N/A: 1) Since there wasn't new votes and the two votes before were tied up, I decided to put Michael to be that person who will interact with Cameron. He doesn't appear much in this chapter, but expect much Michael/Cameron interaction in the next chapters.

2) Also expect lots of interaction between Cameron and Lindsay and finally, Damian and Cameron will have more scenes together. Expect big emotions for Dameron in the next chapters.

3) The song in the end of the chapter is "Welcome to my life", from Simple Plan.

4) Enjoy and give me some love (aka: write me reviews!) ;)


Chapter Seven

The Volleyball Test

The only thing Cameron knew when he woke up - stretching his body and yawning lazily - was that his body was extremely relaxed. He startled when he heard the phone beep. He was awake before the alarm clock? Yeah, this is new. But why did he set up the alarm? After all, either he was dead wrong or was Saturday morning. Saturday. The Volleyball Test. Oh, yes, of course ...

He stretched once more and stood up. Why was he only in his underwear? He wasn't used to sleep only in underwear, at least he wore shorts. Of course, massage. Well, that's why he was so relaxed! He used to hit on the masseuse - who was about twenty-five years - and she used to find it very cute, but it appeared he had fallen asleep before he could say something this time. Well, he had fainted.

He went to the bathroom and took a long bath - for what else he would have put the alarm clock for half an hour earlier? - got dressed and went to the kitchen. Normally, he didn't eat breakfast, but today he was trying to put something in his stomach since he forgot to have dinner the night before. His mother almost died from happiness when she saw that his son had taken a glass of orange juice and ate some french toast - what did you expect? Caviar for breakfast?

At eight-thirty in the morning, Cameron was parking his BMW next to a silver car which he thought he knew from somewhere ...

The bleachers were full and a lot of guys were already on the court, warming up. Cameron was coming in the locker room when something jumped on his neck.

- Cam! You didn't call me yesterday! I left thousands of messages on your phone, I sent three messages and you didn't call me back?

- Lindsay, go slow, you'll break my neck! - Cameron withdrew her arms from his neck and let out a weary sigh. - I went out to run and then I slept. What are you doing here?

- Oh, I came to watch your test, silly boy! Matheus, Alex, Shanna came too!

- Okay, I understand. Now go sit down 'cause I still have to change clothes and warm up before the test.

- Good luck, big boy! - Lindsay gave a light kiss on Cameron's lips and ran toward the stands.

- Stop with the "big boy" thing! - Cameron rolled his eyes.

- Hey, big boy! - Cameron turned to face two blue eyes and a smile full of white teeth well aligned. But what most impressed him was that this was not a mocking smile, was fun and seemed sincere. - Snuffles said hi.

McGinty gave a crystalline laugh because of the look in Cameron's face, but before Cameron could show some other reaction, McGinty was already gone and continued to run around the court. Cameron stared at the boy's back and snorted angrily.

- Mr. Mitchell - Cameron turned to the other side to find Grant Gustin with a clipboard in his hand and his characteristic smirk.

- Professor - greeted with a nod and then the man handed him the clipboard.

- Sign here, as a guarantee that you participated at the test.

Cameron examined the paper and his eyes shone for a brief moment. It contained all the information he needed: name, course and year of each candidate. Too bad that he was late. He signed where Grant showed him, received a pat on the shoulders of his godfather and headed to the locker room, finally.

~ ~ dameron ~ ~

There was an average of fifty candidates for thirteen vacancies, which included the owners and the reserves. It would be a close race, but nothing that was beyond his reach. Coach Beiste split the candidates into pairs, so she could analyze them better. Cameron was paired with Dijon Talton, to his utter chagrin. McGinty would play with Chord Overstreet.

Until his turn come, Cameron watched each player trying to find some intellectual style that reminded him of Angel, but his imagination simply refused to adjust his mental image of the boy with the guys in the court. Like the japanese who spoke loudly, or the chubby kid who wore glasses, or even a skinny who had over two meters tall. It was absurd, none of them seemed to contain all that remarkable personality of his virtual friend.

Finally came his turn to play against the giraffe-boy and the burly one. The pair couldn't be more incongruous. Well, Cameron wasn't in complete advantage with a partner terrible as Dijon, but he did his best. At the five minutes reserved for each pair, Cameron scored five of six points. The sixth was a Dijon's accident, 'cause it would be impossible for him to have planned that touch, he probably bumped his hand on the ball unintentionally. Their opponents scored three points, all Dijon's errors, of course.

Cameron was invited to sit down again and watched McGinty's and Chord's training. They had a perfect synchrony, seemed to match the movements by telepathy and Cameron almost buried his nails in the flesh or bit his tongue 'cause of how much he was gritting his teeth. They scored seven points. Cameron was almost losing hope when it was finally over and Coach Beiste went to talk to the other coachs to discuss the next step.

Meanwhile, the blond guy stood up and walked to the corner near the locker room, where Grant Gustin was still holding the clipboard with the names of subscribers.

- Professor?

- Yes?

- Just out of curiosity, could I take a look at this list?

The man arched an eyebrow, thinking about how strange was Cameron's attitude and looked up at his godson.

- Who are you looking for?

- I don't know his name; just know that he is a freshman journalism student.

- No one from journalism enrolled - said the professor looking at the list quickly.

Cameron blinked.

- Seriously?

- There is no journalism student competing, Mr. Mitchell. Your friend didn't apply.

- Are you sure? I mean, maybe he gave his name, but at the last moment couldn't come?

Grant returned to face him, confused.

- Why so much interest in this person, Cameron?

Cameron didn't answer and went back to the first row of the bleachers with his mind buzzing. Did Angel lie to him? But why would he lie? And if he didn't lie about having been registered, had probably lied about studying Journalism. Then, Cameron suddenly found himself ransacking his memory by the time the other one claimed to do journalism, only to find out that moment didn't exist! He assumed it himself, just as he was convinced that whoever wrote the articles was a girl. But it would be obvious, right?

However, Cameron had to throw that question to some obscure corner of his brain as he noticed Coach Beiste leaving the bench toward them.

- Guys, a minute of your attention please - the silence was taking care of the candidates. - We decided to reduce the number of competitors to analyze them better. I will call the names, forming 5 quartets, from which we will take the twelve best.

The first name to be called was McGinty's. Cameron did his best grimace of contempt to him, but the boy seemed not to notice, was highly concentrated. Cameron was ecstatic when his name was the third to be announced - he was almost sure that he heard Lindsay's hysterical yell at this moment. This time he showed clearly to McGinty his contempt face while passing in front of him, leaving Michael Weisman, who was a Engineering freshman, between them. Chord Overstreet was the next to be called and celebrated with McGinty ridiculously.

In the formation of quartets, McGinty and Michael were on one side of the court while Cameron and Chord were at the other. It was much more difficult to score this time. Cameron was sure that McGinty was marking him, thwarting his attempts. But they weren't weak at all, it was a pretty balanced game. After fifteen minutes, McGinty's team completed a set, but just for one point.

- Okay, guys. Sit down now as we discuss their performances.

With the corner of his eye, Cameron watched McGinty biting his nails, not paying attention to what Chord rattled by his side. He was also tense, frowning and twisting his fingers.

- Attention, as I am calling your names, come to the front, please. Damian McGinty!

The stands erupted in cheers and whistles while Cameron groaned frustrated.

- Cameron Mitchell!

Cameron let a wry smile take place on his face as he stood up and walked to McGinty with the more satisfied and provocative expression he could do. He was greeted by an ovation equal to his rival's and it was enough to make him very proud of himself. McGinty just raised an eyebrow, apparently too happy to undo the smile that had settled since his name was announced.

- Chord Overstreet!

The blonde jumped up and ran to McGinty, hugging his shoulders. Cameron huffed.

- Michael Weisman!

The boy looked surprised, but was soon pushed into the middle of the court where he joined the others, receiving a welcome pat on the shoulders from McGinty and Chord. Michael smiled at Cameron, who returned a weak smile. Besides the four, the Cory Monteith and Harry Shum Jr. were also called to the first string.

Cameron began to be assailed by a thought now that he had finally gotten his wish. He and McGinty were on the same team now, which meant working with him, both fighting for a common goal, planning things together ... He was more than apprehensive. His whole pose was fading as he was thinking about it. What was he thinking?

His thoughts were interrupted when the coach dismissed all other candidates and spectators, calling the new team to rally around her, but only the first-string team.

- Guys, congratulations to you. You showed a lot of guts and determination here in this court, I really hope you give your best for the college. We need to practice a lot, because the game was scheduled for next month - the six boys made sounds of surprise. - I know it's close, but we'll be fine. I want to have a practice in the afternoon, what would you tell me?

Cameron noted that all agree and decided to look excited too, but actually was afraid of this test. He was beginning to think if it were a good idea to join that team. Then he remembered the cold disappointment of his father when he had lost the match against McGinty and this served as a boost.

- Great, at two o'clock? - they nodded in agreement - Perfect. I'll be anxious to start.

At the moment that the coach went away, Cameron was forced to turn by two arms around his neck. Lindsay grabbed him and pressed his lips on hers. At first he corresponded the kiss, but then pushed the girl gently.

- Congratulations, big boy! You did it! You did it, Cam!

However, Cameron wasn't noticing the excited way that Lindsay was hugging him, was watching McGinty being hugged and kissed by Von Bleicken in a way very different from what Lindsay did. She seemed extremely happy as well, but her manners were not even remotely scandalous, and the sweet kiss was on McGinty's cheek. Larsen reached them soon after with a huge smile on his face, hugging his best friend's shoulders and slapped his back firmly.

- Congratulations, Damian! We are so proud of you! - He could hear Von Bleicken congratulate him, hugging and being hugged by her boyfriend. - Want to come and have lunch with us? We're thinking of going to a restaurant, what do you think?

- Thanks, guys. But I think I'll stay right here. I'll have practice in the afternoon and I'm thinking about eat something in the cafeteria.

- Oh, we can stay with you, what do you think, Sam?

- I think great! I'm crazy for a sandwich!

The three walked away and Cameron turned his attention to Lindsay.

- ... and he bet that you would be choosen, so ... Cameron! Are you listening?

- It would be impossible not to hear you, Lindsay.

Matheus and Alex had joined him and gave nods as fulfillment, looking bored as ever. So different from McGinty's friends ... "Great," thought Cameron. "From the time I'm observing those three idiots I'm getting too melodramatic as well. It was just what I needed." Shanna Henderson, Lindsay's friend, was also with them.

- Congratulations, Cameron. - Said the girl lightly, and he nodded. She was beautiful, friendly, if she wasn't Lindsay's friend, Cameron would like to have a date with her. But he really valued his life to do something that would make Lindsay angry.

- So, where will we have lunch? At your home or at a restaurant? - Asked Lindsay hugging Cameron by the waist, and leaning on his chest.

- I'll eat something from the cafeteria. And Lindsay, back off, I'm all sweaty!

Lindsay walked away, but seemed confused.

- Why will you get something to eat in the cafeteria? Eat what? Animals killed and crushed between two pieces of bread? - Lindsay was grossed out, 'cause she was a vegetarian.

- That's exactly what I intend to eat!

- Ugth! - Lindsay made a disgusted face.

Matheus and Goyle seemed quite enthusiastic about the prospect, however claimed that they were expected at home for lunch - which was probably a lie. Shanna also gave an excuse and left soon after. Cameron was sure that Lindsay forced them to leave the couple alone.

There were a few people in the cafeteria because of the courses that the college offered on Saturdays. Cameron chose a strategic chair and sat in front of the Irish, so he could watch him. Lindsay sat down right in front and Cameron had to drag his chair a trifle to the side to be able to see McGinty. He let Lindsay speak naturally while eating a natural sandwich and asked for his x-burger with plenty of bacon ("Urgth" said Lindsay.)

- So, Cam, it deserves a celebration, doesn't it? Cameron!

- Huh? - Cameron had been watching McGinty fill his burger with mayonnaise and take a huge bite, full of desire.

He hadn't eaten anything since breakfast, so it was quite normal to have his mouth filled with water when witnessed the scene, right? McGinty seemed to eat with such desire that it was impossible not to get comfortable.

- I said that we should celebrate your acceptance at the team. How about we go to that karaoke that we always went? We don't sing together for a long time...

- Oh no, I'm tired. And I still have more practice this afternoon, so I'll be exhaust tonight.

- Ok - Lindsay seemed disappointed, but then tried to change her expression for a sexy one. - Let me do a massage on you then? I can go to your house and ...

- No.

- Why?

- Because I'm tired, Lindsay, I won't give you attention and we will fight 'cause of it!

- You don't pay attention in me for a long time ...

Cameron rolled his eyes and crossed his arms.

- We already talked about it, we are not dating ...

- No need to say so, Cameron!

- I am honest, you know! Never gave you false hope ...

At this point his order has arrived: x-burger with french fries and soda. Put too much mayonnaise on his lunch and took a bite neat, similar to what McGinty did. At first bite he could prove what he already knew: it was just a cheeseburger with a lot of mayonnaise and cheese. Nothing especial.

Lindsay turned up her nose in disgust, but continued to speak:

- What will you do tonight then?

- Sleep!

Lindsay held her head in her hands, disconsolately. Cameron returned to watch the Golden Trio. He had a vague awareness that Lindsay was still talking, but ignored it. But where was McGinty?

He seemed to have lowered himself, hiding his head under the table while Larsen and Von Bleicken tried to spy on what he was doing. Cameron raised an eyebrow and took the cup to his lips. But McGinty chose that moment to appear under the table.

He had three risks made of mayonnaise on each side of the nose towards the cheek, arranged to look like whiskers, had compressed the mouth so as to leave visible only the two front teeth; Both hands were above his head, one pointing to up and the other bent down like two long ears, and to complete, he wrinkled his nose as a nose and twisted it from side to side, moving the "whiskers".

The soda that Cameron had just put on his mouth was spitted when he couldn't contain his laughter, giving a bath in Lindsay. The girl froze while Cameron was just laughing, hiding his face in his arms on the table.

- Cameron! - Cried the girl, looking silly, pouring soda by the white blouse she wore. - I can't believe it!

She dragged her chair back and ran to the bathroom before Cameron could apologize or say anything. He risked a look forward and saw McGinty staring at him with a curious attention. Larsen and Von Bleicken were laughing, probably because of his friends' performance. McGinty held his gaze for several long seconds before returning to his friends accompanying them in laughter and wiping the mayonnaise with paper towels.

Cameron didn't know what he felt. He had found really funny the "Bunny McGinty," but knew it wasn't right. He must have found at least ridiculous, stupid, anything but fun. He had even spat out soda on Lindsay! And worst of all was that he almost blushed because of the look that McGinty gave to him! Imagine a blushed Mitchell! After all, why he felt so affected by that glance?

These thoughts made his bad mood returned with redoubled force and he felt an almost physical need to insult him, teasing him. Even the prospect of beating McGinty was very tempting at the moment.

Once he had finished his lunch, Lindsay appeared again, desperate, saying she needed an urgent change of clothes and was already leaving. The boy tried to apologize and knew that this little incident would render a headache for him later, but she would not listen and ran away, really mad.

~ ~ dameron ~ ~

The six selected players met on the court at the scheduled time, where Coach Beiste already awaited them. They warm up again and began playing, with the coach giving them some tips and criticizing. Everything went well while they took turns to play in pairs and the two others watching. Cameron discovered that Michael was actually a great partner for him and they had an amazing syntony during the match, which he didn't felt while playing with any of the other players.

But the inevitable happened! While Cory and Harry rested, Damian and Cameron would play against Chord and Michael. McGinty was positioned near the net and Cameron was behind him waiting for the Michael's serve. They both made a fast moving toward the ball, but hesitated when they noticed that the two were going against it at the same time. Result: point of the opposing team. They looked at each other and came back to their positions awaiting the new serve.

- Attention, boys! - asked Coach Beiste.

But this time the opposite happened, neither of them moved toward the ball, which dribbled on their side of the court giving one more point to the "opponents".

- Hey, what's going on? I said to stay tuned.

- McGinty was afraid of the ball, coach. - Cameron said.

- Why me? And you, did what? - The boy fumed.

- This ball was for you, I expect you to pick it up!

- For me? It was high and you're behind, this ball was yours!

- High? You take bids much higher than this!

- The question is not my ability, Mitchell. We are a team; I can't get all the moves! If I do that I could play alone.

- Oh yeah - Cameron said sarcastically. - You are so perfect that you don't need anyone else to help you to play, right? Come on, expel Mitchell from the team because he is useless! McGinty can handle it alone, can you, Mr. Perfection?

McGinty clenched his fists and narrowed his eyes, but before he could answer, Coach Beiste stood between them.

- Gentlemen, what is it? - Only the looks they cast at each other already answered the question. - Looks like we have some disagreements between you, right? Well, I don't care, if you want to play in this team what happened today can't happen again. We are a team now, I want you guys to act like one. And if you two have some unfinished business, resolve them until our next practice or I will be forced to take unpleasant measures. You both are great players, I don't want to have to kick you out of the team on the second practice!

Cameron gritted his teeth and McGinty looked away to Chord, who had come:

- And when will the practice be?

- I was thinking of Wednesday afternoon, what do you say?

- I work in the afternoon - McGinty had opened his mouth to disagree, but who said it was Cameron, which made everyone looked suspicious at him.

- Okay, how about Wednesday night? - The others agreed, but McGinty scratched his head and gave a shy smile. - Yes, Mr. McGinty?

- Well, I have something important at Wednesday nights. But if don't have another free time for us to practice, I can fix this.

Coach Beiste looked at the schedule in her hand. Cameron was more than curious to know what the boy's commitment, but disguised rolling his eyes with contempt.

- Okay. The court is free on Mondays, but I can't come these days. The court has reservations on Tuesdays and Thursdays for administration team, but your match will take longer to happen, isn't it?

- It will be in two months - Cory confirmed.

- So I guess you can give the court, right? - The boy nodded. - Thursday is good?

This time everyone agreed.

- Okay, see you on Thursday then. And remember what I said - she pointed a menacing finger for the two troublemakers before you let them leave.

Cameron followed the others into the locker room, annoyed. The others went in front, talking animatedly. Michael looked at him and slowed down his steps to talk to him, seeming genuinely concerned.

- Are you ok, man?

- No, but I'll be. I just need to stay away from that damn irish ...

Michael smiled slightly and they went to the locker room in silence. Cameron took a quick shower and changed, being the first to leave the locker room.

~ ~ dameron ~ ~

When he got home he went straight to the bathroom take a bath or rather soak in the tub until almost falling asleep, mentally replaying everything that happened that day. He wanted to beat himself when noticing that he had a smile on his face after remembering the "Bunny McGinty."

He sat at the dinner table excited to tell his father about his entry into the team, but found that Grant had already told him. Furthermore, the father's reaction was totally different from what he expected:

- McGinty is also on the team, so what's the big deal? It was your duty to be on this team. At the day that McGinty is expelled from the team for your merit, let me know and I will give you my congratulations - he said coldly as possible, without even looking at his son during the whole meal.

Do you ever feel like breaking down?

Do you ever feel out of place?

Like somehow you just don't belong

And no one understands you

After that, his appetite ran out the open window. No recognition, no warm smiles, no proud hugs. Cameron stayed a little more on the table before get up and lock himself in his own room.

Do you ever wanna run away?

Do you lock yourself in your room?

With the radio on turned up so loud

That no one hears you screaming

He lay on his bed listening to music. He loved Coldplay songs, they were kind meaningless, but at the same time seemed to have so much meaning! But when Shiver started, he nearly toppled the computer with the pillow. He had never heard that whole song, but it was deadly hatred. Lindsay didn't call that night.

No you don't know what it's like

When nothing feels alright

You don't know what it's like to be like me

To be hurt

To feel lost

To be left out in the dark

To be kicked

When you're down

To feel like you've been pushed around

To be on the edge of breaking down

When no one's there to save you

No you don't know what it's like

Welcome to my life


N/A:I decided to answer the reviews here too, 'cause it's not possible to answer in private messaging for those who don't have account on , of course!

Guest: Don't worry, I won't give up this story! Don't hunt me down XD

Abby: Thanks for voting! :) And for the review, of course!

Newly Dameron Lo: Thank you! I'm glad to know that you're enjoying it! :) Hope you write your story, we need more Dameron here! :) Yes, Nellie will appear in this story, not as much as I'd like, but she'll.