FINDING US (BEFORE THE BEGINING)

CHAPTER 10

CAMERON

Ben looks down at the six plates of food in front of us with wonder. Usually, mama would just stack my favorites all together on one plate but she knew it was Ben's first time so she separated everything into separate plates and gave us two of our own personal plates.

" What's all of this?" He looks at all the food and licks his lips. I let out a small chuckle.

"It all looks so yummy". He realizes what he's done and looks up to me with a blush.

I point to the plate in the middle and give his embarrassment no mind.

"These are beef patties, This is jerk chicken, this plate has rice and peas, um this is chicken curry, oh I think you'll like this one; this is ox tail, and this is fried plantains." He looks down at the plates trying to figure out what to try first. I open up the sealed napkin to the side of my plate and unravel it to take out my fork and spoon and set them down.

I reach out to pick up a beef patty and take a bite of the tender beef mixture covered in a soft but crisp dough and let out a small moan of delight.

It's been a while, but I forgot how good this food is. Caleb can cook but not like this.

Ben reaches out and mimics my Actions. he takes a hesitant bite, he chews it for a while, and for a bit, I thought he didn't like it but instead, he leans back in his chair and closes his eyes.

"This is the stuff" he silently whispers to himself and a smile rêches his face. I let out a small laugh and filled my plate with some food while Ben continued to chop down the beef patty still savoring the flavor with a smile.

Ben wasn't kidding when he said he was In love with food. His exact words were:

"I don't need a relationship as long as I have food in my life"

We both continue the day and eat and talk about random things like our past and why we love writing and our interests and I think I can officially call Ben a good friend.

'One more person to lose'

I shake my head to try to clear my thoughts.

'We're ok no one going to die, everyone is ok'

I try to reassure myself and stay calm

"But what if no one's ok? What if I lose them all? What if I'm left alone again?What if no one's ok?

No

Everything has to be ok.

I hear a knock on my bedroom door and I groan

'Maybe if I don't answer she'll leave me alone'

"Cameron, you need to open the door agori mou (my boy). You've been moping around long enough it's time to join civilization again and live your life."

"Since when have I been a part of civilization" I answer back-flipping over onto my back as I stare out the window feeling the warm sun against my face.

"Oh, you're awake. Cameron, it's time to get up. You've been cramped up in your room for over a month now. I know it hurts but life must move on agapi̱té mou (my dear) ."

'Easy for her to say it's like she doesn't even care.'

"Can you please just go away and let me be depressed." I snuggle more into my blanket and sigh "my bed is very comfortable right now"

I could practically feel my mom roll her eyes through the door. "kanampe (canabet) this isn't funny you're starting to be disrespectful. Don't forget that I'm your mom."