25: Trade gifts/Donate: Zoey, Mike, and Cameron

Zoey really loved Mike. Really. She loved how he made her laugh, how he doted on her, how he understood her. Sometimes, she really hated him though. Really. She hated how he wouldn't get help for his multiple personalities. She hated how, when he switched personalities, he forgot who she was or treated her differently. She hated trying to explain why she stayed with him to people, only for them to tell her that she needed to rethink their relationship. No, she didn't! She loved Mike and just because he had a disorder didn't mean she'd break up with him. That's what she thought most of the time at least.

A few weeks into their relationship though, they did break up. After that first time, it was like they couldn't stop. Whenever something went horribly wrong, they just ended it. A few days later, they'd be back together and the cycle would start again. She really loved Mike, really, but sometimes, she just wanted it to end completely. She didn't want to answer the call at 3 AM saying how sorry he was and would she please, please, please take him back? She didn't want to yell at him or argue over stupid things. She thought of asking for advice, but how could she? Everyone would look at her and pity her even more than they already did. Well, everyone except Cameron.

Cameron was Zoey's best friend. He was real person she could always depend on, and she knew she took advantage of that. He knew every detail of Zoey's life, including her relationship with Mike. Lately she was trying not to talk about it around him much, because he usually got frustrated when she kept repeating the same things.

"Zoey, you know you're my best friend, but if you're not happy, then do something about it! I can't help unless you let me."

What he said was true, but Zoey wasn't sure how he could help. The only thing she could do was break up with Mike, but she wasn't sure if that was wise. What if that sent him into an emotional breakdown and he hurt himself? She couldn't live with that guilt. So, Zoey stopped talking about Mike to Cam. Whenever the two hung out, she stayed away from that topic, and Cam didn't seem to mind.

On boxing day, Dakota arranged for the cast of "Revenge of the Island" to get together at her mansion for a Christmas party. That worked out perfectly for Zoey, since the day after Christmas was always dull. There, they would exchange gifts will all their friends, eat tons of good food, and sing carols, if they wanted. Dakota always had something available for them to do, and for that Zoey was grateful.

The theme was ugly Christmas sweaters, so the redhead put on her ugliest ensemble (a navy sweater with a big reindeer on it) and paired it with a pair of jeans then headed over to Cameron's where she would car pool to Dakota's mansion. She and Mike were going through another rough patch and she decided it was best they arrive separately. There hadn't been a break up yet, but Zoey didn't want to take her chances.

She had forgotten how lovely Dakota's home was. The outside was all done up in bright lights and inflatable snowmen, leaving the large evergreen in the front strung up with glowing snowflake lights. Zoey and Cameron were let in immediately, and while they weren't the last to arrive, the main room was crowded with at least half the cast.

Dawn was handing out her Christmas treats that she prepared and Scott was sneaking extra cookies from the tray. Zoey smiled as she saw Dawn lightly smack his hand with a smirk. Although Zoey still hated Scott, she had to admit how adorable he was around Dawn. It just went to show that, when you found the right person, things always worked out.

"Silent B" and Staci had caught Sam in a conversation. Well, Staci was talking and B just watched. As Zoey hung up her jacket, she noticed B was holding her hand. She let out a mental "awe" and her grin widened. Christmas really was a season where people came together! She made a note to talk to B afterwards.

Dakota explained there was a bit of a potluck going on in the kitchen so the newest arrivals could eat whenever they wanted. Gifts would be exchanged once everyone got there, and then there were board games in the sitting room, pool in the basement, karaoke in the entertainment room, and a trampoline in the backyard that people could go on if they were crazy enough. It all sounded fun and Zoey commented on it.

"Well, it's Christmas. You should go all out for family and friends," Dakota replied with a shoulder shrug, tossing back her blonde locks. "If you need anything, I'll be upstairs finishing my make up." She left the two to wander into the sitting room.

"I'm going to get some snacks. Want anything?" Zoey declined Cameron's offer and watched him head in that direction. While he was gone, Mike came. Zoey saw him enter and he went over to her.

"Hey."

"Hey," she replied cautiously.

"How'd you make it over here?"

"Cameron gave me a ride."

"That's good. He's safe on the road."

"Yeah."

There was a pause. Zoey didn't know what to say. Her stomach was in knots and she really just wanted to be anywhere but here.

"So are we going to talk about it at all or . . .?"

"I don't—I think we should wait till after the party. I don't want to ruin it for Dakota."

Mike nodded. "Alright. Tomorrow?"

"Sure—tomorrow. Yeah. Okay."

"Okay." Mike pecked her on the cheek then left. Her skin felt like ice and she tried to shake that feeling but couldn't. Cam came back and asked if she was okay.

"Yeah, I'm fine," she smiled unconvincingly. "Let's go say hi to Lightning and Anne Marie," she suggested. Cam agreed and they went over to greet the couple.

Later that night, it was time to exchange gifts. She got a recipe for Dawn's famous gingersnaps, a makeup kit from Dakota, and other little trinkets from her friends, all except Cam that is. At first she didn't know what to make of this, but he appeared at her side and asked her to come into the basement with him. "I want to give you your present in private."

Zoey followed Cam and sat on Dakota's couch as Cameron shut the door behind him. He settled beside her then pulled out a box from his pocket. It looked expensive, and Zoey had no idea what in the world he could get her that required such a nice box. When she opened it, she gasped. It was a silver necklace with a heart-shaped pendent that had the inscription "BE MINE" written on it. She didn't know what to say. It had obviously cost a lot, and she knew exactly what he meant by the statement, but she wasn't sure how to tell him her answer.

"Cam, while this is lovely I-"

"Wait, I want to say something before you say no," he interrupted, a fierce determination in his gaze that startled her. "Zoey, ever since the show I've been watching you with Mike. I've listened to all the stories, heard every excuse, and I'm tired of seeing you get hurt. I want you to be happy. I always have. But I can't keep quiet any longer. I've—I have a crush—I like you! I like you a lot, and I want to be with you." He sighed, "but I don't want to make you choose either. I know you'll always choose Mike anyway. I just wanted you give you something so you know how I feel, and if you need anything, you know you can come to me, always."

Zoey blinked away tears and threw her arms around Cam, clutching him in a tight hug. They sat like that, hugging and not saying a word, for a good minute or two before she pulled back.

"Can I say something now?" He nodded. "Good," she grinned. "I have a bit of a crush on you too Cam, I kinda always have. I mean, you're my best friend and you're always there for me. I know what you say about Mike is true, a part of me always has, but it's hard to explain. I think I'm almost ready to end it completely. I just need to find the right way to do it. But once I do, I don't think I want to jump into another relationship right away. I need time to figure out what I want to do in life, where I want to go. Maybe I'll go travelling, or do something exciting, you know? That doesn't mean I don't like you though. I just need time. Can you give me that Cam?"

The young genius smiled, somewhat sadly, but nodded. "Yeah, I can do that. As long as you're happy, that's all that matters."

She giggled, "with you, I always am. Now how about we go back to that party? I have to beat Anne at karaoke!" She got off the couch and took his hand, pulling him up. The necklace had fallen on the ground and she picked it up. Zoey turned to Cam and grinned. "Put it on for me?" Cam blushed but agreed and soon it was safely hidden in her sweater. Both agreed that it would be best if Mike didn't see it right now. Tomorrow, when he came over, she would hopefully find the right words to end it with him for good. Mike needed to get help first before she would consider getting back together. Until then, she had a future to think about and a best friend who wanted the best for her. It couldn't get much better than that.