Thank you to my readers and reviewers!!!
zahnfan23: That line just shows John's ignorance about the whole pregnancy thingy but at the same time his care for Cameron and the baby.
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Dc: Thanks so much! That is definitely one of the highest compliment I ever got!
Kea: Thanks! I'm so glad you like that line!
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olischulu: Thanks and I'm glad you find Cameron's humanity nice to read about!
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Thanks for all the support!
Chapter 29: Weep
John and Cameron spent the afternoon driving and by evening, they sold the Mercedes at a rundown shop and exchanged it for a jeep and some extra cash. Later with their new jeep, John tried to cover more distance with an annoyingly hot weather despite Cameron's advice to get a motel and get some rest.
Soon, at around 5pm, the sun started to set and for fear they might get lost, John found a small village with a decent motel and paid for the room generously, asking for good services. The men took the money and looked at John like he was some changeling before bringing them to their room.
"Cameron," John called to her distractedly as he rummaged into his bag for a set of boxers. There was no reply. He turned around to find her standing by the window and keeping a lookout, "Cameron." He sighed, walking to her.
John took her hand gently. He felt her jumped with the sudden contact before turning to pay attention to him, "Yes?"
"Sit down." He smiled, pulling to the bed, "It's been a tiring day. I know you're tired. So let the lookout thing be the husband's job." John grinned, sitting her down. Cameron titled her head and looked at him with an amused smile.
"Later. I need a bathe." She left the bed and walked to the gun bag.
"I was looking for my boxers." John said, evidently annoyed, joining her at the table which holds their bags.
"Check the pockets." Cameron said, not even facing him. She pulled out a Beretta and fished out its magazine from the small pockets and slapped it into place before John took it from her.
"There's no way you're bringing that into the bath." John chuckled. He placed the Beretta on the table before peeling off his shirt on the spot, feeling it stick to his sweaty body. He eagerly took off his jeans and threw them all on the floor. He began to head for the bath only to find Cameron still fully dressed. John looked at her expectantly.
"I'll keep watch." She explained matter-of-factly.
"We both know you prefer to be in the bath with me so let's just go," He grinned, pulling her closer to him. He carefully unbuckled her belt and removed her jeans for her while she took off her shirt. He removed her knickers and bra for her gently and eagerly pulled her into the bathroom, shutting the door.
John quickly threw his boxers to the floor the moment they entered the bathroom and joined Cameron into the shower.
He ignored the soap and pulled her to him gently. John wasn't surprised when she let him, slipping her arms around his waist. He turned the heat of the water up; this is going to be a long shower.
*
"How much you say?"
"About a million."
Jesse nodded as she surveyed the house, "So the previous owners?"
"Skipped faster than lightning."
"So you are the previous owner?"
"A note says the owner decides to give it back to me, despite the fact he purchased it."
Jesse walked away from the owner and surveyed the kitchen, "I'll rent it for a month."
"Only a month?"
"For a month. How much?"
"3 thousand."
Jesse fished in her pocket and gave him the cash, "Keep the change." She said. He gave her a pen and gestured for her to sign on the paper. She bent over and signed a bogus name before they shook hands, "I'll see you in a month Mr Smith."
*
"Cam…" John groaned, pulling the blanket up to cover her bare shoulder. He had been whining and begging for a while now but Cameron was none reactive to whatever he did.
She had her back facing him. John shifted closer to her, kissing the back of her head gently. They had spent the last few hours in bed making love. Cameron had initiated it and John couldn't shake the thought of how energetic she was. He tried to be gentle with her but it was hard to keep it that way with the energy she put into it.
However, once John start thinking about it, the baby changed her so much. She seemed more energetic, need for attention from him and need to feel wanted. John had no problem giving her those but it's getting hard for him to catch up with the changes.
Just a moment ago, he was grabbing at her hips and thrusting hard. John swore she had never screamed like that before. It's like this was more than just making love. John could tell she was finding something but he didn't know what. She seemed more temperamental too and it's getting harder for him to anticipate what she felt.
"Cam...." John whispered, nuzzling his face into her hair, "Don't sleep."
John had to admit, he'd expected her to be weaker and tire easily since being pregnant and all but she always surprise him. He was sapped after the exertion but wouldn't mind having a little more or at least a chat. One moment, they were having the time of their lives and another; she slipped out from under him, turning her back to him. He didn't need to think to know she's ignoring him.
"Go to sleep John. You need to drive the next day." Cameron's muffled reply came. He could hear she was a little tired too.
"One last time." John tugged on her arm gently, "I enjoyed myself." He grinned, murmuring into her ear. Cameron giggled, turning to lie flat on her back. John's smile vanished as he looked earnestly into her eyes. He caressed the side of her face with his fingers, pushing aside stray hair, "I love you." He pressed his lips against hers before she could reply. John felt that if she needed to feel wanted, John would make her feel that.
John felt her hand run through his hair gently and another around the back of his neck. His hands wrapped around her torso, half shifting half carrying her to the middle of the bed while keeping connected by their lips.
"Are you alright?" John broke away from the kiss, "Should we go easy this time? The baby?"
Cameron pulled into a soft hug, "He'll be fine."
"Really?"
"Whatever I feel would be felt by the baby," Cameron closed her eyes, relaxing as John touched her belly gently.
"That's true?" John mumbled, "Who told you that?"
"You did,"
"I did?"
"I asked you. There were a few pregnant women in the future. You watch out for them." Cameron smiled sweetly, eyes still remaining close as she commune with John.
"I do?"
"You're a good man."
"Wish I were to you."
"You are."
"Not all the time." John muttered, feeling his guilt rise to his throat as he remembered Riley. He didn't see Cameron open her eyes.
"All the time, you are a good man to me." She cupped his cheek, "Those are in the past. Not that you should forget but they are in the past."
"Sounds like something I would say."
"You did."
"I'd guessed that much." He leaned over and pecked her gently on the lips.
"We'd better forget about this. You're beat." Cameron smiled, shifting gently from under him. He nodded blearily, yawning audibly loud; satisfied with the little conversation they had. He heard Cameron chuckle as his head hit the pillow, "You shouldn't sleep on your stomach."
"I know its bad sleeping posture." John yawned lazily, flipping to lie on his back.
"No," Cameron said, leaning in to kiss him, "I can't kiss you that way." John scoffed, tasting her lips before feeling his mind began to drift off. He felt her pull away and used his remaining energy to embrace her before his mind went black.
(0)
"Cam?" John felt around the empty space beside him to find her missing. His eyes snapped open and he sat up anxiously. After taking in the environment and remembering where they are, he swung the blanket aside, "Cameron?" John jumped down from the bed, ignoring the fact he's naked as day.
He found her at the door, holding a tray of food. John stared while she walked past him, amused.
John followed her as she placed the tray on the bed gently before wrapping her in his arms, "I thought you disappeared."
"That's what you worry?"
"Not just a worry, I see it every time, in my dreams…nightmares actually." He mumbled, kissing her clothed shoulder
"I won't leave you," Cameron wrapped her arms around his waist, "Get dressed." She giggled.
John let go of her, "Now you mind?"
"You'll catch a cold," Cameron let go of him.
"Right." John nodded with a smile before slipping on his boxers and jeans, following by a hoodie over his bare torso, "Now can I have my breakfast?"
"Yes."
"What is it?"
"Eggs scrambled and toast." She said, "Eat up."
"Someone seemed awfully anxious," John mused aloud, munching into his toast.
*
"So I'll be staying here?" Riley asked as Jesse threw her bag on the bed.
"For the time being seeing you screwed up at your foster's." Jesse replied, looking into the empty wardrobe. Riley nodded silently, turning around to unpack. Jesse was angry with her and she didn't want to make things physical.
Riley knew she should keep her emotions in check after the last burst from her but she just couldn't help it and freaked her foster's out again. In a flash, they threw her out. She'd never forget the look of murder Jesse had in her eyes when she saw Riley with her bag at the door.
"You will look for John Connor while you're here. Ask around or something." Jesse shut the wardrobe door and looked into the bathroom, "Like we've found out, they are around here. Just keep looking."
"Where would you be?" Riley asked timidly, pulling out her t-shirts.
"Busy and waiting for your news." Jesse replied with ease. She dug into her pockets and handed Riley the keys, "Try not to go out too often to the mall or crowded places. Just go to some park or something in this neighborhood and ask for John Connor."
Riley nodded, taking the keys from her. She watched as Jesse walked away. Riley went to the window in time to see Jesse walk down the porch and jump into her small van.
She let out a sigh, pocketing the keys. This room was decorated fancifully. The wall skin was blue and black. In the middle of the room was a queen sized bed and two bedsides table by the sides accompanied with a lamp each. There is a chocolate colored wardrobe at the corner of the room, a study table opposite the end of the bed and beside the table was the door to the bathroom. The floor was carpeted red. She loved red.
The bed looked welcoming but Riley decided to get something to eat before falling asleep. She didn't mention it to Jesse but Riley hated to live in this huge house alone.
She walked out of the room and was about to walk down the corridor to the stairs when she turned and peeked at the other doors. Riley figured it wouldn't hurt to look around. She walked to the door beside her room and opened it.
This room was beautiful too. The walls are a purple color at the head bed and the rest of them are of dark red, something like mahogany. The furniture and the bed frame are a champagne color. The carpet around the bed is a white with long fur. There is no table side lamp on the tables but instead, they are all planted on the walls. There isn't a study table here but a dressing table and the bathroom, a distance away, beside the bed.
Riley cringed as she remembered the metal: or Cameron as John was so persistent to call her that. It loved purple too; the stupid obsession with its purple leather jacket was making Riley sick. She walked into the room, examining the room closely. She loved the fur on the carpet.
Riley decided not to stay here any longer, leaving the room and shutting the door. She headed downstairs and out of the house. She needed some fresh air. Riley couldn't get John Connor out of her head. The way they had kissed so passionately in his room on the bed just before he disappeared. She missed his touch, their kiss and his voice.
"Excuse me?"
Riley spun around quickly on instinct. She thought for a moment she heard Jesse.
A woman stood in the garden by hers, only separated by the fence. She was a pleasant faced woman and Riley took an instant liking to her immediately, definitely more pleasant then Jesse.
The woman had brown eyes and black locks, medium built.
"Yes?" Riley forced a smile as she stood there awkwardly, reluctant to go any closer.
"I was just wondering did you just move here."
"Yeah."
"Oh," Riley saw a flash of disappointment on her face before forming into a smile, "Then I'm your neighbour. Tracy Lewis." She stretched out her hand to Riley in a handshake.
Riley walked to her and took it, "riley."
"Hello Riley." Mrs. Lewis smiled, "Do you know where the last owner went?"
"Erm, no. My…mother bought it for me. I study somewhere around here," Riley explained awkwardly.
"Oh…the last owners were really friendly and young too. Shame to see them leave like that."
Riley gave her a smile, not knowing what to say.
"Especially the girl, Cameron. She was an angel."
Riley's blood froze. Cameron…
"Cameron?" Riley asked shakily.
"Yeah, and her husband, John. They lived right where you live." Mrs. Lewis smiled, "Really nice neighbors. It's weird they just took off. My children love them."
"Husband?"
"Really good looking pair." Mrs. Lewis nodded, "Suppose their children would look beautiful."
Riley wanted to throw up.
*
"Are you alright?" John asked, squinting as he turned back to the road from glancing at Cameron. She had been fidgeting since they left the motel.
"Fine." Cameron forced a smile, shifting a little to lean on her side to face John, "Just restless."
"Bear with it alright? We're getting there." He reached out for her hand and squeezed it tightly.
Earlier, they had been examining the map and found a small location where seems to be a good spot. There was a river nearby. They figured it would be good for them. John already planned it out to build a cabin if there isn't a village there.
Cameron had been shifting her position every second. The air conditioner wasn't as good as their Mercedes and the seats aren't as spacious. Plus the desert heat was bothering her. John didn't want to wind down the window as they are driving on the dirt road and the tires could whip up significant amount of dust and sand into the jeep.
He could only speed up.
"John?" Cameron spoke.
"Yeah?" He was more than happy to strike a conversation with her.
"Can I have a look at your necklace?" Cameron requested, surprising John.
"Sure." He dug into his shirt and pulled it out. Cameron reached out and took it. He glanced over as she flipped it open and started to examine it, "Cam, what are you doing?"
"I'm keeping myself occupied by finding ways to improve your necklace." Cameron replied matter-of-factly.
John couldn't help himself but chuckle, "It's good enough as it is. It doesn't need improvement."
"Everything would have need for improvement. Nothing is perfect." Cameron stated distractedly.
"You are." John smirked. He spotted her smile and their conversation ended.
(0)
John stopped the jeep outside a small village, just beside a wooden fragile stand that seems to signify the entrance of the village. Cameron returned him the necklace and asked, "So are we going to stay here or what?" She looked around noting that it was still a significant amount of distance from the river; not what they have planned but if it's a pleasant little village then why not?
"We have to have a look first. At the same time, we could buy some supplies," John smiled, "It'll be fun." He opened the door and stepped out. Cameron did the same on the other side.
John guided her by the small of her back gently as they entered the village. His other hand brushing the Glock on his belt.
"Hey! Stop right there!" John heard someone bark out in a strong Spanish accent. He heard a gun cock after the bark.
He sighed inwardly, turning around slowly, shifting closer to Cameron. They both raised their hands as John saw the shotgun's muzzle aiming straight at him. John realized the man was masked with a piece of cloth covering his nose and mouth.
"Peter!" The masked man shouted out. Soon, about ten men surrounded them. All armed with shotguns and pistols.
"What do you want?" A fat and balding man stepped forward, speaking in a pitiful pronunciation of English, his belly showing through the rags he wore.
"We're just passing by. Getting some supplies and a place to stay," John explained, trying to resist the urge to fight them off instead of standing at their mercy helplessly. John couldn't careless of he was shot or something but Cameron would be in the crossfire at this rate.
"Why should we believe you?"
"Because you asked." John countered, glaring at him. He assumed this man is the village head or their chief.
The man chuckled, amused by John's wittiness, "Alright, you want a place here?" He grinned, revealing two missing front tooth as he looked at up and down Cameron's body lecherously.
"Not really now." John growled, glancing at all the guns, "Just supplies and information."
"On what?"
"This area." John said, "And supplies, food and stuff. We can pay."
The man studied John and Cameron with his beady eyes, "You have weapons?"
John nodded, pulling out his Glock and dumping it on the floor. Cameron had stopped carrying one some time ago on John's request. He didn't want to cause her any discomfort with a gun sticking at the small of her back constantly or worst, any accidents with the gun but he was surprised when she pulled out one and threw it on the floor with his. He shot her a puzzled and angry look before turning back to the man.
"Quite some weapons for two folks."
"Didn't say we were. But you know, out here, who survives without a gun?" John said.
"Alright kiddo. Search them." He snapped at one of his man, who stepped forward instantly.
He searched John from head to toe before advancing on Cameron. John dove in front of her instantly, hearing the men stiffened, reading their weapon.
"Don't touch her." John growled and glowered at the man dangerously. He backed away a little, cowering under his glare.
"John, it's alright." Cameron reached forward and touched his hand gently. She didn't want him to trigger the men into firing. The timid man took the chance and started to advance. John growled, taking two steps forward.
"Back off." He snapped.
"Kid, if you don't let us search your girl here, afraid we'll have to kill both of you." The balding man said.
"I'll search her." A woman stood forward. Her leader stared at her for a while before nodding. The woman walked to Cameron. She saw John twitched uncomfortably, getting ready to attack if she hurt Cameron.
The woman smiled at John assuring him she wouldn't hurt Cameron before standing in front of her. They exchanged small smiles before the woman searched her. John watched, clenching his fists. He absolutely loathed anyone getting close to her other than himself, not just for her modesty but for her safety as well.
The woman searched Cameron, instantly feeling her swollen belly which was quite well hidden under her jacket and loose shirt. She felt a strong respect for John upon her knowledge of their condition.
"She's clear." The woman said to the village head, who nodded and they started lowering their weapons.
"Bring them to get whatever they want and clear them out." The village head grunted before moving away with his men behind him. The woman picked up their Glock from the floor and turned around to face John and Cameron, "I'll have to keep this for the moment." She smiled, stowing behind the rag she called a vest.
Cameron nodded, returning the smile whereas John nodded stiffly, reluctant to have their way of doing things at all. The woman looked understandingly at John before turning and walked to her house. Cameron slipped her hand into John's who instantly loosen his glare around, squeezing her hand.
"We got some canned food and-"
"Just some food and other necessities." John interrupted as they stepped into her house.
The woman looked stunned by his harsh interruptions. She caught it when Cameron squeezed John's hand before flashing him a warning look.
Cameron smiled at her, "Anything you can provide thanks." The woman nodded before walking away to gather what they need.
John and Cameron sat down on the wooden stools around a wooden table.
"You shouldn't be so mean John." Cameron whispered.
"The village head is definitely up to something. He doesn't want us here. Didn't you see the way the people point those guns at us? And he intentionally insisted on searching you. And did you see the way he looked at you. It's like…like, he could eat you whole." John hissed quietly.
"I don't think he knows I'm pregnant and the last thing we need is you angering them judging by all their firepower. She seem nice, just be friendly." Cameron nudged him encouragingly. He flashed a 'come-on' look at her before nodding reluctantly. No one is ever safe…John thought as he scanned the small hut.
"These are the things we have for you so far." The woman said, placing some food which would be able to last them for a long time, a few supplies like matches and candles, "You'll need those in case the light blow out. Lights in small villages like ours are rare." She explained when John raised a questioning eyebrow.
"Thanks." John nodded, looking through the supply.
"You two aren't from around here are you?" She asked, gesturing between Cameron and John.
She cringed when John turned to her quickly, narrowing his eyes before replying, "No we're not."
"Well, this kind of village is the last place you'll want her to stay at, especially given her condition." The woman glanced at Cameron's belly.
"I know." John mumbled, browsing through the canned food.
"Why are they so paranoid?" Cameron asked out of pure curiosity.
"A few days back, our village is attacked by 'travelers'. We were robbed of food and all the stuffs."
"These happen often?"
"No. Heard our chief had some grudges with others."
"The other?"
"The one in the village a distance from here." The woman lowered her voice.
John and Cameron nodded thoughtfully.
"Their villagers are nice though. You two could live there." The woman urged.
John forced a smile, "I'd rather not with the fight going on between the two villages. Do you have a few torch lights you could provide?"
"Yes, yes." She nodded profusely, rushing off to fetch it.
"John, where would we live?" Cameron whispered softly upon the woman's departure.
"I'll ask her." He assured Cameron with a smile and quick kiss on her cheek.
When the woman returned with the lamp, she was perspiring; in her arms are three torch lights. Her cheeks were flushing red and she was panting like she just ran a marathon, "Two of you have to leave." She gasped, placing the torchlight on the table and touching Cameron on her back.
"Why?" Cameron asked, puzzled.
"They are looking for you. They destroyed your jeep and are coming here." She panted. John growled in frustration, "I have small jeep. You can take." The woman surprised both of them. She was oblivious to how shell shocked the two of them were. She scooped the things into her arms and John did the same. He grabbed Cameron's hand with his free hand and followed the woman out back.
"What the hell is going on here?" John growled as the woman opened the door for them and threw the supplies in the back.
"The chief already had everything planned. He wanted to steal your wealth and keep you here for labour," She panted, "Many travelers met the same fate,"
"Why didn't you tell us before?" John demanded angrily. He watched as the woman twiddled her thumbs nervously under his glare, "What happened to the travelers?"
"Most of them died." She whimpered. John hopped into the jeep as Cameron got in the passenger side, "Go north. By the river, a distance away, there is a cabin where an old man stays. He would accommodate you for a while." The woman held the open ledge of the window to the jeep while she spoke, "Go!"
"Thank you." John dug into his pocket to give her the cash but she shook her head and barked at him to go, "Why'd you help us?" John asked, starting up the engine.
"I didn't want your girl to get raped." The woman said quickly, opening the fence of her back way to the exit of the village, "Like I did when I arrived with my husband." She forced a small smile.
John stared at her shell shocked. His lips parted and he struggled to get the words out, "Thank you so much."
"Take this." She dug into his pocket and pulled out a pair of diamond rings and a wad of cash, "Go!" She shoved them into John's hand along with their Glock before stepping away from them. John took it reluctantly and hit the reverse gear.
He rammed through the gate by a little and drove away. They heard shouts from the men as they run out from the woman's house and went after them. John turned out of the village and saw the woman attempting to escape from her 'punishment' for her betrayal as well as to distract the men from them. John wanted to stop to help her but he couldn't risk it with Cameron by his side.
He stopped by their trashed jeep and took out all their bags, including their diamonds, medical kits and firepower. John threw them hastily into the back and jumped into the jeep. He could see the woman fighting the men off as best as she could at the corner of his eye. Then he saw her getting impaled by one of the wooden sticks carried by the men.
John drove off, screwing his eyes shut as he heard the screams from the woman, some gunshots, and then silence. He heard Cameron winced, hearing the woman get shot down. John sped up and head north like she said.
Gently, he reached out with his right hand and placed it on Cameron's belly, "It's alright." He muttered to her. Cameron placed her hand on top of his, forcing a smile. He didn't smile at her, having trouble accepting the fate of the poor woman. John felt uncomfortable.
When they were about 2 miles away, John stopped the jeep abruptly and pulled up the handbrakes. Just as Cameron was about to ask, John burst into sobs. He could feel his wall break off instantly.
He felt Cameron's small hands held his arm and pulled him over to her. His head rested on her thigh, he pressed gently on her belly as he sobbed. She felt his hand clutched at her knee as his tears soaked her jeans. Cameron stroked his head gently, running her fingers into his hair, caressing his scalp.
John sobbed, pressing himself gently closer to her. He tried so hard to be strong for her and the baby only to crumble in the end.
Cameron understood why he needed this. This was the real John Connor; always fighting to break loose of the fact that humans are no more different than machines. They were capable to extend much more cruelty to their own kind, physically and emotionally. Cameron knew that it was only a matter of time before he loses it the more he saw how cruel and deadly humans can be. He didn't know why he fought at all.
Future John never weeps for death or otherwise but her John took the chance to weep in her embrace for the end of innocence and the darkness of men's heart.
That's what set her John apart from others, this was who she helped John become.
To be continued…
Next chapter: Cameron and John continue their search for a place to call home while Riley tried to settle down in her home after getting the disturbing news.
She like shiny things, she once told John but there is some exceptions; Cameron, for example.
