Blue | Rafe Cameron

ii

'Aurora get out of the damn car!' My mother hisses, her voice low and venomous as she glares holes into the side of my head.

'No' I shrug, folding my arms pointedly and facing forward. She remains outside my passenger seat, the door wide open, letting in all the travelling winds, prickling my skin raw, but I still don't relent.

'Aurora do not embarrass me here. Ward has been kind enough to let you stay- '

'The Cameron's are Kooks, they are the kookiest freaking Kooks you could ever find- '

'You're a Kook!' My mother roars and I startle at the growl in her voice, not used to hearing her yell at me before. I stare at her, unspeaking, and she groans, her eyes momentarily shutting as she leans against the door for support.

I was so not a Kook.

'It is only for a short while; I will be back before you know it but right now Aurora, I need you to get out of the car and get inside the house.' I swallow down the knot in my throat, as I watch her, the desire to just scream at her building inside me.

'Please' She pleads, and despite how desperately I wanted to be angry and petty and to fight back against her, all I could see was how tired she looked and how much thinner she has gotten. I bite my cheek as my hands swiftly unhook the belt and I ignore the smile she gives as I climb out of the car, my trainers crunching against the gravel of the front yard.

'Thank you.' She whispers, her hand touching my arm but I merely pull away, wordlessly moving to the trunk to retrieve my belongings.

I see her deep frown and just as she opens her mouth to speak, echo and we both look up to see Ward Cameron sauntering towards us, grinning with delight at us both.

'Caroline' He greets, kissing my mother's cheeks in affection but her body seems too stiff to be considered natural. 'I'm glad that you made it.'

'Thank you, Ward,' She smiles, gratitude lining her eyes 'I appreciate you taking in Aurora on such short notice.'

'It's no bother, my home is always open for you and your family Caroline, Daniel would want me to take care of you while he can't.' Ward frowns sadly and my throat seems to close at the mention of my dad's name. My mother's face mirrors mine, shuttering and blinking out all remnants of happiness.

'Thanks for having me Mr Cameron' I mutter out, mustering a strained smile and he nods back, his aged yet handsome face twisting into a comforting beam.

'It's Ward, you're living under my roof, you're practically family now.' He says and I chuckle lightly, biting back my retort and instead turning to my luggage, my eyes rolling into my head at the prospect of ever being like family to the likes of Rafe and Sarah Cameron.

I grimace as I haul the suitcase out the trunk, before closing the back and wheeling over to my mom and Ward, who appears to be rather deep in conversation. They're quick to jolt and paste on hasty smiles as my footsteps crunch closer and I try not to let my curiosity show.

'Oh Aurora' My mom breathes softly, and I let her pull me into a hug, relishing in the feel of her arms around me and the sweet, feminine scent of her perfume. She presses a kiss to my forehead, longer than usual, and even as she lets me go, I can feel the reluctance in her movements.

'Stay safe, listen to Ward and if you need anything, help, money, advice or even just some comfort... call me, okay?' She states her voice cracking on the last few words. I gnaw on my lips, forcing back the fog in my eyes and I nod firmly.

'I'll be fine, mom' I whisper, my voice hoarse with emotion 'It's only a little while right?'

'Exactly, just a little while.' She says back, nodding her head as if to convince herself. I watch her swallow deeply before she's stepping back, moving toward her car.