it as sincere as possible.  "I love you Cameron and it's only a few months we'll be apart." 

"Yea sure.." he didn't want to hear anymore. They cuddled on the couch for a bit before she had to leave. As they kissed each other goodbye, Lilly asked "I'll see you at graduation?" Cameron nodded and faked a smile and waved.

 

He couldn't believe he was losing his love. He knew a few months would be over before he knew it, but it still hurt that she was leaving..even if he was leaving too. The thought of them not being together really started to sink in. 

Cameron had to talk to someone! Anyone! He figured the one person he could talk to about this had to be: his real dad, Bryce. 

*End of Chapter 5*

Coming up: 

Chapter 6: Regrets 

Chapter 4: Secrets

It had been a few days since the fight between James and Cameron. James had not been back to the house much except to get his work uniform. Cameron still was not talking to his mother and she was giving him his space. She knew she would have to tell him everything eventually. She feared that but knew things could get worse is she did not tell him the truth. She was just finishing up some housework or more like lost in her own thoughts when her cellphone rang. 

       “Hello? Oh Bryce, Thank God.” She was relieved to hear his voice. “How are things going? Have you told him yet?” Bryce asked. “Oh you mean the whole ‘James is not your father and we have been lying to you your whole life’ thing? No. Not yet.” She rolled her eyes. “I’m sorry Bryce. I haven’t told him yet.’ 

  

“Well we knew the day would come where we would have to tell him. I’m really surprised the kid took a swing at James. Trust me, we have all wanted to.” He paused. “Cameron was going to figure out one day. He’s not stupid. I’m surprised we kept it secret this long but I guess that was for our own selfishness.” “Yeah well I was the one that should not have waited. It was my decision to keep it from him.” Constance paced the room. “Well what are you waiting for?” Bryce asked. There was silence. “You’re right. Come by the house at 6 tonight. We’ll tell him.”

“I’ll be there. Oh and Connie? Everything will be fine. Talk to you later.” He hung up. Constance knew that was something Cameron got from Bryce: being able to stay positive even in hard situations. That’s one of the reasons she fell in love with Bryce.

Later that day… Cameron and Lilly were hanging out at the park. 

  

“There’s something they’re not telling me. I know it!” Cameron and Lilly were hanging out on a bench. “Cameron calm down. Why don’t you just ask them? If you think they’re hiding something then step up and talk to them.” Lilly was trying her hardest to stay calm but that was not easy with Cameron pacing a ditch around the park bench. “Do you think I should?” he wondered. She looked at him with a straight face. “No. I think you should pace around this park and worry about something that could easily be solved.” He sat down on the bench. “Will you come with me? I’d feel better if you were there.”  

***

***

 

“You know I will be. Everything will be fine Cameron. You have to clear the air between you and your parents.” She stood up and hugged him. “Not ready to talk to my dad yet. Besides he has not come back since…” “You gave him a bloody nose?” Lilly tried to hide the smile on her face. 

“Yes.  He’s hiding out somewhere in town or so I’m told. I’m glad though, I’m not ready to face him yet. I might do more than just punch him in the face.” Lilly kissed him on the lips. “Trust me. Everything will be fine. Let’s head off over to your house to talk to your mom.”  

Cameron and Lilly pulled up in a cab in front of his house. She grabbed his hand and reassured him once more. He went first into the house. His mom was sitting watching TV as always. “Hey Mom. I think we need to talk about some things. I know I have been avoiding it for a few days but it’s time we cleared the air.”   

His mom smiled with a bit of relief. “Yes it is time we talked. Hello Lilly. Why don’t you both come have a seat?” Everyone sat down in the living room trying not let the awkwardness consume them. Constance took a deep breath and said it was now or never. “I know lately there has been tension between you, James and me as well. Well maybe that’s a bit of an understatement." 

"Well about 15 years ago, James and I tried to conceive a baby. I had always wanted a big family” she smiled and continued. After a year or so of trying we went to get checked out. The doctor said that everything was fine and suggested different things we could try. I think by that point I had somewhat given up but we kept trying. After a while I ran into my old high school boyfriend: Bryce Green. I confided in him about everything and that lead to more.” Cameron looked confused, “So you’re saying?” “Yea that I cheated on James and he’s not your father, Bryce is.” 

Lilly and Cameron sat there shocked and unable to speak. Lilly decided to speak first. “You kept this secret for this long?” Constance was ashamed, they could tell. I didn't tell James about what had happened. He was just happy that I was pregnant. It was harder to keep it from him once you were born, especially with that red hair of yours." She gave a small smile. "Bryce and I parted ways after I told him I was pregnant. He tried to convince me to leave James, but I couldn't leave him. I didn't want to hurt him anymore."  

Suddenly the doorbell rang. “I want to introduce you to someone.” Constance stood up and answered the door. “Cameron? This is Bryce.” In stepped a man that made Lilly gasp. Cameron was almost a clone of him.  

“Nice to meet you Cameron, you look just like your pictures.” Cameron stood up and shook Bryce’s hand. He was still in a state of shock. “It’s nice to meet you too I guess. I’m sorry this is just a lot to take in.” 

 

***

“I understand. Your mother and I realized that it was time to tell you. We can not keep this from you any longer.” Bryce confessed. Still stunned Cameron was about to excuse himself when something occurred to him. “Where are you from?” he asked. Bryce looked at Constance. “I live right near the beach here in Sunset Valley.” Cameron became defensive. “You live right here in town and I’m just now hearing about you and meeting you?” Cameron scoffed and stormed out the door.  “Cameron!” yelled Lilly.  

***

Constance went over and gave Bryce a hug. “I figured he would ask that. I’ll give him a few days. I really do want to be in his life Connie, whenever he’s ready for me to be in his life.” Bryce said. Constance apologized to Bryce and said goodbye. “Thank you for coming” she said with a smile.  

She looked over at Lilly. “Be there for him Lilly. He needs someone by his side more now than ever.” Lilly shook her head in agreement and went after Cameron.  

Constance went to her room to cry. Never in the past 17 years has she felt so many emotions all at once.  

End of Chapter 4
Coming up Chapter 5: What now?