My Year Abroad

Chapter 33

Kinsey's father was floating above the bed as an aura swirled around him. Cameron's hair was flowing as a strange marking began to resonate with the symbol on his chest. One could see a tattoo appearing down Cameron's forearm.

The strange markings reached Cameron's palm before shifting to Jacob. The mass clinging to the lungs was atomized, and the damaged tissue was slowly repairing. As the body gradually returned to the bed Cameron opened his eyes.

Feeling all the eyes on him it finally hit Cameron what he just did. His hair was already turning black followed by a lightheaded sensation. Realizing he was exposed there was a brief moment of considering excuses.

'I fucked up.'

Cameron turned for the door to rush out as Jacob grabbed his hand. He carefully sat up and took a deep breath without the slightest wheeze. It was his first clear breath in twenty years.

"What was that?" Jacob asked.

"You saw it too?" Cameron investigated.

Jacob nodded as he sat up from the bed. Their focus was redirected to his condition instead of Cameron's former appearance. Jacob's complexion was no longer pale and regained its former tone. They watched Jacob get up from the bed with no issues as he stood before Cameron.

"Thank you." Jacob seized Cameron's hand.

'I need to eat something.'

"What are you?" Gabriella circled Cameron.

"I didn't mean to intrude," Cameron replied.

'I should get back to others right away.'

"I need to get back to my friends." Cameron went for the door.

"Let me drive you back." Henry offered.

'It would be faster.'

"Thank you," Cameron replied.

"Can I join?" Kinsey asked Henry.

"Then he'll have to drive you back again." Jacob sighed.

"I'll just walk back. Now get some rest, please." Kinsey helped him to the bed.

"We'll be waiting," Henry announced.

Kinsey tucked her father in and checked on her siblings one last time. She rushed out the door in time to see the car starting. She jumped in the front seat as Cameron glanced over confused.

'There's more space in the back.'

"What did you see?" Gabriella investigated.

"I saw a man made up of light in a mirrored version of our world. It lacked the buildings and structures of our home, but I swear it was the same land." Jacob replied.

"Spirits have been known to share knowledge, but it's the first time I've heard of one traveling into town," Gabriella stated

'Maybe he hasn't revealed himself till now.'

"Not gonna argue with me this time?" Gabriella asked after his blatant silence.

"I can't refute what I saw," Jacob replied.

"I need to call a few people, but if you need something let me know." Gabriella gathered her bag before heading for the door.

Cameron was arriving at the house as Jordan was scouting on top of the mountain. He was getting a lay of the land with his binoculars, and at a distance, he saw traffic jams. Looking at the nearby highway the lanes near the exits were experiencing the same result.

'They are trying to box us in. We could keep hiking, but if choppers showed up we would be fucked. There are caves that we could shelter in, and we have some food. I wonder if he can melt his ice normally. Could come clutch in a survival situation.' Jordan continued to examine the area before examining their maps.

Parking at Henry's house Cameron got out quickly before bidding farewell to the two. He was preparing to leave when Henry spoke out.

"You're running from something arent you," Henry told Cameron.

"It's a misunderstanding, but no one would believe it," Cameron stated.

"I can see why," Henry replied.

"What happened?" Kinsey asked.

Cameron came clean about the situation because they already witnessed his true form. He knew it was a matter of time till they saw the news, and decided to get ahead of it. It was a lot for them to take in, and they consider the repercussions of their involvement.

'I don't care what they say.' Kinsey approached Cameron.

"Thank you." Kinsey kissed him on the cheek.

"I've been looking for you!" Megan shouted.

'This isn't gonna go well.' Cameron prepared to dodge.

Henry noticed the frustrated expression on Megan's face and chuckled. During their conversations, he was told Megan was just a friend. It didn't take a wise man to see that wasn't the case. Kinsey took note of this as well and stepped away embarrassed.

'I didn't know he had a girlfriend.'

"I'm sorry I didn't ask if he was single. It's not his fault really." Kinsey rubbed her shoulder.

"He's not my b-boyfriend! We just have a schedule to keep." Megan pinched his ear pulling Cameron along.

Megan didn't let go till they were out of sight. She was already upset about Cameron not sleeping but waking up to him missing didn't help. A pretty girl kissing him was the last thing she expected to find. It took several minutes before Megan was ready to hear the explanation.

"Why would you expose us like that." Megan scolded.

"I saw her crying over her father, and just acted. It reminded me of my mother." Cameron halted in his tracks.

"I can't help but think there was something else I could've done at that moment. She could still be alive if I was more capable." Cameron clenched his fist.

"Don't say things like that. There's no way you could know how to control something like that. Your dad should've stuck around, and taught you." Megan replied.

"He tried to...We should hurry back to camp, and figure out what to do." Cameron picked up the pace.

"Why is your bag wet?" Megan asked.

"I was fishing this morning and stored the fish at Henry's. They're probably thawing by now." Cameron replied.

'Another reason to hurry.' Cameron brushed the sweat from his brow before gazing at the sun.

They reached the camp as Cameron prepared two fish, and dug a hole for the rest. By the time the bass finished cooking Jordan arrived. They could tell by the look on his face that it was something serious.

"We have roadblocks in each direction, but no telling how far out they are," Jordan announced before taking a seat.

"Hitchhiking is off the table," Cameron stated.

"That was a bad idea from the start." Megan sighed.