Episode 27: Duality
Brittney POV
One Year Ago
RING! RING! RING! RING!
I started twitching at the bell ringing. But I felt myself calming down and turning my head to the clock. My lips started stretching up as I then started gathering my things and putting them in my bag.
"Alright, class. Remember, the deadline is next week, but make sure you study up." The teacher announced. She then looked over to me, "And Miss Star, that includes you. No procrastinating."
Ugh... I don't...procrash...no...precrash...pracrash... Whatever the teacher said. I've got this. Even if the subject is totes boring.
But right now, I have other things to do and now is the time to put them into action. Wrapping my bag around me I got up from my desk and started heading to the door.
Going into the hallway I made my way pass a couple of people and up ahead I spotted Angela. My smile brightened even higher looking her and I just couldn't help but skip over to her. She turned her head and spotted me right as I raised out my arms and wrapped them around her. A gasp exited her mouth, but I upped my hugging power and giggled.
"Uh...good to see you too, Brittney." Angela said, patting my back.
I hummed and squeezed her a little more. But I then removed myself from her and locked my eyes on her face. Her hair was now more kept and even started shining in the light of the sun. Her lashes were curled and cleaned thanks to moi along with the added blush on her cheeks, but of course the finishing touches were how sparkly her lips were thanks to my brand: Silver Sass.
"So... Anybody liked your transformation?" I asked while we started walking.
Angela turned her eyes away from me as I saw her cheeks turning red. She then turned her attention back on me, "Yes..."
A gasp exited my lips. "For real?"
Angela slowly nodded, but she then...she frowned. But...why?
"I'll admit, you giving me a makeover did...give me some attention. But...during class some boys were constantly wanting to talk to me while some girls wanted to know who glossed me up. And...I was really, really uncomfortable on both ends."
Oh... Wow, I...didn't think my skills would affect her that much. Looking at her frown I started to frown a bit, but I turned it back into a smile.
"Next time, I'll hold back on the blush." I said.
Angela turned to me and her eyebrow went up. But then her lips went up and she giggled a little.
"Thanks, but you don't have to." Angela replied as we went down some stairs.
I shook my head. "We're friends now and...I just want to make you happy."
Angela turned her eyes away, but her smile was still there. After hearing all that stuff between her and her sister I just thought I could help her out and my work was a bit too much, but at least it helped her.
Up ahead we both turned a corner and came up to some double-doors and went right through them. On the other side there were a bunch of tables around and a lot of different cliques at each one. To the left there were some boys and girls wearing glasses while playing video games. Behind them were some girls gossiping and giggling while next to them were a trio wearing beanies and looking sad. To the right were a lot of guys laughing while showing off their pecks. Next to them were some girls and guys wearing all black and looking really, really sad, but what caught my attention was the table at the very end.
Right there...was the guy the rumors were talking about. The guy with green hair. And...uh... When I looked at his face I felt my face getting really warm. He is a cutie. And now, I gotta know more about him.
"Is that the guy?" Angela asked.
"Totes." I answered.
Getting in line and grabbing some food, me and Angela turned to him and went up to the table he was sitting at. He wasn't alone because there was a guy with short orange hair, a short blonde-girl, and a guy with fries for hair sitting with him. Okay...let's do this.
"Excuse us?" I said.
Hearing me they all turned to us. The guy with green hair blinked at me while the guy with orange hair and fries for hair had their faces turn red. The blonde-girl looked at us and tilted her head.
"Can we help you?" The green-hair guy asked.
"Can we sit with you? Pretty please?" I replied, fluttering my eyes.
The green-hair guy turned to his friends. The other guys quickly nodded while the blonde-girl shrugged.
"Uh...sure?" The green-hair guy answered.
Walking behind him I sat down next to him while Angela sat right next to me.
"I'm Brittney." I said. "This is Angela." I added.
"Hello." Angela added.
"I'm Kameron." Kameron replied. "This is Lars, Sadie, and Ronaldo." He added, pointing at his friends.
"H-H-Hi." Lars said, but he started breaking his words.
"N-N-N-Nice to meet you both." Ronaldo added while he started sweating for some reason.
"Same." Sadie added.
"So...I heard a lot about you, Kameron~" I said.
Kameron then narrowed his eyes at me, making my eyes open more. Did I say something wrong?
"Let me guess: There's the freak? Isn't that the guy who fights monsters? Or the guy who make crystals from his body?" Kameron asked.
Fighting monsters? I...I think I heard about that from somewhere. A freak? No way! He's a cutie and those eyes...just made my cutie meter go up. Making crystals from his body? That's new to me and that actually sounds totes cool. But that's not why I wanted to meet him.
"Actually, I heard that you know L-Pop. Is it true?" I replied.
Kameron blinked at me, "Oh... Yeah, she's my sister."
A gasp exited my mouth. Wait a minute... Wait. A. Minute. That's... his SISTER!? OMIGOSH! OMIGOSH! OMIGOSH!
I then pushed my face close to his, making him push back a little. "Please... Please let me meet her? I've been listening to her music for, like, forever! Please!? PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE!?" I begged.
Kameron blinked at me again. From the look on his face, I know that he was uncomfortable, but I have to meet her! I HAVE TO! I will literally die if I can't!
"Uhh... Sure? Just please scoot back a little? You're in my personal space." Kameron replied.
My face grew so, so much it started to hurt, but I didn't care. Raising out my arms I then wrapped them around Kameron and pushed him closer to me.
"THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!" I squealed.
In...and out. In...and out. In...and out. In...and out. In...and out.
My face was hurting so, so much right now. I absolutely can't believe this is happening. I literally, LITERALLY CAN'T BELIEVE THIS IS HAPPENING RIGHT NOW!
On the city bus I sat right next to Kameron while the bus was moving. Every part of my body was, like, vibrating so much. I can't help it. Especially with what's gonna happen soon. O...M...G!
"Kameron." I said, making him turn to me with my shaky voice. "I-I'm so happy r-right now. Thank you s-so much."
Kameron smiled a little. "You're welcome. We're almost there, so you can unleash you screams soon. Plus I texted my sister and she had a day-off, so you're really lucky today."
I felt my lips squirming and placed my hand onto his. Kameron blinked at me, but he laced his hand into mine while I squeezed it. I don't how long I can contain myself. But...I am so happy I met Kameron today. He is definitely going on my best-friend list.
Soon...the bus was slowing down. My chest was beating so, so much. I...I...I...don't think I'm gonna make it.
When the bus stopped I turned to Kameron, who stood up while he kept his hand in mine. I then stood up with him and walked onto the middle of the bus before walking toward the front. Turning myself, me and Kameron walked out of the bus and onto the sidewalk. Kameron then walked in front of me and we started going forward.
Passing by a couple houses we then came to a complete stop at the next one and... and... and... I could feel my eyes getting smaller.
Standing in front of the house was...her. She was there. SHE'S LITERALLY STANDING RIGHT THERE IN FRONT OF ME! L-POP! She had her hair in twin-tails, just like in her winter phase while wearing a white Tee with a large pink bird on it, light-blue jean-shorts, and white sandles.
She...was smiling right at us... M-M-My body started vibrating like crazy. I turned to Kameron and he nodded while letting go of my hand. Turning back to L-POP, I raised up my legs and started walking up to her. Every step I took made me let out big puffs of air and the rhythm in my chest was beating so, so much right now. If I'm gonna die, at least at this moment...I am so, so happy.
When I got close to her she raised out her arms and wrapped them around me. I... I... I...can't even say anything right now.
"My brother told me you're a fan of mine." L-POP said softly. "It's so nice to meet you, Brittney. Go ahead, let it all out."
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
SHE KNOWS MY NAME! SHE KNOWS MY NAME! SHE KNOWS MY NAME!
My eyes started getting wet right when I wrapped my arms around her. And... I...don't know why but...I couldn't help it!
"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH, L-POP! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!" I squealed.
L-POP held me tightly and rubbed the back of my head.
"I love you too. I mean it." She told me quietly.
Kameron. Thank you so, so much for this!
Present Time
Sucking in some air into my nose I then let it all out through my mouth. *sigh* I thought my first experience at camp was gonna be awesome and totes amazing, but...with what's going on, I don't think this is what I thought would happen.
Sitting at a table outside, Angela kept walking back and forth with her arms crossed and showing a very, very angry look. I can't blame her for that since Chelsea snuck off without telling anyone and it was pretty obvious that she went along with Kameron and Lars. Speaking of them, part of me wished they didn't have to go to the mountain, but they were Rainbow Gems, so they'll be able to handle it, but I'm sure they're mad at Chelsea for coming with them.
Turning my head I looked at Elizabeth eating a sandwich. She looked so...calm and quiet. Part of me wanted to ask if she was okay considering that her boyfriend went to do something dangerous, but...I don't think I have to ask her that. Knowing Kameron, I'm sure he's fine. Still...it makes me worried.
"Everyone!" Mister Theodore called, making all of look at him. "They're coming back!"
Hearing this Angela turned around and stopped in place while the rest of us turned our heads to where Mister Theodore was.
Coming up where we could see them, I gasped at Kameron, Lars, and Chelsea walking toward us. But...when they got closer I swear I could feel my eyes getting smaller. Kameron... His clothes were shredded with cuts shown everywhere. He had a serious look on his face, but...his eyes looked sad. Lars... He didn't look as bad as Kameron, but there were some marks across his face and...he was completely green...? Chelsea... She had some marks on her face, but...she looked fine. Although...she looked sad. So did Lars. What happened?
I turned to Angela and...she stood still for a moment before she started marching my to her sister.
*SMACK*
Gasps left our mouths when Angela raised up her hand threw it at her sister's face.
"DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW WORRIED I WAS!?" Angela yelled. "DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW I FELT WHEN YOU JUST DISAPPEARED!?" She added while putting her hands on Chelsea's shoulders. "WHY!? WHY DID YOU GO WITH THEM!? WHY COULDN'T YOU STAY HERE!? WHY DO YOU ALWAYS HAVE TO MAKE ME WORRY!? WHY!? why... w...w..w.."
Angela started shaking and her voice started breaking. I was about to stand up and go to her, but...Elizabeth raised up her hand right when Angela wrapped her arms around her sister. She then started crying. Her cries were really, really loud. I...wasn't so sure on what to do, but...maybe I should just let the sisters take care of things.
While Angela was crying, Kameron and Lars walked away from them and went up to the table where Buck, Sour Cream, Ronaldo, and Sabina sat. They stood in front of Ronaldo and Kameron pulled out his phone. Using his thumb he tapped on it a few times before stopping. A moment later Ronaldo pulled out his phone and he looked surprised. Lowering his phone he raised his head up to them.
"Wh...What's this?" Ronaldo asked as Angela's crying was calming down.
"We want our friend back." Lars replied. "Whatever's going on in your head after what happened, don't let it stop you from being weird."
Ronaldo blinked at them and looked at his phone before looking at his friends again. He didn't reply, but just put his eyes back on his phone.
Lars went over to the left side of the table and took a seat next to Buck and Sour Cream. He then lowered his head on the table and let out a long sigh.
"What happened to you guys?" Sour Cream asked.
"Long story." Kameron replied. "Short version: we found out what happened to the Meow Siblings' uncles, some Rescuers, and the previous campers." He added before turning his attention to the adults.
Walking over to them Kameron then got down on one knee in front of the siblings, making Miss Catherine gasp. "I'm sorry. It was a monster." Kameron said, making the siblings gasp. "I don't understand why me, my family or the Crystals never got a call from here before, but we made sure their remains were buried. They can rest in peace now."
Miss Catherine got up from the table and walked up to Kameron. "Kitty. Please stand up." She asked.
Kameron then stood up before Miss Catherine hugged him. "Thank you. We appreciate what you've done, but...I'm just glad you're okay, my precious kitten."
"Thank you, Kameron." Mandy added while coming up to hug him too.
"Thank you so much." Rachel added, coming up to hug him.
"This can put ease to our mother's mind. Thank you, young man." Theodore said with a nod.
The next day all of us took a walk outside the camp. The Meow Siblings and the teachers had something for us to do today, but...even so, I had all these thoughts spinning in my head.
To my left I looked over to Angela, who had her eyes on Chelsea. Her eyes were still puffy from yesterday, but she also showed a big frown. I could understand because of how much her sister made her worry. Chelsea just kept walking, but she looked back here and there to her sister. She didn't say anything, but since this morning she's been kinda quiet. That really, really makes me want to talk to her and ask what happened.
To my right I saw Kameron with his hands in his pockets. He was also frowning too, but...the look in his eyes had me worried, especially with all those cuts I saw yesterday. Turning from him I saw Elizabeth walking next to him, but she wasn't saying anything. She kept looking at him for a moment, but still didn't say anything. Maybe...she wants to give him some space? I wasn't so sure, but it wasn't any of my business.
In front of me on my left, Scarlett was talking to Jenny while Buck and Sour Cream were talking to Lars. On my right, Ronaldo kept looking at his phone and Sadie was talking to Shep. Way, way ahead of me I noticed Kevin talking to Sabina, but she just kept ignoring him and walked on. Zac had both Riley and Kelly walking beside him and I couldn't hear much of what they were saying, but the cheerleaders were giggling up every word, even getting closer to him as they walked. Last were the guy with a beanie and the girl with glasses who were just looking up at the trees.
Well...whatever happens today, I'm gonna try to help my friends as much as I can, even if we're on opposite teams. That's the least I can do.
Passing by a couple more trees the adults stopped walking, making the rest of us stop walking too.
"Kitties, form up into your groups, please." Mandy said.
To the left me, Angela, Scarlett, Jenny, and Elizabeth came together and stood side by side next to the other teams.
The Meow Siblings and the teachers moved to the sides, giving us a better look at the area. Straight ahead there was a big chunk of water near a bunch of sand and between the water and sand were five long boats. Each one had a different color from red and blue to green, brown, and black.
"Okay!" Catherine cheered. "Today, we're gonna do some exploring!"
I turned my head to my right. Exploring?
"Each team will be using a canoe for this." Rachel said. "The goal is to search for one of these!" She added while pulling her arm from behind her back.
In her hand was...a small brown cat statue? I don't get it.
"We're coming with you kitties for this, but once we reach our destination you're on your own." Mandy explained.
"You'll have until sundown to find a bronze cat. When sundown comes we'll signal you all to come back before it gets dark." Theodore added.
"Any questions?" Mrs. Cherry asked.
So just find a bronze cat before the other team? That doesn't sound too hard.
"I have a question." Riley said. "Where are we going?"
"You'll see when we get there." The other teacher replied. "Any other questions?"
"Do we get to keep the statue when we find it?" Kelly asked.
"No. Just bring it to us and your team wins." Mandy replied.
Okay, that sounds easy.
Row... Row... Row... Row... Row...
On the water me and the Krisis Kittens raised up our paddles and pushed them through, circling our arms in the air before putting our paddles back in the water. At the moment me and the girls were quiet and just kept paddling straight. We needed to consur...consin...concor... ugh, I'm not that good with big words. We need to pay attention on our paddling. Still...I didn't like the quiet that much.
"Angela." I said, making her turn to me.
"If you're gonna try cheering me up, please don't." Angela replied. "I'm not in the mood, Brittney."
I frowned at her response, but...I wasn't gonna stop trying and smiled again.
"Everything's gonna be okay! I know it will, right girls?" I said, turning to the rest of the team.
"I don't know, girl." Jenny said. "I know what it's like dealin' with sisters and trust me, if you ever see me like Ang, give me space."
"Still, it doesn't hurt to chat little." Scarlett replied. "You know, to ease up the negative tension."
I turned to Angela again and...she was still frowning. Closing her eyes she took a breath and opened them again.
"*sigh* I still just...can't believe Chelsea did that." Angela said, looking down at her legs. "Out of everything she's done, this is the worst. And...UGH! I just...I just...UGH, I can't even think straight!"
"Sometimes our younger siblings can get on our nerves." Catherine said, making us turn our heads to her. "I've been through similar experiences too, and...I was the one who made Mandy bring out her claws at times. But when I really made her mad, she'd show her fangs."
Me and the rest of girls stared at her for a while, taking in her words. I...didn't think Catherine would do something like that, but then again...I don't really know too much about her and...just hearing her story was enough for me to swallow some spit. I...know what it's like bringing out your claws.
"What happened when Mandy showed her fangs?" Jenny asked.
Catherine scratched her head and looked away for a moment. "Let's just say...there was a lot of screaming."
I blinked at her and turned to the rest of the girls. They each had shocked faces from what Catherine told us just like me. I want to know what happened, but...part of me doesn't feel like I should know.
The sound of clapping then entered my ears, making me and the girls look at Catherine again. "Okay! Enough of this gloomy air! We've gotta keep going! Onward, my Krisis Kittens." She said with a happy voice.
Me and the girls nodded and started paddling faster while seeing the other teams getting farther that us.
Turning to the left I pulled my head up to see the other canoes at a big area with a lot of trees alongside Mandy, Rachel, Theodore, Mrs. Cherry, and the other teacher. Moving our arms a bit faster, we pulled up next to the Ferocious Felines' canoe and quickly got out while taking off our life-jackets and putting them in the canoe with the paddles.
"Go, my Kittens! Go!" Catherine cheered.
Getting onto the ground me and the girls ran forward as fast as we could to the trees without a care in the world.
Every step I gave out a puff of air and kept my eyes on the rest of the girls. From tree to tree we each kept going, even if we start slowing down I'll make sure pick us up no matter what.
Up ahead we found a very, very big tree and started slowing down a little. Coming up to the tree I bent over and let out a lot of air from my mouth. I...haven't...ran...that fast since...P.E. when the coach made us run like ten laps.
"I... I...think...we should...split up." Angela said between breaths.
I instantly picked up my head to look at her. "What!?"
"We'll find the statue faster if we all split up. Then if one of us fines it we can meet up back at this tree." Angela explained while lifting herself up.
"I don't know." Scarlett said. "We don't know this place and I think it's pretty easy for any of us to get lost."
"Same. Plus what if we run into trouble?" Jenny added.
Angela shook her head. "Staying together would make us waste time. This is a better plan." She added and started walking off.
Seriously... Angela, are you being serious right now? Staying together and working together is our best plan. Splitting apart would just make things harder on all of us.
Before she could go far I reached out and took her hand, making her stop and look at me. When I saw her face...I felt my eyes shrink and...something in my chest just...dropped. Her eyes... Her frown... She... She looked at me as if I said something bad.
I quickly let go of her hand and she looked at me with sad eyes before looking away. "We're splitting up. Come back to the tree when you found a statue." She said with a low voice and walked away.
Watching her leave I opened my mouth to say something, but...nothing came out.
I looked at the ground and then at the rest of the girls. They all looked unsure on what to say or do. I wanted all of us to stay together so we could win together, but...without Angela I don't think that's possible anymore. Turning around I started walking away from the rest of the girls so I could at least find that cat statue.
"Brittney." Elizabeth said, making me stop. "We can still work together if you want. Angela just...needs some time to pull herself together."
Turning my head around to them my lips went up, "That's okay. Angela's right, it'll be faster for the rest of us to find the statue if we split up."
The rest of the girls looked at me with sad eyes while I kept my smile up. They turned to each other before turning back to me.
"Are you sure?" Scarlett asked.
I nodded and left.
Step by step. Step by step. Step by step. I walked.
With no-one around I dropped my smile and held my arms. I didn't know where I was going and honestly, I don't actually care right now. There were a bunch of trees around with some birds flying around. On the ground I found some rocks and ants crawling around. Ew. But no statue.
I then stopped where I was walking and I hear water running. Moving up ahead a little I passed by a tree and found a small stream running. To my right I saw a small bush near a tree and walked up to it. When I got near it I turned around and bent my knees while lowering my head to my knees.
'This...seriously...#&%#...sucks... Why? Why...? WHY...!? Why can't I help the people I care about!?' I thought to myself.
First is Zac. That bastard has a lot of nerve doing what he did to Chelsea and Scarlett. I hate you... I HATE YOU! AND YOU EVEN HAVE THE NERVE, THE %#& NERVE TO HUMILIATE LARS AND HIT KAMERON!? I...HATE...YOU...!
Kevin... He thinks he's all that. So smug. So cool. Ugh, just looking at him makes me what to barf so bad. I'll have to keep it under control until I get home. Then...I can actually barf.
Riley and Kelly... Those two are S-Class bitches! They think they're so pretty, so much better than everyone. And like the tramps they are, clinging onto that bastard after he tells them some stupid jokes.
I so wanna teach these people a lesson. I wanna do it so, so bad! But...I can't.
I can't go through this again. Once is enough... Just...once...is enough.
"Are you okay?"
That voice... I...don't think I've heard it before.
Raising up my head I saw both Sabina and Shep standing right in front of me. They both looked at me with worry, but why?
Pushing myself up I pushed my back against the tree. Maybe...I can let it out here. I don't know them and they don't know me, but...I can't hold this in right now.
"What do you two want?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.
They both blinked at me. Probably wanting to ask me if I saw a statue.
"Yo, chill girl." Sabina said, raising up her hand. "You looked like you were hurting, so we wanted to check on you."
"Because you wanted to know if I saw or have a statue, right?" I replied.
Shep shook their head. "No. We really did want to check on you, Brittney. And I've never seen you act like this before."
I clicked my tongue and walked up to them before curling my fingers into my hands. Stopping in front of them I glared at them more while pushing my fingers deeper into my hands.
"Swear to me you both won't say anything about this?" I asked angerly.
They blinked and me, then they turned their heads to the right side.
"About what?" Sabina asked.
"My face." I replied.
"Uh...okay, sure." Shep said, taking a step back. "But...why are you so angry right now?"
"None of your business." I replied. "And you both have to promise me you won't tell anyone about my face or there will be trouble."
Sabina then raise an eyebrow while crossing her arms, "What kind of trouble?"
"I'll disappear...forever." I answered.
Both of them gave me surprised looks. This is how dead serious I am. They better understand that.
"Brittney... Are you...okay?" Shep asked carefully.
"I can't swim. So if I jump into the lake right now I'll leave this life forever. Unless you both swear to me you will never tell anyone about my face." I replied harshly.
Sabina and Shep looked at each other and then back to me. Their eyes...filled with concern and sadness. A look I've seen before...and I hate looking at it.
"Okay, okay." Sabina said, putting both of her hands up. "We swear. Geez, you don't have to be so serious."
"I swear. But...can you at least tell us why so we can understand?" Shep added.
I closed my eyes and turned around, making them see my back. They've seen me angry long enough, I don't want them seeing it anymore.
Taking a breath I opened my mouth, "That's my secret. One I have to take until the day I reunite with my parents." I told them. "Just keep your word and everything will be okay. I literally can't tell you both why. I can't."
Taking another breath I turned my head back to Sabina and Shep. They nodded at my request. Turning my head away I spun around and clapped my hands together, giving them a cute smile.
"Alrighty! Gotta go now." I told them while walking away.
Crossing the small stream I dropped my smile.
Great... You did it again. Raising up my hands I put them on my face and stopped walking. They'll keep their words. They better or...
"Brittney?"
A gasp left my mouth. Removing my hands from my face I looked up and saw Kameron in front of me. He looked at me with sad eyes and started walking up to me.
"You okay?" He asked.
Without a word I stepped up and wrapped my arms around him, putting my head on his shoulder. Right here, right now, I needed a friend and he was one of my friends I needed.
"Brittney?" Kameron asked.
"Don't say anything." I whispered. "I really need a hug right now."
Soon I felt his arms wrap around my waist.
A hum left my mouth as I tightened myself on him. My friend.
No-one can know about my face. Not Kameron. Not Angela. No-one.
End Of Episode 27.
And that my friends...concludes all of Kameron's friends. I hope you all like them and how they are.
For Brittney, I wasn't so sure what direction to go with her until I figured it out. And believe me, it wasn't easy.
Now it's time for episodes I've been wanting to do.
See you all soon. And Happy New Year!