“When my mom died it was something I dove into. My earliest memory with my mom was going to the zoo. I remember walking into the fish exhibit and my mom was so excited that I was interested in it. Before she passed away I even wanted to be a Marine Biologist,” I say, knowing I exposed more than I had planned too.
“So why are you here studying Law?” he questions and I feel as if I’m either going to have to lie or be honest.
“Life happened,” I say, trying to be vague, but he gives me a look telling me I won’t be getting away with it that easily. “I could have stayed in Florida, studied there and probably never have had to move away from Clarissa. But I needed to start over. I don’t want to go back to Orlando. I want to find a new place in the world for me. Marine life is important to me but after my mom died, it became more of a passion for me to get away. Then something about Law called to me too. I chose Law and a new life. I want to be able to help people and this is my way.” I am being honest. I just omitted certain parts of it. Sometimes things are better left unsaid.
“I can understand that. So fish…what do you want me to do for your part then?” I try to think of something quickly but nothing comes. The only thing I can think of is one of my books. Leaving him for a moment, I go into my room and grab the book. Sitting in front of him, I hand him the book.
“My mom got me this for my birthday before she died. It has a bit of everything in it about marine life, not just fish. You don’t have to read it all or any. Maybe just look at the pictures. There are some very beautiful things in this world.”
Cameron brings his hand up to my face, cupping my cheek in his hand. Instinctively I lean into his touch, and he smiles at my ease. “Yes, there are,” he whispers to me and my heartbeat quickens. “Okay, so I will do this, but I’m not sure what you could do for me,” he states and I already know what I want to do, but I’m hoping he will bring it up, then maybe he won’t be so hesitant.
“What are you passionate about?” I say, hinting, but of course, Cameron has to be snarky.
“You,” he says in a serious tone. My body feels the need to squirm under his gaze and he just continues staring at me.
“I’m serious, Cameron,” I say.
“I didn’t lie to you, Fate,” he says plainly.
“I’ve learned sometimes it’s best to not argue with you. What else are you passionate about?” I can see the hesitation in his face and he’s looking at me. He knows I want him to say it, but he just can’t.
“Fate, you know what else I’m passionate about. I can’t ask you to have anything to do with music,” he declares and the fact that this man is always protecting me is heartwarming.
“Baby steps,” I reply and I see him waver, trying to find something he can do that will appease me.
“Well, you’ve already read my lyrics, so I’m not sure what else I can share with you,” Cameron says and I can tell he is searching within himself for something to share with me that won’t cause me harm. He just won’t go to the obvious with me, leaving me no choice but to be the bold one.
“Can I go into your room?” I ask and he gives me a questioning look. “Maybe something will jump out at me since you’re not sure what to share,” I say, hoping he will agree. When he nods I squeeze his hand tightly and go in search of our next baby step.
When I walk into his room, it screams Cameron. There are musical charts on the walls and I even see he has a poster of the band. Looking around, I search for it, but I can’t see it anywhere. Where would he hide it? I know he wouldn’t want me to accidentally find it, so the only place is under the bed and when I crawl down there I see the case. Dragging it out from under the bed, I carry it out to the living room. When he sees it, he’s already shaking his head at me.
“No way, Fate. I know how you are with music. You may not have completely said it, but it’s a damn trigger and you’re asking me to pull it. Why?” That’s a good question and to be honest I really don’t know. I just feel as if I need this.
“Cameron, music is so much of your life. I feel like I’m missing out on pieces of you and I hate that. You said you’d trust me. Well, I want this, let me hear you play.” Opening the case, I finally get a close look at his guitar. It is a stunning blue shade electric guitar with the word Ibanez written on it. Carefully, I pick it up and hand it to him.
“Are you sure?” No, I’m not, but I have to try. Cameron deserves this from me.
“Yes,” I whisper, but instead of playing he goes to my room and comes back holding something I hadn’t thought about since the day I met him. Opening the package, he hands them to me and I look at him for direction.