I scratched the polish off my fingernails, one of my many nervous habits. This would be my first time seeing Cameron since graduation. We were best friends in high school but since then we kind of separated. He called me a couple months ago and asked me to come back out to San Diego. I told him I’d come out when I got work, little did I know that the next day my boss booked my trip. I was doing small business in town and staying at Cameron’s while I was there. I had stayed there a lot during high school so I didn’t think it was awkward. I was so excited to see him. Maybe I’d tell him how I felt, probably not. I’d been hiding them for about 6 years now. What if I didn’t feel the same? What if he was completely different? No Natalie. He is still the same Cameron you remember. He is still the same cameron you remember.
The cab pulled into the familiar driveway and got out to grab my bag. I stopped when I heard someone yelling my name from behind me. I turned around to see a different Cameron than I remembered. He had shorter hair and was much bigger, muscle wise. I ran into his open arms and he spun me around. “Cameron!!” I yelled and he laughed. He pulled back and looked me up and down, “Girl you’re looking good!” he said. I laughed and tucked a piece of my dark brown hair behind my ear, “You’re not too bad yourself!” I said with a wink. He went and grabbed my bag for me and I paid the taxi driver. I knew the way in his house so well and went straight to his room. I looked around, it hadn’t changed much. I laid on his blue and grey bed and he walked in with my bags, “Getting comfortable?” he asked. I got a closer look at him now. He had really beefed up and I had to say that I liked it. I sat up and patted the spot next to me. He came and sat, “I’m really happy you’re here.” he said smiling. I shoved him and said, “I’m happy to be here.” We talked about the past years until there was a knock on the door. It was Geoff, Cameron’s dad. He greeted me and I asked him how he was. He told me he was good and that dinner was ready.
Cam pulled out the seat for me at dinner and sat next to me. His family and I talked until all of the tacos were done. Cameron and I went to the close by beach for a walk on the pier. We walked down in the dark, only seeing by the lights on the carts around us and the moon. Cam was calling someone over and when they got close I saw it was Zach and Michael. They looked shocked to see me and hugged me. I hugged them back and they all asked why I was here. I told them I had business in town and they all agreed to meet up later this week. Cameron told them that I was staying with him and they started whistling. Michael elbowed Cam and said, “Finally! After being in love with her since freshman year!” Cameron elbowed him with force. Zach eyed Mike and told him to shut up. I gave Cameron a look questioning him and he quickly waved Zach and Mikey goodbye. They walked away laughing and Cameron started walking home. I followed close behind him. “In love with me since high school?” I asked. He turned around and smiled at me, “Gotta catch me to find out!” he yelled before he started sprinting. I followed and got into the house 5 minutes after him. When I got into the room, he was blowing up the air mattress.
I grabbed my bag and went to the bathroom to change into my pajamas. As I was in there, all I could think about was Cameron. If he did love me since 9th grade then we felt the same way about each other. I needed to know. I couldn’t let this go. I walked back into the room to see him laying on the air mattress so I cuddled into the bed. I lifted the sheet over me then saw that he had a picture of us next to his bed. I smiled at it. This was it, I had to tell him. “Goodnight Natalie.” he said sleepily. “Hey Cam?” I started. Here I go. “yeah Nat?” he asked. “I’ve loved you since 9th grade too.” I said it! I finally said it. He sighed and I saw him sit up. “Really?” I could see his bright smile. I told him yes and he said that he was relieved. We said goodbye again and I got an idea. “Hey, um do you want to maybe lay with me tonight?” 2 seconds later he was in the bed with his arms wrapped around me. I squirmed around and he looked at me confused. “This is weird Cam!” I said smiling. He pulled me closer and whispered “You know you like it!” I laughed and gave into his cuddling.
I woke up the next morning in his arms. Honestly, it was still weird. He must have felt me waking up because he lifted his head and kissed my cheek. “Morning Nat.” he said groggily. “Morning Cam.” I said getting up. I walked over to the bathroom down the hall and brushed my teeth. I walked back into his room to see him rolling up the air mattress. “Hey I think your dad made breakfast.” I said. He smiled at me and grabbed my hand, leading me to the dining room. I put some toast on my plate and a sunny side up egg, and sat down at the table. Cameron slid in next to me with a full plate. I eyed the plate, “You’re eating ALL of that?” He nodded excitedly and looked at my plate, “How can you eat so little?” I blushed, “If you haven’t noticed Cam, I’m a girl.” He looked at me and winked, “A pretty one.” I smiled and he turned back to his food. This was well worth waiting for.
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