Memories (Wesley Stromberg)

Chapter 10 'There For Me'

Cameron's POV

Wesley came over for breakfast the next day, and I'm very surprised my dad even made it. Today marks two years since my mom passed. He was a wreck the first year, but he slowly got on his feet again with my help.

"Dad, are you sure you'll be okay today?"

"I'll be fine, honey. Go to school, and don't worry about me," he demanded. Wesley and I finished our breakfast, and I gave my dad an extra long hug before we left for school.

"Hey, Cam?"

"Yeah?"

"So, Halloween is coming up this weekend, and I was wondering if we were still going to spend it together?"

"Of course! Why wouldn't we?"

"I don't know. I was just making sure."

We arrived at school and walked to our lockers. Little did I know, I had a little surprise waiting for me at my locker.

"Hey, cutie, we on for tonight?"

"Please, don't call me that. Last night was a mistake. It can't happen again, especially since I like someone else."

"You have a thing with Wesley? I thought you-"

"No? Who said that? You just can't kiss me again. Plus, maybe it'll give you time to hangout with your whore Haley," I smiled. Why would he think I have a thing for Wesley? So what if I do? He doesn't like me back anyways, does he?

"I thought we were past that!" I walked away from him and to Wesley's locker. We went to first period, and I didn't have anymore encounters with him. I decided to leave after lunch to be with my dad. I made up the excuse that I wasn't feeling well. Instead of going straight home to my dad, I went to my big thinking rock. The best part about this place is the beautiful scenery around the rock. It helps you forget about what you were thinking about. I sat and started thinking of all the good memories I had with my mom.

"I knew I'd find you here," Wesley whispered, sitting next to me.

"You left school to find me?"

"I knew you weren't sick, so I figured it was because of . . ."

I took a big breath in and sighed. He rubbed my back soothingly. He knows what I need right now. He was there for me the night she died and all the days after. He's been with me through it all. I didn't want to, but I started to cry. I leaned into his shoulder as he tried to calm me down.

"I love her so much," I cried, "I still can't believe she's gone."

"I know, babe, I know," he cooed. Something about him calling me babe soothed me. He cradled my upper body and stroked my hair. I finally stopped crying and decided it was time to see my dad.

"Thanks for everything, Wesley, but I think I should be alone with my dad right now," I told him when I got home. He understood, so he gave me one last bear hug and left. His hugs were so comforting. I could just hug him all day. I drove home, and I knew I would find my dad there home from work. He was admiring an old photo from their wedding when I found him in his room. I quietly walked in and sat on the bed.

"I miss her too, Dad. Why did she have to leave us so early?"

"I don't know, honey, but I know she wouldn't want us like this, still crying about it and wasting our day. We have to be strong, for her."

I'm so proud of him overcoming what he went through last year when he lost the most important thing to him. When this day rolled around last year, we went and ate at her favorite local diner called Pops. We did it again this year, just the two of us. It was nice. We were smiling and laughing, just like before, and I could tell my mom was there in the booth right next to me. When I got home, I got a text from Wesley while I was laying in bed.

Wes: Hey, Cam, can I come over?

Me: Yeah, I'll unlock the door.

He must've already been on his way because he was at the door when I went down to unlock it. He engulfed me in a hug and gave me a piggyback ride up the stairs. He's the only boy my dad will allow in my room.

"So, everything is good?"

"Yeah, Dad and I had a talk, and we're not going to be sad about it anymore. She wouldn't have wanted that, you know?"

"I completely understand, but if you do need a shoulder to lean on, you know where to find me. I don't want you to be sad alone."

"Any girl would be so lucky to have you as a boyfriend, Wesley. You're seriously the best friend I've ever had," I said, sighing. Wait did I actually say that out loud?

"Oh would they now, even you?"

"Shut up, we wouldn't," I teased, smacking him. I can never tell if he's being serious, and how awkward would it be if I threw myself at him, and he didn't want me. Eventually we stopped talking about everything, I snuggled into his side, and I fell asleep. And like every other night I stay with him, I felt his warm lips press against my forehead.