Chasing Astrid Malone

17. OF THIS, I'M SURE

"What?" I've avoided turning on my cell phone all day. I wanted to forget about Cameron, and I knew as soon as I turned it on I would have to deal with it.

"They are both fine, more or less. Cam came here last night to talk to you and ended up fighting, over you, with Tristan."

"Why?" I couldn't comprehend what Josh was saying. How could this have happened, and all while I was sleeping?

"You tell me, Sis, I've never had girls willing to punch each other over me." Is he implying this is my fault?

"Look Astrid, I had to drag Tristan here Thursday, he got one look at you, and now your all he talks about. He's constantly suggesting we come here, frankly, it's annoying. My point is I know he really likes you and wants a chance to get to know you."

Josh would obviously side with his friend. I still can't wrap my head around my protective brother being ok with his friend wanting to date me.

"On the other hand, I did sit down and talk with Cam last night. You really should give him the opportunity to tell you what he told me. I was ready to punch him myself when Tristan said he picked you up crying, but it's not what it looked like." I felt annoyance with Josh for being anything other than mad at Cameron, on my behalf.

"You really do look beautiful, Astrid. It's no wonder you have guys fighting over you." He smiled.

"Shut up Josh. I just need a minute to think. Oh, and my cell phone, would you mind getting it for me? It's downstairs on the table."

"Ok but mom is expecting you to be downstairs for pictures any minute so think fast." Yeah right. I'd need days to sort through this mess.

Josh handed me the phone and left. I held the power button and waited for my phone to get to the home screen. As the messages came in, my phone vibrated with every one. Ignoring the missed calls notification I went straight to texts.

Cameron: please let me explain, I'm coming over.

Cameron: I can't sleep. I came by tonight to talk to you and ended up fighting with Tristan. I'm sorry.

Cameron: your phone is still off. I really want to talk to you before prom tonight.

Cameron: I'm not going to prom with Molly.

Cameron: Are you ok? No other girl on the planet could go this long without their phone. I'm starting to wonder if you broke it.

Cameron: I'm coming over. You're not giving me any other choice.

Cameron: I'm outside. If you see this, please come out.

What? I checked the time stamp but since my phone was off they all just had the same time. I ran out of my room and down the stairs, almost tripping on my dress. Moving the curtain aside I could see him, dressed in a tux, outside leaning against his truck looking at his phone.

My phone vibrated again.

Cameron: I can see you finally saw my messages. I've been out here for an hour trying to decide if I should knock. Will you come out?

My feet carried me out the front door without any idea what I would say, or how I feel. His half-smile when he saw me faded quickly as I walked over to him. He didn't look like he had been in a fight, maybe Josh exaggerated that bit.

"You look so beautiful." He looked caught off guard by my appearance.

"I'm sure Molly will too." Cameron flinched. I'm not even sure where that came from. He already told me he wasn't going with her, and obviously, there's some type of explanation he believes will fix this.