Hi y'all!
Well, here is the next chapter, and it seems that the angst isn't over yet. Come join us and see what our kids are in for next.
As always, Em and James belong to SM. We are only borrowing them to play with Emily and Camille. The song lyrics are used in the enhancement of the chapter and no infringement is intended.
Chapter 21
EPOV
Our plane touched down, and we hurried to be one of the first to disembark. We ran to get our bags, and Em left me on a bench outside with our bags while he went to get the Jeep. Soon we were on our way to Manhattan Beach.
"Em, I'm so worried about Cam," I said. "Why couldn't I get ahold of her for the last two nights? What did she mean when she said that James had left her? Where was he?"
"I don't know, Babe," he replied, taking my hand. "But we'll be at the beach house shortly, and we can find out then."
He held my hand until we pulled into the parking space next to James's GTO.
"Good he's here," I said excitedly, not waiting for Em to come around and open my door.
I jumped down and ran to the front door, flinging it open to find Cam and James curled up on the couch. I screamed and Cam shot off the couch and grabbed me in a bear hug. Then we were acting like the school girls we really were. We clasped hands, and were jumping up and down, squealing and crying like we hadn't seen each other in months.
About twenty minutes later we began to calm down, and I saw Em and James sitting on the couch, sipping on beers, and smiling at us indulgently.
"What are you two smirking at?" I asked the, trying not to smile.
Em shook his head, grinning, while James chuckled.
Cam and I sat down, and Em answered James's question about us seeing anything other than the bedroom while we were gone, by telling them that we'd gone to Paradise Island. That Daddy had gotten us a private honeymoon bungalow right on the beach, and it was better than Hawaii. I blushed crimson when he added that his wife was 'incredible', and he turned a little pink himself.
Then it was my turn. I hit Cam and James pretty hard about what had gone down while we were gone.
"Okay now, someone please tell me just what in the hell has been going on for the past two weeks. Our wedding is over, and there's no more excuse about ruining anything for me. So for Pete's sake, start talking. I've been worried sick about you, Cam."
"Oh, yeah," Cam muttered, trying to blow me off. "I was a little out of it when you called the other night. But I'm fine. We're fine. See?" She leaned over and gave James an open-mouthed, wet kiss as a demonstration.
"And where were you, when she was out getting all wasted and messed up? You're supposed to be taking care of her, mister," I said, glaring at James.
Cam spoke up; telling us about James's wonderful opportunity to work with his uncle and designing, planning and building what would eventually be the biggest, tallest building in the world. He just had to go; he was gonna be famous. She claimed that she was just having a pity party about being alone.
"That takes care of Wednesday night, Cam," I said tightly. "But, that doesn't explain Thursday night and last night? Three pity parties in a row? Give me a break, Cam, why didn't you answer the phone? Where were you? Why are you lying to me? I've been so worried about you. I know you two were fighting the week before the wedding, but it's behind us, and I don't need you to keep me from being upset anymore. All three of you know what was going on, and I need one of you to tell me, right now!"
I looked them all in the eyes. Em lowered his, leaving the explaining to Cam and James.
"I acted like a complete asshole, and overreacted about Cam taking birth control pills. And it wasn't even the pills, really, it was that I have... issues," James said the word softly, and with enough sugarcoating to make it almost palatable.
"What kind of issues?" I questioned, shrinking into Emmett. "Are you secretly a faggot? Or do you have the clap, or something?"
"No! Oh, fuckin-A No!" he recoiled at the thought of either one. "I'm a control freak. And I got all shit-for-brains because Cam went behind my back, and didn't tell me. I'm handling the problem, and we're solid as ever now. God, Em... a fag…with the clap?"
"So, you're a controller, but you're working on changing that, and you two are back together, and you're fine - right Cam?" I asked for verification.
"Absolutely," Cam assured me. "In fact, he even changed his mind about waiting 'til we get married. We're having sex. Now, let's go out to dinner, I'm starving. It'll be my treat; I haven't spent any of the money my dad left me, for while they were gone."
"Sounds like a plan," Em and I agreed.
We all climbed in the jeep, and headed toward Googies in Redondo. They were famous for their abalone burgers and spicy fries. It was filled to capacity, and only the fact that Em and James were sort of local celebrities got us a table.
We enjoyed a great meal as we talked about our honeymoon and James told us about his trip to Chicago. He noticed that Cam was really quiet and apologized for us talking about our great week, when she had had the week from hell.
"Don't be silly," Cam said, giving him a kiss. "There's nothing to be sorry about. I'm fine... now."
After dinner, we went back to the beach house, and watched television, with the sound turned off and the stereo turned on. We talked about going back to school on Monday, the Prom that was the first Saturday in June, and graduation for Cam and me. Around midnight, we all admitted to being sleepy, and headed for our separate bedrooms. Em and I were moving out the next day, but had decided to spend one last night there…just the four of us.
Em was slowly kissing his way down my body when we heard blood curdling screams coming from Cam and James room.
"Oh shit, Em," I cried as he jumped up, grabbing his pants. "What's happening?"
I grabbed his t-shirt off the floor, pulling it on as we ran for their room. Em banged on the door, but I just barged in. The sight that greeted me had me gasping, and clinging to Em. Cam was lying on the bed, shaking uncontrollably, her eyes staring blankly at the ceiling. James pulled her up into his arms, rocking her as tears filled his eyes.
"What's going on James?" Emmett asked, seriously. "She's definitely not okay."
He told us that she was having a flashback from mescaline some Boise State jocks had given her on Thursday night. With her mental state, and lack of food for nearly two weeks, she was really fucked up. This was the second flashback he was seeing, and it was killing him. Then he told us how, after he made sure Cam was sleeping, he and their friend, Mondo…an older surfer…had tracked these guys down and took care of the problem. I began to cry. But, then he told us that she wasn't aware that James knew what had happened, and he wasn't going to tell her he did until she was brought it up herself.
"Oh Em," I sobbed, "and we were all off having a grand ole time, while she was dragged through hell. We shouldn't have left her. You shouldn't have left her!" I added, turning angrily to James.
Em chastised me gently, taking me into his arms. He said that it wasn't any of our faults. We been on our honeymoon and James couldn't pass up the greatest opportunity for his and Cam's future, that Cam was a big girl and had made her own decisions. We would all be there for her when she needed us.
When I asked we could do to help and how long this would last, Em said that there was nothing we could do for her, we just had to wait it out, and then she would come out of it like nothing had ever happened. I asked how he knew this, James confessed that Em had taken care of his ass a couple of times before he decided…at Em's strong suggestion…to leave the that shit alone.
I squeezed Em's hand and went to sit next to Cam. I tried talking to her and she seemed to come out of it, until I realized that she wasn't making any sense. She accused me of laughing at her, and that James wasn't really James. I was so confused until she said that James never made her hurt, and her hand traveled between her legs.
"Oh, God," I wailed, flying into Em's comforting arms. "No, please tell me that didn't happen to her. James, please tell me it didn't happen."
The tears coursing down his face told me that it had. I buried my face in Em's chest, sobbing, as he wiped at his own tears. We tried to compose ourselves as she began hallucinating again, and for the next hour, we were there for her, never leaving her side. Finally she slipped into a deep, quiet sleep.
As Em and I went back to our room, I began to shake uncontrollably and sob. Holding me to him with one arm, he shut the door behind us and, picking me up, carried me to the bed and gently laid me down. Crawling in beside me, he pulled the covers up around us and gathered me into his arms.
"Shhh," he murmured soothingly, running his hand down over my hair, down my back. "It's gonna be alright, Sweetness. She's gonna be okay."
"How, Em? She was raped," I sobbed into his chest. "How can she ever be okay, again?"
He cradled me to him and let me cry it all out. When I had finally quieted, he spoke gently.
"She's got James, and you and me," he replied, tilting my chin up, and kissing my forehead. "It'll take some time, but it will get better. But, she does need to tell James, herself, though. Getting it out…especially to him…will start the healing process."
"I don't know if she can do that, baby," I said softly. "Look at how hard it was for me. If you hadn't come and taken me from the clinic, I don't know that I could have told you."
"I'd like to think you could have," he said, looking deep into my eyes. "But luckily, we don't have to worry about that. I think she's gonna need you to stay close for a while. It's a good thing you have so many outside things to keep you both occupied for the next few weeks until graduation. Just be there when she needs to talk."
I reached up and, smiling, cupped his cheek.
"Are you sure you want to be a lawyer, Emmett?" I murmured softly. "Because, I think you'd make a mighty fine therapist."
"You think so, huh?" He chuckled. "Maybe I ought to take a few courses. I'm sure it would come in handy when handling tough cases. Now, babe, you need to get some rest. You're sleeping for two, y'know."
"I thought that was 'eating for two'." I smiled.
"Oh, yeah, that too," he replied with a smirk. "Now, let's get some sleep."
The next morning I was awakened by the need to make a mad dash to the bathroom. When I came out, I weakly made my way to the kitchen and made a cup of peppermint tea. I was sitting on the porch sipping it and watching the waves break on the shore, when I heard the door open quietly and Cam stepped, out, a sandwich in her hand. I smelled the peanut butter and quickly took another sip of the tea. I never knew what was going to upset my stomach anymore.
"Hey, you," she said, sitting down next to me. "Aren't we just the early risers?"
"Morning sickness," I said, and took another sip of tea. "It happens every single day. I'll be glad when it's over and I can just enjoy being pregnant."
I decided to wait for her to speak. I could tell by the look on her face that she wanted to talk. Like Em had said last night, I was there for her. Finally, she took a deep breath and opened her mouth.
"About last night..." she started.
I took her hand and laced our fingers together in a show of solidarity. She told me how she'd felt sorry for herself, being alone while everyone else was gone. On Tuesday night she got in her car and found herself at the Strand. She joined a group of people that recognized her as "Hightower's girl", and drank beer. Around midnight she made her way home. Wednesday night she did the same, but this time pot was added to the mix, and she was buzzed and wasted when she got home. That's when I had called her from Paradise Island.
Thursday night started out the same, but there were some new faces in the crowd. She gravitated to some guys from Boise State. One of them had resembled James, and she stuck with him. He offered her the mescaline, saying it would only last an hour or two; make her feel mellow. He lied. She was on a mind-blowing trip, unable to focus and realize what was happening. All she knew for certain was that she had been abused sexually…raped really. With the help of some nameless girl, who seem apologetic, she finally made it to her car and spent the night in it, having strange dreams, and heading home when she woke; still high, but able to function.
Making it into the house without attracting the attention of her Grandma Camille or Betty-O, she headed straight for her room, and into her bathroom. She bathed, scrubbing herself raw and, after brushing her teeth, made herself a douche of vinegar and water to cleanse her insides. She repeated the routine four times before she felt clean enough to fall into bed.
By now, she was sobbing, and I scooted over to her, wrapping my arms around her in comfort. I couldn't stop the tears from spilling from my eyes. This was Cam, my best friend, and she had been through hell. Wiping her hands across her eyes, she spoke between sobs.
"I know I have to tell J, but this will be the end of us. He'll hate me. I couldn't even ask him to forgive me. He was so sweet and supportive when I told him about the mescaline, but this... Even though he screwed some old lady in Chicago…"
"What?" I shouted, interrupting her. "He was out having sex with someone in Chicago, and he told you? I'm gonna tell Em to kick his ass."
"He said he was drunk," she said. "And besides, we weren't officially together last week…we were on hold. So I told him that means it didn't count."
"Well then, by God, it doesn't count for you either. He knew what he was doing; you were raped, and that's having sex against your will. You're comparing apples and oranges. God Cam, I feel so sick." I cried, and then looked up at her, touching her cheek. "But, you're wrong, honey. He doesn't hate you. He's not even mad or upset with you. He blames himself for everything that happened."
"Yeah, but if he knew..."
"He knows," I stopped her. "He knows everything. In fact, he and Mondo beat the crap out of the three guys that attacked you. He said he won't pressure you into talking about it, but when you're ready, he'll be there for you; just like Emmett and I are."
At that moment, Emmett came out onto the porch, asking what I was saying about him. He leaned down and kissed me, as I told him that I was telling Cam that we'd all be there for her whenever she needs us. He agreed, and turned to go back inside, before turning back.
"Catching up on your girl talk?" Emmett asked, with a smile. "I'm gonna shower, and leave you two alone. I'm sure you're already planning the Prom, Graduation, and Cam's eighteenth birthday."
"Busted," we said in unison, then giggled…just like old times.
He was right; of course, we had a lot of things coming up in the next six weeks. We decided to hit Rodeo Drive for our Prom dresses, hoping to find one of-a-kind gowns. We had our Valedictorian and Salutatorian speeches to write, and I had to plan Cam's birthday party.
As we started back inside, James was coming out onto the porch. I looked from one to the other.
"I think I'll go join Em in the shower," I said, with a wink. "I believe you two have something to talk about."
Making my way into the bedroom, I slipped off Em's t-shirt and my panties, and grabbed up a pair of shorts, a t-shirt of my own, along with a pair of clean panties and a bra. Holding them against me for a bit of cover, I dashed across the hall to the bathroom, and slipped quietly into the steamy room. Laying my clothes on the vanity, I turned and opened the shower door, stepping in. Em turned and looked down at me with a smirk.
"Took you long enough," he drawled, turning to face me. "I was about to get done."
"Well, I'm here now," I replied, running my hands up his wet chest. "Do you think you could take a little more time and help me wash my back?"
"I don't know," he teased, holding up his hands. "I'm about to turn into a prune already."
"I love prunes, baby," I murmured huskily, stepping closer and taking his hand in mine. "Especially ones like this."
I took his long thick pointer finger into my mouth, sucking and swirling my tongue around the tip. He moaned, pressing me against the cool tiles of the shower wall. Slipping his finger from my mouth, he leaned forward, and kissed up my throat to my mouth.
"I think we were interrupted last night," he whispered against my lips. "Weren't we?"
"Mmhmm," I replied, running my tongue over his lips, drawing his lower lip into my mouth.
With a groan, he took my mouth in a hungry kiss. I wound my arms around his neck as he lifted me. Wrapping my legs around his waist, I pressed into his chest. It didn't take long for me to feel his hardness against my ass. I lifted myself up, using his massive shoulders for leverage, and slid down onto him; our groans echoing in the enclosure. Holding me against the wall, he began to thrust up into me.
"Oh, my God," he moaned into my neck. "You're always so wet for me, Em. You feel so damned good."
"All I have to do is think of you, Em," I panted, lifting my head to give him better access to my neck. "I love you, Baby. And you make me feel so good."
His thrusts became faster and erratic, his legs beginning to tremble. I slipped my hand between us and rubbed myself, bringing me to the brink with him.
Almost there, Babe," he gritted.
"Me, too, Em," I moaned, and I felt myself reach my peak.
I let myself go, tightening around him, and he followed almost at the same time. I knew that if Cam or James was in the hallway, they'd have had no doubt as to what was happening; we were that loud. Of course they knew that it would when I told them I was going to join Em in the shower.
We stilled for a few moments, waiting for our breathing and heart rates to quiet down. I loosened my legs from around him, and he stepped back allowing me to slide down his body, and settle my feet on the floor. Resting his forehead against mine, he looked down into my eyes.
"You are one sexy lady, you know that?" He murmured. "I'm so lucky to have you. You never disappoint me, Babe. No one could ever do me like you do."
"I had a good teacher." I giggled, and pulled his mouth to mine, kissing him sweetly. "He's the best."
"Oh, is that right?" He questioned teasingly, raising an eyebrow. "Do I have to worry that he'll steal you away?"
"Nah," I quipped. "He has my heart, mind, body, and soul. I don't ever see me leaving him."
"He'll never leave you, either, Sweetness," he replied softly, and kissed me. "We'd better get you washed before this water turns cold."
He quickly poured some shampoo into his hand and washed my hair. While the conditioner was working, he gently washed my body, running the washcloth gently over my skin. After turning me under the spray, he rinsed me off and then rinsed the conditioner out of my hair. We had just finished when the water chilled. With a shriek, I hurried out of the stall and grabbed a towel for me and tossed one to Em. We dried each other, and then wrapped our towels around us. Grabbing up my clothes, we ran across to our room and got dressed there.
We were sitting on the porch, Em brushing my hair to help it dry, when Cam and James came walking up, hand in hand. They sat down, and we talked. They had told each other everything, and were back on track. I suggested that Cam talk to someone about what happened; if not her parents, then maybe her doctor. She said she'd think about it.
Around four o'clock, Em and I decided to head out. We need to see our parents after we went by the beach house in Malibu; where we'd be staying until we found a place of our own. It was a bitter-sweet thing, saying goodbye to Cam and James. We loved the beach house on the Strand, and were going to miss staying there. But, as Cam said, we needed to start our own lives, on our own. It was scary, but exciting, too.
When we got to the beach house, we were surprised to find a big bow on the door. I looked at Em, questioningly and he just shook his head. Reaching for the key over the door, Em was surprised to pull down a key ring full of keys. Looking at me perplexed, he put the key in the door and opened it, stepping back, he ushered me inside. I stopped dead in my tracks, causing Em to run into me.
"What the…? Oh. My. God!" He said, looking around in shock.
"Oh, Em," I whispered brokenly. "Look what they've done."
The living room we stood in was not the one we'd last seen here. It had been completely redecorated. Hurrying through the rest of the house, we were amazed. It was like a whole brand new house. But the room that had me in tears was the full nursery that the third bedroom had been turned into.
Stepping into the kitchen, we found a huge basket of fruit, a big bouquet of wild flowers, and an envelope with our names on it. Em handed it to me and stood looking over my shoulder as I pulled out a sheet of paper.
Hey Kids,
Welcome home! We hope you had a wonderful time.
We know that you have a lot of things going on right now, and we didn't want you to have to worry about a home. Dom and Meg, and Mom and I paid off the mortgage on the beach house, and had the deed put in your names. It is now yours. We hope that you'll accept this wedding gift from us.
Of course, your mothers had to redecorate it, but they said to feel free to make any changes and make it your own. We love you and can't wait for our grandchild to occupy the nursery.
We'll see you soon.
Love,
Mom and Dad
I looked up at Em, my trembling hand against my mouth. He looked down at me, tears shimmering in his eyes.
"Should we accept, Em?" I asked, remembering what happened the last time we were given a gift of this proportion. "This is really major."
He smiled and slid his arms around my waist.
"I think we should," he replied. "But maybe we should offer to pay them back at a later date."
"Would they be offended if we did?" I asked. "How would you feel if our child did that?"
"Hmm…maybe we should accept it now and offer to pay them back when we are gainfully employed?" he countered. "They might be more willing to let us then."
"Okay," I said, trying really hard not to squeal. "Oh, Em, we have our first home! We are definitely so blessed!"
He laughed and picked me up, twirling me around.
After another closer look at the remodeling of each room, we decided it was time to visit the folks. Mama and Daddy were excited to see us, and joined us going over to Em's parent's home. We spent the evening, having dinner and telling them all about our honeymoon…well, almost all!
It was an enjoyable evening, and by the time we dropped Mama and Daddy off, I was getting pretty tired. Tomorrow I was expected back at school, and I was a bit worried about keeping my marriage and pregnancy a secret.
Married girls were not allowed to attend classes…the fear of undue influence on the innocent…much less a pregnant married girl. I wasn't worried about my academic classes, but PE had me a bit unsure. It was a five day a week class, and you had to pass it if you were to graduate. Luckily, though, it was now softball season and I was the score keeper. I couldn't play the game to save my life, so no one wanted me on their team.
It had been decided that I would keep Mama and Daddy's address as my legal address, even if I was living with Em at the beach. I would drive to Cam's house each day, and we'd take turns driving to school, just like always. Em and James would do the same, with Cam driving to the Malibu beach house. I had the feeling it was going to be a long six weeks.
The first Saturday after we started back, Cam and I spent the day on Rodeo Drive, looking for Prom dresses. Cam found hers almost immediately, but I was having a bit of trouble. Hers was strapless with a beaded bodice and form fitted to the waist. It fell from pleats to a wide flowing skirt in tangerine. I had to find something that wouldn't show my growing stomach. Finally, late in the afternoon, I found the perfect dress. It was strapless and had an empire waist with a wide lace band, and soft gathered folds falling to the floor. It was in a beautiful magenta color. In order to keep the guys from seeing our dresses, we stored them at Mama and Daddy's house, planning on getting ready there.
Things were going smoothly; no problems. Cam had been asked to serve on the decorating committee and spent the whole day of the Prom making our Gymnasium into a beautiful ballroom. When she got to Mama and Daddy's, she was ready for a long hot bath. Mama had again provided a hair dresser and make-up artist. The guys were picking us up at six pm to go to dinner at La Dolce Vita. Em and I had enjoyed it so much on Valentine's Day that we talked Cam and James into going there. Cam's dad had furnished a limo for us so that James or Em didn't have to drive.
Again, the dinner was superb and the atmosphere elegant. At eight pm, we arrived at the school. Walking in together, I was in awe of the decorations.
"Cam, this is beautiful," I gushed, hugging her. "You girls did a magnificent job. You can't even tell this is a gymnasium."
The walls had been swept with soft white sheers, and ribbons and balloons decorated the corners and crisscrossed the ceiling. Small tables were placed around the perimeter of the dance floor. Each had candles and linen tablecloths. I was impressed. We found a table and sat, waiting for the band to start playing.
James and Em went to the refreshment table and got us each a cup of punch, tasting to make sure it wasn't spiked…yet. Someone was bound to do the deed sometime during the night.
The crowning of the Prom King…Donald Griggs…and the Prom Queen…Shelly Rayne was, of course, the highlight of the evening. Both were very nice and popular, so it wasn't really a surprise to anyone. They took to the dance floor for the traditional King and Queen's dance and everyone applauded them. Soon others were joining them.
Em and I were on the dance floor, gyrating to the rock sounds of the band when the tempo changed and they began to sing, very well, And I Love Her. Em pulled me tightly to him, looking down into my face as he softly sang along.
Beatles - And I Love Her
I give her all my love,
That's all I do.
And if you saw my love,
You'd love her too.
I love her.
She gives me ev'rything,
And tenderly,
The kiss my lover brings,
She brings to me.
And I love her.
A love like ours,
Could never die
As long as I
Have her near me.
Bright are the stars that shine,
Dark is the sky,
I know this love of mine
Will never die,
And I love her
Bright are the stars that shine,
Dark is the sky,
I know this love of mine
Will never die,
And I love her.
"I do love you, Emily Maureen…McCarty," he said softly, and kissed me chastely. "And my love will never die, Sweetness."
"I know that you are my first and only love, Emmett Dale McCarty," I replied, a tear slipping down my cheek. "You have made me so happy, Baby. And I will always love you, too."
An hour later, we decided that we were ready to leave. We said goodbyes to those around us, and walked toward the door. Just as we were about to step outside, I was hit from behind by a drunken Tori Dennis. She had never liked me and was always trying to undermine me. I thought surely I was gonna hit the ground, but Em grabbed me around the waist, pulling me to him.
"Oops," Tori grinned drunkenly. "Sorry, Emily, I didn't see you there."
"Right," I muttered.
"Well, hello handsome," she purred, looking up at Em, and laying her hand on his arm. "What are you doing with this milque toast? I can show you a much better time."
My head jerked up, and I spun around, my face flaming with anger.
"Tori," I started softly. "I have put up with your bullshit for the past three years, never giving your antics another thought. But this time you've gone too far. You will take your filthy, whorish hand off of my man, NOW!" I ended up shouting at her.
"Oh, and what are you gonna do if I don't?" she spat at me, digging her nails into Em's sleeve. "You are such a princess. He deserves better than you."
You know when they say, 'I saw red'? Well, I actually did. There was a red haze all around as I raised my hand and, swinging it out, slapped her hard across the face. With a screech, she launched herself at me, only to be stopped by Cam jumping on her. Afterwards, I would look back on this and feel really bad for Em and James. Em pulled me behind him as Tori lifted her hand toward me, and her nails caught the side of his face, leaving three long scratches, and as James was trying to pull Cam away, he was kicked in the balls by a flying foot.
By that time, a small crowd had formed and the Dean of girls was approaching. Cam had her arms around James and I was clinging to Em, who had a death grip on Tori's arm.
"What's going on here?" she asked, taking in the scene before her.
Another girl, Patty Collins, stepped forward and told the principal exactly what had happened, clearly stating that Tori had started the fight. Pulling Tori away from Em, and gipping her wrist tightly, the Dean turned to us.
"Young man, you need to have that face looked at," she said to Em, and then turned to face Cam and James. "Are you going to be alright?"
James nodded, as he leaned on Cam.
We had started to walk to the limo when Em stopped and turned back, calling out.
"Oh, and Tori," he said, and she tuned to look at him. "Emily is a princess…my princess."
Once we got into the limo, we all just looked at each other before bursting into hysterical laughter. I leaned over and hugged Cam.
"Thanks for having my back, soul sister," I said still chuckling.
"Pft…" she waved her hand in dismissal. "I know you'd do the same for me, Em. What are best friends for?"
"Are you okay, James?" I asked, reaching over to touch his knee. "Whose foot got you?"
"I'm fine," he replied with a grin. "And I really don't know, but I'm thinking it was the bitch." I nodded.
"We need to get you home and clean those scratches up, Baby," I said to Em. "Fingernails are one of the dirtiest places on the human body, and they can cause real damage if their scratches aren't cleaned well."
"Well, I don't think we'll have trouble remembering our senior prom." Cam laughed. "It certainly was memorable. It seems like whenever we have a function like this, something unexpected happens."
"Yeah, but it would be boring if it didn't," I added. "Our friendship has never been boring, Cam, and we wouldn't want it to be."
"You're right," she agreed. "And hopefully the rest of our lives won't be either."
"I knew the first day I met you at the beach, and you ran into me yelling about a waps, that my life would never be boring with you in it." James said, wrapping his arms around her, and kissing her. "I love you, Cam."
Em tightened his arms around me and kissed my temple.
"I know our lives will always have unexpected happenings, but we'll always be together, the four of us, even if we're far away from each other," he said. "We are connected for life."
We all looked at each other and smiled. Em held his hand out in front of him and I placed mine on top of it. James immediately placed his on top of mine, and Cam placed hers on his. The bond the four of us had would never be broken…no matter what.
The next two weeks were spent on finals and writing our speeches; Cam to welcome friends and families, and mine to send us on our way out into the big wide world.
I was at a loss as to what to say. I didn't want the cliché speech about going out to be the best we could be…although that was true, I wanted something different, special. Then it hit me. It was perfect, and I wasn't telling anyone what I was going to say…not even Em or Cam.
Finals were finally over, and I felt like I'd done well, as did Cam. We had one more half day of our high school years, and the teachers allowed us to spend it saying goodbye to classmates and signing yearbooks. Cam had been right, there were a couple of great pictures of Em and I at the Homecoming dance, but there was also one of her and James, wrapped in each other's arms, and staring lovingly into each other's eyes. They looked adorable and so much in love.
We had been invited to numerous graduation parties; you know the kind where you stay up all night and, end it with a big breakfast before going home. But Cam and I decided that we wanted our party to be just the four of us. We were going to party at our place, our first time to entertain in our own home.
When we had told Cam and James about the wedding gift of the beach house, they were so happy for us. They had decided that Cam would move in with James at the Strand. It was kind of unconventional, but 'the times, they were a'changin'." More and more young people were living together. So, Cam and I would be in our own homes, with the men we loved, starting a new chapter in our lives.
Finally the day was here. I spent all day writing and rewriting my speech. When I called Cam, she was doing the same thing.
"I'm not sure if I'll say the right things, Em," she whined. "What if I make a fool of myself and screw it up.?"
"Honey, you've never screwed up a speech in the last four years," I soothed. "You're a bright, intelligent girl, and you'll be fine. Just talk to them as if you were sitting at the kitchen table. You do that really well."
She giggled. "Yeah I guess I do, huh? Thanks for the pep talk, Em. You're the best."
"Yeah, well, what are friends for?" I chuckled. "See you at five o'clock."
"Okay," she replied and we hung up.
I finally finished my speech and headed to take a long hot bubble bath. I needed to relax, and Em was out on the beach with James, catching some waves. I must have fallen asleep, because the next thing I knew, the water was cold and Em was shaking me gently.
"Hey, Babe," he said softly. "You'd better get out of there; you've turned into a prune."
I smiled up at him and watched dreamily as his eyes darkened. He was remembering another time we talked about prunes.
"What time is it?" I asked, standing up, reaching for a towel.
"About three," he replied, grabbing my towel and wrapping it around me.
He dried me vigorously to warm me. Then he picked me up and carried me into the bedroom and lay me gently on the bed.
"Why don't you take a little nap while I shower," he suggested, his eyes raking across my body. "I won't be long. Don't start without me, now."
I giggled, telling him to go on as I pulled the blanket at the foot of the bed over me. My eyes were closed and I was deeply relaxed when I felt the mattress dip. Em pulled me to him, kissing me deeply.
"We really don't have time, Baby," I murmured against his lips. "Cam and James will be here at five o'clock."
"Sure we do," he said, kissing down my neck. "And just think about how you will be the only one on that stage that had sex with me."
"Oh you…ohhh," I said with a surrendering sigh. "Oh yeah, Em, right there."
At five, we were ready when Cam and James pulled up. I checked myself one last time in the mirror by the door and, grabbing my bag, followed Em out to the car. I was on my way to end an important part of my life.
When we arrived at the school, James and Em kissed us and wished us the best before goin to sit in the auditorium with Mama and Daddy, Tony and Sheri Caravelli and Grandma Camille, and Mom and Dad McCarty. Cam and I were well represented.
After donning our caps and gowns, we lined up at the back of the auditorium. Ordinarily we would come in in alphabetical order. However, since Cam and I were speakers, we were at the front of the line. Pomp and Circumstance started and that was our cue to start the procession of graduates. Cam and I were led up onto the stage, sitting with the teachers, on the front row.
Flash bulbs went off all over the place as we entered and took seats at the front of the auditorium. The Dean of girls and the Dean of boys both stood next to the podium. The ceremony was opened with prayer by a local minister, and then it was Cam's turn as Salutatorian. Her speech was perfect, with a little levity and sincere welcome to all the families, friends and faculty. Loud applause and whistles followed, causing her to blush and hurry back to her seat next to me. I squeezed her hand and whispered, "Perfect!"
Next, special awards, scholarships and sports trophies were given out. Then, one by one, the graduating class was called up onto the stage to be presented their diplomas. Then it was my turn.
I stepped up to the podium and looked across the room at my classmates and all the guests. I spotted Em, seated with Cam's and my families. He grinned at me and gave me thumbs up. I grinned back and pulling the microphone closer to my level, I started.
"Ladies and Gentleman, families, friends and faculty, this isn't for you. Oh, you'll get to share it, but it is meant for you, my classmates. It has taken us twelve long years to get to this moment, and now we are leaving it and our childhood behind to go find our way in this world of ours.
Most of us have no clue as to what we'll find, but we have been given the tools with which to handle what we do find. A lot of us are off to college, for four, eight, ten or more years of study and learning. But we must not forget our dreams along the way. We must fight to keep those dreams alive because they make us who we are or want to be. Seek the good things and strive to be the best. Find love and bask in it, whether it is from friends or family or that Prince or Princess that completes you. To me, that is the most important. Some of you may say it doesn't happen in real life; it's only in books and movies. But I am here to tell you it is real, and I'm living proof."
Slipping the chain around my neck out of my gown, I unclasped it and slid my rings off of it and slipped them on my finger. Holding my hand up for all to see, I looked at Em and said with all the conviction in my heart,
"I have found my Prince and we're going to live and love happily ever after."
I heard gasps from behind me amongst the faculty, but it was too late. I was a graduate and free of the constraints of high school. Then the thunderous applause filled the room. I looked back over at Em and blew him a kiss. Cam and I walked down to join our classmates as the Superintendent stepped forward, telling us to switch the tassels on our caps to the other side. We did and then there was a sea of caps going up into the air and back down again.
Pandemonium reigned and people were going everywhere to find family and loved ones. I looked over to where Em and James had been sitting, but couldn't find them. I turned to Cam who was standing next to me, to see her in James's arms. Suddenly huge familiar arms wrapped around me and turned me to face him.
"Hey," he said, pulling me to him and kissing me. "Congratulations, Sweetness," he murmured against my lips. You did a hell of a job, and I'm so proud of you…my WIFE!" He shouted the last, causing several heads to turn and grin at us.
Soon we were surrounded by our families and, as pictures were taken, and kisses and hugs given. We made our way toward the door, being stopped by so many wanting to congratulate us, and the girls wanting to see the rings. When we reached the car, Cam and I shed our gowns. Mama looked at me and started to cry. I was wearing my first maternity dress. It was a green, long sleeved mini dress with a V neck and gathers below the bodice. And if you looked close enough, you could see the beginnings of a rounded tummy.
The parents all took us to dinner at The Brown Derby and handed Cam and I each an envelope. Inside each one was a check for a substantial amount of money, two round trip tickets to New York City, passes to the coming fall fashion shows, and a week's stay at the Ritz.
"We want you to go find your wardrobe for college next year and have a good time. See some shows and eat at famous restaurants," Daddy said. "And you'd better visit the General and his missus while you're there."
It seemed that the four of us, Cam and James, and Em and I were going on another trip together.
CPOV:
James and I walked along the edge of the water, letting the waves wrap around our ankles. I really wanted to share what had happened to me with him, even though Em had told me he already knew everything. He might know I had gotten friendly with some guy I'd never see again, and that I'd taken a drug, gotten raped, and was still freaking out, but what he needed to know was why, and what my feelings were. That part, he couldn't know. The only one, who could tell him that, was me.
We sat down under the pier, facing each other cross-legged like two Indians. I looked down at my hands, then out at the ocean, and finally at J. His mouth was turned up only slightly, in an I'm-not-sure-what-expression-I-should-have smile.
"Em said you already know what happened," I started out. "I'm so sorry. I know what I did was stupid, and I wish I could un-do it. But it happened, and I can't make it go away by myself. When you left my house, all pissed off because of the birth control pills, I half way thought you were just being a dork. I couldn't believe you were really that mad at me. By the end of the week, and especially during the wedding, I knew you were righteously pissed. When you told me we were on hold, I just went numb, kind of brain dead. I took my ring off because I wanted you to see that I understood. I thought you didn't love me. I seriously thought about... just not being anymore. And then everyone left."
"All I could do was cry. I was so empty, so lost. Half of me was gone. I took some of my mom's Valium, and vegged out, but their affects didn't last long enough. I called everyone, but they all had plans already, so I came down here. J, I needed to be with people - anyone. I literally hurt because you left us hanging. My whole being was in pain. You ripped my heart out, and were killing me. There were a lot of kids here for Easter vacation, just kickin' it, and having fun, so I joined them. I drank beer, and that didn't really help. The next night, I smoked some pot and drank more beer, and even that couldn't keep you out of my head. Finally, this guy, and I never even asked him his name, offered me something he promised would be mind blowing."
J swallowed a sob, then took my hand, and lovingly kissed the back of it.
"At first, it was cool. Lots of colors and the waves were glowing and stuff like that. Then, he kissed me. I pulled back, and sort of pushed him away. He knew I was in love with someone else, but he didn't care. He threw me over his shoulder, and carried me somewhere..."
I had to close my eyes and take a deep breath, willing myself to hold the tears at bay until I finished my explanation.
"The song, White Rabbit, was blasting on the stereo. I thought I heard you talking to me, but it wasn't you, of course. And all the people... their faces... their voices... it was all so distorted. I felt my pants being pulled off, and then he was kissing me again... and touching me there... and...then his friends... "
I went all to pieces, sobbing like a little girl. J wrapped his arms around me, and held me tightly, tears running down his face, as well.
"It's all my fault, for leaving you. For saying we were on hold. I was such an ass, and so mean to you. I don't blame you for what you did; I would have done the same thing, probably. I would have gladly killed those three motherfuckers that... that...for what they did to you, but Mondo stopped me. He even punched me. And that's not enough. Beating the crap out of them, saying I'm sorry, nothing I can ever do is enough."
"J, you have to know how I feel about you, about us. I'm part of you now; we're part of each other. When you left, I felt like I had been split down the middle. And everything inside me leaked out. The only thing left of me was pain, and emptiness. I couldn't not think about you. No matter what I did, you were right there, in my head. And I didn't know if you were coming back to me or not. I... we... you..." I stuttered.
"I love you, Cam. I'm never leaving you again. I thought about you constantly, and I tried to make myself put you in a box and close the lid. But I missed you." J searched my face for reaction.
"So we both missed each other so much, we had sex with other people. I didn't do it on purpose," I spoke softly. "But you did."
"The lady was a hooker…a pro. Not that it makes any difference, but she got me talking about myself, and you, and us. She took advantage of me when I was drunk and weak. But, what I did was inexcusable," he said, very sincerely.
"I guess we'll both have to forgive ourselves, and then forgive each other for what happened. Do you see how horrible it is when we're apart? Do you see, J?" I choked out through tears. "We can never be apart. I can't be without you, and you can't get mad at me."
J once again wrapped his arms around me, and we shared a deep, lingering kiss. His tongue probed its way between my lips, and sought my tongue for a dance partner. His arousal was clearly evident in his shorts. My panties were wet in response. We forgave each other, without saying another word, and knew the subject was closed and sealed forever.
We hurried back to the house, and found Em and Em sitting on the porch. One look at us and they knew everything was back to Hawaii-perfect. We helped them pack up their stuff, and head for Emmett's parents' house. This was the end of one chapter in our lives, but the beginning of a new, more exciting, albeit scary and challenging, one - for all of us.
The McCarty's and the Russo's went together to pay off the McCarty beach house in Malibu, and gave it to Em and Em for a wedding present. J and I talked at great length, and decided I would move into the house in Manhattan Beach with him, until we got married, and got our own house. My dad would be mad, but he'd get over it. After all, you can get used to anything, but a rock in your shoe.
Em and I were lucky in finding perfect Prom dresses, which left writing our speeches on the list of things to do. I was so nervous about speaking in front of the entire senior class, families, and faculty, I called Em for help. She told me to just be myself, and I'd be fine. She could pull off just being herself, but me? I was still skeptical, but wrote a sort of monologue.
I had been volunteered to be on the decorating committee, and by the time we arrived at the gym for the actual Prom, I was used to seeing the decked out room. Everyone complimented us on the look we had accomplished. The evening had been about what we expected, and we had a great time. Right up until Victoria Dennis - or "Tori" as she preferred to be called - got up close and personal with Emmett. Em bitch-slapped her, and Tori was gonna hit Em back. I rushed over and jumped on her, stopping her in her tracks before she could hurt Em or the baby she secretly carried.
All hell broke loose: Tori scratched Emmett, trying to get to me, and then I pulled up my dress, brought my foot back to kick her, and nailed J in the nuts. Emmett's face was bleeding, and J was hanging onto me, doubled over in pain. Thank goodness, we had witnesses who vouched for what happened, and told the Dean of Girls who had started the problem in the first place. I was extremely grateful no one knew for sure who had kicked J's balls. It had been a complete freak accident, but I had to admit a secret guilty sense of really being even now. J was feeling physical pain, as I had, and I felt complete closure on our "incident" now.
The four of us climbed into our limo, and reminded each other of our bond. We would be friends for life, no matter what. J brought up the day we met, and my running into him, trying to get away from a waps. And, right in front of Em and Em, he told me he loved me.
The Graduation Ceremony was on Friday, June Seventeenth. Em and I were recipients of the biggest scholarships, as well as speakers, so we lead the class across the football field, and she and I had to sit on the stage. After a really long prayer by the pastor of one of the local churches, it was my turn to welcome everyone. I walked carefully to the microphone, without tripping once.
"Dearly Beloved, we are gathered together in the sight of God and these witnesses, to celebrate the Rite of Passage known as High School Graduation. giggles and laughter from everyone We, the faculty and student body of University High School, cordially welcome our family and friends to share in this glorious occasion with us. All you parents are saying to yourselves, you can remember when we were just infants, then toddlers, learning and exploring the world around us. Now, we're young adults, ready to put into practice what you, our parents, taught us, and what we've gleaned from our time here at Uni Hi. It's a new era; the Age of Aquarius, Women's Lib, and we're on our way. It is my distinct honor, and unmerited privilege...wait a minute...I'm the number two student in the whole class, so scratch that. I'm happy to present to you all, the Senior Class of University High, the class of sixty-seven."
Wild cheers and applause saturated the summer night, as I nodded my head toward the families and friends in the bleachers, then turned and nodded at the faculty seated on the stage behind me. Turning back around, I gave the thumbs up to the students seated in front of me, adding a wink and blowing a kiss toward J.
After greetings and speeches from the Principal and Deans, the diplomas were handed out. Em made it. She had graduated without anyone finding out about her marriage or pregnancy. Next, it was time for her speech, which she, of course, aced. At the end of it, she slipped her wedding rings on, and flashed them for the world to see. It was epic.
We switched our tassels and threw our hats in the air. High School was over. Next stop was college, if you were lucky; and for the guys, Viet Nam, if you weren't.
The four of us went out to dinner with our families, at the Brown Derby. Em and I were given envelopes containing a whole lot of money, and a trip to New York, for a shopping spree on Fifth Avenue. We'd be the best dressed girls on campus for college in September.
Tuesday, the twenty-first was my eighteenth birthday. J took me out to dinner at Kelbo's, the first restaurant he had taken me to, the day after we met. It was super romantic, and we made love at "our" home in Manhattan Beach, before he took me back to "my parent's" house. After he left, and I was in my room, I decided on a shower before getting into bed. My shampoo was empty, so I reached under my sink to get a new bottle. As I bent down to grab it, the box of Tampax was sitting there, unopened. With all the activity that had been going on, I had completely forgotten about having, or in this case not having, my period.
All during my shower, I kept trying to count backward, and remember dates of the last time I had started or stopped. As soon as I had dried off, and had the towel securely wrapped around my head, I grabbed my calendar, and checked. I had ended my last period... March thirty-first. Could that be? Then there was Em's birthday party, her pregnancy confirmation, the trip to the clinic on Monday, and I had taken my pill... I threw my pills away on Tuesday, without taking one... And it was now June... Shit.
I hurriedly called the clinic, which was open twenty-four seven. "If you've been on the pill for four months, then you forget to take your pill for like three days, and you have sex, could you possibly get pregnant?" I was mentally, physically, and emotionally crossing my fingers.
"You can get pregnant if you skip one day, and have sex. Do you want to come in for a confirmation test?" the nurse asked. "We have openings tomorrow."
I made the appointment, and went to bed. After tossing and turning, and crying and praying all night, I got up in the morning, and headed to Hollywood. The test results would be back on Friday. I told them to call me as soon as they knew anything.
Em was having a birthday party for me at their house, on Saturday night, and had invited nearly our whole senior class - with the exception of Tori Dennis, of course. If the results were positive, I'd be back at the clinic either Friday afternoon or Saturday morning. And no one would be the wiser. There was nothing to discuss; nothing to think about. J and I had always used a rubber, so the father would be one of the three Boise State assholes who raped me. No, this was on me, and nobody would ever know about it.
After hanging out in my room all day Friday, waiting for the phone to ring, I nearly jumped out of my skin when it finally did. "The test is positive, sorry. Do you have any idea what you're going to do?" I sure as hell did, and made the appointment for the earliest opening - tomorrow, Saturday morning, at eight o'clock.
J and I went to the show that night, and to cover my ass, I told him we couldn't have sex because I was on my period. Thankfully, he didn't realize I hadn't had one in April or May.
The next morning, I was dressed, out the door, and at the clinic at seven-thirty. They wanted to make sure I had a driver. I assured them she was waiting in the car for me - too embarrassed to come inside. They took me into the back room, and prepped me for the procedure. I remembered how Emmett had run in and rescued Em at the last minute, and they were now happily married. But that was different. It was Emmett's baby. I had no idea who had sprayed his sperm inside me, and created this reminder of my worst nightmare. There was no way in hell I'd consider having this baby, or even carrying it for another minute.
The procedure was more painful than I imagined: they put your feet in stirrups, roto-router your insides out with a scraper then a vacuum, and send you on your way. No anesthetic, not pain meds. Nada. The bleeding was fairly heavy, and I couldn't use a Tampax. The extra-long, extra thick pad between my legs gave a new meaning to being "on the rag."
I was feeling a little light-headed by the time I got to my car, parked around the corner, but managed to get home and into bed without any outward problems. My Gramma Camille had scheduled a facial, hair appointment, manicure, make up, and even a manicure for your toes for me, at three o'clock. I could lie down for nearly four hours.
Taking a warm bath made me feel a lot better, and I actually looked forward to my glamour session, and party. By the time I got back home, I was beginning to have severe cramps. "Well, of course," I told myself. "What did you expect?"
J got to my house about seven thirty. I would be just the right amount of "fashionably late" to my party. We looked incredible, and our grand entrance would be an attention getter.
Em and Em had pulled out all the stops. The house was beautiful, and the patio overlooking the beach was decorated with Chinese lanterns, candles floating on the pool, a fire ring on the beach below the house, and tubs of soda and beer. She had pizzas with every combination of topping you can imagine. It couldn't have been better. We danced, partied, and had a blast in general.
When the last of the invited guests left, the four of us sat on the deck, J and Em drinking beer, Em nursing a club soda, and me sipping a glass of wine. We chatted about how great the party was, what a great job the moms had done on Em's house, and our upcoming trip to New York next month. My cramps were becoming unbearable, so I decided to go in, and see what Em had in her medicine cabinet that could help.
The pain had me doubled up, and leaning against the wall as I walked to the bathroom. Once inside, I pulled down my panties, with the super-extra-long-overnight-heavy-flow-pad attached to them. It was nearly soaked through, and I was pouring out bright red blood. Thankfully, I had an extra pad with me, and changed it. Em only had aspirin and Excedrin on hand, so I took two of each. I had just grabbed the door knob, to open the door and return to the deck, when a sharp pain literally dropped me to my knees. On the way to the floor, I banged into the door, bringing Em, Em, and J on the run. Em cautiously opened the bathroom door to check on me.
As I stood up, I heard Em gasp, "Oh God, Cam," Emmett mutter, "Holy shit," and J demanding, "What the fuck?"
I looked down, and saw my legs were covered in dark, sticky red, and I was standing in a pool of blood. I swayed, and nearly fainted, as J caught me, and sat me back down on the toilet.
"Cam, what's going on? Your periods aren't usually like this. Is this because you were taking those stupid pills, then stopped at the wrong time?" J demanded.
I felt the tears welling up, as I shook my head in answer to his question. "Actually, yeah, that's exactly why."
He knew immediately what I was talking about. He, Em, and Em stared at me in horror, thinking I was probably having a miscarriage. Em started to cry, while Emmett wrapped his arms around her. J was in shock, and stood riveted to the deck, his mouth forming soundless words.
"Maybe I should go to the doctor," I said softly. "I think something is wrong. Very wrong. My insides are falling out. Will you drive me?"
Emmett drove, with Em in the front seat, and J and I snuggled together in the back. He got us to the emergency room within a few minutes. I insisted on J coming into the examination room with me, while Em and Em waited in the lobby. As soon as the doctor examined me, he instantly knew what I had done.
"You had an abortion. When and where?" he questioned, looking back and forth between me and J, who was now white as a ghost, and nearly fell into a chair.
"I did, this morning, but that's all I'm going to tell you," I answered, not wanting to rat out the clinic for performing the illegal procedure.
"I'm sending you straight to surgery," the doctor's response sounded extremely emotional and very caring. "You've been butchered. Mutilated. We'll try to repair the damage, but I'm not sure what we can do. You're hemorrhaging, and we have to stop it immediately, or you're going to bleed out. I'll need to have your parent's consent."
"No, you don't. I'm eighteen. And I don't want my parents, or anyone outside this room, to know why I'm here. You can tell them about the surgery, but not the cause of it. That's doctor-patient confidentiality. If you tell anyone, I'll file suit against you." I advised sternly.
"I'll be responsible for her medical bills. Don't worry about insurance," J informed him. "And, I'll call her mom and dad."
"It's nice to see a young man taking responsibilities for his actions," the doctor commented under his breath. "You can wait in the surgery waiting room. I'll let you know once we're finished, and she's in recovery."
The doctor called the OR, alerting them to set up for emergency surgery.
"It couldn't have been yours. You know that," I tried to explain my reason for getting the abortion. "If there was any possibility, it would have been different, but we both know there wasn't. I couldn't do it, J. I couldn't have a child created during a rape, especially when there were three... I couldn't... we couldn't."
J bent down and kissed me. "I wish you would have told me. I understand why you did it, why you thought you had to do it; I would have been there with you. But, I'm here now, and I love you, Sweetheart. Keep thinking about that, okay? I love you, and I'll be the first person you see when you wake up."
I nodded, and tried to smile, as they wheeled the gurney toward the operating room. I could tell J had tears in his eyes. He had certainly turned over a new leaf in Chicago, and I loved the fact he was finally able to express his emotions.
When we got into the OR, I scooted over onto the surgery table, and got hooked up to the IV. The man-in-the-mask added sodium pentothal to the mix, and I felt its effects immediately. Two noose-looking harnesses were hung from the light above me, about three feet apart. The last thing I remember, was saying, "Please don't put my legs in those until I'm asleep..."
Everyone laughed, as the lights went out.
JPOV:
It was hard to look Em and Em in the face and lie to them, but I had to respect Cam's wishes. I was sure she would tell them the real story, later, but for now, I stuck with the miscarriage version.
"I told the doctor I'd be paying the tab, and not to worry about insurance. Cam doesn't want her parents to know what's going on," I explained to my friends. "I don't know what to say to them. I sure don't want Anthony Caravelli freaking out on me."
"Just tell them she's having the period from hell, and that she's having an emergency D and C," Emily suggested. "I'm sure that's what the doctor is going to do. It's a pretty common procedure; nothing major. She'll probably be released to come home tomorrow."
"Wish me luck," I called over my shoulder, picking up the payphone. Luckily, I had some change in my pocket, and made the call. Even luckier, Sheri answered the phone.
"Uh, hello, Mrs. Caravelli, it's James. There's been... we have... Cam's in the hospital. She started bleeding, and she said she was in a lot of pain. Cramps. So we brought her to the emergency room," I stuttered and stammered. "You can come down here, if you want to."
"Of course, we'll be right there. Are Emmett and Emily with you?" she asked.
"Yeah, they'll meet you in the lobby," I said, and hung up, Em and Em nodding in agreement with what I'd said. "I'm going back to the surgery waiting room. Come on back, as soon as Cam's folks get here."
I paced around the room, sat down, stood back up, paced some more, and then sat down again. After about half an hour, Sheri, Anthony, Em, and Em joined me.
"You didn't say she was in surgery," Anthony huffed. "What's going on here?"
"I didn't want you to rush and be all upset. I thought maybe she'd be in recovery by the time you got here," I defended my actions. "But, I haven't heard anything yet."
"You did the right thing, James. Thank you for being thoughtful and considerate," Sheri said, and gave me a hug. "I suppose we'll just have to wait for the doctor to tell us what the diagnosis is. She did look a bit pale this afternoon. I thought it was just the makeup job she had."
We made small talk about nothing in general, and after about two hours, the doctor came into the waiting room, still in his scrubs.
"It was even worse than I had originally thought. The D and C wasn't enough to repair all the damage and we couldn't get the bleeding to stop. We had to do a complete hysterectomy."
Emily and Sheri grabbed each other, screaming and crying. Emmett put his arm around my shoulder, and just shook his head, unable to speak. Anthony kept muttering obscenities, and threatening to kill someone. I could totally relate to Cam: I also felt like my insides were falling out. A complete hysterectomy. Because three animals had mauled Cam, and a butcher had remedied the result of that attack.
I had convinced myself that I never wanted to have kids. Never wanted to be a father. But now that I had no choice in the matter, I wasn't sure how I felt. I actually had pictured Cam pregnant, with my baby in her stomach. I had dreamed about playing ball with our son, and Cam taking our daughter shopping. Now those dreams would never become reality. The main thing was Cam was going to be okay, physically anyway. But I knew she'd be totally devastated mentally and emotionally. She was going to need me more than ever.
"You can come with me," the doctor said, speaking to me. "I want you to be with her when I tell her about the surgery."
"We're her parents," Anthony roared his objection. "We should be with her, not him."
"Tony, he's going to be her husband," Sheri said firmly. "She'll ask for us, when she wants to see us. Let James be with her; she's going to need her lover, not her daddy."
I mouthed "thank you" to Sheri, and nodded at Tony, then followed the doctor down the hall to the private recovery room, where Cam lay sleeping. She looked so fragile and frail, with her hair spread across the pillow. The doctor went to check on another patient, leaving me sitting with her alone.
"Did you remember to think about how much I love you?" I whispered to her sleeping form. "I hope you did, 'cause I love you more right now than I did two hours ago. And I'm gonna love you more every minute of every day from now until forever. This isn't going to be the end of the world, Baby, even though you might think so. We have lots of options, if we want kids. And maybe, we won't want them. We can do whatever we want, whenever we want, just the two of us. That would be okay, wouldn't it? You're enough to keep me happy for the rest of my life, Sweetheart. But we can decide all that stuff later. Right now, just please get well, and let's go to New York, and make it better than Hawaii was. We'll have a blast. Then you'll start college, and before you know it, we'll be getting married. That's good, isn't it? We can get through this together, right?"
I broke down and cried. For Cam, for us, and for the son and daughter that would never be a product of our love. I told myself I needed to get a grip, quit being such a candy ass, and cut out the waterworks, and got myself under control. I was sitting next to the bed, holding Cam's hand, when she woke up.
She smiled, and slurred, "You said you'd be the first person I'd see when I woke up. Thanks. I love you, J."
"I love you, too, Sweetheart," I answered. "Are you hurting? Should I call the nurse?"
About that time, the doctor, followed by an RN, came back into the room. Cam's vitals were good and strong, and the doctor was happy with her quick waking time. She would be moved into a regular private room, and would spend the rest of the week in the hospital.
"A week?" Cam questioned. "Why so long?"
"The surgery was a little more complicated than we thought..."
After Cam's parents, and Em and Em had visited with Cam, the Caravelli's left their car for me to drive home, and got a ride to their house with Em and Em. I turned off the light in her room, and climbed onto the narrow bed, stretching out beside her. She had cried, and I had assured her it didn't matter to me. Everyone had been supportive, and she seemed to relax.
"I'm not much of a woman now, am I?" she asked. "Will it feel different when we do it?"
Then, she said, as only Cam could, "I guess that solves our problem about you not liking birth control pills and me not liking rubbers."
She looked at me, and giggled.
A/N: Seems like Cam and James can't get a break. Em and Em are finally settled…for the time being, anyway. Next stop, NYC!
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