*Disclaimer, I do not own House of Anubis all of that belongs to Nickelodeon, Hans Bourlon and Gert Verhulst. I, however, own Cammie and her little storyline :P I hope you enjoy!*
Series 1, Episode 45~ House of Victory
Victor had been in a foul mood from the moment they all got back from school and it didn't take any Sibuna's much to realise why. Nina had found Sarah's scarf in an armchair so it was easy to guess she had been there. A final attempt for Victor to try to complete his father's work. Where Victor had been in a foul mood, Camilla had been in a melancholy one. Even Amber knew something was up when she didn't complain once while the girl was getting her 'battle-ready' for the election at school that very day.
"Are you okay Cam?" Amber asked as she pinned the girl's hair into an intricate up/down look, "you have been awfully quiet."
Camilla glanced at the girl in the mirror, with everything she had learned she didn't have the heart for this election nonsense. It seemed like such stupid pettiness compared to everything else they were dealing with. It didn't help she had awoken that day with a horrible feeling in her gut that she couldn't shake. However, the election and everything it represented was important to Amber so she put on her best smile for her best friend.
"Just nervous I guess for you," Camilla told the blonde, "this is a big day after all." This rewarded the girl with a bright smile from her friend, who then went back to her work with extra enthusiasm, missing the smile drop from the small girl's face.
Breakfast at Anubis house that day was extra tense. Normally there was some drama going on but today's tension could but cut with a knife. It was election day and everyone's opinion mattered. Camilla slid into her normal seat between Alfie and Fabian, once again cursing the dreaded heels Amber had put her in when Amber and Jerome came into the room. Mara was dressed like a school teacher and Amber had never looked hotter…. It was going to be an interesting day, to say the least. The two girls eyed each other up as they walked around the table to their seats, Jerome before settling at his seat making sure to throw his jumper over at Camilla who was once again looking uncomfortable in the incredibly short skirt Amber had put her in. Camilla grinned at Jerome and quickly pulled on his jumper causing Fabian to frown and Camilla to roll her eyes at him. She knew he didn't like whatever was going on with Jerome and her but her brother didn't say anything – she knew honestly at that moment he was just happy something was covering up his sister.
"So, election day," Jerome broke the silence once he had seen Camilla put his jumper on and the silent conversation between the twins was over. All heads turned his way as he navigated the tension with ease only Jerome Clark could have. "The big vote off. Now, Alfie and Milly, of course, are definite for Amber," Jerome spoke looking around the table, Amber sending Alfie and Camilla bright smiles at the two, "so is Nina and so am I." Camilla glanced at Nina as Jerome spoke, something had been up with her all morning and clearly from the concerned glance, Fabian gave the girl she wasn't the only Rutter to notice. "So that just leaves Mick and Patricia for you then Mara. Are you getting nervous?" Jerome clearly couldn't help but put a dig in that Amber clearly outvoted Mara – only if at Anubis house.
"oh, back off Clark." An annoyed Mick pipped up from Alfie's other side.
Before anyone else could say anything, Trudy wandered into the room, the look on her face was one of sympathy which instantly had Camilla sat up. Since she woke up she had known something was wrong but she didn't know why, she could read Nina like a book and could tell something had happened with her overnight but the girl wouldn't say what, and as Trudy approached the table she just knew somehow it had to do with what was wrong with Nina.
"Nina sweetie, could you come with me?" she asked softly, before glancing up and catching Camilla's eye, "Camilla, I think you best come too…"
Nina glanced at Camilla who could see the tears in her eyes forming but she was fighting from letting them fall. Camilla didn't know what was happening but her friend needed her so she was going. The table fell silent as they watched the two girls leave the room, Camilla instantly taking Nina's hand the moment she could and squeezing it to remind the girl that she wasn't alone. The concerned and curious glances between Jerome and Fabian where not missed by Camilla but at that moment, she didn't care, her sole focus was on the fact Nina needed her, and that's all that mattered.
When they were in the quiet hallway away from the listening ears of their housemates Trudy turned to them. "There's some bad news I'm afraid…" Trudy started, looking over the girls. "the old people's home just called."
Nina's grip tightened in Camilla's as she let out a soft sob, "Sarah's dead…" Nina whispered. Finally, Camilla understood everything that had happened over the last 24 hours, why the house was showing her memories, why she felt like something was going to happen, why Nina was playing up. Sarah had taken her final visit to the house and said her final goodbye to her successor.
"Sarah?" Trudy questioned, clearly Nina didn't mean to speak so loudly but couldn't help it. The tears were already falling down her face, and Camilla pulled her friend in for a hug as Trudy spoke, "Its Emily, so sad." Trudy explained not knowing how to comfort the girl but glad Camilla was there for her.
"Now Mrs Mulligan wants to see you, Nina." Trudy explained causing Nina to look up from Camilla's arms, "there is something that Emily wanted you to have." Trudy explained. Nina could only nod and take shaky breaths as she tried to fully compute what was happening. Camilla wanted to cry, she wanted to scream but two things stopped her. First; Whenever she let her emotions take over something always happened; her magic she still had no clue how to control always caused distraction or pain and no one needed that today of all day. Second; she saw how broken Nina was at the news. Nina needed someone to be strong for her at this time. She could morn Sarah later but right now Nina needed her. So, her well-practised emotionless mask that only came out when she was around her parents in the summer fell onto her face with so much ease it slightly scared Camilla herself. Today she'd be strong and she would let herself morn Sarah when it was appropriate for her to do so. Thankfully Trudy pulled both girls into a hug giving Camilla time to mentally come to her decision.
Once Nina had gotten over the initial shock the two sat down and spoke, coming to the agreement that Nina had to go to the old folk's home alone for whatever Sarah had left her and Camilla needed to go to the school to support Amber. One of them needed to be there for their roommate. However, Camilla had insisted if Nina needed her she just needed to phone and Camilla would ditch the elections to be with Nina.
School had already started by the time they came to this agreement, and by the time Camilla had waved Nina off in a taxi but she didn't much care. People staring at her as she wandered through the halls was not a new sensation for her, and running late meant she skipped first class anyway so the young girl decided to just walk to the drama room where the election was taking place.
On the stage, Amelia and her friend Gabriella where stood with a table and posters around it to one side and on the opposite was Mara and Mick. Mara placing her cupcakes neatly as Mick burst out laughing – Camilla hearing the end of whatever he was saying as she entered the room, "Amber doesn't even have a table!" he laughed. "this is going to be like the easiest victory in history!"
Mara couldn't help but grin, as she glanced to the door where Camilla had walked in from, of course, the female twin held her tongue even if she wanted to make a snarky comment to Mick. She was here for Amber; the election didn't matter much to her considering everything else that had happened that morning.
"What are you doing here?" a voice came from behind her and Camilla turned to see Jerome walking into the room.
"I'm here for Amber," Camilla told him softly, pointing to the button on his jumper she was wearing. After being told about Sarah Camilla didn't have the heart to be all dressed up and had changed into her normal school outfit of trainers, shorts, suspenders by her side and white shirt and tie – though when she walked out her room, she couldn't help but pull Jerome's jumper back on. She needed comfort in some capacity and for an odd reason, she got it from him.
Jerome took in Camilla's outfit and her melancholy expression, putting a hand on her elbow, "Are you okay?" he asked lowering his voice so only she could hear. Camilla nodded her head and sent him a weak smile. His eyes squinted and Camilla knew he didn't believe her.
"Later J, today is about Amber. Okay." She whispered trying to urge him to let it go, for now.
Jerome let out a sigh before grabbing the girl's hand and pulling her onto the stage with him. A huge wide smile on his face as he approached the large red curtain, he had somehow placed there the day before – Camilla had to leave due to laughter as she watched him and Alfie do battle with it during Lunch.
"Is that all you've got Clark?" Mick asked as he saw Jerome hand, Camilla, a pile of posters and buttons, of course, Jerome for once didn't rise to the challenge instead he sent the boy a smirk before pulling down the curtain to reveal the huge poster of Amber at the back of the stage where two tables had been pushed together filled with buttons and cupcakes and lots of other goodies. 100% making Mara's little table look weak. The look on Mick's face was worth it considering Camilla had heard him bragging and she didn't feel bad as she pushed past him to help Jerome set up.
The heels clopping introduced Amber before she glided into the room, many of the lower school following behind her with trays of cookies and snacks. Camilla couldn't help but roll her eyes and smile fondly at the sight – you put Ambers money, Jerome's sneakiness and both their determination to win and it was a force to be reckoned with.
As Amber approached the stage she took in Mara's stall, "Eh, nice Muffins," she told the girl with a smile, before moving off. Finally taking in Camilla's appearance her smile dropping, "Camilla-Anne Rutter! What are you wearing?" she demanded.
"I know Ambs, this isn't what you put me in, but its still Amber approved…" Camilla weakly tried to argue. She wasn't in the mood to explain what had happened yet, Nina still needed a little time to compute it before getting sympathy looks and messages from everyone, "something happened, this morning, I just needed to feel more me and comfortable."
"I think she looks great." Jerome pipped in from behind Camilla.
Amber squinted her eyes and looked Camilla up and down, "You'd look better without the jumper…"
"I'll take it off for when people come in," Camilla promised her friend who smiled and moved over to her to help with the setup. Jerome and Camilla sharing a knowing look behind her back causing a smile to form on their faces. Ambers priorities were always something to make people laugh.
Camilla felt like she was losing her mind at the back of the hall. Time was going by so slowly and she kept glancing at her phone in case Nina phoned her. The speeches were going on and on and on and on. It didn't help she could see Fabian glancing around at her determined to talk but she kept looking away. For once Fabian couldn't help her with what she was going through and she knew it.
Amelia stopped talking and everyone around them clapped, causing Camilla to clap too not that she heard a word of what the girl had said. Mrs Andrews then stepped forward to the microphone.
"Thank you, Amelia," Mrs Andrews spoke, "Very thorough." That was more than enough to explain to Camilla she hadn't missed much in Amelia's speech, "the next candidate is Mara Jeffrey."
Mrs Andrews stood to one side as applause swept through the room for Mara who climbed up onto the stage. Mick and Patricia whooping from the girl near the front of the crowd.
"Hi, eh," Mara started looking down at her notes as if to prepare herself but the room knew she didn't need them, "As you know my name is Mara Jeffrey,"
"Speak up mumble!" Jerome yelled from in front of Camilla where he stood next to Fabian and Alfie, causing a tittering of laughter.
Mara paused to look over at Jerome in shock before continuing, "better?" she asked looking at him, causing him to shrug. With her shoulders back Mara continued this time a lot more confidently.
Camilla watched Jerome as Mara spoke, his smile was an honest one as if he knew irritating her would make her better and more confident. How did Jerome know this about Mara? Though there was a lot about Jerome she had learned in the last few months she didn't realise how close he and Mara where. His crush was obvious and their whole 'fake dating' thing clearly wasn't working with Mara being head over heels with Mick but she knew she couldn't tell Jerome that. Their faking dating would fizzle out and at least Camilla could argue it had made them closer as friends, which she appreciated. It was one of the few things she didn't hate about the year so far at school, everything else had her head spinning but the one positive she knew she could take away was the fact her and Jerome were closer than ever and she saw him in a new light and was proud to call him one of her best friends.
Of course, Camilla missed most of Mara's speech being in her own head thinking about her friendship with Jerome and all of a sudden there was clapping and Mara was climbing down from the stage.
"Lights!" Amber was heard screaming from the stage and Camilla couldn't help but look towards Jerome in confusion… what had they planned to do instead of a speech.
"Music!" Amber yelled again and a high pop beat started playing, "Amber!" With this yell Amber and her cheerleaders ran into the room from the back of the hall, running onto the stage to start performing an elaborate cheer routine.
Camilla dropped her head into her hands… the point was to argue her points not just perform a dance. This was the downfall of Jerome and Amber, they thought they could buy their votes or wow their votes. It wouldn't work this time; Mara had some actual points – she assumed.
Thankfully Ambers performance – though amazing – was short and sweet and Mrs Andrews dismissed them from the hall so they could set up from the ballet.
Patricia, Alfie and Fabian all but dragged Camilla back to Anubis house, both nagging her about Nina. Camilla of course not saying a word and leading to their bedroom once they reached the house. With a knock on the door and a soft "come in," the gang entered.
Nina was sat looking through an old box, Sarah's scarf in her hands.
"Hey," Fabian spoke softly, watching as Camilla sat down next to Nina instantly and hugged her. It seemed no words were needed between the girls, Camilla just knew what Nina needed at that moment. "we wanted to check you were okay." Fabian explained.
Nina looked to Camilla who nodded her head. It was time they told the Sibuna's. Nina took a deep breath and took Camilla's hand before turning to the gang, "Sarah died last night." Of course, the gang weren't expecting that Alfie and Patricia looking guilt as they were the ones who had been bugging Camilla the most that morning whereas Fabian had an expression Camilla couldn't understand as he looked from Nina to Camilla. Camilla decided to focus on Nina who was talking again, "these are her things, she wanted me to have them." Nina explained looking at the box and the content that was around her.
"Nina…" Fabian softly spoke up, "I'm so sorry." Fabian knelt and Camilla let him gather Nina into his arms to comfort her.
"She came to me." Nina spoke after a while looking to Fabian and then everyone else, "last night, she spoke to me. Just at the end of my bed."
Of course, Alfie, the newest member of their weirdness club pipped up having not heard of the dreams before, "like a ghost? Or an alien?" he asked.
"Alfie!" Fabian and Patricia scolded him, however, his comment caused Camilla's mask to shatter a little as she smiled and Nina couldn't help but chuckle at how innocent his question was. But as Fabian turned back round to the girls in morning Camilla's emotionless mask was back in place, causing a frown to appear on his face.
"Seriously it freaks me out!" Alfie tried to defend himself.
"Okay, if you want to be freaked out," Nina started, "be freaked out about the fact that the one person who had any answers and could help us in any way, is now dead!" At Camilla's outburst, Patricia bent down and grabbed the box to look in it.
"Sorry," Alfie whispered.
Camilla titled her head as Patricia pulled out a more modern envelope along with other things. Written on the envelope was the words 'Protector' in Sarah's handwriting.
"Trish… pass me that, please." Camilla asked softly, and Patricia handed it over without thinking her eyes on the papers she'd found underneath.
"I think that was for you," Nina whispered to her friend, "she did say you were my protector." Camilla nodded her head, she felt it was for her too, putting it in her pocket to open in private later.
"eh…" Patricia spoke up, showing Fabian what she had found while the two girls had their moment.
"Gustave and Isabella Zeno," Fabian read out loud causing Nina and Camilla's heads to whip-round to him.
"Rufus's parents?" Camilla asked.
"What is that?" Nina asked, the two holding the papers.
Fabian looked down at them again, "this says that Rufus's parents became the legal guardians of Sarah. Two years after her parents died." Fabian flipped through the papers some more before letting out a surprised gasp, "And there is a copy of Rufus's birth certificate too. He's defiantly the same age as Sarah." This caused them all to look at one another in confusion.
Of course, they could only dwell on their discoveries for so long before someone would realise, they were missing, so back to the school and the election the Sibuna's all went. Camilla once again doing everything she could to avoid her brother and the questions she knew he had. She didn't want sympathy; she didn't want anything. She had shut off her emotions for the day. That was how she was dealing with it. The elections were long but it meant no school and Camilla could hide up by Ambers table all day. Noting how Mick chatted up the younger boy who was in charge of ballots with a raise of her eyebrow, making sure to note it for later use. Of course, she wasn't the only one to see Mick talking to little Robby but Jerome was less tactful when approaching the situation. Running over to see what was going on.
Before they knew it, Mrs Andrews had sent them away while the votes where counted and 10 minutes later, they where all stood waiting to hear who had won the election.
"So," Mrs Andrews said from the stage with a smile, "the votes have been counted and clarified, and now Mr Sweet will announce the new school representative."
Mrs Andrews stepped to one side so Mr Sweet could take the mic, starting the applause for the man, "this is amazing, only two votes in it," Mrs Sweet told everyone, "the winner is…..Mara Jeffrey." There was a huge round of applause as Mara took to the stage, though Camilla was watching Amber knowing there was going to have to be damage control over this.
Surprisingly there wasn't too much damage control, mainly because when Amber left the room during Mara's speech, she grabbed Camilla's arm on her way past and dragged her out with her. Their location was back to Anubis house, Camilla's arm around her friend the whole way who just more seemed shocked over the loss.
Nina and Camilla had decided on having a huge movie night to keep Amber's mind off what had happened, and it was Camilla's turn to venture down for snacks when Fabian finally caught his sister.
"No!" He shouted as Camilla caught sight of him and went running up the stairs again, he ran forward and caught her arm, "no, you're not running away."
"I'm fine Fabian," Camilla told her brother through gritted teeth, yanking her arm out of his grip and looking away from him.
"What do you mean, your fine? You are not fine!" Fabian all but screamed at her. He knew his sister like she knew him. He knew the mask she wore all summer every summer because it was a Camilla who scared him. A Camilla who could shut off her emotions. The moment he had seen her in the drama hall with that emotionless mask he knew what had happened had affected her for the worse. Camilla could be dangerous if she was left emotionless and he knew that better than anyone else. Subconusouly he rubbed the back of his left hand at a scar that reminded him of that.
"For once Fabian, let me do this!" Camilla happily screamed back at her brother, "Nina doesn't need some emotional wreak running around the house, and we know what happens when I get emotional now. This is safer!" she angrily told him through gritted teeth, the lights in the hallway flashing as she did.
Fabian squinted, his the anger building in him too. "you know what? Whatever! But when this ends badly, it's on you and you alone!" with that he turned on his heel and stormed away.
The moment she knew he was gone Camilla's knees gave in and she fell to the step. The tears flooding down her face. She was hurt, and confused, and angry and too many emotions to count. Couldn't her brother see she was trying to protect them all from her and what her outbursts could do – the people she could hurt. She didn't have time to mourn and grieve when Nina needed her and their quest needed her.
"Milly… whats happened?" a soft voice came from the living room and Camilla instantly wiped her face of tears as she heard Jerome's bare feet on the ground approaching her.
"I'm fine, I swear" she whispered, looking away from him. Camilla wasn't sure when it had happened but these days Jerome was one of the few people who she couldn't hide anything from. He could read her like an open book.
Instead of saying anything, she felt the stair she sat on creek as Jerome settle himself next to her, putting an arm around her and pulling her to his chest. She could hear the steady rhythm of his heart and found it rather soothing. "You are not fine, and you don't need to hide that from me, Milly." She heard him whisper to her.
In that moment Camilla didn't know what to do, but she felt safe. She felt anchored. As if she could feel what she needed to feel without having to worry about something dangerous happening.
Camilla couldn't look at him, but she let the tears she needed to let fall, fall down her face, "Sarah…" she whispered, "an old lady me and Nina kind of adopted, died today…" she told Jerome, who simply squeezed her to him tighter, "and then me and Fabian just had a fight, so that doesn't help."
"How can I help?" Jerome asked after a moments silence. He was probably trying to compute the fact the Rutter's had a fight. The two were as thick as thieves, they never fought unless it was a big deal.
"Just… just be here, please." Was all Camilla could ask through tears.
"Always Milly," Jerome whispered, putting his head on the girls as her form shook. Crying for her friend. Crying about her fight with her brother. Crying over the impossible task they still had ahead. "I'm always going to be here for you." He whispered letting her morn in her own way.
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