Last Stop

Chapter twenty

Beeping. I know that sound, never have I been at the other end of that sound. I was always the one listening to it as I wait. But this time it is me staring up at the white ceiling, hearing the beeping and feeling the soft, sterile sheets. I want to hit myself for being so stupid. How did I end up here though. I was pretty isolated.

I think it is a whole three minutes before everyone notices that I am awake.

"Cameron, you are awake. What were you thinking?" Millie says rushing over to myside. "Mark call the doctor! You had hyperthermia when they brought you in, why did you drive all the way out there?" She asks agitated and clearly worried "We kept calling and worrying. Eddy said you left in a hurry, he was worried he was moving too fast and then Mr Rue said you called in sick, and he was worried. Lola and Justin were crying. What were you thinking? "She rattles on "When you are better you are so grounded Cameron. You can't just run off like that!"

She is interrupted by the doctor coming in, who chases her away as she waits anxiously in the corner with Mark. As soon as the doctor is done he says I can be released right after I have had my first meal and that they must keep a close eye on me for signs of pneumonia or other illnesses. By the look of my aunt and uncle I don't think they will be letting me out of their sight for a long time. I can see Millie wants to continue with the lecture but Mark places an arm on her shoulder.

"A lot of people are waiting in the waiting area for you so we will let you eat and then you can go see them, we will talk about this when we get home." I nod, hating that I have disappointed them after everything they have done for me. "But I know that Jason and Lola can't wait for long so is it fine if I send them in?" I nod in understanding and he gives a small grimace that is more like a frown before leaving the room. Millie walks forward, sitting on the bed and leaning over to kiss my forehead.

"Oh, Cameron." She doesn't get to finish her sentiment as Justin bursts into the room, followed by Lola looking every bit as composed as usual.

"Cammy!" Justin calls trying his hardest to jump onto the bed, Millie helps him up and he throws himself into my arms. Lola is less enthusiastic but nevertheless she manages to get out that she is glad I am okay. Justin is pulled off the bed as a meal is set in front of me, in all honesty my stomach is clenched in anxiety but I know that I have caused everyone enough panic that I don't want to make trouble for them by refusing to eat. Like expected the food is not nice but I get it down. Mark says he is going to go sign the release papers while Millie says that I can head to see all my friends. I am nervous, I was stupid and I know that and I understand if they are mad at me or blame me. It was my fault.

"Ready?" I shrug and she smiles sympathetically. "They will be glad to see you."

I follow her at a slow pace as she leads all three of us to the waiting area. "Cameron!" Spencer is the first one to spot us, leaping up he charges at me, throwing his arms around my neck as he clings to me. I stagger a bit before wrapping my arms around him.

"I am okay." I say as he clings tighter, everyone else forms a sort of semi circle around us. If Spencer was trying his hide his new 'friendship' with me I don't think it is working well as both Sarah and Henry have gigantic grins at his display of affection.

"Let everyone in, Speck!" Henry jokes and Spencer pulls away, his cheeks tinted pink. I let them all hug, me surprisingly none of them seem angry at me for all the trouble. Just relieved, It warms my heart and reminds me that this is the place I need to be.

"Cameron." After everyone has said their hello's and moved off, well Spencer is still close by with his father. Eddy is close by and I am shocked to see that his eyes are red as if he has been crying. He looks like he hasn't slept. He doesn't hesitate pulling me into a hug and holding on tight "Thank god you are okay, I was so worried and to think I caused you to-"

"-no." I interrupt him. "You didn't" I say pulling away from his hug and assuring him he wasn't the reason I ran. He doesn't believe me I can tell but now is not he time to explain everything "Maybe I can talk with you tomorrow?" He nods saying he is here for whatever I need. This relationship is new and I do not want him to think me incapable of taking care of  myself, I want to have a relationship with him. I thank him before following my Aunt and everyone out the hospital when Mark appears with the papers.

"Can I come over tomorrow?" Spencer asks, loudly to my aunt who glances nervously at Mark then back at me, who is shivering in the cool early morning air, Justin clutching to my hand.

"Oh Spencer, I am sure Cam would love that but I think we need a little time to work through some things-"She pauses and I can tell that she doesn't want to hurt Spencer's feelings but she is right, there is a lot to discuss and I know I am in trouble. Luckily Jackson takes over, telling Spencer that he can call me and we can see each other when I am better. I smile at him as he is lead to the family car. Watching as all my other friends wave sad goodbyes before hopping into their respective cars. I sigh, my heart clenching as I hop into the back of the van.

Whatever happens from here on out isn't going to be easy but I think that in order for me to reach the point in my life where I am no longer held back by my past trauma it has to be done.