Chaos- a Cameron Monaghan story

one

After years of thinking my life would never amount to anything, the tides have finally shifted. My dream is finally a reality. I somehow managed to get myself to Santa Monica and away from my crazy family. There is finally a reason to be genuinely happy. I've waited for this kind of freedom for too long and at this point, nothing could stop the euphoria I feel. I mean, I still have to move all my shit into my apartment by myself, which will suck, but it's a small price to pay for getting rid of everyone I knew. I'll admit that I am terrified of starting over. I'm in this unfamiliar place with no real friends so of course it feels lonely, but its only the beginning. I trust that my new path has potential.

At least it better have potential, considering I drove six hours from Phoenix in a moving truck with my car attached to the back. It was the most nerve-wracking six hours of my life. However, I would do it all over again. I couldn't just leave my car behind. I mean, I thought about it. I thought about buying a bus ticket and disappearing without a trace. But this is my car we're talking about here. It drove me away from my family when we fought with each other so much that it left us all psychically and mentally scarred. I think the decision I made was the right one.

Besides, it's all in the past now. No one knows where I am or is smart enough to track me. I think for once I am safe. To be sure, I've kept my tracks mostly clean. It's almost like I'm a criminal on the run from cops, except this is my family and that makes it all the more terrifying. 

I've been parked next to my complex for about ten minutes trying to convince myself that I'm here and not in some fucked up dream. Pinching myself one more time for good measure, I shake my head as I step out and marvel at the atmosphere around me. It's not insanely extravagant, but the city never is. Somehow, without even trying, there is this charm felt the moment you see the tall buildings, art, and culture. It's nice, but more importantly, it's home.

I smile at the few people who walk past me as I round the moving truck and slide open the back. I saved up a few extra paychecks before I quit my old job in Pheonix to have all my furniture brought down weeks before. It isn't a lot, but that's because I've never really had a lot. I never really felt like I was allowed. A bed, a couch, a dresser, and a bookshelf were the only things truly mine. Maybe now that I feel like this is home, I can spruce things up and make my place more aesthetically pleasing. Though I never really had the chance to decorate, I did have a lot of books and records. I can only imagine how challenging lugging those up to my floor will be.

I quickly pick up two of the heavy boxes and set them down next to me before sliding the door back down and locking the latch again. I make my way through the security coded gate and into the complex lobby area towards the elevators. In an attempt to slowly set my boxes down, I bend my knees and try to slide them to the floor, but they slip and crash with a loud thud right as the doors ding open. As the stranger walks by, I can't help but notice how attractive he is. I let him pass me, ignoring that he just saw me fumble and quickly reach to grab my boxes again, but the doors begin to close before I lift them.

"Fuck!" I spit out as I rush to jam my foot in the way so that the doors stay open.

"Here, let me help you," the ginger says calmly from behind me as he stretches his arm out to hold the doors open. I sheepishly pick up my boxes and step inside the elevator quickly before finally looking up to meet his eyes.

"Thank you so much!" I respond, letting out a small laugh while smiling through the pain of holding onto two heavy boxes. Jesus, I need to start working out or something. I quickly take in his whole appearance, the nice shoes, black jeans, and a kind of fancy button up before finally putting my finger on how I know him. He's Cameron Monaghan, the actor from one of my favorite shows. How did the universe manage that one? I let out another sigh in pure content, the cherry on top of a perfect day.

"Its no problem! I'm Cameron," He says with a charming smile, clearly waiting for me to give him my name in return. I'm distracted by the way his eyes have this energy to them, almost as if they understand without even knowing me. They're captivating.

"Oh, I'm Cassie," I reply quickly, trying to play it off as though not lost in his eyes.

"Well, see ya around," Cameron says with a wave as he turns slightly to leave. I smile and nod as the doors close, cutting off the connection between us. I blush at the thought of us being friends. How cool would that be?

As the doors open on my floor, I make my way to my unit and gently place the boxes down. I unlock my door, taking a breath before fully opening it, trying to appreciate the moment. A feeling of bliss overwhelms me as I push open my door and sigh. I aggressively shove my things toward the kitchen, which is technically also the living room, separated by a sink and table space, and look around in awe of how this came to be. To my left, another door leads to my bedroom, and as I make my way over to inspect my new space, I smile. It's all mine and not anyone else's. I've never felt better.

(edited Oct. 2020)