The Disney Project

Chapter 21

School was different today, everything was different. Things were changing, and I wasn't sure how I felt about that. Cameron and I were best friends forever... but maybe I wanted to be more then that. Did I really want that though? I wasn't sure. If I did I would have told him by now that I was the girl who danced with him last night.

If I truly wanted him I would not have promised to help him find this "mystery girl" of his dreams.

Or, maybe, I was afraid to want him. Afraid of the idea of letting him in more than ever before. He has hurt me many times, but he has also been there for me.

Love is a confusing thing, it has a way of changing everything a person thinks they know. Instinct is thrown to the wind, and all that starts to matter is that other person. Love that is unconditional is like this, and I started to think that I've always had unconditional love for Cameron. It was never easy to let him go, and I never truly let him go. Even as we drifted apart, he always was there in my mind. I started to realize I never wanted to let him go.

I was never willing to make that sacrifice, and I never will be.

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Cameron and I walked into school together, everyone stared at us. Cameron didn't seem to notice the stares, or, he just didn't care that people were staring. I had to take a deep breath and remind myself it didn't matter if people stared. Cameron and I were friends again, best friends at that, and people were going to have to get used to that idea. I couldn't help but asking Cameron if people staring bothered him at all though.

"Not particularly, I suppose I'm a bit used to it. People care too much about me it feels." He replied with a shrug then continued, "I don't mean to sound conceded, truly I don't. It's just ever since I became the head football player and started dating Lydia people stare. It just sort of is how it is now. They shouldn't care so much about me though. People have their own lives they should be concerned about, sorry to have to drag you into being the center of attention."

Once again, I was shocked at how transparent Cameron was being. Three weeks ago I would have sworn if I had the chance I'd slam his pretty face into a locker. Now, I just want to hold his hand.

"It's alright." I reply with a shrug, then continue, "I think I can handle it if that's the price to pay to be your friend."

I blushed immediately, I don't know why I said that aloud. I was a bit mortified, but it was the truth. I was going to have to get used to being close with Cameron. It was weird to be open with him, especially after all the years I spent trying to let him go.

"Well Clary, I'm honored you are willing to pay that price. I truly am." Cameron said with a smile, and his hand brushed mine.

I took a sharp breath in, and once again my body was on fire. It took all my self-control to just let his hand brush against mine without trying to hold it. This was about to be pure torture to be his best friend.

"So, any plans on finding Cinderella?" I inquired truly curious.

"Yep." Cameron answered slyly, smiling slightly.

"Well, what is it then mister?" I asked, very curious now.

"In time bestie, it'll come soon." He said and walked off into class.

I didn't know what to think. I guess I would find out soon, but why wouldn't he tell me.

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"Clarissa, please come down to the principles office as soon as possible. Thank You." A voice said in the monitor.

When I heard my name my ears perked up, I never get called to the office. Maybe my mom was here, or maybe I was in trouble. Lydia was mad at me, so that was very possible at the moment. If anything it was most likely the reason I was being called to the office.

I gathered my books and headed down to the office. I was a bit nervous. I had already been suspended from school this year, I didn't want to take any more hits to my transcript. As I walked to the offices Lexi came beside me and began to talk.

"So, what did you do missy?" She asked me, but it wasn't accusing, there was a hint of something else in her voice. I couldn't decipher what it was.

"Nothing, I don't know why they are calling me to the office. Maybe Lydia wants to ruin my life more." I replied with a shrug, but I had the feeling something bigger was coming into play.

"You did something major, we both know it. Come on, let's go." Lexi said, and bolted.

I did something big? I wasn't sure what I did, I was nervous now. All I could do was follow Lexi, so I did. Bolting down the hallway, the feeling of electric nerves coursing through my body. I ran like I was running away from a monster. Finally I caught up to Lexi, but what I came to made me almost fall over.

There Cameron stood smiling like a fool. A bouquet of flowers in one hand, two tickets to Disneyland, and a glass slipper. I put my hand up to my mouth, shocked by what I was witnessing.

"Cameron... I-I, what, I don't know-," I stuttered over my words.

"Shhh, it's okay I know I went a bit overboard. I wanted this moment to be ours though, I had to get you out of class before everyone else came out." Cameron said with a smile on his face.

"How did you know?" I asked, I barely could speak. I barely could breathe.

"I consulted Lexi, she had the other ticket obviously. She got a little weird when I asked about the other girl saying, 'oh it doesn't matter she's just someone...' so, I got a bit suspicious. I went to your mom and asked her what you did last night and she said you went to the dance. Then I thought back to last night. Cinderella was so familiar because she's been with me the whole time. I should have realized Cinderella was my Cinderella. The princess to my fairytale. I should have known, your eyes are unmistakeable. Even under a mask." Cameron said with a larger smile on his face than before.

"I-I... you... well, how did you know I would, like, I don't know.... say yes?" I asked, I was struggling to get a sentence out.

" I didn't, but I know what I want now, and I know what makes me happy. I had to try. Best friends won't cut it." Cameron said, then he continued, "Clarissa, would you give me the honor of dating you?"

Lexi looked at me with a smile and leaned in, then she whispered to me, "I told you, you did something big. You finally fell for someone, I thought the day would never come."

I looked at her wide eyed, and then back at Cameron. I couldn't think, this was all surreal. He knew the whole day. He knew, and he wanted me like I wanted him. I was starting to smile a bit, then I grinned.

"Cameron, I would love to. I am honored to say yes." I replied, I had a smile that was so big now. It almost hurt, I loved it.

I ran to Cameron and hugged him tightly. He picked me up and spun me around holding me tight. Then, suddenly I was being dipped, Cameron holding my weight in his arms.

"May I have a kiss?" He asked, seriously looking at me like I was the world.

"Of course." I said.

He leaned in and my eyes fluttered to a close. His lips pressed on mine, and it was like I finally was complete. Everything I thought I didn't want for years came up, and I realized I told myself I didn't want it so I wouldn't have to deal with heartache. But, now I was dealing with the first love of my life, my only love I ever had.

Happy endings don't happen for everyone. But, I like to think that I found mine.

It isn't the ending, but I am happy.

My happy ending is this, and I found my fairytale.

THE END.