Thanks to those who gave your comments on the last chapter!
TK-MR: Thanks and you're right, a storm is coming but not a skynet one, it would be a relationship storm for Jameron! And I checked, I wrote 'what if'. Thanks!
Cptlatnok: I know and totally agree with the stupid marriage proposal but Mr Connor is taking advantage of having her naïve mind to get the best *grins slyly. Anyway, that's how I wrote it, though John didn't do it intentionally. I mean how many boys who grew up in the jungle and lives as a messiah would know how to give a good marriage proposal? And yes, lucky John . Thanks!
Dc: Thanks and the proposal was pathetic on John's part but I also didn't want to bring it to the romantic dinner and kneels down thing. It would be too much for a hardcore soldier like John. I'm glad it was sweet for you. Thanks again!
jojobevco: Thanks!
zahnfan23: Thanks but I mean how she would toughen if she doesn't know the first thing about their situation. If you go to her and talk about skynet, the first thing she'll ask you would be 'Skynet?!' She is totally hopeless and naïve about the world. She's like a little child, infant.
gul rahn: Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Pointzip73: Alright, maybe the intro was uncalled for, sorry and yes, their starting to get to my head too, maybe that's why it is in my fanfic? Thanks and if you think that was juicy, you're going to drown with the next few (maybe not in this chapter but soon) Alright; I get it, too cheesy. I kind of think so too but I'm hopeless with marriage and stuff so sorry and bear with me.
red-cherry-flowers: Thanks. About John being affectionate. I actually thought about that point too but considering the fact Cameron lost her memories and wanders around like a small child, if he cared, it would only be natural for him to treat her like one, starting to fuss all over her and stuff like that but don't worry, all those affection, you'll find out is partially guilt. And like I said, Cameron is supposed to be a hopeless and don't-know-the-first-thing-about-reality machine in this story. She is now a blank slate and doesn't remember a thing about human relations. The over controlling bf, yes, it was meant to be as he was afraid she'll be kidnapped, or killed. He had to protect her now, always being alert while Cameron can have the privilege of being him, having fun at the mart and stuff like that. Lastly, don't fret, you'll get your in depth relationship soon when you realize they have been keeping their shares of secrets from each other. Thanks for reviewing!
Jeff - Starman800: Thanks and YES, you GOT IT!!! Cameron doesn't even know what is going on and what she is signing for. She probably thought she is signing on for a movie ticket. And yes, she'll be a little **. John'll get his thanks and the ass whooped thing. Thanks again!
TSCC FAN: Thanks and lols, I get it. Thanks again!
Nathan Riddle: Thanks and not really now but they will, later on. The fight in this chapter would be minor and somewhat stupid (I hope not) Thanks again!
A/N: Alright, I'm really sorry that the marriage proposal turned out to be a disaster. I really don't want John and Cameron to have that lovey dovey proposal where John bring her out for a romantic dinner as I don't think that would exactly be in character for John.
And for some who noticed John's overly affection for Cameron. It is actually all due to the lost of her memories and he is worried for her after realizing she doesn't know anything at all. He is just plain worried and cares if something or someone should attack them. I just thought I should clear that up in case any of you have any doubts.
So as I promised, this chapter would consist of a LITTLE action but don't get your hopes up.
I really hope you would enjoy it and sorry for the late update.
Chapter 8: The Mart
It was painful…
"Cameron?" John's soft voice brought her spinning back to reality, feeling his hand on hers. She stiffened under his touch. It hurts her and that thought began to sting her eyes, "Cameron, what's wrong?" John's hand reached over to take the other of her hand in his.
"It hurts…" She mumbled quietly, staring aimlessly towards the rings and their glow.
"What?" John frowned, puzzled, "Cameron, answer me," He said firmly but she seemed to be caught in her own world, "Did you hurt yourself in the house or something?"
"You hurt me" She mumbled softly, remembering the feeling of her injured knuckles against the floor, supporting her, remembering the feel of John's hand against her shoulder and the feeling of falling backwards. Everything moved in slow motion for her, she'll never forget that lingering taste of pain even after her knuckles healed.
"Cameron, what are you talking about?" John denied it softly, feeling guilt stab at his heart. Cameron was shaking and brows furrowing in fear and pain, "Cam," He mumbled softly, pulling her into a hug. Cameron rested on his shoulder by her cheek.
John was scared and guilty. She was right. He did. He hurt her and there was nothing to deny it. However, that must mean she remembers them now? All the things going on? He squeezed her shoulders, pressing her body against his firmly. He was so afraid she would never forgive him. What would he do then? John gave everything up for her but when Cameron remembers how he used to treat her would she forgive him, would she still understand he had left everything behind for her and that he loves her?
"John…" She mumbled, burying her face into his shoulder, feeling the soft fabric of his jacket and warmth seeping though her skin. That sensation sent her shivering with happiness but also somewhat part of fear.
"Cam, don't do this." John mumbled, wishing out loud.
"Hold on to me," She replied simply, requested accepted by a simple squeeze and his right arm slipping down to hold her waist. Some people in the shop turned to them but John didn't care. His heart ached. His soul was tired of all this, lying to someone he loved wasn't as he easy as he'd thought. What if she decides he wasn't fit to be with her and ran away?
John hated this. He didn't want to lie to her but he didn't have the courage to place his cards on the table and be honest with all he has done; he was too afraid of the consequences to even try it. He felt like he was lying to her about everything.
He told her how perfect their relationship was when it wasn't. It was filled with holes and they were left unfilled. And the one with the biggest damage was done by him when he wanted to have a normal girl, Riley.
The lies they have been living in made him rethink if maybe they should've remained with Sarah and Derek and Ryan. Maybe that's what's best both of them; to remain apart forever? Maybe lying to her wasn't such a good idea but a very selfish act on his part?
John always had at the back of this mind one thing: All this is a lie. Their perfect relationship with no complication was a story written by John Connor and she had no choice but to play along, having no knowledge of the lie he had whipped up. She was just another one for him to control, manipulate as he wishes.
She stirred after a still moment and John released Cameron cautiously, readying himself to grab her if she should run. He moved his chair closer to her. Her expression was unreadable, staring at nothing in particular
"Cameron? Can you tell me what's wrong?" John leaned in, feeling fear grow in his stomach like a bomb, waiting to go off. Cameron's brown eyes turned to him, feeling a strong surge of electricity charging up her spine bone, sending her into shivers when her eyes met John's.
"No, nothing, just-" Cameron stopped abruptly, biting her lips, struggling to find the right way to phrase it, "I don't want to talk about it."
"I'm always here Cam, I always love you," John said gently, not knowing what to do but to confess. What if she remembered everything?
She relaxed instantly, hearing John's voice, filled with love for her. She looked down on her knuckles, wondering if there is a scar to her wound. She couldn't shove that thought away. John had hurt her but he loved her. He wouldn't hurt me. Cameron decided to herself.
"Alright, so, we'll have this band then?" John asked, trying to resume being cheerful.
She gave a small smile and a nod. John grinned, calling over the lady and purchased the ring with three small diamonds, insisting the lady to keep the change as she attempted to count its value. John took the bag and they left the shop, his arm loosely around Cameron's waist, holding her close.
"Do we shop for groceries now?" Cameron asked, looking at John, clueless.
John shrugged, "I don't really know. We haven't officially been engaged yet and not to mention we haven't even got an iden-" John stopped abruptly. Cameron looked at him questioningly, "We haven't even got the groceries so…"
A bright smile crossed Cameron's beautiful face and John's heart instantly fluttered. They walked hand in hand to the jeep and he placed the bag gently under the chair with all their guns. John smiled at Cameron before driving off.
John bit his lips and decided silently, I wouldn't involve Cameron in getting a new identity, becoming a criminal, not on the life of the whole damn human race; if she's already living a lie, I might as well make this a beautiful one for her to enjoy basking in.
"Alright, what's on the list?" John asked casually as they stepped into a mart, getting themselves a shopping trolley.
"Nothing," Cameron replied bluntly.
"Nothing?" He raised an eyebrow at her, receiving an earnest nod, "alright then, we'll improvise, won't we?" John flashed a grin and grabbed her hand, pulling her into the cold storage section.
Cameron smiled, letting John pull her with one hand while he pushed the cart with the other. They stopped in front of the frozen foods.
"So…" John looked at Cameron, clueless, "what do you want to eat tonight?" He asked.
Cameron looked along the rows of frozen food, pointing at the chicken steaks, packed in air tight wrappers. John raised an eyebrow. John daren't try to cook steak, without the knowledge of working the oven or griller.
"That one," She added. John nodded and chose two best ones and placed them into the cart.
"You'd better know how to cook it as I'll tell you honestly, I have no idea how," John said casually and Cameron flashed him a smile before moving on. He rolled his eyes and shook his head, following her, "Cameron, I'm serious!" He said, catching up to her. Cameron took hold of the cart, walking along the racks of food.
John reached his arm behind Cameron and holding the cart on both sides, resting his chin on her shoulder.
"I don't know if I know how to cook steak, John. I'll try," Cameron replied distractedly, missing his groan in the process at the thought of her failure. If John had known one day he'd have to leave his mom, he'll have learnt a couple of cooking skills from her, though Sarah's cooking is nearing the inedible state.
Cameron took a bottle of jam and margarine while John secretly slipped the bottle of peanut butter in the cart, not wanting to risk letting Cameron know in case she disapprove. Later, they bought a huge loaf of bread; some can food and instant noodles (much to Cameron's annoyance and disappointment).
They wandered into the baking section. Cameron seemed to be awfully interested. John also seemed interested but not in the baking stuff but in a Cameron who is interested in something for a change.
"Can we get some baking ingredients?" Cameron asked, looking distractedly at the box of baking flour.
"Sure," John shrugged his shoulders, remembering the last cake she baked him. The taste still lingered in his mouth and left a sweet taste in his heart. He watched as Cameron placed several ingredients into the cart. Soon, they wandered into the drinks section. John walked to the can drinks shelves, reaching for some when…
"Must we drink can drinks?" Cameron asked softly.
"Not if you don't want to," John shrugged.
"Do you want to?"
"Er…honestly, I prefer this, but-"
Cameron silently scooped two cans of Dr Pepper, three cans of Diet coke and some random soda, dropping them into the cart and wheeled it away.
"Cameron, you don't always have to adapt to me," John started awkwardly.
"You don't have to adapt to me," She replied bluntly, "I don't even remember what I prefer anyway," John swore he saw her shoulders drooped in the thought of losing her memories of her and John being 'together'.
"Cameron, I'm sorry," John mumbled, about everything.
"It's alright. My memories are the second important thing in my life," Cameron replied simply, taking boxes of pancakes off the racks. John frowned at both the statement and the fact she had chosen pancakes for breakfast.
He decided to ask her about the statement first, "Second? They're the most important thing to a person! What could be more important then them?!" He asked incredously.
"The person in the memories who made them treasured," Cameron replied matter-of-factly, staring at John expectantly before moving on. It took him a second to gather his thoughts and absorb her statement. He grinned foolishly to himself, drowning in pure happiness as he realized he is that very person. Maybe this lie wasn't so bad? He caught up with her and tried to cheer her up.
"You might have lost your memory but-"
"Let's drop this," Cameron interrupted with a small pleading smile.
"Alright," He nodded. A box of sugar, salt, pepper, spices and a pack of cheese joined their collection. John's eyes darted to her, deciding if it would be appropriate for him to test her about whether she remembered anything. He decided to start off small, "Cameron, do you remember anything? Feeling love for me? A flash? A feeling?"
The wheeling movement of the cart stopped and so did Cameron's footsteps. John stopped too. She turned a little in his arms to face him as he let go of the other side of the cart.
"I don't know," Cameron flashed him a hurt look.
"Sorry," He said quickly, knowing that she has mistaken his question for whether she love him at all, "I shouldn't have doubt you, I-" His rants of apology were interrupted by a small smile from Cameron and a slight shake of her head before moving on with their shopping.
John, you helpless idiotic low life! How could you even have the cheek to ask her that?! Is your head really filled with brain or stones?! She agreed to marry you for god's sake! That's not as simple as agreeing to buy groceries for you! That promise from her is giving you her life and future! Besides, you are not offering her anything she wanted! She thought you are offering a life but the truth is, there is nothing! John scolded himself as he walked side by side with Cameron.
The shopping of shampoo, bathe and hand soap were all bought in silence. Once or twice John wanted to strike a conversation while Cameron stopped to choose the shampoo and all but she walked on before John can start. He didn't know if he was too slow or she is deliberately avoiding a conversation. If it was the latter, he knew he is in for a lifetime of misery.
"Cameron-"
"I think we need something to maintain the house," Cameron said as they approached the counter.
"Great, what do we need?" John asked, happy just to strike a conversation.
Cameron turned to John, "Toolbox," She said, looking as if John's hurtful question had never been said.
"I think we can purchase those here," He said, looking around, "Alright, you wait right here okay? Don't go anywhere, I'll be right back," John assured her with a smile before running off. Cameron stood by the cart, by the counter, watching John run off in a hurry.
The wind brought his jacket into flaps. John couldn't leave Cameron alone for long in case she walks off or run off. He looked around anxiously for the toolbox, finding it; he picked them up without choosing and took off.
He went to where he left Cameron, praying she'll still be there. But he couldn't see her, only a bunch of youngsters.
"Damn!" He muttered aloud, moving forward, placing the toolbox down, "Hey," John snapped, shoving two of the teen away from Cameron, standing guardedly in front of her.
"Who do you think you are peep?!" A teen sneered.
"She's my wife," John glared angrily, nose trill flaring.
"Who are you kidding dude? She's like only sixteen and look at you!" They all laughed. John's hands curled up tightly into fists and he pursed his lips in anger at the thought of someone laughing about him not being able to take care of her, "Come on babe let's go," The teen with a large tattoo of a unrecognizable creature reached forward and grabbed Cameron's arm.
She screamed in fear. John frowned, puzzled. He was expecting her to fling this poor guy across the mall. Perhaps she's not aware of her strengths? Then the others pulled at John, preventing him from defending her. He struggled mildly against the grip as his arms are twisted to his back.
"Dude, come on!" John shouted in frustration, struggling with them. His arms were beginning to hurt, "Cameron," He muttered, twisting around so fast that one of them lost their grip on his arm, allowing him space to punch his other restrainer, breaking his nose. He elbowed the man who held Cameron. A lot of people in the mall looked over but most decided to scram before they get into trouble.
Most of the ones who were beaten down by John were all wide eyed with shock and surprise. They hadn't expected a young boy like him to be able to beat them down.
Before John can run to get Cameron, he heard a soft click and a pressure on his lower back. He froze, hearing the man whose nose he broke, "Let the babe come with us and we will save you the pain of suffering a bullet,"
"I'd exchange her for a limb," John offered simply, not moving an inch. The man got closer to John to cover the gun from sight of others. He never speak and John guessed he's shocked at what his reply was, "So, are you gonna shoot or what?" John growled.
"John," Cameron whimpered, sharp eyes spotting the gun. John casted a sorry gaze towards her.
"Of course I am," He hissed before applying pressure to the trigger. John shut his eyes.
"John!" Cameron cried out. John felt the teenager's arm behind him stiffened, "Please stop," The man holding Cameron pulled on her arm, ready to bring her away when she lashed out at him, pushing him to the floor with all her might. The man yelped out as he skid across the mall. All the other men all stared, mouth hanging open but that wasn't John's concern.
He glanced at her. Cameron looked shocked herself. She bit her lips as more and more eyes stared at her in shock. Her eyes flooded with tears. She needed him.
The man holding John stiffened and the gun was somewhat lowered. John elbowed the teen and ran to get Cameron. She leaned onto him, welcoming some warmth and a hug.
"You-" The teen was interrupted by sirens. All their faces turned white as they ran quickly. John did consider running too but decided to stay. He didn't want Cameron to know they're fugitives; all he could do was pray. Two LAPD officers ran in, hand on their pistols.
"You okay kid?" An officer walked over.
"Yeah, I'm fine," John nodded.
"Mind telling me what's going on?"
"They're harassing her," John replied flatly, trying to keep his replies short, "I punched them,"
"Good kid," the officer commented, "Your girlfriend?" he gestured to Cameron.
John hesitated but decided on, "No," He saw Cameron's disappointed look from the corner of his eye, "My wife," He continued with a smile.
The officer raised a doubtful eyebrow, "You sure kid? How old are you?"
"I'm twenty one and she's twenty," John replied confidently; silently praying he would not ask for their ICs.
"Young, but still…" The officer nodded, smiling.
"If there's nothing more officer," John continued, "Thank you for your help," John smiled.
"Of course, I would get them one day," He sighed. John chuckled before heading for the counter to pay for their purchase, aware of all the eyes on them.
"I'm sorry," John said in a soft but apologetic voice, never having eye contact with her, "I won't leave your side again,"
"I do love you, so much" Cameron replied simply as the cashier packed their purchase and John paid the counter, taking their things and leaving.
"You needn't answer my question, I already knew the answer," John thought aloud, turning to grin at Cameron despite he knowingly stepped into a deep pit.
Lying to her wasn't easy and he knew the longer he held this out, the harder the truth would hit her poor heart.
Things are about to get much worst.
To be continued…
Another leap of a normal life of Jameron! Right now, John's the protector and Cameron's the protectee, quite obviously. I'm enjoying portray John 'Future John' style. Well, this is just another way to get John to be the leader so…I hope you're enjoying this! Plus if you notice, John's emotional battle of lying to Cameron.
Well, next chapter…John's guilt was pushed aside as they spent some quality time together at home.