What are Derek and Sarah up to and how? The answer is given in this chapter. It might appear somehow boring but it's essential for the plot.
Chapter 9 – The Plot Thickens
Stepping out of the hotel, Derek noticed that it was a little bit warmer than yesterday evening, but still quite cold … definitely freezing. He exhaled deeply, just to see how his warm breath formed a cloud of fog. Damn! As if I wouldn't have been cold enough in the future, I have to endure it even now as I have all chances to never be cold again. Then he turned to see the others, lining through the entrance and stepping outside.
After they all exited the hotel, John rubbed his hands: "It's damn cold!" Then he looked at Cameron, who showed absolutely no affection by the cold, still holding her gloves and cap in the hands. "It would be better if you put those on, before you get undercooled."
"I can't …" Began Cameron but trailed off, realizing that he was just trying to subtly tell her that she should behave like a normal human girl. She smiled at him: "Thank you for taking care of me John." She put her cap and her gloves on. John looked at her and a breath caught in his throat for she looked simply adorable in her tasseled cap and big gloves. He shook his head to clear it and smiled apologetically to Cameron, who smiled back affectionately.
Meanwhile Derek managed to get close to Tim and clasped him on the shoulder: "So, Tim, are you looking forward for the day? I must say that I'm not exactly the fan of winter sports. I like it better if it's hot and steamy. If I were to choose the vacation destination, it'd definitely be somewhere near the equator. With lots of sun and sandy beaches. And cold beer too. Absolutely." While he was talking to Tim, he slowly led him away from the others, walking a bit faster, so that they were already out of the hearing range of the others. However, Cameron could probably still hear them, so he decided to put some more distance between them before he'd start the topic, he was actually up to. He continued to talk to the young man, who didn't suspect anything and was deeply in discussion with the older man.
After few minutes they were well ahead of the others, far enough so that even Cameron wouldn't be able to hear them and Derek decided he could start trying to convince Tim, he should try his luck with Cameron. "So, Tim, I've seen how you look at the … at Cameron." Damn, I must be careful not to reveal the true nature of tin can. It's Cameron, remember it Derek! C. A. M. E. R. O. N. "Do you think she's attractive?" He looked smugly into Tim's eyes and grinned conspiratorially.
Tim was quite surprised to hear such a question. He definitely found Cameron very attractive but tried not to show it too obvious. Well, he did show it just a little bit, so that she would know that he was interested. But he really didn't expect Derek to notice it. However he was sure that John noticed his affection: at least some of John's not exactly friendly looks convinced him that the young man noticed his affection for Cameron and didn't exactly approve of it. So he paused for a second before answering: "Yeah, sure, she's really attractive. But I think that she's more into John as I've noticed. Why would you want to know anyway?" He gazed curiously into Derek's face, not even realizing that Derek avoided being looked directly into his eyes at all costs.
Derek grinned: "Oh well … you're wrong about that. Cameron and John are not in any relationship. She's so to say his sister. Not by birth, but they've been raised by John's mother as siblings. To be honest … I'm little worried that she hasn't found a nice boyfriend yet. Perhaps she's too attached to John and I'd really like her to find someone who'd be able to give her what John obviously can't or doesn't want to. Although … I must say that she's a little picky." He couldn't believe himself how he managed to talk so nicely about the metal. But, the goal was set and he wouldn't choose the means to reach it. If he had to be nice to the metal, he'd be nice.
Tim looked a bit confused: "But I've got a feeling that there is more than just sibling-like relationship between them both."
"No, no, no, there's absolutely nothing between them. Look, I've been living with them for over a year now and I know what I'm talking about. Believe me, she's quite lonely, but she doesn't want to show it. She's very stubborn and sometimes she even acts like she'd be a bit autistic. The truth is that she's doesn't allow anyone near because she's afraid of getting hurt. She has had some bad experiences in the past, before I moved in, and she became almost paranoid. But you seem to me to be a nice, decent boy who perhaps could give her what she needs. So, if you'd try to get closer to her, I'd not be opposed. In fact, I'd help you. Of course, only if your intentions would be serious and honorable. I can't allow you to hurt her." It was perhaps the best lie based speech Derek had ever given. He was beginning to feel proud of himself to be able to so swiftly serve one lie after another.
Tim was beginning to understand what Derek was trying to tell him and his confusion slowly began to dissipate. As a matter of fact he really found Cameron very attractive and would be glad if he could get closer to her. She's one of the most beautiful girls I've ever seen, if not the most beautiful. His eyes got a glassy look as he was contemplating the opportunity, Derek was serving him. To be honest, he didn't regard her as an easy catch or someone to use and throw away. She definitely intrigued him and he'd be more than happy if he could find out more about her. So he completely missed Derek's smug grin as he noticed how Tim began to consider the way to hit on Cameron. He turned his eyes to look at Derek: "So you think that I may have a chance to get into her grace? That she wouldn't mind me trying to get closer to her?"
"Well, I think that she's everything else but an easy catch. She would probably resolutely deject you first, but deep down inside she'd be glad that someone's paying her attention. If you could prove her that you're meaning it seriously, you could probably win her heart and mind. But you would have to play your cards really good. She might not look so, but she's highly intelligent and she wouldn't be interested in some dumb approach." Derek grinned widely as he saw that Tim already grabbed the bait he dangled in front of his nose. Poor guy! You have absolutely no idea what you are getting yourself into. She'll beat the crap out of you if you only as sneeze wrong. But … if John wouldn't be interested in her, it could work. At least she wouldn't terminate you. So, let's give you a shot at it.
Tim suddenly grinned: "Thank you Derek. I wasn't sure if it would be OK to try to get to know her better and intimately because of John. But if you say that they're not in a relationship, I'll definitely give it a try. She's absolutely worth it."
If you only knew what it really is! Derek grinned and nodded at Tim: "You have my full support Tim!" Then he stopped: "We're running away from the others. Let's wait for them."
At the same time as Derek started a conversation with Tim, Sarah snatched Andrea's arm and began to talk to her, slowly beginning to fall behind John and Cameron, who were so lost in their intimate discussion that John didn't notice how Derek and Tim suddenly began to walk much faster, neither did he notice that his mother began to fall behind with Andrea. Cameron however, registered that they were suddenly left alone and she became suspicious. She adjusted her hearing so that she would be able to follow the conversation between Derek and Tim and the one between Sarah and Andrea. Unfortunately Derek and Tim were too far ahead and Sarah and Andrea fell too far behind. So she could only hear them speaking, but couldn't understand what they were talking about. It made her feel uneasy and she decided to keep an eye and ear on all four to perhaps be able to find out what they talked about.
"So, Andrea, tell me … how come that you're here with your brother instead with some nice boyfriend?" Sarah's approach to Andrea was a little subtler than Derek's towards Tim, but the goal was the same.
"I have no boyfriend at the moment. The last one was a total jerk and I wouldn't want to get involved with someone like that again. At least not in the foreseeable future." Andrea spoke a bit reluctantly and asked herself what Sarah tried to get out of her. Sarah's friendliness didn't exactly convince her and she felt that there was something more behind her words than just pure curiosity.
"I understand you completely. My son also had a bad experience, however, not because his girlfriend would be a dork, but because she'd been assassinated. I think that he still hasn't gotten over her death yet. He bottles everything up and I'm worried he could literally explode when he reaches his breaking point." Sarah's voice revealed her deep worries about her son's wellbeing. She actually didn't lie to Andrea and that fact made it much easier for her to sound convincing.
Andrea gasped for air: "I didn't know it. But … isn't Cameron his girlfriend?" She sounded confused.
Sarah shook her head: "No, Cameron is more like a sister to him. They grew up together after we took her. She lost her parents some years ago and I couldn't let poor girl be put in a foster family, so I took care of her. That was the least I could do for her. Her and John became almost inseparable and it's easy for people to think they would be in a relationship. But when you get to know them better, you can see that it's just a very strong bond like the one the twins share. Hey, you probably have the same bond with Tim."
"Well, we do have a special bond, that's right." Andrea suddenly began to calculate and she grinned slightly: "But John doesn't look like he'd be still grieving and suffering. He appears to be in quite good mood actually."
"I told you that he's a guy to bottle everything up and doesn't want to show his vulnerability to anyone except Cameron." Sarah sighed and then looked at Andrea: "You know … you do look a bit like his deceased girlfriend. Maybe you could get through to him and make him open up to the world again. He appears to be open, but in reality he allows us to see only what he chooses and that's not exactly much. Sooner or later you crash against his self imposed defense wall which even I wasn't able to tear down."
Andrea nodded slightly: "I think he's cute. And with such an experience I'd be devastated too." She sank in thoughts for a second: "Maybe I could try to get him to open up. He's quite nice after all."
Sarah smiled at her: "I won't object if you'll give it a try. In fact, I'd appreciate if you'd do it. I'm worried for him. He never even gave himself a real chance to grieve. I think it could only do him good to finally face the fact that Riley's gone from his life and move on."
"So, her name was Riley? I wonder what she was like. Were they together for a long time?" Andrea was already setting on the task of getting closer to John and was trying to gather every bit of information she could that would help her in her quest.
"Not really, only few months. But I'm sure that they loved each other a lot. Can you imagine: he even ran off with her to Mexico once and we had to follow them to bring them back." Sarah grinned at the memory of John's "excursion" to Mexico. To hide her true feelings, she turned slightly away from Andrea and prevented her from looking into her face, which twisted in the memory of what happened in Mexico. After a second she turned back to look at Andrea and smiled at her.
Andrea smiled back: "Well, if that' isn't interesting. I wonder if there are even more secrets he is withholding. I like mysterious guys."
If you only knew what secrets he has. It would literally bring you to the edge of reason. Sarah smiled at Andrea: "Yeah, he is like that. Look, we've fallen behind. Let's catch up with them." She quickened her pace, knowing that she sewed the seed that she wanted to in Andrea's mind. She was sure Andrea would be definitely more courageous in her efforts to get closer to John, especially after telling her about Riley's death. She knew very well that John already got over Riley, although he'd never stop blaming himself for her death, but he already moved on. A little lie (in her mind it was a little one) which wouldn't do any harm but would help her achieve her goal.
Just short before reaching the gathering point of the ski school, the complete group was together again. Cameron couldn't help but be cautious about what Derek and Sarah did during their walk from hotel and was eying them suspiciously. But not having any proof that they were plotting something, she decided not to reveal her doubts yet in order not to upset John unnecessarily. Should she get a proof of her suspicions, she could always tell everything to John. But for now, she satisfied herself with being even more vigilant.
They finally arrived to the meeting point for ski school and stopped a few steps from the little house, where the office was. Sarah took the initiative: "Well, as I am the one who'll be paying for the course, I'll check you two in. Wait here!" She didn't wait for anyone to answer and simply went to the office, where some young people already waited, chatting amicably. As she left them, John looked at Cameron, who simply shrugged. She had no idea either why Sarah decided to sign them up for the course alone. Her suspicions were boosted by this action, especially when she compared Sarah's behavior with her own yesterday evening, as she went to check them in the hotel. She was definitely sure that Sarah was hiding something, but she had no idea what it could be.
Before they could really become suspicious, Sarah returned, holding two chip cards: "So, these are the chip cards for the ski lift and everything else you need for the course. However, there is a small problem." She trailed off and looked into John's eyes.
John got a bad feeling about it, but forced himself to ask in a nearly neutral voice: "What problem?"
"You two can't be together in one group. There are only two groups today and in each group there's only one free place left. So I had to assign you two to different groups. You," She looked towards John and gave him one card, "are in the group with Andrea, and you," now she handed the second card to Cameron, "are in the group with Tim."
John glared at her with open mouth: "Mom, that's not possible! I can't be in another group as Cameron. Who will …" He trailed off just in time to prevent himself from saying something stupid and revealing the true nature of their relationship to Andrea and Tim. He almost bit his tongue for being so foolish. "We were so looking forward to learn together."
Cameron looked at Sarah with burning eyes: "Sarah, that's not acceptable. We should be together in one group!"
Andrea and Tim witnessed this conversation with slightly confused feelings. They couldn't understand why they so insisted to be in the same group, especially after what they've been told by Sarah and Derek. John and Cameron acted like they would really have a much deeper relationship than just a sibling one.
Sarah sighed and successfully hid her glee upon separating her son from Cameron, without even being forced to do anything or lie to them. As a matter of fact, she really told them the truth that there was only one free place in each group. Just the decision to which group each one would be assigned was her doing … "John, I'm really sorry, but that's the way it is. Besides, it will only be for three hours. The course takes only three hours and you'll be in a company of a friend."
"Yeah, sure, but …" John stuttered and looked helplessly into Cameron's eyes, just to see that she was equally distressed about this unexpected turn of events as him and was reluctant to accept such a solution.
"John, don't make such a drama out of simple snowboarding course! T … Cameron is going to be all right. She'll have Tim to take care of her." Derek grinned devilishly, enjoying the fact that his plan worked even better than he could have ever hoped for.
John shook his head: "I know, it's just … I was really looking forward to being together with Cameron." He looked into Cameron's eyes again. "How about you?"
Cameron hung her head for a second and looked into John's eyes: "I'm not satisfied with this arrangement. Perhaps we could wait until tomorrow to see if they'll have two places in one group free tomorrow?"
Before John was able to answer her, Sarah explained: "Unfortunately, there are no free places for the next four days. So, it's simply take it or leave it."
Cameron let out a convincingly human sigh and looked a bit helplessly into John's eyes: "I really don't like it."
John sighed too: "Neither do I. but … considering that we might have to wait for four days, I think it would be better to grab this opportunity. After all … it's really only for three hours and I guess both groups will be staying close together. And after we are through with the course, we'll be together again."
Derek nodded vigorously, cast a conspiratorial look towards Tim and confirmed: "Yeah, John's right. What could ever happen in three hours? Nothing!"
Tim grinned at the opportunity, which literally fell into his lap and turned to John: "I promise to take good care of Cameron. I'll guard her like you would."
And that's exactly what I'm afraid of! Thought John and almost mouthed his thought aloud. But he understood that they had no other chance, apart from the possibility to wait for four days, which was absolutely unacceptable. So he looked into Cameron's pleading eyes again, feeling like her look would stab him directly in the heart: "Cam, I think that we should accept the chance. But after three hours we'll go up the slope together. Agreed?"
Cameron was quite upset about this development. She never even thought of having to leave John alone. She didn't care about Tim, but she did care about Andrea, being together with John and even much more, she was horrified that she wouldn't be able to protect her John. She returned John's look with a plea in her eyes: "John, are you really sure? I mean … it's true, it will only take three hours, but still …"
John finally realized that he couldn't look into her eyes anymore if he didn't want to go all weak, so he grabbed her hand and squeezed it lightly: "Yes Cam, I'm sure. Look at it from this side … we'll both have something to look forward … to meet after three hours. Please?"
Cameron couldn't possibly say no to his bright green eyes and after a short hesitation she nodded: "OK, if that's what you think would be the best solution then let's do it." She made a short pause: "But don't forget to meet me here after the course is over." She even pouted a little and John couldn't help but smile at seeing her pouting lips and a slightly insulted expression on her face, which made his heart beat faster. She's absolutely adorable when she pouts and acts miffed. He nodded and turned to Sarah: "Well, that's settled then. You two can do whatever you want for the next three hours. However, we still have to find suitable boots and boards. After the course is finished, we'll come to the hotel. Well, probably not immediately. I'd like to enjoy some free rides too." He looked conspiratorially into Cameron's eyes.
Sarah smiled at her son: "They also rent boots and boards over there where I paid for the course. I suggest you go over there." She gave him another piece of paper: "Here: it's the voucher for rental for both of you. I already paid for that too."
John smiled: "Thank you, mom! I appreciate it very much." Then he turned towards the rest of the group: "We'll go over there to find suitable equipment for us." Then he remembered that neither Andrea nor Tim had boots and boards with them: "What about you two? Do you already have the boards?"
Andrea smiled at him: "Yeah, we did rent the complete gear yesterday and stowed it in the wardrobe at the ski lift. We'll go get it and then we can meet here again." She smiled at John slightly seductively and turned to Tim: "Shall we pick it up?" Tim nodded and they left to get their gear.
John turned to Sarah: "So, we're off too. See you later." He didn't even look at Derek. He was still holding Cameron's hand and pulled her gently towards the building, where they would find appropriate equipment. Immediately after she obliged, he let go of her hand.
After few steps, Cameron quietly said: "John?"
He turned to her, without stopping: "Yeah, Cam?"
"Be very careful, please. I don't' want anything happen to you. It would devastate me." Her voice quivered slightly. "And beware of Andrea. I think that she has some ideas I really don't like." She let her eyes wander around.
John felt warm inside and smiled: "I will take care Cam. You shouldn't worry about Andrea. She's OK, but nothing more than that. You should, however, really take care of Tim. I still don't like the way he looks at you."
Cameron smiled shakily at him: "Are you worried for me John?"
He just nodded.
Her smile widened: "I'll be very careful not to make any permanent damage to him, should he try anything."
John grinned at her remark: "That's my girl. Now … let's find us good equipment."
Cameron again didn't comment on the girl issue. She even felt good that John obviously accepted her as a girl.
TBC