Reality (On Hold - For A While)

Twelve- Breakfast at the Milton's

I lay awake for almost an hour after getting home. I had taken Cameron back to his house and then drove myself home. His car sat in front of my house; the cool wind creating a layer of fog on the windshield. My mind had been buzzing with thoughts, contemplating what Sasha was going to do next. Surely if anyone knew the truth they wouldn't want to talk to me. Not only did I kill an innocent man, but I also lied to them about it. As I awoke the next morning, I could feel a headache beginning to sting the back of my head. I slowly began to lift my head which only caused the pain to get worse, lowering my head back down to its original position I remembered that Cameron's car was still parked outside of my house. I reached my hand over to my bedside table and felt for my phone; knocking over the photo frame which contained a photo of my father and me from when I was two. That day had been one of the best days that we had ever had together; we spent the whole day at the beach laughing and splashing in the water. I had been squealing as dad was threw sand at me and mum had managed to get the perfect shot of dad picking me up while we both had large smiles across our faces. My hand found its way to my phone and picked it up from the table. I stared at the screen for a moment, the clock reading '9:57' as I swiped my finger across the screen and entered the four digit passcode. My finger hovered over the contacts icon before I slowly lowered my finger onto the button, pressing onto Cameron's name and beginning to type the text message.

"In case you can't remember what happened last night, you got wasted and I took you home. I had to take your car back to mine but I'll bring it over in the next hour." After hitting the send button, my hand rested against the bed and the grip on my phone loosened. My eyes gently began to shut, almost completely closed until I felt my phone vibrate in my hand. My head began to spin as I immediately assumed that the one who had sent the message was Sasha. I let out a sigh of relief as I saw Cameron's name flask on the screen.

 "Take as long as you need. My mum says not to have breakfast; she made pancakes and wants you to have some with us." As I lay smiling at my phone it vibrated a second time. Causing it to slip out of my hands and fall onto my face. I picked it up and rubbed where the phone had fallen.

"By the way, thank you for taking care of me yesterday." I quickly replied with a simple thank you and slowly got out of bed. The throbbing in my head had slightly eased, making it able for me to get dressed and head to Cameron's house.

—

Parking the car in the driveway of Cameron's house, I got out and made my way to the door. It had been a long time since I was in the position I was in now. Cameron and I were often paired together by teachers for assignments, they believed that I somehow was able to make him concentrate. The last assignment we had together was about six months ago and was a history oral on how World War One had affected the world. As I curled my fingers into a fist and lifted my hand to knock on the door, it opened revealing Cameron in his low hung sweatpants and white singlet. "I heard the car come in the driveway." He explained as he motioned for me to enter the house. I stepped into the large foyer and glanced around, taking in the familiar scenery. I walked down the hallway into the kitchen, Cameron following behind me. As I reached the kitchen I was welcomed with open arms by Mrs Milton, Cameron's mother, who I had spent much time with while waiting for Cameron when we had scheduled a study session.

 "Hello, Natalie. How are you? It has been so long since I have last seen you," she said as she released me from the hug.

"I'm great thanks for asking. The house looks amazing by the way." I replied.

After a light discussion that was had while eating breakfast, I found myself seated at the edge of Cameron's bed. Scanning his room, my eyes found his and we exchanged a small smile. "Thanks again for making sure I got home safely yesterday," his words had reminded me of the message which I had received from Sasha; the colour draining from my face.

 "Oh, um. Yeah, no worries." I stammered.

 "Are you okay? You look a bit sick." He gave me a sceptical look.

 "I'm fine, just feeling a bit light headed."

"I'll grab you a glass of water." He stated as he left the room, leaving me alone as I took deep breaths to calm myself. I almost squealed when I felt a buzz from inside my bag. My hand reached into my bag and grabbed onto my phone. As though Sasha had been in the room with Cameron and I, the message read "Aw, isn't that sweet. He must really care about you if he's worry you're sick –Sasha." I felt the throbbing in my head return as I quickly stood from Cameron's bed and rushed out the door, knocking into him in the process. I felt a rush of deja vu as I remembered the same situation happening last night. His strong hand gripped onto my fragile arms ensuring that I didn't fall.

"Woah, what's got you in such a rush?" He questioned.

"Nothing" I said, my voice close to a shout. "I'm sorry, I just have to go home." Lowering my voice and pushing past him to make my way towards the door. As I stepped outside, I realised that I had no car to get home. Looking both ways at the street, I turned right and began running.