the three of us {chim}

𝟓

𝗸𝗶𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗲𝘆'𝘀 𝗽𝗼𝘃

I pull into the driveway and take the food inside with me. When I walk inside, I don't hear anything and realize that Cheryl and Camille are nowhere to be found. Suddenly, I hear a sound I haven't ever heard in this house before. I make my way up the grand staircase and down the hall, going to the room I knew they'd be in when I realized they weren't downstairs.

I stand outside the room and lean against the wooden doorframe. I'm almost shocked by what I see, but there sits Cheryl and Camille sitting crisscross in front of each other on the floor. Camille has the violin from the wall in her hand, effortlessly playing a sweet melody. I gaze at Cheryl as never-ending tears stream down her cheeks. I smile at the scene, knowing I would love to live a life just like this.

I've always wanted a child, but Cheryl and I aren't even married, so it's never really come into question. I want all the things with Cheryl: marriage, kids, and even care homes when we get too old to walk around. I want to experience everything with Cheryl until the day I die. And looking at Camille, I see everything I've ever wanted in a child. She's sophisticated, somewhat wise, kind-hearted, cheeky, and a little stubborn. Some of those things might sound annoying to someone else, but they were also classic Cheryl traits and, in my mind, I couldn't ask for anything more.

I'm pulled away from my daydream as I watch Camille lean forward and wipe one of Cheryl's tears away. Cheryl pulls her in for a hug and they sit like that for a moment. The smile on Camille's face is so cute, and very dimple-y.

"You never brought that up at lunch the other day," I say, making my presence known. Camille peers up at me with rosy cheeks. She didn't want me to hear her play.

"I've never even touched a violin before, let alone play one," she says with a small smile.

"You're very good, I hope you know that. You should take some lessons."

"I can't," she sighs.

"Says who?"

I know damn well who said it. Camille's parents don't seem to care about anything she enjoys. How could someone look her in the eyes and say no? I couldn't even say no to her asking me for a takeaway. I'm shocked she doesn't get everything she wants.

"My parents don't think that music will get me anywhere in life."

"Well, look where it got me," Cheryl speaks up, making Camille look at her with glistening eyes. I could tell she was about to burst into tears at any second.

"Come on, the food's downstairs. We'll talk more down there," I tell them, giving Camille an out on the conversation for now. I walk over to the two and help them stand, taking Camille's wrist and pulling her into me before I throw my arm around her shoulder. I take Cheryl's hand and the three of us walk down the hallway together. It feels right, almost like she's meant to fit in with us.

—
𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲'𝘀 𝗽𝗼𝘃

We've been sitting around the couch with our takeaway, talking as we eat and enjoying each other's company. Kimberley had practically ordered everything on the menu just because I didn't remember what I liked.

"I can't eat anymore!" I groan as Kimberley tries to shove more spring rolls down my throat.

"Oh come on, Chez and I don't need any more leftovers."

"I don't need any more food in my stomach—"

I am cut off by my phone ringing loudly on the coffee table. I see Mum's contact on the screen and read the time: 10:30 PM.  I am going to be in so much trouble. I slowly pick up the phone, preparing myself for the yelling that's in store.  Mum never waits to have a go at me, even if it's over the phone.