First thing's first, I have to clear up the confusion last chapter: about Cameron and the gun and stuff.
The story was John having trouble working his way around the fact that this man wanted a million for this house. And so Cameron decided to step in. She tugged on John's hand and retrieved his gun from the holster. Without his noticing, Cameron pointed the gun at Mr Smith, to which he saw and was terrified, instantly agreeing to any amount and only want to get out of there. Then later on, he crashed (because of anxiety or whatever you would assume, it wouldn't change anything)
If you still have any doubts/queries, you can PM me anytime, or leave a review.
Alright, now thanks to those who reviewed!
Amrita D: Yes, I admit, this is getting old (the normal life thing). But if you read double metal or falling in the black, you'd notice there's always been a trend in that I built up something and end it with a bang. So, the readers would have to have patience to get the gise of the story. However, I'm actually quite happy you are eager to find out the ending, which means you care (I hope so _) About the hint, all I can say is, John and Cameron's normal won't last long and it would come to a time, they have to make a decision. And another juicy one is that they would meet Sarah and Derek again, but not soon. About Cameron's memories, I would have to leave you to speculate but since you asked for a hint…you noticed her memories are coming back in bits and pieces right? So…Alright, thanks so much!
Cptlatnok: I hoped I already cleared up your confusion with the paragraph at the top. Sorry about that. And about why they didn't went away…I did state that John didn't want Cameron to think they are some sort of fugitive (which they are), he wanted to continue living the normal they are now. And besides, he is really not the one the police wanted but his mom. And since he isn't with her, he is actually quite safe from the authorities, if they didn't recognise him.
TSCC FAN: Thanks so much for the compliment!
Jeff - Starman800: Cameron didn't want John to worry and besides, she hardly takes them seriously or even thinks they are real. About whether Cameron would hate him…I can't say but only…maybe? The one coming back as a bad terminator, I agree that is kind of off. Thank you for the review!
Sigma: Oh you are such an evil Jameron fan, being happy about me purging Sarah and Derek from the story. Wow, I'm glad they won't burst in to ruin it too! Thanks! I'm glad you're taking the normal better!
Dc:
About the confusion at the end, I explained it at the start of this
chapter, the very top. Thanks for reviewing!
Spayer: That is most
likely as she is starting to regain her memories. But also correctly,
not this chapter. And rest assured, I'll handle this properly. I
already got that chapter up and am working on smoothening it out.
TK-MR: Alright, come to think of it, yes, I should have added something in between those thoughts. The problems on the last chapter have already been explained at the top of this chapter. Cameron didn't fire it; she used it to intimidate Smith into giving them the house at a reasonable price as she sensed John's distress and wanted to help. Yes, she'll definitely remember the bad times too. Lol, I hope so too! Thanks!
Renderer: This chapter is a little longer and thanks for reviewing!
zahnfan23: Thanks!
Summary for Chapter 6: John and Cameron bought their house in the last chapter and began to fit in.
Chapter 6: Settling in
"Cameron, we have to split the chores," John said after putting down the load on the wooden floor, shutting the door and opening the curtains, "Can you keep the clothes?" He asked gently. Cameron nodded, picking up her bag and he picked up his.
They walked up pass the fireplace and the living room before going up the stairs and to the rooms. Cameron paused outside the two doors; side by side.
"What's wrong?" John asked with a smile.
"Which room are we using?" Cameron asked, turning to him. John blinked. We? He was genuinely caught off guard. He'd never expected her to want to share a room with him. Maybe she does remember and does care for me? John thought hopefully.
"I don't know," John replied innocently, "You pick the room," He said. Cameron nodded, walking into the first room, closer to the stairs and looked around inside.
This room was decorated quite 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 which struck John as a painful reminder of Cameron hurting herself in the thigh.
That night when he saw all the cuts when he was tending to her thigh, his heart wrenched as he imagined how indifferently she had sliced through her own flesh. John had to resist the urge to punish himself by grabbing a knife and driving it into his thigh. He still can imagine the healing cuts that would remain scars on Cameron's heart for the rest of her life; if she remembers that incident.
"What's wrong?"
The voice of the love of his life brought him back to earth. John blinked once, shaking his head in denial to nothing in particular.
"Do you want to stay in this room?" John asked.
"No," was her blunt reply.
"Why not?" John probed, frowning.
"I don't like the color on the wall," She stated, "and the carpet," before walking past him and to the next room. John frowned, following her, picking up her bag, which she left, and his.
By the time he entered the second room, she was already standing in the middle of the spacious room. 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.
John smiled at the purple on the wall. If this Cameron is still a part of his Cameron, she'll be so happy; John faintly remembers it being a similar purple to her favorite jacket. And she is.
She turned around to face John, a bright smile on her face, satisfied.
"I take it this would be our new room?" John asked. Cameron looked away, embarrassed at his choice of words. Her cheeks flushed bright red. John's are no less of a red color when he realized how that had sounded, "Erm…so can you keep the clothes? I'll check the television and the electricity?"
Cameron gave him a shy nod, eyes meeting his. John grinned at her before slipping out of the room. He practically bounded to the living room, heading for the television like he said. The first thing he wanted to settle for Cameron was her comfort in this home. John looked around the living room.
The walls and floor were all made of wood. In the middle, there is a white couch set and an antique looking fan on the ceiling. The television looked workable but John was not sure about the cables.
"I'd better get this up by the time Cameron is done with the clothes. Then it's time to bring her out for a little fresh air," He mumbled to himself, smiling at the thought of walking down the street hand in hand with Cameron. Then it struck John he hasn't bought a tool box along! "Damn!" He muttered. "Oh well," Time to borrow one. "Cameron! I'll be going to borrow a tool box from the neighbour; I'll be back soon,"
"Alright," Cameron replied, her voice muffled due to their distance.
"Don't go anywhere nor open the door," He shouted, picking up the keys and leaving the house, remembering to lock it behind him. The thought of leaving Cameron left John's spine tingling in dread so he ran to the house next to theirs. He swallowed, feeling the assuring 9mm resting on his hips under his jacket.
Reaching out with a trembling hand, he pressed the door bell beside the black wooden door. The door opened with a creak, sending chills into John. Luckily, a pleasant-faced woman stood there and not a big burly man.
"Can I help you?" She asked with a wide smile. John shifted from on foot to the next before meeting the woman's eye. She had brown eyes, like Cameron, John realized.
Her black locks reminded him of his mother but John was now indifferent to meeting his mom or not, he just wish she is safe and if she is, he had no worries but Cameron. He'll never stop worrying for her for as long as he lives. Maybe that's love?
The woman had a fine figure but not anywhere near Cameron or even Sarah's (considering the fact that Sarah's given birth to John), sharp chin and a medium built altogether. She looked pretty, to John. Or maybe it's just the eyes getting to him. He blinked a couple of times before replying.
"Hi, I'm your new neighbour, I just moved here. I was wondering if I could borrow your toolbox, I haven't bought one," John put on his best smile but he was anxious to get back.
"Oh hi!" She smiled naturally, "I'm Tracy Lewis," She held out her hand.
"Hi," John took her hand and shook it warmly, racking his brains, "I'm John…" He thought about it before saying, "Gale, John Gale," He smiled.
"It's really nice to meet you Mr Gale," She smiled before retreating a little, "you want to come in, I'll have to look for the toolbox," She offered. John was about to reject it before deciding on entering instead. Sarah used to call this 'getting to know your environment'.
The house was filled with antiques and naturally everything is made of wood, even the couch. John instantly preferred his own house.
"Take a seat," She said before walking to the kitchen to look for the toolbox. John sat down and looked around. Suddenly he heard thumping of footsteps on the wooden staircase. John tensed, hand flying to the 9mm but relaxed when two innocent looking children emerged from the stairway.
They are both blondes. A girl and a boy, about 2 years old.
"Mommy!" They screamed, running to the kitchen but paused and froze abruptly when they saw John sitting in the living room.
"Yes?" Mrs. Lewis emerged from the kitchen, noticing the awkward atmosphere between John and her children, "children, this is Mr Gale. He'll be living next door from now on," Upon listening to their mother's assurance, they unfroze, "Mr Gale, these are my children, Dennis and Denise," She introduced the children to John, who was a little stiff.
He forced a small smile and the children grinned, running up to him.
"My husband's upstairs, I'll introduce you to him when he comes down," Mrs. Lewis smiled before returning to the kitchen to get the toolbox.
"Hello Mr Gale!" Denise squealed excitedly.
"Hi, just call me John," John replied, a little uncomfortable conversing with such small people. To his surprise, Dennis crawled onto the couch by him and started to cling onto his jacket. John tensed and his hand flew to his gun to check if the safety's on.
"Mr Gale, here's your toolbox," Mrs. Lewis said, passing John the black toolbox.
"Thanks," John took it, "I'll return it once I'm done,"
"Take as long as you like," She replied and scoped Dennis, who clung onto John, into her arms.
"Thanks so much," John stood and was about to leave when Mrs. Lewis asked.
"Do you live by yourself?"
John paused for a moment, wondering what's the right thing to say, finally settling on one, "No, I live with my girlfriend," He smiled.
"She must be an extraordinary woman to get a man like you," Mrs. Lewis beamed.
"She's awesome," John replied with a smile, "Maybe you could come by our house sometime for tea?" He offered.
"Sure," Mrs. Lewis nodded, bringing him to the door.
"Bye, John!" Both children screamed in delight, waving their little arms around.
"Bye," John grinned, waving a little before running down to his own house, almost drowning in ecstasy. Quietly, he entered the house and put the toolbox down before walking soundlessly to their new room. He can hear shuffling of things in the room.
His heart rate increased with excitement, almost that he couldn't contain it, only wanting to scream in happiness or he might suffocate. John's meeting with Mrs. Lewis and the kids made him realize how lucky he is to be here and it was all thanks to his love for Cameron and willingness to leave everything back there for her. For once in his life, despite the feel of the weight on his shoulders, he was happy.
In the past, no matter how much Sarah did; sent him to school or buy a house to settle in, he can't help but get into fights with classmates over the littlest arguments. He just couldn't be a kid no matter how he tried but now with only Cameron around, he felt normal. A normal guy with the one he loved. Here having a house with lovely neighbours. It was more than John had ever wished for all his life.
He peered into the room to see Cameron at the bed, back facing him. She had laid out the clothes on the bed and now putting them into the wardrobe. John lunged forward without hesitation and enveloped her into his arms.
She stifled a scream in shock, bringing a smile to John's face at finally succeeding in scaring Cameron. That's definitely an accomplishment but John found it weird she didn't sense his heat wave by the door. He shake that aside and tighten his hold around Cameron. He could feel her wriggling in his embrace, trying to fight her way out but that's not working.
John got a good grip and he ain't letting go for what's worth. He could feel her warmth on his skin, her sweet smell filling his nose trills and sending him to heaven. John felt dizzy and filled with warmth. To his surprise, Cameron wasn't intending to get out of John's grip but to wriggle till his arms were around her waist and not her shoulders.
And now it is, John felt her small hand on his. He missed this so much. He rested his chin on her shoulder and nuzzled his face into the crook of her neck. He let out a trail warm breath down into her skin. Cameron giggled and shies away.
"You felt that?" John mumbled into her ear, showering it with warm breath as well.
"Yes, and stop doing that," Cameron laughed out. John laughed along with her, burying his face into the side of her head and kissing her tenderly. He saw a small smile graced her lips before he propped his chin on her shoulder again. They stayed this way for a moment, enjoying being in each other presence and feeling each other's body against their own.
John sighed in contentment to stand here forever with her.
"John," Cameron spoke, turning her head to face him as much as possible without his head being an obstruction.
"Hm?" John shifted his face closer to hers, his temple touching her cheek.
"You should set up the television, like you said you would," Cameron said, "Unless you already finished it,"
John sighed, but of the thought of letting go, "No I haven't finished it yet," He admitted, "But I don't want to be away from you," He protested.
Cameron smiled sweetly, "Then you can help me pack the stuff into the wardrobe," She said. John nodded enthusiastically, reluctantly let go of her. She turned and lightly pecked him on the cheek before they went to work. John's senses were instantly jolted awake and he went to work.
Cameron passed him the things while he placed them where he thought is the best places. Although this kind of work is inefficient and a wastage of manpower; they couldn't care less. And this is one thing John liked about Cameron losing her memory. If it were the old Cameron, she'd insist he went outside to finish the cables.
For more than a couple of times did John's hand brushed against Cameron while passing over the clothes but they were able to keep themselves in check and settle for a light smile.
With all these little actions, it took them about 10 minutes to finish with the remaining arranging. But neither of them is complaining. John and Cameron proceeded to fold the bags up and chuck them in the topmost shelve in the wardrobe.
"You want to help me with the cables?" John offered, looking at her hopefully. Cameron nodded without a second thought before heading into the living room and they started on the television.
"Can you pass me the wire cutter?" John asked, head under the Television rack, fixing the wires. He reached his hand out from under the rack and felt the wire cutter in his hand. He grinned foolishly to himself before proceeding to cut off the excess wire. After, John continued with the work, he didn't have anything to talk about and neither did Cameron.
They were both quiet, mostly John fixing the television cables. Finally, he pushed in the plug under the rack and flipped the switch on. He retreated out from under the rack, careful not to bump his head and stretched.
Looking around, he was a little flustered as to where Cameron is.
"Cameron!" He shouted, running to the bedroom, wishing she was there, "Cameron!" He let out another shout when she isn't in the bedroom, heart pumping away. He entered the kitchen, letting out a heavy sigh of relief to find Cameron standing there by the counter.
He approached her to find her pouring the drink into a glass cup filled with ice.
"Hey," He whispered as to not scare her. Cameron seemed really to be concentrating. She jumped a little but relaxed at the sight of John.
"You're done with the television?" Cameron asked sweetly, finish pouring the drink.
"Yeah," He nodded as she passed him the drink, "What is it?" He asked, frowning when Cameron just smiled and walked pass him.
"Finish it," She pointed at the glass which is filled with brown liquid. John shrugged, downing the drink but it wasn't long before he spluttered, spitting it out into the sink. He heard Cameron laughing behind him.
It didn't take John long to put down the drink and turn around, scooping her into his arms. She cried out in shock and struggled mildly but John ran to the bedroom and proceeded with the tickling. Cameron jumped on the bed to get away but John is getting fitter and followed her nimble movement with less difficulty.
Cameron squealed, ducking and crawling to the other end of the huge bed. John dived after her, cornering her and starting with the torture. She cried out in desperation to get free of the unbearable tickling. John grinned, starting to like this new Cameron who had less control over extreme sensation; unlike his Cameron. He can apply 'torture' to her without really hurting her.
"John!" She screamed as she tried to get away from him but not before he wrapped his arms around her shoulders, immobilizing her and pulling her back.
John brought her closer to him, dropping her in the middle of the bed on her back and leaning over to proceed with the 'punishment' when he realized she was staring up at him. She began to blush. Realization slapped John hard as he rolled off her, sitting up. Cameron also sat up.
It took a moment for the awkwardness to pass.
"I'm-I'm sorry," John managed to get it out. Cameron never replied but acknowledged it with a small smile. He stepped off the bed, wanting to change the subject, "What'd you put in the drink anyway?" He asked, displaying a playful scowl.
"All the drinks we had," Cameron replied. John's jaw dropped.
"You used all the drinks we had in that drink I drank?!" He gaped in disbelief at Cameron's playfulness after losing her memory. She nodded, pleased with herself, "I'm gonna be sick," John turned, hearing chuckles from Cameron behind him. He walked out of the room, hearing her following him. He turned to face her.
She was looking up at him with a small smile on her lips.
"Um," He started awkwardly once again, "We'll be going out to fill our fridge so…"
"Can we stay in, for now?" Cameron requested quietly. John frowned, approaching her slowly.
"What's wrong?" John asked gently, taking her by her shoulders.
"I don't like the outdoors," Cameron confessed softly.
"Since when?" John continued probing gently, "You used to love outdoors, just a few hours before."
"Since I walked away from you at the motel by accident," She replied truthfully, however still shy.
John thought back.
"Don't run around like that!" John exclaimed, tone harsher than he wanted, shaking her. Cameron was visibly shaken by his sudden outrage. She pinched her lips together, tears gathering in her eyes as her lower lips trembled in fear.
It had never occurred to John even for a moment that might scare Cameron and leave a dent in her confidence. He'd scare her by his outrage, something he did wrong again…
"Cameron," John waited till she lifted her head to look at him did he continue, "You won't wander off again. I promise you that. I'll take care of you."
"I know," She replied.
"I'll always find you," John's right hand slipped down her arm, brushing it gently, before taking her hand in his, squeezing it to reassure her.
Cameron gave him a small smile and nodded, trusting him with her life.
"Go, get whatever you want to bring along, we'll be out in a minute," John let go of her hand and she walked to the room, "I won't lose you again…" He mumbled to himself.
His emerald eyes settled on a lone figure in the middle of the blanket of snow. John's eyes twinkled as he walked closer to her, threading deep into the snow, wetting his jeans.
"Cameron?" John whispered as he neared her but he froze as his eyes set on the shiny barrel of the pistol in her hand. She was looking out to sea and her hair was covered in snow.
Cameron lifted the gun, ignoring John if she heard him. She walked forward, closer to the sea, as the gun rose. John made a move to follow but Cameron turned around so quickly John barely sees it. Her pools of brown looked lifeless and filled with tears; John had never seen them so sad before.
John gaped as the tip of the muzzle rested on her temple, "Cameron, don't," John mumbled, shaking his head, watching the gun intently, his heart almost stopped. The body of the gun shone and showed itself as Cameron's usual one. The one she carried around, the one she used to shoot at terminators, the same one which consist of thermite rounds.
Cameron's collapsed mentally as she laid eyes on John. She pressed the muzzle against her temple hard, bruising it. She gritted her teeth together as she started crying, "John," She mumbled through her sobs.
"Cameron, don't do this," John held out his hand gently, walking forward, trying to make his steps as quiet as possible and less sudden movement that would trigger her, literally and mentally.
"John," Cameron cried softly, keeping the gun up, "Please, don't come any closer," Cameron mumbled. John ignored her, walking forward, eyes on the gun, "Stay away from me!" Cameron screamed; the gun redirected from her to John.
John froze in his tracks as he watched the gun now pointed at him. He wished she'll keep it like this, he just wished she'll shoot him dead now rather than let him watch her blow her own chip in…
"I'm so sorry," Cameron whimpered, moving backwards. She stopped a distance away.
"Cameron don't do this!" John shouted, feeling his own tears running down his face. He's lost her. John knows, what he says now is futile, she's not listening anymore. She can't make herself listen, her battered heart didn't want to anymore.
"John, you shouldn't be here," Cameron mumbled. John frowned deeply, "It hurts me," Cameron cried, bringing the gun back up to its initial mission, blowing her life apart and put her out of her misery once in for all.
"I can help. I'll help. I'll make it go away," John cooed.
"No," Cameron said, pinching her lips into a thin line, "You can't." Cameron's hand tightened with certainty.
"Cameron, please," John felt his legs soften as his mind ran out of ideas, "I love you, I still do, don't do this!" John screamed desperately, running forth, "We can be together, please,"
"LIAR!" Cameron screamed and that was it. A deafening bang filled John's ears. Crimson red blood splattered unceremoniously across the snow, painting it red from white. Some of them sought its way at John's feet. He screamed, feeling part of him falling and dying as he saw Cameron fall limplessly to the ground.
John felt involuntary tears flow down his cheeks. He leaned against the wall as that dreadful feeling touched his heart once more. John would not let that happen ever again, he can't take another one very much like that.
I need her…
To Be Continued…
Next chapter: John and Cameron intended to go to the mart but they took a small detour when an idea of something he should do struck John. He decided to proceed with completing that before they shopping for groceries. Meanwhile, Cameron was struck with a terrible memory.