A Veneer

Chapter 6: Coming My Way

When I stepped into the house, I could smell the stench of her perfume, and I wrinkled my nose. Cameron met me in the front room before I had enough time to get to the living room at the back of the house where the rest of the family, and Hadley, were. “Are you crazy?” He scolded me. “Why are you here? I left you a voicemail! I told you not to come!” If this was anyone else, I would feel hurt, but it wasn’t. It was Cameron, and he was just warning me for my own well-being.

“Yes, I know,” I said in the same hushed voice he was speaking in. “I didn't listen to it.” I began walking into the house, when he grabbed my arm.

“Don’t say I didn't warn you.” He released my arm and walked with me to the couch. When we walked in I saw it, it made my stomach turn and I wanted to flee. Cameron was behind me his chest pressed to my back one hand on my side, he silently coaxed me into sitting down on the couch with him. Hadley was there, I knew that, but I didn't know it had gone this far. She had draped Aidens arm around her shoulders, he had kissed her cheek. I wanted to leave, to get out. Not because Aiden was with another girl, but because Aiden was with her, and she for some reason made me sick. Cameron pulled me on the couch with him, he grabbed my legs and lay them on his lap, Aiden looked out of the corner of his eye. Cameron grabbed my hand and ran his fingers on the inside of my palm.

“What the hell are you doing?” I asked quietly but didn't pull my hand away.

“Making him jealous,” he said with a smirk. “And it’s working.”

“It’s mean,” I said.

“The more he sees us, the more he wants you.” Cam explained.

“He doesn't want me, he wants Hadley,” I spat her name.

“Not for long,” he shrugged and put an arm around me.

“You’re a little young for me...don't you think?” I laughed.

“Only by a year! Plus I’m bigger and smarter, so technically I’m older than you,” He smirked.

“I have more life experience.”

“So, what we technically have six months apart, if we don’t count the actual days,” he ran his fingers in my palm again.

“Where are you getting all these equations?” I laughed and he tapped his head. I could see Aiden looking again, periodically looking over.

“So Hadley,” I started, and see her look over disgusted. “What are you majoring in at William Woods?”

“Pre- Med.” She obviously didn’t want to talk to me.

“Oh thats great! really, really interesting,” Cam said with a bit of sarcasm.

“Well what are you studying?” Aiden asked me, defending Hadley. I couldn't believe it.

“Don’t you already know?” I asked.

“Tell me again,” Aiden smirked.

“Majoring in equestrian studies and minoring in animal science.”

“That’s interesting, not something a lot of people go for. That’s awesome,” Cameron went on, trying to make me sound good. “Definitely better than boring old Pre-Med!” We looked at each other and laughed, knowing the other two did not find it amusing. I could see the anger and jealousy in Aiden’s eyes.

“Dinner’s ready!” Bella yelled from the kitchen.

“Bella!” Hadley held out the ‘a’ sound on her name.

“Hi Hadley...” Bella said with fake enthusiasm.

“Give me a hug.” Did this witch really just tell a 12 year old child to hug her? Bella gave Hadley a quick side hug and went back to the kitchen. Cameron poked my side and I squealed. Bella looked past Hadley and Aiden and to the couch where Cam and I were standing.

“CaeCae!?” Bella yelled and started running towards me, she embraced me. “I didn’t know you were coming!”

“Well, I’m here, in the flesh!” I laughed and hugged her back. Hadley gave us a scornful look, I smiled back. “Well I’m ready to eat!”

“Me too!” Cam said.

“Me three!” Aiden joined.

“Me four!” Jeb said from the hallway.

“Yeah, whatever. Let’s eat.” Hadley said.

“She’s so pleasant,” I whispered in Cam’s ear. He laughed.

I sat next to Cam at dinner and across from Aiden. During dessert Cam put his arm around my chair and inched forward until it was around my shoulders. Aiden’s jealousy was clear. If he were a cartoon, his eyes would have turned green and steam would be exiting through his ears.

“Who’s up for games?” Christine asked after we finished.

“I should be getting back to the dorms,” I explained.

“Oh, come on!” Jeb exclaimed.

Cam pulled me close and whispered nothings in my ear. “No, I really should be going.”

“I agree,” Hadley said under her breath and grimaced at me. I smiled back.

“Then I’ll take you home,” Aiden and Cam said at the same time. Then they stared at each other as if they were going to start fighting like dogs. As much as I enjoyed the sight, I decided to intervene.

“Guys, I have a car.” I pushed Cam back with a hand on his chest.

“So let me stay the night,” Cam said with a smirk that was more towards Aiden than me.

“That’s it!” Before anyone could notice enough to stop it, Aiden flew across the table and tackled Cam.