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