The Boy Next Door

bonus: part 1

AU: *so this mini part is in the sense Damon didn't die in the car accident. Here, it's two years since that night, and Damon is back home from college for summer break.*

Cameron's POV— "present time"

I quickly bounce my leg, overly ready for him to be here already. My peripheral caught some movement, my head turning to see his mom walk in with Auden.

The Valero's were more than gracious to take me in after the accident. With my mom passing and Derek practically dropping off the face of the Earth, I needed solace. Badly. I know they don't mind me staying here, but I've been looking into apartments for me and Damon, especially since he can live off campus next year.

"Hey, do you want to ride with us to the store? We forgot a few things for lunch." Jocelyn asks.

"I'm okay. I want to be here when he shows."

She gives me a weak smile, knowing I've grown more attached to him ever since the accident. I've grown some since that night, based on the fact I don't just lay in his room, in the dark, for majority of the day. I work at the grocery store and the book store, now, so I find comfort there while Damon's away at school.

I'm not as bubbly or talkative as I used to be, and I think that may be hardest for her to see. I told them everything that had been going on with Grayson about a year later, and to say they were stunned would be an understatement.

They suggested therapy, saying they'd pay for it and all, but I can't let them pay for me like that. I honestly feel better that i didn't lose Damon, and at times I feel like a bitch for being happy he survived and not my mother.

"Okay. If he shows before we're back, tell him where we're at."

"Of course." I nod, watching as they walk out the living room. I quickly stand from the couch, forgetting to tell her something. "Drive safe. . . please."

She presses a feather-like kiss to my forehead, "Always."

I wrap my arms around my middle, standing in the same spot until I hear the front door close shut. Rubbing my hand down my thighs, I look at the food spread out on the dining table. Jocelyn and Alessandro give him a little party each year he finishes school, and I think it's the sweetest thing. I plop one of the grapes in my mouth as my phone chimes.

"Hello?"

"Hi," Adeline greets, "is he home yet?"

"No, not yet. I'd give him another half hour or so. What're you up to?"

"Giving Lily a bath. We'll probably be there later in the day, so you guys can have some time together."

"Oh, it's okay. You know he wants to see you both during the party."

"Are you sure?" She questions, my head nodding despite her not being able to see me.

"Yes, Adeline. He's got to-" I stop mid-sentence as I hear the door unlock and proceed to open, revealing his tall stature. He smiles brightly at me after locking the door, the two bags in his hand dropping instantly. "Hey, I'll call you back."

I don't wait for her reply before I end the call, placing my phone on the table corner before I make my way into his arms. I nuzzle my face in the crook of his neck as he holds me, our body's slowly lowering until we're sitting on the floor.