Wow, 23 reviews for the last chapter! You guys are the best! Thank you all so much!.

I have to apologize for the delay. I wasn't able to write a single line last week (short vacation, hectic in job etc.) therefore no chapter for two weeks. Not to mention that I wasn't the only one on vacation. My muse took a leave too. Luckily it was a short one … just like mine.

This chapter again grew much longer than I initially anticipated and planned, so the visit to spa will have to be split into two chapters. This is the first and the next is in preparation. However, I can't promise it for the next week. Sorry.

Chapter 25 – You Know I Can't Swim

"Are you now finally ready, Cameron?" Sarah's voice was definitely irritated and that was also how she felt at the moment. Damn! It's like the shopping trip all over again! She sighed and looked at Andrea, who was patiently waiting, using the time to thoroughly study her appearance in the large mirror wall and paid no attention to Sarah.

"Yes I am, Sarah." Cameron emerged from the dressing cubicle, clad in her new bikini and carrying her other clothes over her arm. She tilted her head slightly and gazed at Sarah curiously: "I've only been in there for four minutes and twenty …"

"Yeah, I know. Too long!" Interrupted Sarah and flickered her eyes towards Andrea, who just turned from the mirror to look at them.

Cameron understood immediately that Sarah wanted to warn her not to be so specific with time in order not to gain too much attention from Andrea. She looked down: "I don't think it was too long. I had to put the bikini on properly. You wouldn't want me to show more than necessary, would you?" She glanced at Sarah challenging.

Sarah gasped slightly but restrained herself from answering poisonously. Is she really challenging me? Is this machine really trying to be smartass? She shook her head: "We should get going and find the guys. I don't trust them in there alone."

Andrea grinned: "I think we should make a little of a show with our appearance. The way you two look in the bathing suits …" She looked Sarah and Cameron slowly up and down. Then she smiled at Cameron: "I believe that John will melt when he sees you. So … what do you think? Should we enter like beauty queens?"

Sarah sighed. Now even Andrea produces stupid ideas! But then she thought for a second. Would it really be so bad if I show my feminine side for a change? Would it harm me? Most definitely not. She nodded reluctantly: "Maybe you're right. We should show the guys that we are women. What do you think Cameron?"

Cameron stared at Sarah with slightly widened eyes. Is Sarah really asking me for my opinion? She was definitely not used to being asked for her opinion by Sarah. On the other side, Andrea's suggestion triggered positive response in her. She suddenly imagined John's reaction upon seeing her using her female features like a real woman. So she smiled slightly: "I think it's a good idea."

"Done!" Andrea didn't let Sarah get second thoughts and she launched into explanation how they should behave, walk, look …

XXXXXXXXXX

While women were preparing themselves for the entrance, John, Derek and Tim were already in the main hall, trying to find suitable places for them and their female companions. There were not too many visitors and they quickly found a suitable position, overlooking the entire hall. Cameron will definitely like this position. She'll be able to oversee everything that's going on in here. John grinned in his thoughts as he saw the position they chose.

"I have to go to the restroom. You two hold the position here." Derek announced to them and vanished almost immediately.

"Couldn't he have gone there before?" John murmured more to himself than to Tim, but he heard him nevertheless.

"Well, if you have to go, you have to go. Maybe he's a little older and has some problems with his bladder?" Tim remarked slyly with eyebrows, lifted to the middle of his forehead. A small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

John snorted quietly. He couldn't help but be amused over Tim's remark. "I don't think that he's that old. Sure, older than us, but still …" He smiled and looked at Tim, just to see how his mouth curved into a wide smile. "But you're probably right. Especially after he had too many beers yesterday." He threw the two towels over two pool loungers he chose for Cameron and himself. They were positioned at the edge of the group. "I suggest that you put your towels beside ours. Let Derek and mom be on the other side." He looked at Tim slyly: "Besides, it seems that you're both getting quite good along with my mom and Derek." The allusion to what happened the day before couldn't be overheard.

Tim sighed more theatrically than necessary and looked John straight in the eye: "I don't think that our present relationship could be described as 'good'. I would rather go for 'tense'."

John immediately regretted his remark: "Sorry. I didn't mean it like it came out. I'm well aware of your present feelings towards my mom and especially towards Derek."

"No problem, John. I'd probably be much angrier if it would have been me instead of you. You are much more relaxed than I could have expected. After all, I think that what we did only helped you two to grow closer, right?"

John smiled happily. He felt warmth spreading inside him as he thought about Cameron and how they finally managed to cross the boundary, he himself built between them. He nodded slightly: "You're probably right, Tim. If it weren't for you two we'd probably still be dancing around each other and trying desperately not to give in to our feelings. So I guess that after all I even owe you a 'thank you' for helping us finding a way to each other." He grinned: "If this isn't ironic … I have to thank someone who just a while ago tried to steal me my Cameron."

"Oh, so now she's already 'my Cameron'? My, my, how rapidly are things progressing nowadays." Tim laughed but got serious instantly. "John, may I ask you a question?"

"Sure, shoot!" John still grinned.

"We've just discussed it with Andrea. Why is Cameron sometimes behaving so odd? Please, don't take it the wrong way … she's sweet and nice and all, but sometimes she goes like 'I'm not a girl you see', just like she'd be someone else." Tim wasn't sure if John would accept his explanation or if he'd get mad at him.

John felt how his heart suddenly began to beat twice as fast as before. Do they suspect something? Are they that observant? Is Cameron really failing to convince them? These and other thoughts chased his mind and he suddenly felt a bit cornered. Now you have to find some believable explanation Johnny boy! He forced himself to smile at Tim relaxed. "Why would you think she behaves odd?"

Tim was relieved that John obviously didn't resent him for his question and shrugged: "Sometimes she acts so cold, detached and uninterested like she'd be a robot." He looked into John's eyes still concerned.

Ouch! That's too close! Future leader of the mankind, your intelligence is now required! Think of something and think of it fast! John hid his shock upon hearing Tim's words perfectly and even forced a genuine looking, although slightly sad smile: "She was involved in a car crash before we took her in and she was heavily injured. Since then she sometimes acts completely detached. The doctors couldn't find a physical cause and said that it's probably still the trauma and shock. They even believe that it could be permanent. But … I love her even more because of that. She's had it really rough before she came to us." John was feeling proud of himself to lie to Tim so convincingly. Heck, if I wouldn't know it better I'd even believe it myself!

Tim nodded absentmindedly. "Yeah, I guess it could be the reason. Derek told me that she had some bad experiences in the past and that she sometimes gets almost paranoid." Then he looked into John's eyes again: "Are you really not mad at me for asking this question?"

John could see that Tim obviously accepted his explanation without reservations and smiled: "Of course not! I understand that it's difficult for someone who just met her to understand her. She can be a little creepy sometimes. But … she's my Cameron and I wouldn't want her to change. It's what she is." He couldn't understand himself that he opened up so quickly to this guy whom he just met and almost poured his heart out to him. John, you should be more careful with your words! He had to remind himself to be more reserved, but on the other hand, he knew that everything he told Tim was just protecting Cameron's and his true nature and identity. So it couldn't be that bad!

Now Tim's face finally lit up: "Thanks, John! I appreciate your reaction. After all that happened, I really wouldn't want to make you mad."

"No problem, Tim. It's better to know the facts than to speculate wildly and possibly reach completely wrong conclusions." John tried to even strengthen his explanation and avoid the danger to get busted.

"What are you guys talking about?" Derek's voice came from behind and as John and Tim turned around, he grinned at them.

"Nothing specific, just making conversation." John answered and in the same time it hit him that it was Cameron's line. He grinned at himself, earned himself a suspicious look from his uncle and shrugged nonchalantly.

In next moment Tim's jaw almost hit the ground. He was looking towards the entrance area and in this moment the girls and Sarah entered the pool area. John saw Tim's expression and quickly turned to see what caused his reaction. After he noticed the sight, his jaw joined Tim's in the low heights above the floor. After seeing the boys' reaction, Derek turned to look at the cause of their shock and almost instantly completed the trio of dropped jaws. If Skynet would see us now … It'd probably die of laughter that the great John Connor looks like a little boy and drools over its greatest creation. This was the only coherent thought that John was able to produce in the moment. He didn't even notice that they were not the only ones, taken aback by the sight. The majority of male visitors joined their stare and the majority of female visitors looked irritated and angry at their companions. The rest of them looked enviously at the trio of approaching embodied perfection in form of three female representatives of human species. Well, two humans and one cybernetic organism to be exact!

XXXXXXXXXX

After they entered the pool area, Cameron instantly noticed their three companions and whispered into Sarah's ear: "They're over there at the artificial palm tree." Sarah looked in the direction and nodded: "OK girls, now behave like we were the queens of the universe! Don't forget to act unattainable!" They raised their heads and walked side by side in a pronounced feminine way, swaying their hips just the right way, just the right measure to cause the looks of the visitors to remain glued to them.

Cameron felt a little insecure for the first few steps. This was definitely not something she was built to do. True, as infiltrator, she had rudimentary knowledge of the art of seducing but she still felt strange. But after few seconds she noticed the reaction of their companions and concentrated on John. She saw his wide opened eyes and open mouth and gently nudged Sarah: "Sarah? Why are they looking like they'd just escaped from the mental institution?" She was confused and looked at Sarah for explanation.

Sarah grinned at her and whispered back: "I guess they didn't exactly know that we are not just fighters but also women. And as for you …" Her eyes scanned the young cyborg and she nodded at her slightly, "… I think that Derek never saw someone like you before." She carefully avoided mentioning Cameron's true nature.

"Oh! Thank you for …" Cameron tried to answer.

"For heaven's sake, spare that phrase for John!" Sarah cut her off. I can't understand that John finds her constant repeating of that phrase so cute!

The little show extended for a little longer, for the three graces deliberately walked slowly to give their men time to linger on their appearance. Cameron concentrated exclusively on John and smiled seductively at him with slightly tilted head.

She's doing it on purpose! She's trying to get me a heart attack! John tried to close his mouth but failed miserably. He didn't even notice that there were also Andrea and his mother at Cameron's sides. He also didn't see how Tim's eyes literally devoured Cameron's appearance. He didn't see Derek's eyes glued to Sarah's curvature either. The only thing that he could see at the moment was this perfect creature approaching him, perfect creature named Cameron, whom he loved with all of his heart. He could see her slight smile and her shining eyes but in the next moment his eyes scanned her body again.

The visitors of the spa finally managed to tear their eyes from this show. But not all of them. Here and there an angry female voice could be heard how it barked at their obviously still entranced male partners. Gradually these voices silenced too. But if someone would take a good look around the pool, they'd see many pouting and irritably looking women and many foolishly grinning men.

After the runway stroll ended, Cameron stopped inches from John and looked at him. His chin still hung low so she gently cupped it and shut it. After her help, John finally managed to gulp and in the next moment his jaw fell again. Cameron sighed, shook her head and pushed his jaw closed again. "John! It's not polite to stand with your mouth open."

Finally John got his muscles under control again and clamped his mouth shut. Without a single word he grabbed Cameron's hand, sat down on the pool lounger and pulled her onto his lap. She let herself be guided by him and carefully sat on his lap, making sure that she spread her weight evenly. John was still staring at her and she was becoming slightly confused. "John? Why don't you say anything? Do I look like a freak?"

John shook his head and regained control of his speech: "No, Cam! Absolutely not! You look … you look fantastic, amazing, beautiful …" His voice trailed off.

Reassured that he was only so impressed by her appearance, Cameron smiled at him: "So … do you like my bikini?"

"'Like' doesn't start to describe what I think of you right now." John's eyes finally reduced to their normal size and his lips began to smile at her. He suddenly decided and gave her a kiss on her lips, causing her eyes to wide uncontrollably.

"John! We're not alone! What will Sarah and Derek think?" She whispered after his lips left hers and a little trace of fear could be heard in her voice.

"To be honest … I don't care!" John answered defiantly. "I've had enough of these games, of hiding, of denying my emotions. It's time that they finally face the truth."

Cameron smiled at the steadiness and yet controlled way how John stood up for their relationship. She knew that Sarah and Derek would have problems digesting what they just witnessed, but she even more admired how John in this moment resembled the future John. Like him, also her John was definitely not backing down any more. He decided that he'd take their relationship out in the open and nothing on this world would make him take a step back. She bowed to him and gave him a gentle kiss: "Thank you, John."

Meanwhile Tim's eyes still followed Cameron and he suddenly felt a light slap on his forearm. "You should control your eyes better, brother dear! It's definitely not polite to stare at the couple kissing." He managed to tear his look from Cameron and looked at Andrea, who grinned at him like a Cheshire cat.

"I guess you're right, sis'. But I can't help. Cameron looks so amazing…" His voice died and glassy look in his eyes receded and he grinned at his sister. "Too bad they're in relationship."

Andrea slapped him again in mock anger: "Tim! We already had this discussion. You know very well that it was just wishful thinking on your side."

Tim rolled his eyes in exasperation: "Like I wouldn't know it! But a man can have a dream, right?"

"And who am I to steal your dreams away. Keep on fantasizing if you have to." Andrea mirrored his expression. "But you should return to reality and find a nice girl, girl who isn't Cameron."

"Oh, I think that there will be enough time today and in here to meet someone, even if it's only for a company during our stay here." Tim smiled at her and she returned his smile and nodded.

Sarah gazed at Derek, who still couldn't stop looking at her. "What's wrong with you, Derek? Haven't you seen a woman before?" She challenged him and smirked.

Derek shook his head: "I have. But I didn't know that you … you … "He stopped and looked helplessly into her eyes.

"What? You didn't know that I'm a woman too? Did you think that I'm something between woman and man?" Sarah decided to tease him a little bit longer. She wanted him to tell her what he thought and challenging him was probably the best way to achieve her goal.

"No! I know that you're a woman, gee, Sarah!" He rolled his eyes and sighed impatiently. "I just didn't expect that you look so … so …" He lost his courage and voice again.

"Yes? So …?" Sarah tilted her head and grinned at him. Will you finally say it or not?

Derek suddenly realized that she was teasing him and sighed again. There's obviously no way out of this. Great job, Reese! You've got yourself in the shit and now you have to find a way out without losing too much of your pride. "I think that you're beautiful, Sarah." He gulped and decided to turn the spear: "At least for someone who already gave birth and is not in her teens anymore."

Sarah saw Derek's grinning face and understood that he was just teasing her. Well, Derek Reese, two can play this game! "So, you think I'm old?"

Derek's face suddenly turned crimson and he answered hastily: "No! Absolutely not! I just meant that you …"

"OK, Derek. I understand what you wanted to say." Sarah decided to get him off the hook and grinned at him. "But don't you ever think of calling me old. By the way, thank you for the compliment."

Derek sighed relieved that he was off the hook and answered with a small grin: "Any time, Sarah." Then he suddenly saw Cameron sitting on John's lap. They were kissing and practically devouring each other with bodies almost melted together. His face suddenly got a sour expression.

Sarah saw the change of his expression and turned to look at her son and his protector. As she saw them, she understood Derek's reaction and her face suddenly turned a bit sour too. She barked: "John! Cameron! We're in public place. Behave yourselves!" She enjoyed it limitless as she saw how they jumped apart like they'd been bitten by a snake upon hearing her command.

However, their shock lasted only for a second and in the next moment John pulled Cameron back and smirked at his mother: "Mom, we know that we're in public place. That's why we're being so discreet."

Sarah rolled her eyes exasperatedly: "You call your behavior discreet? Well, then I'd like to know what's indiscreet for you. Don't you dare laughing at me John!" She snapped at him seeing how he began to giggle quietly upon hearing her lecture. "Look at Cameron! She at least has a decency to look embarrassed."

Cameron in fact looked a bit embarrassed, but upon hearing Sarah's words, her pride returned in full: "I'm not ashamed that we love each other and show it." She lifted her chin defiantly like a real teenage girl.

Sarah couldn't help but feel amused upon her reaction. Tin miss is quickly learning how it is to be a teenage know-it-all girl. And John's even helping her at her growth. Now I'll have two of such kind! She decided not to get into discussion with Cameron at this point and she just grinned back. "OK, just watch your behavior. I don't want to get thrown out of the pool just because my kid would behave inappropriately."

Derek stifled a laugh. He got over the initial shock of seeing Cameron making it out with his nephew and her reaction to Sarah's words added another stone in the mosaic that was slowly beginning to form. A mosaic named "Cameron is different". He looked at Sarah: "Are we going to go swimming or is your intention to keep on talking. That's something you could easily have done in hotel."

Sarah turned to him: "I'm done with talking. I'm going for a swim and as for the rest of you …" her gaze swept over her company, "I don't give a damn what you're going to do. Just be here in two hours."

Tim and Andrea, who were witnessing the discussion in silence, nodded: "We'll go to the whirlpool. See you later then." After that, they turned and left them.

Derek looked at Sarah: "I'll go with you. I could use a little relaxation like swimming."

Sarah nodded and looked at John and Cameron. The latter was still comfortably sitting on John's lap and looked at her with interested eyes. "What about you two?" She turned her eyes to Cameron: "Can you swim at all?"

"You know I can't swim. I'm not buoyant and being in the water isn't my favorite activity." Answered Cameron a little dejected while looking down and John's hear broke a little upon hearing her words and seeing her disappointed face.

"I'll help you, Cam. You'll see that being in the water can be very nice." He gently stroked her cheek and earned himself a grateful smile.

Sarah rolled her eyes again: "You should stay in the room if you can't get your hands off each other for five minutes. Are you coming or not?" She directed her gaze to John.

John suddenly looked a little flushed but answered nonetheless with authoritative voice: "We'll go to the kid's pool soon. You two can go."

Sarah sensed that there was more to his excuse and looked at him sharply for a second. But he returned her gaze steadily and also his blush seemed to vanish, so that she wasn't even sure if she'd seen it or not. So she turned to Derek: "OK, let's go then."

After they left them, Cameron turned to curiously look into John's eyes: "Why didn't you want to go to the pool now John?"

John's blush returned in more intense way and he coughed embarrassed: "Well, Cam … you know … having you so scantily clad on my lap … so near …" He stopped for a second and looked into her eyes, revealing incomprehension. Well, John, you'll simply have to say it! "So, you see, it's the problem with man's physiology having such a gorgeous girl, whom you really love, in your lap. I just need a few seconds and then I'll be able to show myself in public again." Please, Cam, you have to understand it! I can't tell it so directly. Please!

Cameron looked at him questioningly, but after few seconds her face lit up like a megawatt bulb. She began to grin from ear to ear and shifted slightly on John's lap, eliciting a stifled moan from him. "You're having an erection!" She stated bluntly.

"Do you really have to be so literate, Cam?" John was now blushing furiously.

"Oh! Sorry! I'll try to remember it next time." Cameron grinned wickedly at him and continued shifting her butt slightly over John's problem zone.

"You're not helping me at least, Cam! Would you please stop doing what you're doing?" John pressed through clenched teeth.

"Does that mean that you desire me, John?" Cameron stopped her movements, but she still grinned wide and her hands suddenly cupped his cheeks.

"Understatement of the day! Of course, Cam! But we're in public place, you know?" John was gradually losing his facial color.

"I know. Sarah reminded us just few minutes ago." Cameron grinned and kissed him. "I'm glad that you desire me, John."

John cheeks finally returned to their normal color: "I'm glad too. Now, please … be still for a minute and no!" He stopped her from kissing him again. "As much as I want to kiss you, now I need to think of something else, something very cold. Like North Pole."

Cameron was at first taken aback by his refusal, but after his explanation she grinned again: "Of course John. May I suggest you think of Vostok station on Antarctica? There's much colder than on North Pole."

"Smartass!" John groaned but smiled back.

TBC