Quiet Enlightenment

Part 3, Chapter 10 - Dreamer

Thursday, August 13, 2017

"My cousin is sleeping on the couch. So be as quiet as you can. If you want, you can use the shower in my mom's bathroom." Sylvester whispered as he quietly opened the door. Maya nodded and tiptoed into the master bedroom. Sylvester went to the fridge and started making two sandwiches.

He silently cursed himself when the sound of a plate touching the counter caused Cameron's eyes to pop open. Sylvester didn't say a word, but instead continued to make the sandwiches.

"Want one?" Sylvester asked as Cameron yawned and rubbed his eyes.

"No, thanks. The thought of eating food you've touched is terrifying." Cameron said as he got up and headed for the main bathroom.

"Suit yourself. And... aren't you going to close the door?" Sylvester said.

"Why? I'm only peeing."

"...Classy."

Cameron finished his business and noticed that he could still hear water running even after washing his hands.

"Hey, Sylvester. Is your mom home?"

"No, why?"

"I hear a shower going. I was just curious."

Sylvester's eyes widened a bit as he tried to think of a way out of this situation.

"Uh... that's the next-door neighbor. He's a germaphobe and he showers four times a day."

"Well, okay then. So, is it weird being back home after being gone for so long? Especially after what happened."

"Not really. It's like nothing ever changed." Sylvester said as he put the finishing touches on the sandwiches. He heard the water stop and seized the opportunity. After waiting for a few minutes, he picked up the plate and headed for the master bedroom.

"I'll be watching TV in there. Mom blocks the good channels on my TV." Sylvester said before quickly going into the room.

"What a weirdo." Cameron said as he grabbed the living room TV remote and surfed around for something to watch.

"Here you go." Sylvester said as he handed the plate over to Maya. She happily started chowing down on the food as Sylvester sat there, thinking.

"You know, some of your stuff is still here. I'm going to see if I can find you something to wear. I'll be back in a second." Sylvester said as he quickly popped out of the room.

After closing the door to his mother's room, he just as quickly went into his room and closed the door. Cameron noticed this and shook his head.

"Totally a weirdo." Cameron uttered to himself as he continued to watch TV. After about three minutes, he found himself getting bored.

"I wonder what funny stuff Aunt Jodie keeps in her room." Cameron thought to himself as he was sure that Sylvester was going to be in his room for a good long while. He got up and opened the door to the master bedroom and was surprised when he heard a shriek.

Further north, two vans full of people were parked at a hotel in a small northern California town. Two men walked out of the front of the building and to the group.

"Okay, here's the room assignments. If you don't like them. You can trade. Kidding." Harlow said as he held up four room keys.

"Us grown-ups will take the double king room." Mr. Frasier said as he took one of the keys.

"Orson, you and Kenton can stay together. This will be fun." Harlow said as he handed Kenton a key. Orson sighed as quietly as possible.

"Olivia, you and Mia can share a room. Just don't get too crazy. The last time you two had a sleepover ended with my homeowner's insurance rates going up."