Sunshine & City Lights | Cameron Boyce Story

Chapter 5 ~ Sorta-Kinda-Not Really Date

"Ugh." I groan as I fall against my locker. Cameron is sick, or so he says, meaning he's not at school today. That leaves me to present our stupid project to Mr Hartman by myself.
"What's up, cutie?" Kai asks me, running his fingers through his hair.
I get my books out for my next classes, "I have a shit-ton of work to do. And I have to present something without my stupid cousin because he's off sick. Ugh."
"Well, I was planning on skipping school for the rest of today. How's about you join me, I wanna take you somewhere." He lowers his voice and smirks.
"No, I can't skip. Cameron will murder me if this project isn't handed in on time."
Kai takes my hand and I literally feel my whole left arm go numb with excitement, "But he's not here, and there's this amazing thing called little white lies. We can go out, and you can tell that little teacher's pet that you had a supply. Voilà. What'd you say, hm?"
"Alright. I'll go. How do we get out?" I smile, adrenaline pumping through my body.
"Awesome! Don't you worry your innocent little mind, just follow me." He sticks out his hand and I grin and take it, letting him lead me out of school.
We make it out the gates through a pathway I didn't know existed and he takes me across the street.
"Carsen, welcome to your sorta-kinda-not really date."

After about 10 minutes of walking, we reach a little enclosed hideout in the forest.
"Take a seat." Kai sits next to me on a tree stump and we look out onto the stream in front of us.
I try not to show the guilt I'm feeling, even though it's making me nauseous, "So, where did you find this place? It's beautiful."
"When I was I kid I used to come here with my sister to get away from our parents. They used to argue all the time." He says.
"How are they now?" I ask.
He smiles, "They're divorced. I don't care much. Dad never used to care about us, mom did all the work. Still does now. What about you? You just moved here, right?"
I nod, I never talk about stuff like this with anyone, it just feels right with Kai, "Cancer. My mother had breast cancer. She passed last month, but my dad couldn't handle the fact that she was gone so he sent me away to live with my cousins for a while."
"Man, I'm so sorry." He puts an arm around me and I rest my head on his shoulder.
I don't cry, not this time, "It's fine, I'm getting over it.
She was amazing, I'll never forget her."
"On a happier note, you skipped your first day of school. Well, half a day."
The guilt suddenly starts to disappear and I don't feel bad for not handing in our project, "You're right. I'm strangely proud of myself, in a weird way."
"I totally get it. Welcome to the bad kid club. Stay awhile." He takes me to the stream and we mess around with the water, throwing it at each other and stuff. I almost slip in on a wet rock and Kai catches me but I end up losing my shoe. I put it back on and he and chuckles, "Careful there, Cinderella."
It feels like I am a Disney princess for that minute. Kai continues to hold me in his arms and before I can say 'bibbity boppity boo', his lips are pressed against mine. Yes, we kiss. Like a miracle, the shy new girl and the most popular boy in school, what a couple!
"That happened." We chorus. I laugh and we sit back down together and eat lunch. Every ounce of the guilt has vanished. I'm just dreading the thought of Cameron finding out I just kissed Kai Colburn.

***
"Hey, how did the presentation go? Sorry I wasn't there to help out." Cameron asks. He's sitting on the couch on his phone.
I sit next to him, "We had a supply in geography. She didn't know what the hell she was doing, so the presentation didn't get done. It's in my locker until the next class."
I cannot believe I just lied right to his face.
"Damn, okay. Maya wants to speak to you by the way. She's upstairs."
I smile and run upstairs to Maya's room. "Hi." I say. She's sitting on the floor with party invites and plans scattered everywhere.
"Hey. Alright, I've written all the invites for Cam's party, we just need to mail them. Here's the plan for the night, take a look."
I read through the papers and study them for gift ideas: no wishlist, but the party is the typical boy's 'Sweet' 16, "Do you want me to go mail these now? Then I can come back and make a list for the food and decorations."
"Good idea. I'll get started with the lists, see you in a few!" Maya grins and starts sorting everything. I slip my shoes back on, grab my phone and head to the mailbox over the other side of the road.
'Where you going?' Cam texts me as I walk past the outside of the house.
'To mail your party invites. Can't tell you anymore. Confidential.' I text back.
It takes more time and effort than I expect so I decide to jog back home. Thankfully when I get back, food is ready.
We only get 5 minutes into the meal when my phone vibrates in my pocket. I slip it out discreetly and read the message.
From Dad at 6:47pm:
'Hi honey. Sorry for not texting or calling you earlier on, I've been busy with my new job. Hope you're having a great time with Cam and Maya. Stay safe, I love you tons. By the way, I need to let you know that there's been some other adult issues. I'm afraid you won't be coming home for a while, sweetie. But hang tight, at least you've got your family with you. Bye, pumpkin. I'll see you whenever xx'
So he finally decides to contact me now? And of all the things he could've said, no 'Hey Carsen! How's your new school?' or 'Hi pumpkin! I hope you're actually enjoying living with your dickhead cousin who doesn't let you have a life of your own!' He has to go and tell me there's another damn problem. What the hell is gonna happen to me this time?