"There are all kinds of addicts, I guess. We all have pain. And we all look for ways to make the pain go away."
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FLASHBACK
"You're Cameron Baker, right?" Cameron looked up from where she was sitting to see Rue Bennett standing in front of her. They were at a party that her boyfriend Nate Jacobs was throwing. Cameron was sitting outside by herself because Nate had said something that pissed her off, so she decided to come out for a smoke break to calm her nerves so she didn't completely go off on him.
"Yeah, and you're Rue. I'll see you at Fez's." Cameron said, and Rue nodded her head as she sat down next to her.
"Getting high alone?" Rue asked.
"Yeah, usually what I do whenever Nate and I fight. You want a hit?" Cameron asked as she held the joint out to Rue. Rue nodded and took it from her as they sat there together.
"Yeah, thanks."
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PRESENT
It was so simple, but that's when it started. That's where everything began. That moment when your breath starts to slow. And every time you breathe, you breathe out all the oxygen you have, and everything stops; your heart, your lungs, and finally, your brain. And everything you feel, wish, and want to forget. It all just sinks. And then suddenly, you give it air again, give it life again.
After that first moment we got high together, I didn't see Cameron Baker again until after I got back from rehab at the end of the summer, the week before school started. I had no intention of staying clean, and Cameron had no intention of getting clean. And of course, as I left Fezco's, I saw none other than Nate Jacobs. I didn't have a problem with him until the bullshit he pulled with Cameron and Jules. I had always thought Nate and Cameron were cordial after their breakup, but Nate took it too far.
I mean, I never liked Nate, and once during freshman formal, he tried to finger me on the dance floor without my permission. But like, it's America. And if they were throwing an end of the summer part, of course, I'd fucking go. And just like I bet.
Cameron would be going too.
"Where are you going?" Cameron was stopped right before she got to the door by the voice of her brother, Chris. Her parents were out on a date night, so it was just her and her brother. Cameron sighed as she turned back around, and then she smiled.
"End of the summer party before junior year starts back. Nate's throwing it at McKay's house." Cameron said.
"I thought you broke up with that prick," Chris said.
"I did. But I still go to his parties because my friends do." Cameron said as she shrugged her shoulders. "Will you just tell Mom and Dad when they get back?" She asked, and Chris nodded his head.
