Chapter 8:
How could Cam have ever forgotten Isaac? His little brother, the only good part of his life. The only thing that made him hesitate while leaving.
Isaac had only been eleven when Camden left. He was just a kid.
"Why are you leaving me?"
Cam sighed and turned to face him. "Isaac, it's not you I'm leaving, it's…I…it's complicated, you'll understand when you're older."
Isaac rolled his eyes. "Thanks, that really makes me feel better."
"Camden!" Their Dad's voice yelled. Camden closed his eyes and wished he was already gone.
"Wait a sec Isaac, I'll be right back."
"Yeah whatever." Isaac sat sulkily in a chair. Cam took a deep breath and walked towards his father's voice.
"What is it?" He said.
"No need to take that attitude with me young man." His father retorted.
"I wasn't giving you att-" Cam bit his lip and stopped himself. "Sorry. Was there something you wanted to talk to me about?"
"I just wanted to see if you had come to your senses yet."
"Dad, I have made up my mind, I am leaving in less than ten minutes."
"You're such a stupid reckless boy." Mr Lahey said with frustration.
Cam swallowed the angry words he wanted to scream out. There was no point. He was escaping today; he may as well be cordial.
Camden held out his hand. "Goodbye Dad."
Mr Lahey looked at his eldest's outstretched arm and grunted something insulting before walking away.
Cam exhaled. "And good riddance."
He turned back to find Isaac. Isaac was still sitting in the chair with his arms crossed.
Cam leant down so he was at his brother's level. Isaac avoided his eyes.
"Isaac, I know you know why I'm leaving, so you know I'm not leaving you behind."
"But you are." Isaac finally met his gaze and Cam could see he was ready to cry. "No matter what you say, you're still leaving me. You're leaving me with him what's more." He gestured to the back of the house.
Cam closed his eyes. He felt awful for abandoning Isaac, but he couldn't see any other option. Cam prayed to himself that his Dad would never treat Isaac the way he had treated him.
"I'm sorry Isaac. I really am sorry." Cam felt a tear run down his cheek. He hurriedly brushed it away, but not before Isaac saw. Isaac slowly nodded.
"I know."
There was a pause before Cam spoke again.
"I have to go now."
"I know."
Cam hesitated for only a second before hugging his brother tight. He felt Isaac hold him back, and he could feel his brother's chest heaving from his sobs. Cam knew he would start crying as well if he stuck around much longer.
A taxi beeped outside. Cam looked up. "That would be for me."
Isaac nodded, his eyes red from crying.
Cam put his arm on Isaac's shoulder. "I'll be back soon, okay?"
"I'll see you then."
"I love you."
"I love you too."
Cam grabbed his bags and walked out the front door, leaving his baby brother behind.
Cam jerked back to the present. He remembered. He remembered everything. That had been the last time he had seen his little brother.
The Sheriff was standing in front of him, looking slightly concerned. "Are you okay?"
Cam started at him. "I remember who I am. All of it. I'm Camden Lahey."