Chasing Cameron

02

With this show, cameras are constantly rolling. For example, Cameron and I are on our way to my parents house so they can get interviewed. Cameras started rolling since breakfast this morning. The camera crew captures a lot of footage but there's also a lot of it that won't be used.

We are on our way to my parents house and I asked Cam to come with me because I didn't want to be there alone. Whatever is about to go down I just don't want to face it alone. My parents, depending on the question, might say stuff that will bring me down and I don't want to be there alone when it happens.

I try not to let people's words tear me apart but when it's coming from you parents it's a little different.

I was sitting in the backseat of the car next to Cameron and I was thinking of all possible outcomes of the interview and Cam could sense that I was nervous. "Maddie, it's going to be okay. I'll be right there with you." He intertwined our hands and I nodded my head.

We got to my parents house and we all walked to the front door and I knocked on it. For the past few weeks I've been staying with Cameron because sometimes it gets overwhelming to stay at home. It just doesn't feel like home anymore. And you would think that they would've gotten over all of this by now but for some reason they haven't. My mom has lightened up over the years but my dad, not so much.

My mom opened the door and I made a small smile. "Hi mom." I said and she pulled me in for a hug. It took me a little by surprise but I returned the hug. "Hello Cameron" my mom said softly when she pulled away from our hug. "Hi Mrs. Matthews." He responded with a small smile.

Seconds later my dad joined us at the door. "Hi dad." I awkwardly smiled. "Maddison" was all he said before walking away.

My smile slowly dropped and I felt Cam lace his fingers with mine and gave my hand a reassuring squeeze. I smiled a little and we all followed my parents inside.

They sat on the couch and Cam and I sat on a different couch and the camera crew got set up and started the interview process. My parents introduced themselves and who they were and what their relationship was to me and then they got into further questions.

"What was Maddison like in high school?" The producer asked. My mom answered first. "Maddie was a great high school student. She was on the volleyball team, the soccer team, and the varsity dance team. She was in many clubs, she found the most interest in photography. She loved taking pictures and she also loved being the model of the photoshoot. Um she did sing a little but nothing major."

"Maddison was an A and B student, mostly A's. She had principal's honor roll all four years of high school. We had so many colleges emailing us and sending us packets for her to apply. She could've gone to any college she chose. But she threw all of that away." My dad said and I looked up from the floor and directly towards him. I was a little hurt at his last choice of words.

I didn't throw anything away. I just chose to go travel the world with my boyfriend. I wanted to go and visit new places, see new things, experience something different. I didn't throw anything away. I was just choosing a different option. And I am very happy with the option I chose.

"Dad I didn't throw everything away. I don't know why you see it like that." I interrupted the interview for a second because he needed to hear what I had to say. "See it like what? Like how it is?" He asked and I shook my head. "I know you wanted to see your little girl go to college but why can't you see how happy I am? I'm happy with the decision I made. I get to go on so many new adventures and I get to capture it all on my camera. Like mom said, I had an interest in photography and here I am using it. I take pictures of where we go and I also take pictures of the guys sometimes. I didn't throw away photography, I just chose not to go to school for it."

He was silent after I said what I had to say. I think I got my point across. He needed to hear it. I was tired of hearing him say how disappointed he was because I chose not to go to college. His only worry should be whether or not I am happy with where I am today.

And I absolutely am.