I Am Cameron

The First Embark

The similarities are uncanny, to say the least. Without even asking her, I knew who she was.

"Well isn't that something", she says with a small smile. It was a genuine smile, which confused me. "You look just like your father, a spitting image to say the least".

This is the first time that I've ever heard that in my life. I was always told I look like my mother instead. It makes sense now though.

I say nothing as the woman walks closer. She sits on the chair next to my gurney, still maintaining her smile. Her eyes glance at a bruise on my arm and I see a fire ignite inside her before returning back to its seemingly carefree state.

"Hello, Cameron. My name is Anastasia Benning. Technically I am your grandmother, but you may call me whatever you feel comfortable saying", she starts. She shifts slightly and crosses her legs before leaning back in the chair. "I'm happy you called me".

"I had no one else", I mutter. She chuckles warmly. She lifts her hand and gently moves an out of place hair out of my face. I pause, visibly confused at the action.

"You don't have to worry about things like that anymore sweetheart", she says softly. I can only stare at her. I didn't know what to do or how to react to her words. She didn't seem to mind though.

"I want to make it up to you", she says. Make what up to me? "I should have at least checked to make sure you were okay all these years, both your father and I. No one could blame family for wanting to see family. If we had known how you were living, what they were doing to you, I would've been here a lot sooner".

"In your letter... It said I chose to live with my mother. When was this", I ask. Now she looks confused.

"When you were twelve. Every year, you're sent a letter with a questionnaire asking about your living conditions and if you wanted to see both your parents. We always got a copy of the results and every time, you denied wanting to meet us", she finishes. I clench my jaw for a few seconds before the pain settles in.

"I never ever received a questionnaire, and I don't remember ever saying I wanted to stay with my mother. In fact, I've said several times that I would rather be anywhere else. I just don't--"

Soft and seemingly frail hands hold my own and I'm filled with a sense of peace. I turn my head back to Mrs. Anastasia, the sting of the tears in my eyes slowly fading.

"I understand now. I'm glad that you never hated us, but you have to leave your anger in the past. I actually came here to offer you a place to stay".

My ears perk up.

"What"?

She gives a soft smile.

"I own a pretty big house in Roanoke, Virginia. There's plenty of room for you and I'm sure the other children would like a new face--"

"I have siblings", I asked astonished. She gives a warm laugh.

"You aren't related to them, but you can think of them as a family. Oliver, Thomas, Elizabeth, and Trinity are a few children I've taken into my care and you can get to know them... Only if you want to".

"I do", I blurt out. Again. She gives a hearty laugh that leaves me puzzled. How can she laugh like that?

"What a wonderful reaction", she laughs before calming down. " I'm just saying that if I were you, I would choose carefully about what I want to do with my life next. There's a world of possibilities Cameron".

"I'd rather not get caught up in a situation that could make my life worse. I don't need anything worse", I state.

"There couldn't be a better if there was never a worse. Things can get better Cameron", she smiles. I pause before staring at the ceiling. I can't remember the last time anything got better. It's silent as I try to think of the 'better' in my life.

The silence could have gone for hours.

"Well, I have to get back home now. Flights from Vermont to Virginia are scarce," she says while standing up. "I've taken care of everything here and I'll be back to visit often. I do hope that by the time the month has ended that you decide to do what's best for you".

After a few more confusing words, she leaves.

I'm left to my own devices as my mind trails back to what I was thinking. Few hours passed before I stopped kidding myself. There was no 'better' in my life.

Not yet at least.

A/N: I originally had this story located in Vermont, since that was where I was planning to go to college, but I made the best decision to study in Virginia. That's where my story will take place for the remainder of this story. Once again, enjoy.