Love at first sight?

Chapter 6: Shocking News

Hayes P.O.V

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It's Saturday morning. Nash nor I have heard anything from Cameron, since he disappeared on Wednesday. We've tried to text him. Call him. We've even gone to his house and his mother has made up some story every time we ask to see him. Either "he's at soccer practice" or "he isn't feeling well" or "he's out of town." It was obvious that Cameron didn't want to see us and his mom's excuses were far from believable.

When I woke up, I walked up stairs to Nash's room. Mom, Dad, and our little sister were visiting my grandma for the day, which basically meant that I didn't go to the work of getting dressed.

I pushed open Nash's door. He's sitting up on his bed playing videos games. He's wearing the same attire as I am; boxers.

I hop on to the bed next to him and he looks over at me and smiles.

"Morning Hayes."

"Hey Nash. How'd you sleep?"

"Pretty good. How about you?"

"Good. I miss Cameron. Can we go to his house again today?"

"I don't know Hayes... I don't think he wants to see us..."

"I know... but... maybe he's changed his mind by now..."

"Maybe Haysey... I wouldn't get your hopes up."

"Can we? Please?" I stick out my bottom lip.

"Fine, but this is the last time. If he doesn't want to see us again, we're not going back."

"Okay. Deal."

I pick up a game controller and Nash and I battle against each other for about an hour. After a while, I go down to my room, and get dressed, while Nash is doing the same and we meet in the kitchen.

"What do you want for breakfast Hayes?"

"Uhh. Cinnamon Toast Crunch."

"Coming right up!" Nash flashes me a smile.

"Thanks Nashy." I teasingly kiss him on the cheek. We're affectionate. Get over it.

He pours each of us a bowl of cereal and we sit down at the table and eat. Once we're done, we drive over to Cameron's.

We walk up to the door, knock, and Mrs. Dallas answers.

"Oh... Hi boys... I don't think Cameron..."

Someone cuts her off.

"No Mom. It's fine. Let them in." Cameron mutters from another room.

I look over at Nash with wide eyes and he just gives me a shrug. Mrs. Dallas gestures us in and we walk around the corner.

I see Cameron and I instantly freeze. He didn't look like himself. He was pale. He was sweaty. He had bags under his eyes. And you could just sense that he's in pain.

I just stare at him and I mutter the words, "Cameron. What's wrong? You look terrible."

"I.. I... Mom. Just tell them."

Mrs. Dallas gestures for us to sit down.

"Listen boys. Cameron didn't tell you sooner, because he was scared, but... he has cancer... brain cancer. He had his first round of chemo on Wednesday. He was nearly late to his appointment, because he was at your house. He hasn't been doing very well since."

My heart plummets. I immediately feel tears start to welt up in my eyes. I shoot my eyes over to Nash. I can see the guilt in his eyes for being hesitant about coming over here.

Nash walks over to Cameron and leans down to give him a hug.

I stay in place. Scared. Sad. Shocked. Confused.

"Hayes, babe... come over here..." Cameron says.

I hesitantly pick up my foot, one step at a time, and I walk over to Cam. He pulls me down and sits me on his lap. I can see him flinch, when he feels my weight, but then he smiles and looks up.

"I'm going to be okay. We'll get through this... Mom, could you give Hayes and me a minute?"

"Oh sure, honey. I'll be in the kitchen making lunch."

"I'll help you." Nash offers.

"Oh, thank you Nash. You can cut the vegetables." She smiles at Nash.

Now it's just Cameron and me. I stand up and crouch down between his legs and rest my arms on his knees.

He grabs my chin and pulls my lips up to his. I feel his lips press against mine and I forget everything. Just for a moment. I forget that he has cancer. I forget the pained way he looks. I forget everything. I just feel our lips move in sync and I can't help but smile.

When I smile, this gives Cameron the chance to slip his tongue into my mouth and caress my tongue gently with his.

"Sorry to break the moment, but lunch is ready for you love birds." Nash says to both of us with a wink.

This is going to be long journey and I still feel like my heart is in pieces, but I know we'll get through it. And Cameron knows too. And that's all that matters.

I give Cameron one more peck on the lips and then I help him into the kitchen.