We Need Each Other

There's Nothing You Can Do

I hugged my sister goodbye.

"Cammi don't stay away too long."

"I won't. But you could always come back to Atlanta."

Cassandra looked away & laughed, "Cameron you know good & well I won't come back to Atlanta unless that man is six feet under."

"Cass, you've put 2,000 miles between you & him but you can't run from your thoughts."

"Cameron, go. Josh is waiting for you."

I hugged my sister again & went to the car.

. . . .
I laid on Josh's bed as he got in the shower. I called Talia.

"Talia Marie Johnson."

"Cameron Faye Smith, what's going on?"

"I went to see Cass while I was in Cali. Every time I see her I remember that night, I think it's might fault."

"Cam, it isn't your fault. He was drunk, you were 16 what could you do?"

She was right, but that didn't change how I felt.

Josh walked in the room, "let me call you back Tai."

"Oh, josh just walked in."

I laughed, "yeah, can we meet up later today?"

"Of course, just call me honey."

I hung up & Josh sat next to me. I looked at him & smiled.

"How was your time with your sister?"

"I miss her already. I wish she would come back."

"Why is she out there by herself?"

"Something happened when we were 16--"
I brought my hands up to my face to hide my tears. Josh held me close, "it's gonna be okay Princess"

I truly believed that, I wiped away my tears & I kissed him slowly.

I looked at him, "when Cass & I were 16, our father molested Cassandra."

"one day while mommy was at work, he raped Cassie and I couldn't stop him!"

I cried harder. " I just let him while she cried out for me."

Josh held me & kissed my forehead.
"Cam there wasn't anything you could do, you can't blame yourself."

----
I woke up to the shower going, I went into the bathroom & pulled back the shower door.

Julian stood in my shower. I screamed and closed my eyes immediately.

I heard the water turn off & Julian laugh.

I walked out & grabbed my phone. I called Josh.

"Why is Julian here?"

"I had to go handle a few things & asked him to keep you company. He isn't causing trouble, is he?"

"No no no. He's fine. I'm good, we're good. I'll see you when you get home, please come home."

"I planned on it baby girl. I'm almost done here, I'll pick up something to eat & then I'm on my way."

I smiled, "I love you."

Josh paused, "I love you too princess."

I hung up the phone, I turned around & Julian stood smiling.

"You can leave now."

Julian smirked, "I like the fact that I make you uncomfortable."

"You don't."

He laughed, "your breathing changed when you acknowledged my presence. You're playing with your fingers-"

I immediately stopped, "You won't even make eye contact."

I stood up & tried to leave but he blocked my way.

"Julian please leave me alone."

"I have to say I'm jealous that Joshua got to meet you first."

He stepped closer to me & I backed away. I tripped over the foot rest & landed on the couch. He towered over me.

"Julian pleaseee get away from me. I want Josh, not you."

"Are you sure?"

His hand traveled up my thigh & I gasped. I tried to move his hand but it didn't budge.

"Cam don't fight it."

"Get off of me." I pushed his chest but he didn't move. I punched his chest a few times "Stop it, get off."

"Stop it Cameron. Now you can say you resisted."

He leaned in and kissed me. I pushed him hard & he stumbled back. I stood up.

"Julian get out."

The door opened and Josh walked through. He stared at Julian & I.

"Cameron, what did Julian do?"

I looked at the floor. "Just words."

"Julian leave."

Julian smiled and walked out.

"I'm sorry about him. He's always said whatever he felt."

"I totally respect it but it's just intense."

"He didn't disrespect you or upset you in any way, did he?"

"No no no. I'm fine."

I sat down & thought about what Julian did, I should've just blurted it out but I don't need things to be awkward. This could hurt Josh and most importantly Talia.