Chaos- a Cameron Monaghan story

two

    Moving the boxes took a lot longer than I anticipated. I squeezed in a few extra smoke breaks here and there but eventually, it got done. All I have to do now is drop the moving truck off at one of the company places near me tomorrow and I'm officially moved into my new apartment. For now, it's time to hit a gas station, grab a bottle, and go home to relax. The perfect way to end a long day.

    I don't start work until a few days from now so I have some time to relax and settle. It's a pizza shop gig, something I've worked at before back in Arizona. Eventually, I'll have to get a second job to cover how expensive rent is but first I plan on making friends and having fun. I spent 21 years of my life stuck in a shitty city, living with people I hate so I'm not wasting any more time. I feel fucking great.

    I lock my apartment door and head to the elevator, happily pressing the button excessively with a smile on my face. The doors open and I step inside, ears flooded by the sound of whimsical classical music. I giggle because it's exactly how I feel, whimsical. I turn to look in the mirror making sure I don't look too awful. Despite all the sweating from moving boxes, my light brown hair wasn't greasy and still stands strong in two fishtail braids. My foundation was still covering the tired under my eyes and the acne scars that ran across my cheeks. My eyeliner remained sharp too but my red lipstick smeared just a smudge and landed itself on my chin somehow. I quickly fix it before the doors open again. I smile sweetly at myself in the mirror, feeling confident with myself. It's a weird feeling because I usually never feel confident. Maybe today was really the start of a new day. The elevator doors open and I make my way outside to my car hoping the gas station isn't too hard to get to. 

I pull up and quickly make my way inside, scanning the aisles for a couple of bottles of wine and a lot of snacks to hold me over until I go grocery shopping. Once I reach the counter, I flash the guy with my ID. It's always funny watching their faces when I plop tons of alcohol on the table because I still look like a teenager. He squints to see for a quick second before scanning the bottles and food and wishing me happy drinking. I smile and glance at his name tag before saying a quick thank you.

"I'll be seeing you a lot, Al. Have a good night!" I say quickly before grabbing the two bags and heading out of the gas station. 

It didn't take long for me to get back to my complex. I honestly could have walked but I was feeling a little paranoid about walking in a new area later in the day. 

This time Cameron was waiting for the elevator as I walked into the main lobby. I smile as I walked up to where he was standing. He seemed preoccupied. He didn't notice my presence until my vans scuffed against the flooring. My heart rate picks up as he turns to acknowledge me.

"Hey Cassie," He smiles warmly.

"Hi Cameron," I smile back as I awkwardly adjust the bags in my hand.

"Celebrating something?" He asks as he raises an eyebrow and nods his head towards my hands which are clearly carrying wine bottles. I nod.

"Throwing myself a little welcome to a new beginning party." I laugh awkwardly. The elevator doors ding open and we both step in.

"What number?" He asks as the doors clothes.

"Uh, five," I say with a smile expressing gratitude as he presses five and backs up to lean against the wall next to me.

"Same floor?" I ask. He nods and smiles.

"Yeah, the view is great isn't it?" Cameron asks. I nod enthusiastically. The doors open and we both step out at the same time brushing arms. Of course, I blush like an imbecile.

"Well enjoy your celebration!" He says before waving and turning to walk to his door. When I reach mine I make eye contact with him again.

"Thanks, I'll see you around," I say back with a smile, waving in return before I step inside. I walk into my kitchen and place the bottles on the counter, completely lost in thought. Maybe I should've invited him? Would that be weird? Probably. I sigh as I rummage through the boxes next to the kitchen counters looking for a bottle opener. I pop it open quickly and take a swig before plopping myself on my couch with the bottle and a bag of lays planning to remain exactly there through the end of the night. 

__________________

    I wake up with a strong hangover. I expected as much considering I finished both bottles and only ate snacks but I refuse to let it spoil my morning. I quickly grab what I need to make some coffee to sip before I start my day. I didn't have much planned for the day, just buying some new clothes, furniture, and food. A splurge is due in the life of Cassie.

    I make my way to the bathroom to get ready while my coffee brews. It takes me about half an hour to put on my normal makeup which consists of winged eyeliner and red lips. My hair was still in the fishtails I did two days ago so I figured I'd just keep them that way until it got too greasy. I head straight for my closet to pull out some black leggings and my favorite oversized striped knitted sweater. I paired it with some black chunky heeled boots. It's nippy out today but I still want to look cute. 

    After I finished my coffee I was ready to head out. I lock my door and head towards the elevator, humming to the tune of a song by Sia. My plan was to hit a target, then ross, then see if I could find a furniture store nearby that wasn't ridiculously expensive. The elevator doors open and I bump into Cameron, again.

    "Okay, we need to stop meeting like this." I joke, gesturing to the elevator.

    "Yeah, right? It would suck to end up being those people who only say hi when they pass each other in the halls." He says with a small chuckle. I gasp to be silly.

    "I would never let us fall to the title of acquaintances," I reply while placing my hand on my heart. Cameron laughs and I smile back at him. This situation is without a doubt so weird but I can't help but laugh. I always end up embarrassing myself in front of people.

    "Sorry, I'm a weird one." I apologize, blushing. He shakes his head almost immediately making me throw a slightly confused look at him.

    "No, don't apologize. You seem pretty great honestly," Cameron responds, quickly looking towards the elevator doors that are closing like his words didn't just make my heart break out of my chest and run to jump off the fifth floor of this building.

    "Oh, thank you," I say back cooly, smiling through my nerves. Cameron nods in acknowledgment before pulling out his phone.

    "Hey, can I maybe have your number? So we don't actually end up just acquaintances," He says while pushing his phone in my direction. I nod quickly and type in my number under the contact Cassie, smiling shyly as I hand the phone back to him. I back away slightly as I notice our closeness.

    "What're you doing today Cassie?" He asked as he shoves his phone back into his pocket. I shrug.

    "I just wanna explore and go shopping for a few things. You?" I respond while shuffling back and forth lightly on my heels.

    "Just going in for a photoshoot. I can show you my favorite places some time if you'd like?" He offers with a small smile.

    "That would be so amazing, thanks," I reply, adjusting my sleeves nervously. I didn't want to question his photoshoot thing so I just kept my thoughts to myself.

    "Well, I'll talk to you later Cassie," Cameron waves as I back up.

    "Bye Cam," I wave back and quickly turn around, embarrassed. I really hope he didn't notice that I called him Cam. I shrug it off and head to my car. 

(edited Dec 2020)