Chapter Five

'Kill her mother'

Tristen sat bolt upright in her bed, she could feel the sweat on the back of her neck. Quietly she pushed off the covers and padded out of Ninja Ops. It was still dark outside as she stepped through the secret waterfall entrance. Tristen sat down against a tree trunk watching the water. The same dream had been haunting her since she arrived, each night she saw her mother's death over and over again.

She sighed and closed her eyes trying to blink back the tears. She wouldn't cry.

'Can't sleep?' asked a familiar voice.

Tristen opened her eyes and saw Cam standing in front of her. He had obviously followed her outside, as he hadn't buttoned up the top four buttons of his shirt. Afraid that her voice might show her feelings Tristen remained silent and shook her head. She looked down hoping that Cam wouldn't see her tears.

'I know how you feel,' he said sitting down next to her and resting his back against the tree. Tristen stayed silent her emotions welling up inside her.

'It's not...' started Cam before Tristen interrupted him.

'Tell me it's not real,' she pleaded looking into his eyes, 'tell me it didn't happen.'

Cam saw the unshed tears.

'Tristen,' he said softly his own voice shaking slightly.

Cam reached out to touch her shoulder but she shrugged him off.

'There was nothing I could do,' finally the tears that had been threatening for days spilled down her cheeks. Cam reached out again and this time she didn't move away, instead she leaned closer to him and rested her head on his chest sobbing.

He held her till her cries subsided gently stroking her hair. Tristen took a few deep breaths and wiped her face with her hand. A few minutes later she was quiet, her head still against Cam's chest. She gave a small shiver and for the first time Cam noticed that she was only in shorts and a crop top.

'You should go back inside before you catch a cold or something,' he advised breaking the silence.

'No,' she said quietly, nuzzling closer to Cam, 'I like it here.'

Cam slowly put his arms further around her and Tristen slipped one leg over his, her hand clasping part of his shirt as she cuddled up next to him.

They stayed there in silence until the sun could be seen rising up through the treetops. Tristen had fallen asleep and Cam hadn't wanted to wake her, he had sat listening to her steady breathing as she slept.

He left her a few more minutes before gently shaking her shoulder. She opened her eyes and smiled at him.

'Thank you,' she said quietly sitting up.

'That's what friends are for,' he replied shaking his head, his voice quavering a little as he said friends.

He made to get up but she caught his arm. Cam lowered himself back down to the ground.

'Your not just a friend,' she said looking into his eyes.

Cam swallowed nervously; his mind ran with predictions of what she would say. "You're my best friend...You're like a brother to me..."

But Tristen didn't say anything; instead she leaned in closer to him and brushed her lips against his.

When she pulled away it took a minute for Cam to realise what she had done.

'Oh god, I shouldn't have done that, I'm so sorry...' she mumbled embarrassed.

Cam put his hand over hers and she looked back to him. He lifted his other hand to her face and drew her towards him. This time the kiss was longer.