Chapter 2: Right Where You Left Me [York]

"Joe Solomon," a voice called. Joe turned around to see Matthew Morgan, his best friend in the world.

"Hey Matt," Joe said, "I haven't seen you in awhile. How have you been?" Matt shifted from foot to foot nervously.

"Good I guess. How's my little girl?" Matt asked. Joe sighed.

"Cammie is fine. She's growing up fast," Joe said. Joe noticed the sadness in Matt's eyes, the same eyes Cammie had. He thought about how Cammie had never met her parents, how she was in danger.

"I know, but they are still hunting me. The Circle, they are hunting Rachel too, trying to get something I would want back. I just wouldn't want to risk Cammie," Matt said, "Does she ever ask about me and Rachel?"

"She doesn't like to talk about it," Joe said, "I think it upsets her."

"I hate that I can't see her, I hate that she can't see me. I hate how I've missed her childhood, and how I could miss her going to prom, getting married, everything. It's not fair."

"Matt," Joe began, "It's not your fault. You just wanted to protect her. Oh hold on I have to text her." Joe whipped out his phone and sent a text to Cammie, who quickly responded.

"What was that about?" Matt asked.

"In order to make sure she's safe, I text her every hour. If she doesn't respond, I know something is wrong." Matt looked around the white washed walls, the white tile floors… everything was so clean, except him.

"Joe," Matt said, "Maybe it's time we brought Cammie back to live with us." Joe pondered this for a moment.

"Maybe…" he began, "But maybe it's not such a good idea. The Circle is still out there, and she's settled. Maybe it's not a good idea to uproot her."

"She has to go to Gallagher eventually," Matt argued, "Maybe it would be best to do that now. That way she could meet Rachel."

"I don't know Matt," Joe said, "I don't think we should decide now. I think we should both sleep on it. How about we talk about this another time?" Matt nodded.

"Agreed. Now c'mon, we can't be late for that meeting," Matt mused.

"I'll catch up with you in a second," Joe said. Matt nodded again, then turned and walked toward the meeting. When he left eyesight, Joe pulled out his cell phone, and quickly dialed a number.

"It's time. Be at Cammie's school in 20 minutes. She needs you."