I Am Cameron

In The Present

The smell in the air is what woke me up so early in the morning. It was sweet and overwhelming, probably canvassing every crevice in the house by now. I didn't want to get up so I buried myself under my covers, weakening the smell, if only a little bit. I exhale softly, sinking comfortably in bed.

"OH THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS FRIGHTFUL

BUT THE FIRE IS SO DELIGHTFUL--"

"Why", I groan to myself, finally opening my eyes.

"--AND SINCE WE'VE NO PLACE TO GO

LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW".

I quite literally roll out of bed, letting me and my bedding fall to the floor with a loud thud. It wasn't loud enough to drown out the music, so I guess it wasn't effective. I throw an internal tantrum as I walk to my door and open it. Suddenly the music got louder and a lot more annoying. Staring at the phone in my hand, I realize it's 5:53 in the morning.

They better have a good reason for all this nonsense so early in the morning, otherwise, we're all going to have some problems, I think as I head to the stairwell. From the second floor, you could already see the dancing lights twinkling up and down a larger than necessary Fraser fir tree. Why is there a tree in the house? I rub my temples as the twins continue giggling on the couch, being amused by Mrs. Anastasia. Oliver comes out bringing a huge tray of what I assume is hot chocolate since it's overflowing with marshmallows in each mug. Liza bounces up and down, further exciting Tom who starts to match his sister's neverending spectrum of energy.

I have no idea how everyone could be up right now, playing around and making food as if it's the middle of the day...

Well, almost everyone. Trinity and I seem to be the exception. I doubt she's asleep though. I mean, we haven't actively seen her in almost two weeks, but if she could sleep through this, then I need her to tell me her secret.

"Cameron", Mrs. Anastasia announces. Three other heads turn to me and two of the three people beam huge smiles at me. I sigh as I head down the stairs and join the gathering of super early birds. I make my way to the edge of a two-seater couch before I am stopped.

"Cameron, wait", Liza says. I turn to her and see her nudge Tom who eyed his sister and then me, obviously nervous. I give a gentle smile which seems to calm him a bit as he exhales deeply.

"M-Merry Chrehst-mas," he says slowly, eyes on the ground. I blink twice. It's Christmas...

Well, that explains them being up so early, but I don't really understand the tree and the music. I mean I've never really celebrated Christmas, so maybe this is normal?

I glance at Mrs. Anastasia, who gave a cheerful smile before turning to Liza.

"How do you say 'Merry Christmas' in Bengali", I ask her. She grins brightly at me. She beckons me to kneel so I do. She leans forward and whispers in my ear. Once I'm sure I heard her correctly, I nod and turn towards Tom.

"Śubha baṛadina, Tom", I say. Tom finally looks up from the floor and gives a shy smile. He slowly inches closer to me before leaning into me. I give a light chuckle and wrap my arms around the shy boy, finally giving him a hug.

Suddenly, as if feeling eyes staring at me, I look up. In pajamas and a little worse for wear was Trinity staring over the second-floor staircase at everybody. She didn't look happy or sad, her face at least. Eyes tell a different story altogether. Truthfully I couldn't tell from this far away.

I release Tom from his hug and head upstairs. No one really minded. They were too caught up in the holiday spirit, or whatever that is, to notice my absence. Trinity is still in the same spot, watching over everyone, but not joining in. I walk closer to her, not sure how close too close is right now. I stop maybe two feet away to see her reaction. There weren't any noticeable signs of discomfort with my proximity, so I turn and lean on the railing too.