The very next day, Winter woke in the best mood she’d ever been in, immediately remembering the night before when she lay in Cameron’s lap, listening to her sister rant about books and ice cream.
She felt so warm inside... like a hundred pound weight lifted off her chest and she was left floating...
She looked around in the room she was currently in, noting the sunlight bleeding out of the white drapes, the dark, oak furniture, and the soft, cushioned mattress she lay on.
She must’ve fallen asleep at some point, and Cameron carried her back here…
She sat up then, looking around the empty room.
Where was he anyway? She usually woke up next to him every morning...
“I’m right here,” Cam said from the doorway, smiling gently when her head snapped to where he stood. “Don’t worry, I didn’t leave you, Snowflake.”
He read her mind again... didn’t he...?
It was slightly irritating knowing that he knew everything she was thinking... and everything about her when she knew almost nothing about him...
“I’m not that clingy,” she said defensively, making the corners of his lips twitch. “Also… what’s that?”
She pointed to a tray he held in his hand, the colors a mixture between blue, orange, and red. Pink flowers scattered all over the colorful beauty.
But she didn’t know what was in the tray, because the walls circling around it were almost two inches high…
He only smiled, a knowing smirk... but with something warm hidden in the cold depths of his eyes. “Has no one ever given you breakfast in bed before?”
“What…?” she whispered, unsure of what to think of this.
“Breakfast in bed,” he repeated slowly, sounding partly condescending. “You do know what that means, don’t you?”
“I know what you said,” she snapped. “I’m asking why?”
“I’m feeling nice today.” He shrugged.
“That’s new.”
He only chuckled and shook his head, walking over to her and setting the tray on her lap after she sat up, the blankets falling to her waist.
She stared at the plate of food set in front of her... there were layers of eggs, ham, and bacon... all piled on top of the other like an English breakfast...
She inhaled the scent of the bacon, feeling herself feel lighter when her childhood filled her senses...
But she aimed her gaze down to the rest of the tray, noticing a glass of orange juice, some silverware on a napkin and...
She stared...
There was a flower next to the napkin... layers of blue petals covering the head of the stem... looking the color of a clear sky...
A blue rose...
“Amelia said that your mom’s favorite flower is a rose...” Cameron said then. “Specifically a blue one. I managed to get a bouquet delivered earlier this morning, and I cut off the thorns on this one stem... I thought you may like it....”
She stared down at the flower, watching tears cloud her vision...
Something warm yet... cold consumed her... like she were showering in hot water with an icy body...
Slowly melting...
“Do you... like it...?” Cameron wondered then, sounding a little insecure.
She didn’t know he could feel insecure, but decided not to mention it.
But she nodded, a tear sliding from her cheek, dripping off her chin.
He picked up the flower then, making her look up in surprise, but he only lightly caught her chin, sliding the rose into her tangled black locks.
He didn’t seem to care that her hair looked like a tumble weed, just lightly brushed the strands behind her ear, staring at the blue in her hair before looking down into her eyes.
But he didn’t have enough time to study her gaze due to her lurching her upper body to him and throwing her arms around him.
She likes it... he thought, a smile tugging his mouth.
He folded an arm around her when she nuzzled her face into his neck, quietly letting out tiny whimpers but he could hear them.
“Thank you...” she choked, sounding as if she’d start sobbing.
“You’re welcome, my love,” he responded, resting a cheek atop of her head.
They were silent for a moment, but Cameron managed to take the tray off her lap and placed it on the other side of the queen mattress, making her gasp when he scooped her up, settling on the bed with her in his lap.
“Do you just really like this position or something?” she questioned when the shock settled, wiping her eyes.
“Yes,” he responded, pulling her hands away from her face, “because I can cradle you.”
“But I’m not a baby,” she said, sounding more confused than defensive.
“No,” he agreed, “you’re my baby.”
She blushed.
“Come on,” he said, smirking. “Get comfy, my love.”
She nestled into his grasp, nuzzling her face into his neck while he pulled the covers over her.
“Why do you comfort me...?” she wondered then.
“Because you need it.”
“Why do I need it...?”
“Because you love it.”
“That doesn’t make any sense,” she argued, but kept her face into his neck.
“It doesn’t have to,” he responded. “Not everything makes sense, you know.”
“Doesn’t this seem kind of... childish?”
“No.”
“How do you know?” she questioned then.
“Because you’re not a child. You’re strong, loving, and mature,” he uttered, making her face flush but she turned it further into his neck to hide it. “Liking cuddles doesn’t make you childish, Winter. It’s a normal thing couples do.”
“Really?” she sounded hopeful.
“Yes,” he said, “now let’s get some food in your belly.”
“Why are you being so nice to me?” she questioned when he pulled the tray closer to them.
“Do I have to have a reason?”
“Breakfast in bed?” she said, pulling away from his neck enough to give him a suspicious look. “Giving me flowers? Feeding me? Holding me? Letting me sleep in? Yes, something’s up. Tell me.”
“Can’t it be a surprise?”
“No.”
He rolled his eyes.
“Tell me, Cameron.”
“It’ll ruin your day, though....”
“What will?”
He sighed, clearly giving in now. “Remember when I took you out on a date a couple weeks ago? Saying that your birthday was the next day? And you agreed?”
She nodded.
“I know you lied,” he answered, making her brows draw together. “I know I lied. I just wanted an excuse to have a date with you.”
She gave him a look.
He shrugged. “A man gets desperate.”
“Fine,” she said, waving off his statement, “continue.”
“Do you know what day it is?”
She shook her head.
“If I tell you...” he whispered, “I’m afraid it’ll ruin your day, Winter....”
“Can you please just tell me?” she questioned, feeling a bit of irritation crawl inside her.
“I know when your real birthday is,” Cameron said, looking into her eyes now... the icy blue, now soft and sad. “Your birthday is on the worst day of the year... The cursed day, November fourth, isn’t it?”
She was silent, but at some point her face dropped.
“It’s... tomorrow....”
She kept quiet, but he could feel her start trembling. “It all went by so fast...” she whispered, voice shaking. “I didn’t realize how close it was....”
He sighed, shaking his head. “This is why I didn’t want to tell you... I wanted to make today the best day... because I know tomorrow would be hard to celebrate....”
She was silent.
“Winter...” he said, attempting to add a bit of happiness to his tone, “you’re turning seventeen! Aren’t you excited?”
She was silent.
“What do you want to do today?” he wondered then. “Golf? Tennis? Bowling? I mean... I had a plan in mind, but....”
“Cameron,” she said before he could finish.
“Hmm?”
“I want... to go save my mom.”
“No,” he said sternly, making her look up at him quizzically.
All the softness from his gaze was gone, replaced with a sudden harsh protectiveness.
It almost looked like she were staring into stone.
“What do you mean no?” she questioned. “This is our only chance! You KNOW she’s next? Can’t you even think about it?”
“No,” he said, narrowing his eyes. “Because the answer is going to be, no.”
“Why?”
“Are you trained enough?” he said. “Do you have a plan? Are you mentally prepared?”
“I’m not mentally prepared to lose my mother!” she answered, anger catching in her tone. “She’s my MOM! He’s going to KILL her and we can still DO something!”
Cameron sighed, knowing that he should’ve shut up and not told her the day. “Fine,” he said, “I’ll think about it.”
“Really?” she sounded hopeful.
No, he was lying, but he didn’t mention it.
He wanted today to be a good day for her... at least...
And he’d think of another way to hold her back when she’d realize he lied.
“Yes, really.”
She looked shocked, but clearly believed him from the truthful tone he forced.
He watched her stare down at her food for a moment, lost in thought.
“Are you gonna eat it?” Cam asked, a little amusement in his tone. “Or are you going to stare at it?”
“Oh...” she said, “I’ll eat it.”
She managed to let go of him and caught her fork, grabbing a bit of egg while still in his lap and took a bite.
I’m sorry that I lied, he thought. I know how selfish that is... but I can’t lose you, alright? So please forgive me...
I know you don’t want to lose your mom... but... I can’t handle you fighting this yourself... So I’ll try to find a way to get her on my own... Even if it means tying you down to the car seat and locking the doors.
I don’t want you to be in pain, Winter. I don’t want to be in pain either...
I’ll find a way for us both to be happy... I promise...
I just know you won’t understand...
Not yet anyway...
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiTdMfc0uW
*****
“Where are we going?” Winter questioned while Cameron stared out the window of their car.
After she ate breakfast, Cameron told her, “We’re going on a date,” and didn’t wait for her response, just dragged her out the door.
And now they were sitting in a train, watching buildings, cities, and towns pass by, until they finally met forests and grasslands...
And the ocean, of course.
Cameron was just staring out the window, and she could see the reflection of the green pines pass through his eyes...
She knew he looked so calm and peaceful, but the curiosity was burning her inside.
“Cameron,” she said.
He looked to her then, raising his brows as if he didn’t hear her question. ”Hmm?”
“Where are we going?” she said again.
“I’ve told you the last five hundred times,” he uttered, “it’s a surprise.”
“Is it a bad one?”
He thought for a moment. “I sure as hell hope not.”
Her brows drew together at the concern in his tone. “Why?”
“Because I spent money to get us on this train, money for our next mode of transportation, and money for the place we’re going to.”
“You said money three times,” she stated, body rattling when the train hit some bumps. “So it sounds expensive.”
“Depends what you consider expensive.”
“What do you mean?” she questioned.
“Spending a hundred thousand on a house is considered expensive to some people, whereas some consider a million a good price.”
“I guess it just depends on the state,” she said.
He gave her a side smirk. “And the people.”
“And the people,” she agreed.
“You know...” Cameron said, leaning forward a little so his arms rested on his knees, “I thought you liked old fashioned stuff.”
She looked to him. “I do.”
“So why aren’t you squealing about this train?” He tilted his head to the side. “Hmm?”
She looked around, eyes moving up to the ceiling, to the walls, and to the floors. “This isn’t an old-fashioned train, Cameron.”
He looked up. “No?”
She shook her head. “No.”
“What makes you say that?” he wondered then.
Why didn’t he sound defensive or angry? That she was unsatisfied with this train ticket he bought?
“The way this car is shaped,” she said, “it’s square.”
“What are they supposed to be shaped like?” he questioned.
She eyed him for a moment, wondering why he was asking all these questions and if this was his version of being defensive.
“They’re usually a little curvy...” she stated. “And the floors are supposed to be carpet, not cheap sand paper flooring. And hear the sound?”
He raised his brows.
“How the sound of the train is light and airy? Like a plane?”
“I guess,” he said.
“That means this train is electric,” she stated. “Partly. Old trains run off steam or coal.”
“So that’s your final answer?” he said then. “This isn’t an old-fashioned train?”
“Yes.”
Why was he quizzing her...? What was going through that head of his?
“Good.” He smiled.
She stared...
Hold on... what?
Did he just say what she think he said?
All the sudden, the train slowed down, almost making her lurch forward.
But it eventually stopped, and she looked up to see a sly smile splitting Cameron’s face.
What was he doing?
All the sudden, a girl popped her head in, smiling gently.
“Hello!” she said happily. “Are you Jude and Chloe?”
Cameron nodded. “Yes.”
“Hold on...” Winter said, but trailed off when he put his hand up.
Fake identity, he told her thoughts.
She slouched down then.
“Your stop is here,” she said. “Thank you for your donation, Jude.”
Winter looked at him quizzically.
Why did she have to step in and tell them to get off...? Also... what did she mean by donation?
Cameron stood then, offering a hand to Winter who took it despite her entire body screaming for answers.
And he guided her along the car’s halls, all the way to the front doors of the train and dragged her onto another train that just happened to have the front doors aligned with the electric train.
“What the...?” she started, but trailed off when the doors closed behind them, and Cameron guided her to sit on a bench that was lined with handmade fabrics with the colors of red, white, and yellow.
She looked around, taking in the sight before her...
The floors were the same color as the benches... the same style, too...
They had the beautiful flowers with the yellow highlights... the walls were covered in carved wood, lined with lamps that could’ve been used in mansions in the 1800s.
Though, Winter knew they were modified so they could connect to a light switch, but still...
“This place is beautiful...” Winter said aloud, making Cameron’s lips tilt.
“Is this the type of train you’ve been wanting to be in?” he wondered despite knowing the answer.
She nodded, eyes moving around the beauty that lay before her.
“Jude Lawson?” someone said from their right, making Winter’s head snap to a doorway where a waiter stood, wearing a tuxedo and a black bow-tie. “Party of two?”
Oh, my God... Winter thought. It’s even fancy like old times...
She looked down to her dress when Cameron stood, brushing down her wrinkles as an attempt to look prettier.
This was exciting, but she didn’t know Cameron was planning this! She didn’t even put on makeup or even lip gloss!
Now that she thought about it... did she even have makeup?
“Snowflake,” Cameron said, making her look up to him quizzically.
He nodded to the waiter who stood at the entrance to something, waiting patiently.
She looked down to her dress again, then back at Cameron.
“Come on,” he said, a smile tugging his mouth. “You look beautiful.”
Something inside her warmed at his words, covering her in a daze.
He did all this...? How...? Why...?
Because he wanted today to be special for you, a small voice in her head said. Don’t question him, he knows what you love.
But he managed to pull her up while she was battling herself internally, guiding her to where the waiter stood, and they followed him into a brighter room.
It had the same theme... the same layout... the same colors...
But when the other room had benches and nothing else... this room had tables lined along the walls... white cloths draped over each one and topped with a white candle perfectly in the middle, a salt and pepper shaker pressed together in front of it.
Cameron pulled out one of the black leather dining chairs, like he was suddenly a gentleman.
She couldn’t help but numbly sit down, unsure of what to think of this...
He pushed her in gently while the waiter set menus down onto the table, but Cameron put his hand up, making the waiter look at him quizzically.
He then stepped over to him, whispering something in his ear, and Winter watched, confusion stirring inside her.
“Yes,” the man said then, “of course, sir. It’ll be right out.”
And he walked off, taking the menus with him.
Cameron then settled in the seat across from her, smiling slyly.
“What did you tell him?” she questioned.
“You’ll see,” was his helpful response.
She gave him a quizzical look before dropping it, looking down to her dress and checking for stains.
“Relax,” Cam said, chuckling. “There’s no one in here, no one’s judging you.”
“It’s all so... fancy...” she whispered, brushing down non-existent wrinkles again. “I wish I had just a little concealer or lipstick... I feel underdressed....” She paused. “Correction,” she said, “I wish you would buy me concealer or lipstick... or any makeup at all. Every time we’re at the store, you say, no, and never tell me why.”
“You never asked,” he stated.
“Then...” she looked to him, eyes sparkling with the candle light in front of them, “why...?”
“I don’t like you in makeup,” he stated. “I like you naturally.”
“My hair...?” She touched it self-consciously. “I usually straighten it... It’s like a rat’s nest....”
“I don’t like it straightened,” he said again. “I like it naturally.”
“l look horrible, Cameron.”
“You look gorgeous.”
“Can I at least get some concealer...?” she said quietly. “To cover up my acne...?”
“No,” he said, “I won’t let you cover up your beautiful face.”
“I feel like you’re messing with me...” she muttered.
“You’re gorgeous eyes...” he continued, making her glance up at him. “You’re baby pink skin... it’s so soft, too... Your hair is beautiful... it’s so... different... and soft... and lovely... and it smells good even when you just use the hotel’s soap... It holds the scent and keeps it... You’re face...” he said, making her cheeks flush, “it looks so bright and beautiful... your lashes so long and thin even without mascara, your eyes so silver like the moon, and how your hair always frames your face, even when you don’t realize it....”
She just stared, watching his gaze absorb her, all while feeling her entire body warm at his words...
He’d never said this before... had he...?
“I love you, Winter Evans,” he said. “I know a lot of things about you that no one else notices.”
Her lips parted when he continued:
“Like how you always twist your hair with a finger when you’re nervous,” he said. “When you tuck it behind your ear when you’re scared... How you always keep a pencil in your ponytail or behind your ear... How you triple knot your shoes whenever we go out....”
Her eyes widened.
He noticed all this...? She didn’t even know she did all this...
“But what I love about you...” he said then, making her eyes move to his, “is how you care about things that you can’t control... And you always find a way to make sure that we’re okay... And I find it... fascinating... that the only girl I fell for so long ago, can keep a distance from me... and not swoon the moment her eyes move to me... I love how you can play with me when I mess with you, and not be hurt over it... I love how you can tease me when no one else has... I love how the most beautiful girl I fell for... was able to love me back even when she vowed to never love again... and for that... I will hold my promise to you.”
She just stared, mouth parted.
“You’re mine, Winter Evans,” he said, smiling... And for the first time he added, “And I’m yours... Without knowing, I let you hold my heart in your beautiful hands, and now I know I can’t have it back. It’s yours now, Winter,” he said, making her heart warm, “please, keep it safe. And the heart I hold in mine,” he said softly, “will never touch pain again.”
She knew what he meant...
He held her heart in his hands...
And she knew she was in too deep and couldn’t take it back, but she also knew...
She didn’t want to.
“Here you are,” a waitress said, setting a silver mug and a ceramic plate down onto the table. “Is that all you’re having?”
“Yes,” Cameron said when Winter stared down at the plate in shock. “That’s all.”
He looked back to her when the waitress walked off, smiling gently though slyly when he saw her rounded eyes.
The plate set in front of her was piled with croissants, the mug filled three quarters of the way with the rich hot chocolate Cameron bought her which seemed like ages ago.
“I saw this on their menu,” he said at her silence. “I knew you fell in love with this the moment you tried it, so I thought it’d be nice to get you to try it again, right?”
She nodded numbly, remaining still.
“Go on,” he said, nodding to the food. “Dig in.”
She lightly grasped a croissant, dipping it in the hot coco and took a bite, cheeks lighting as the flavor burst in her mouth, filling her senses with ease.
“Is it good?” he wondered.
She nodded, letting out a satisfied, “Mmm....”
He laughed softly. “I know you seemed concerned of what I had planned on the electric train,” he said softly, “but I did that on purpose.”
She looked at him quizzically, still chewing.
“I wanted you to learn something you were unsure of,” he stated. He then leaned forward, making her cheeks flush when he whispered, “I know how to treat my Angel, alright? Don’t question my methods.”
She nodded, looking down to the table when she saw the softness in his gaze, but managed to dip another croissant, taking another bite.
I know how to treat my Angel, alright?
So she was his Angel...
She smiled.
For once in a lifetime... she loved it when he said that.
ns 15.158.61.20da2
