Kami's courage - A Born of Shadow Fanfiction

8 - Epilogue

A month had passed since Kami's return from Egypt. She'd come home to find her mother changed. Rosa had helped her clean up her act, and seemed to be much happier for it. She'd been sober for a month now. Some times were still harder for her, but her weekly group meetings were helpng. The heat was much less intense than in Cairo, which felt nice, and the familiar surroundings were comforting after all her adventures. She and her mother still lived in the trailer, but she found it didn't matter so much to her anymore. Her mother had started a job shortly after she'd come home, and so far, it seemed to be going well. Hopefully, they would be able to move to a better place, eventually. She always had the scarab necklace around her neck, though she kept it under her shirt to avoid upsetting her mother. She hadn't told her all that she'd been through. She didn't think her mother would stand the shock, especially the part about speaking to Kami's late father. Maybe one day, when her mother was strong enough. She did say she was confident that Dad was proud of his wife, which seemed to be an excellent boost for her mother. Kami had tried calling to him through jer scarab, but to no avail.

Perhaps it's better this way... she thought. How can I move on if I hold on to the past?

But though a lot things seemed to be improving, Kami's heart ached for Liam, Yasmin and all her friends. Her family. The goodbyes had been very emotional, even with promises to email and Skype at every possible opportunity. But of course, it was never quite the same. So, to keep from being too miserable, she focused on her summer job at the local flower shop. It proved a good distraction, and she liked the fragrances and colors after days of nothing but sand and rock. And yet, she wouldn't have changed anything for the world. She had discovered so much about herself, her past, made friends... fallen in love, however complex that was right now... she was a changed Kami. She was just changing after a long day at the flower shop, when there was a knock on the door.

"I'll get that, Kami," her mother's voice said.

Kami finished brushing her hair, and had just set down her brush. She heard the door click open and her mother greet whoever was outside. Just then, she heard a male voice speak:

"Hello, you must be Mrs Hassri. I'm Liam Mitchell, a friend of Kami's? I was wondering if Kami was home?"

Kami's eyes went wide. If she'd been holding anything, she'd have dropped it. Liam was here? But... since when? Why hadn't he told her he was coming? She would have... she didn't know what she'd have done, but at least she'd have had time to get ready... emotionally at least...

Her mother paused, then said:

"Kami? Honey, I think it's for you."

"Uh... just a minute!"

Kami stood frozen. She wasn't prepared! She'd always dreaded this... dreaded Liam discovering where she lived. She'd never been able to tell him. And now... here he was. His tone hadn't sounded disappointed or disapproving, but that could have been out of politeness...

Well... I guess there's no point running from it any more... she told herelf and squeezed her scarab. Wish me luck, Baba...

She took a deep breath, and walked to the door. As her mother passed her, she whispered:

"He's cute."

"Shut up!" Kami hissed, flushing, but smiled to show she wasn't angry.

She distinctly heard her mother chuckle as she shut the door to her room.

And finally, after weeks of only seeing his image, she looked at Liam. He was as handsome as ever, his light hair falling over his eyes, his hands slid casually into his pockets.