Thanks to those who Read/Reviewed!!! Your comments and suggestion are all read and considered definitely read and considered!!! So just keep them coming!
TSCC FAN: Hey! How'd you know that? However, all I can say is that trouble is definitely coming but it wouldn't be by them. Thanks!
mshig11: Don't mention it! I absolutely love replying to reviews even to those who made simple statements like 'Great Chapter' or 'you suck'. It's fun! So don't mention it! I'm actually expecting a lot of people to be sad at who turn up. I kind of already planned these two to be involved before the rest are; which I promise, they'd slowly turn up as these two's story continue. I'll drag them in one by one slowly. Sarah and Derek's story would be revealed much later and I think how they actually meet would be jaw-dropping for you but it'll be later on. And of course they'll be planning to kill Cameron; at least Derek will. About whether Cameron is pregnant, I can't say, as you've said it yourself but it'll be solved in this story; whether Cameron is pregnant or not?
About John and his kick some serious a** statement, it'll be in the next chapter but it's no secret as it is kind of in the 'preview'. Jesse and Riley would be kind of hovering around a lot and less/no action. They just come in to let me have some fun with these two and pull in the other characters in case you guys thought I have forgotten about them. Thanks! Right, now I seem to be updating once or twice a week. I was hoping if it would be better if I increased it to thrice?
WilliamJago: Yes, I was expecting the surprised part. Almost everyone must be expecting Sarah and Derek right? And about Jesse's plan, it's kind of here nor there right now. She just kept on looking for them without the littlest lead. And heartaches for Jameron would be subtle here and there but not as serious as Falling in the black; that entire story is an emotional tornado. Even I had enough of writing that. This story would be more of a litter tone but more action of Jameron! Yup, I hope I can preserve that old Cameron image! Thanks so much!
Cptlatnok: Lols. Yup, Riley and Jesse are bad for the story and my health. Thanks so much for reviewing!
TK-MR: Thanks. And Cameron's pregnant mystery would be solved in this chapter. Sarah and Derek would appear later on gradually following Jesse's appearance.
zahnfan23: Thanks and LOL!!! Major LOL seriously! I am kind of here nor there about killing off Riley. She seems like a poor girl now…
jojobevco: Thanks so much!
kaotic2: Thanks and you'll love it more at the 'preview' of this chapter. Thanks and the meeting would be much later on and you'll be shocked at how they meet.
Without further ado….
Chapter 15: Engaged
"We need a job,"
"What?!" John gaped. He spun around so fast on the ladder that he almost fell. He grabbed the ladder in shock and steadied himself. He could see her with her back facing him.
"We need a job," Cameron repeated.
"I know, I heard you the first time." John growled in annoyance at Cameron's obvious tease. He knew that she understood that saying 'what' was an expression of shock, especially given his tone.
She stated, "We need to find a job quickly." Cameron walked into the living room, apron tied around her waist. She had been in the kitchen for a while now, making some sort of apple pie for him.
"What for?" John asked, fidgeting with a bulb.
Cameron looked up at him, "To blend in. Not for money. And we need to continue our plan to stop skynet for as long as we can. You know it isn't stopped, right? We can't stop it; only postpone it no matter what we do."
John's expression changed faster than a thunderstorm arrival. He turned away from her, continuing in replacing the bulb in the lamp. "Whether we stopped it the last time or not, I am not going to run from the war. I'm going to face it. We talked about it Cam." He replied, not looking at her.
"John, I understand that but we got to blend in. Our neighbors are going to ask about why we aren't setting off for work. We can't excuse ourselves by saying we had packets of diamonds that we stole from your mom can we?" Cameron tried to explain.
But John was a little offended and angry, "No, Cameron that's not all. I know you. You have another motive don't you?"
"John," She mumbled, hurt. John stared down at her before leaping off the ladder and landing on his feet, taking a few steps to her.
"I promised you. And I'm not about to break it. Let's take whatever time we have left before Judgment Day arrives. We can live normally for once. Just the two of us." John held her shoulder.
"We can't. Even if we don't stop Skynet, I have to prepare you for the war. War tactics, survival skills, critical thinking and many more. And stopping skynet is the perfect mission we need just to achieve those aspects." Cameron looked at him, gently stroking his arm.
John sighed, knowing she's right. They needed to get ready or how is he supposed to win the war?
"What do you say?" Cameron probed him.
"Alright." John replied gloomily, disappointed at not being able to try to lead a life he wanted to with Cameron.
"At least you will always have me," She tried to consol him, which works like a charm. His face lit up as he laid his eyes on her.
"Good point. You win," John grinned, "I'll fix the light. And is the pie ready? I'm starving." He let go of Cameron and climbed up the ladder.
"It will be in a while and be careful up the ladder." Cameron returned to the kitchen to place the pie in the oven. Later, upon asking John's permission, she accessed his laptop to head online to the internet to update themselves on what they have missed. John promised he'll join her the moment he's done wiring the lights.
Cameron didn't bother to remove the apron, knowing she'll need it to take out the pie later on. She didn't know why she needed the apron but it just made John smile to see her wearing it. So Cameron just started wearing it. She settled on the dining table, accessing the internet and reading all the recent news.
John kept away the ladder and placed it by the door so he wouldn't forget to return it to Mrs. Lewis next door, who had been terribly nice to them. He joined Cameron once he's done, standing beside her and reading the article she is reading.
"What have we got?" John lowered himself to eye level with the laptop, "Open firefight at Downtown Los Angeles,"
Both of their brows knitted in worry as they read the article. It was mainly the same as the rest of the big news they have read. Many bodies, unidentified killers, useless surveillance tapes, unidentified weapons usage. But the feeling of dread grew as John read the increase in death on their departure.
Sarah hasn't been continuing on their job upon John's departure and they both know it judging from the news. Or, she could be dead.
Wordlessly, Cameron left the seat and let John settle in it to scan through the news.
"John," She placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, "It's time we stop this killing spree." She spoke. John gave her a stiff nod, turning to hack into the LAPD data base, something he is so familiar with. "I'll get our apple pie," Cameron added.
John typed a few codes into the LAPD website before opening a new internet window and research on some wedding application. He wanted today to be the day he fulfilled his promise. He is sick of making empty promises, one which doesn't include a date.
Cameron came back within minutes, placing the piping hot pie on the table. It smelt really delicious. It made John's mouth water.
"What are you doing?" Cameron narrowed her eyes at him, removing her apron and handing John a spoon.
"Searching for new help to get our identities. We can't walk around without an official one. And to get an official one, we have to get married." John explained, taking the spoon and drove it into the pie. He dug up a huge chunk and shoved it into his mouth, tasting another one of Cameron's expertise. She seems to be pretty good at making pastries, just what John loved.
"We have to get a job, not get married." Cameron objecting, pulling aside a chair and settling down in it.
"Yeah a job, you should open a pastry shop," John said, mouth filled with delicious apple pie.
"John!" She snapped. He gulped down the apple pie.
"Alright. But first thing's first, we get married."
"No, we find a job."
"Getting married only calls for a day. You don't want to marry me?"
"No!" Cameron jolted up in her seat, "Course I do."
"Then we will, today," John smiled, reaching out for another apple pie, "and this is really tasty." He added before shoving another into his mouth.
"Alright, whatever you say," Cameron gave him a small smile before standing up from her seat and stood behind his chair, "What you got?"
"For the identities, I want to make our own and apply for a citizenship. We'll just lie that we're from Mexico. They should approve because we still have a few days, due to the fact we 'travelled' here by car." John typed furiously on the keyboard, trying to get their identities sorted out. He's not good with making the papers but he'll try.
Cameron bent down from the waist and read off the screen, "John Gale. Age: 21. Occupation: Ex-Technician. Cameron Phillips. Age: 20. Occupation: none." Cameron read the information with ease.
"So, what'd you think? If you think this is alright, I'll just do a little bit changes to make it official and we're ready to go. But there's catch." He said.
"What is it?"
"I intend to write that I was born here only to shift to Mexico in a young age. For you, I intend to say you were born there and shifted here with me after being childhood sweethearts." John grinned.
"Alright." Cameron gave a nod and John proceeded. They spent the morning putting up fake Mexican IDs, mostly on John's part and she sat beside him and massage his neck more than a handful of times.
"It's done," John announced, stretching in his seat. Cameron came over from the kitchen and took the stack of papers from him, looking over them. "What'd you think?"
Cameron scanned through them, satisfied at John's work.
"Ready to get married?" John asked, standing up and doing a long stretch of his tired bones. But a nod from Cameron made it all worth it. He grinned foolishly before taking her hand, "Come on." He pulled her to the door, on the way out, switching off the lights, making sure the Glock is in his holster on his belt and scooping the ladder off the wall.
John locked the door behind him while Cameron checked her Glock in the back of her belt as well, "It'll be fine," He assured her, touching her delicately on her arm. She smiled and followed him to the Lewis's residence.
John knocked twice and Mrs. Lewis came to answer the door again. John noticed Mr Lewis is always so busy they haven't met yet.
"Hi, I'm here to return the ladder." John smiled. They exchanged greetings, thanks and farewell before John made his hasty way down the path and to the jeep, a firm but gentle hold on Cameron, almost as if he were afraid she might make a run for it or something. They boarded the jeep and John sped off. He grinned from ear to ear like an idiot the whole time, leaving Cameron amused.
((((((((())))))))))))))
"Hey," Jesse prodded Riley's arm. She stirred and opened her eyes, feeling the light flood into her eyes. Riley straightened up in her seat and faced Jesse, pressing down the mess in her blond hair, "That them?" Jesse asked, pointing to a dark jeep driving pass at quite a fast speed, considering that they are in a neighborhood.
"Yes, I think." Riley replied nervously.
"Connor always had a soft spot for jeeps." Jesse mused before starting up the engine and driving after the black vehicle in front of them. She made sure to drive a distance away. They soon entered the main road with many cars around. Jesse was silent and so was Riley.
Riley thought of what Jesse will do if she caught up with them and what John would do if he saw her in the rearview mirror.
Jesse looked around for a while before deciding to take note of their number plate. The plan of following was simple but Jesse had no idea why Connor was driving so quickly, or the metal…
"Cameron might find out we're following them," Riley spoke up, "This is insane."
"Metal might not. You complete a mission when you are willing to risk it." Jesse snapped sharply. She spun the steering wheel suddenly when she saw the jeep turn into an alley. Riley lost her balance and grabbed onto the arm rest for dear life before she crashed into Jesse.
((((()))))))))) A while ago…
"John." Cameron tapped his thigh gently. He turned to her with that grin which made her smile. Cameron was silent as she pointed to the van in the side view mirror.
"Son of a bitch!" John growled, looking around the neighborhood for an exit.
"The van from last night," Cameron said. John grunted in agreement, "Shake them off." Cameron pointed to the main road and John turned, pressing hard on the accelerator.
"They still on our tail?" John asked, keeping his eyes on the road.
"Yes. But the driver is cautious, keeping a distance away." Cameron reported to him stoically. John could tell she was afraid and worried, putting an assuring hand on hers which is lying on her lap limply.
"It'll be okay," John grinned to her. Cameron turned to him and gave a tentative nod.
"John, here's our chance," Cameron pointed to the identical jeep beside them. John glanced and looked back at her.
"You think we can fool them?"
"Take a chance." Cameron urged him. John sighed in defeat and crisscrossed with the identical jeep by cutting in front of him swiftly. John straightened up in his seat nervously, resisting the urge to jump up in his seat when he saw that van turning into the alley with the jeep.
He didn't jump nor stop driving. He kept on moving but that silly grin was back.
He turned to Cameron and saw her smiling at him, almost proudly.
"You did it." She smiled, touching his arm softly. John didn't need her to spell it out to know she is praising him. He smiled at her, feeling her soft hand on his arm.
"We did it." John grinned. It was a simple achievement but if they hadn't achieve that, the consequences could be fatal, "Who was that anyway?"
"I can't see them, the front glass is tinted." Cameron said.
"That's illegal." John growled.
To his surprise, his love threw her head and laughed out beside him. John didn't appreciate that but smiled as he glanced at her laughing. After a while, Cameron smiled at him and explained herself, "Is there anything the Connors do that isn't?" She teased him.
"Don't fret, you'll be one of us soon," John grinned. Slowly, his smile disappeared, replaced with a frown. Cameron observed his change in expression closely.
"Is something wrong?" Cameron asked.
"Cameron?" John started slowly but Cameron can hear the trembling in his voice, "suppose that's mom?"
"Then she can bring you home." Cameron grinned, not even a little worried, having faith in Sarah to not hurt her son.
"If she catches me first," John said gloated, stepping hard on the accelerator. Cameron cried out and grasped the arm rest.
(((((((()))))))))))))
Jesse observed as two burly men walked out of the car and to the restaurant they parked in front of. Riley gulped and watched as the fury in Jesse's eyes grew.
Riley sank into the corner of her seat, ready to jump out of the car if Jesse goes berserk on her.
"Fuck!" Jesse growled, leaning back in her seat in defeat. I'll get the metal. You can protect her all you want Connor but you can't stay by her side forever …
(((((((((((((((((())))))))))))))))))
"These are our papers." John pointed to the pile of papers in front of the woman who was looking through the information in the computer.
"Mexico, you say?"
"Yes, Mexico." John confirmed impatiently. Cameron gently took his hand, warning him to calm down if they should appear suspicious.
"Your information is not here."
"It's there. At the bottom or something." John resisted the urge to punch that lady who seemed to be against the idea of teenagers getting married, "Check thoroughly, Its Gale, John Gale."
"Ah, here it is." The lady behind the counter clicked on the mouse and smiled, "We got your information all here. Let me do a match and…"
John grunted and squeezed Cameron's hand. All John wanted to do is get this over with and get the hell out. It was crowded here and the last thing he wanted to a shooter appearing out of nowhere here.
"You're all clear. So, did I hear you correct?"
"Yes, we want to get the papers done and get married. Now." John added with a soft fierceness in his voice but otherwise only sounded tight and firm.
"Now?"
"Now. With a priest."
"Alright. I'll see what I can do to arrange it." She 'smiled', "Do you have everything ready?" She asked, eyes not leaving the screen.
"Yes." John replied confidently and with a sense of pride. Cameron had not expected John to have already gotten everything prepared. He on the other hand looked more elated than impatient now. I'm going to get married…
"Confident." She praised him. John smiled and waited, keeping a tight hold on Cameron's hand, as if afraid she'd change her mind and run off, "alright, we got a priest ready. He would be waiting for you in the church at-"
"The church near downtown LA? The one next to the shop houses?" John interrupted, asking her anxiously.
"Er, yes." She stammered, almost surprised at how anxious John is.
Flashing a smile, John requested, "Could you get the papers done for us?" The woman nodded and placed two pieces of papers in front of them.
"This would be the written copy of your marriage." She explained. John glanced sideways at Cameron as she skimmed through the paper and signed, nodding to John. He gave a quick grin before signing it. They handed it back and the woman smiled, "I wish you a happy marriage and-"
"Thank you!" John beamed, dashing off with Cameron behind him before the woman can say anymore but to wave. Cameron struggled to wave back before the swinging door shut.
"John, what's the rush?" Cameron gasped as she missed a step on the stairs.
Supporting her with his body, John spoke, "I don't know Cameron. I just-we're getting married! I don't know I-" John said as ecstasy rushed up his body, choking his brain.
"Shhhhh John." She placed a soft finger on his lips, "Breathe deeply." She instructed in a soft voice. He listened to her, concentrating on her breathing and he just followed her, feeling all the excess adrenaline leaving him.
John sighed deeply to calm himself before smiling widely at her, "I got everything prepared. Your dress, my suit and our ring." He dug into his pocket and brought out a small black box and Cameron would never forget its content. She noticed her ring was missing that afternoon and he assured her he kept it.
"When did you purchase the dress and suit?" Cameron frowned.
"Online when you had your back turned." John said, adding sheepishly, "And besides, after all the times you have been in my arms, I know your measurements like the back of my hands." John boasted, feeling a surge of pride.
"Are you sure you got the right size?" Cameron asked doubtfully.
"It might be a bit larger but it can't be helped, the woman said there isn't a smaller size that needn't be custom made and I can't afford to wait that long."
"I can wait. We can wait." Cameron took his hand, gently assuring him she's here.
"No, I wouldn't let you. I brought you away so we could live out life and after we'd…" He started to blush, feeling the awkwardness rise.
Cameron blushed too, feeling the heat in her cheeks rise. She leaned forward and gently pecked him on the cheek to loosen the tension which was building. John blinked as she brushed pass him and walked to the jeep.
She felt her heart soar to the air (assuming she have one). Cameron had never expected anything in her machinery life. Not being able to love John, not being loved by John, not getting married to John, not being like a normal girl.
She had been created by Skynet, like all machines but also different from the others in a way that she is created as an individual and not mass produced. She didn't know if she had to thank her creator like all human does. Whatever it is, Skynet brought her together with John. Without Skynet, there won't be Cameron and there won't be a war then John Connor would never need a protector, not need her.
Cameron never believed in anything her life but she couldn't deny it when the growing miracle in her belly took over her life with every passing second even with or without their acknowledgment.
She squeezed John's hand, wondering if he had to know. And if he does, would he get angry at her or run away from her?
To be continued…
Next Chapter: Cameron and John stuck with her original plan to find a job after they got married. The pair searched on what they've missed and decided on a particular suspicious company: Kaliba Corporation.