Cam Cameron // Summer Again

14

I wake up on the floor with arms around me. I hear yelling and immediately sit up making the arms around me jump. I look over and a sleepy Cam looks at me worried. We're in the guest room and we can hear the yelling in the room next door. We stand up and straighten up a little. I open the door and Belly storms away past Jeremiah and Conrad who are standing at their doors as well. I look over and see Laurel. We all head downstairs and Laurel sends me and Liam back to our houses while they sort everything out. We have no idea if she's gonna tell our parents. We've just been acting like we've been having a normal summer and telling them we're either out or working. We head back home and Cam walks with us. He kisses me goodbye at the door and I head up to my room. Liam knocks and opens the door.

"Hey, can I come in?" he asks. I silently nod too tired to use my voice as I pick out clothes for after my shower.

"What's the plan now?" he asks. I let out a breath and laugh a little.

"The plan is shower and take a nap and be here whenever they need. If Laurel tells mom and dad then... I got you and you got me," I shrug. He nods.

"Sounds good. Are you gonna shower first?"

"Yes please," I raise my brows at how gross I feel.

"So... you know what I'm like dying to know right?" Liam pokes my arm.

"We talked last night. We apologized and- we wanna try again. Do this right. As new and better people," I give him his long awaited answer.

"Sounds good," he says about to walk out.

"Liam," I call out. We turn to look at each other. I walk over to him and hug him. He takes a second before he hugs back. "Thank you for everything, Kuya," I say into his chest.

I take my shower and take a nap leaving my ringer on in case of anything. Belly calls me and updates me on everything. She tells me about how Adam will buy the house for the boys. About Conrad and her just being friends. About Taylor and Steven. And about their all-nighter study session. She asks for me and Liam to come over to help with this one last thing. I say yes, of course, then I go ask Liam if he wants to help too. He says he's too tired and Conrad doesn't need his help or else will do anything but pass. I get ready and head over. As soon as I step out of the door I get a call.

"Hello," I pick it up trying not to smile.

"Hey! I know you guys are probably still dealing with the house but... I wanted to... uh- see you again." I laugh at his half assed confidence.

"I'm helping Conrad study for his final tonight. We're doing an all-nighter. I can ask if you can come help us. Keep me company..." I offer.

"Yeah! Yeah I can bring flash cards and highlighters. The whole shebang," he replies eagerly.

I get to the house and Belly says the more help the better and Cam is on his way. I ask Belly for one more thing.

I put in the number and dial.

"Hello?" the voice answers.

"Hey, this is Gracie."

"Oh uh- hey Gracie," Skye replies.

"Listen um- I don't remember exactly what I said last night but, I hope I didn't say anything to make you hate me-"

"Oh. No no! Don't worry about it. You didn't say anything wrong. I'm sorry. I had no idea about you and Cam," they reassure me.

"You don't have to be sorry, Skye. I just don't want things to be awkward... Cam and I...
we're- we are together. again..." I say so awkwardly that I have to cover my face even though no one is looking at me.

"Gracie, I'm genuinely happy for you. I was barely getting to know him and I am not effected by the absence of the male gender. I promise," they tease. I laugh and sigh in relief that everything is okay. We hang up and I get back to helping Conrad study.

Cam arrives with more supplies and we sit together as we write him flash cards with vocab and sample questions. Every once in a while I catch Cam staring at me and we don't say anything to know what we're thinking. Instead, I just lean over and kiss him on the cheek. The group takes a study break to dance and the kitchen feels alive again. The magic feels alive again. I dance with Belly who gets stolen from me by Jeremiah so Steven takes her place while Cam and Conrad dance together. The rest of the night is filled with studying and burgers. By the end of it, I'm sure I would even pass Conrad's final.

When the sun rises, Laurel meets us at the house to take Steven home. Belly and Jeremiah agree to go with Conrad to see him through his final. Cam agrees to come over so we can spend as much time together as possible healing and cherishing before he has to get on the whale boat.

"Thank you again, Laurel," I hug her before she leaves.

"I still can't believe they got you and Liam roped up into this too," she rolls her eyes.

"We were just happy to help," I reassure her. I look at her wanting to ask if she's gonna tell our parents and I think I wore the question on my face because she speaks up.

"Don't worry, I'm not gonna tell your parents."

"Really?" my eyes light up. "Thank you so much Laurel!" I give her a big hug.

"Okay but it's only because I'm in a good mood from getting the house back. Don't think this is gonna be a regular thing," she teases. I nod in understanding and I say goodbye to Steven.

I give Conrad one last good luck and I wish Belly and Jeremiah safe travels. They all hug me and thank me for everything and they do the same for Cam. We watch them drive away and now it's just us.

"So... you still wanna come over?" I ask Cam.

"I actually have an idea if you're not too tired," he smirks.

"I'm never too tired for you Sir Cam Cameron."

"Then... right this way Miss Gracie Lyn," he says offering me his arm and leading us to the car. We drive to a familiar scene and I get out and realize just where we are.

The tide pools.

We stand and look out at the water and he pulls me into him. His scent engulfs me and his warm skin sends chills through mine. I look up at him and smile. He looks down at me and kisses me. Sweetly and starved.

"You came back to me," I whisper.

"I'll always come back to you," he smiles.

"Good," I nod biting my lip. "Every summer, every fall, every winter, every spring, and every summer again. Come back to me," I speak sweetly. He blushes over my poetic nature and kisses me a thousand times more. His lips always come back to mine, and mine to his.

"I love you Cam."

"I love you Gracie."