Beautifully Destroyed(6)

“No, I figured it wouldn’t matter. We’d learn about each other the old-fashioned way. But I’m assuming you did. If you didn’t want a male roommate, why didn’t you say something when you got your fact sheet?” I’m stunned. Never had I thought that I was actually showing him that I didn’t want a male roommate.

“Honestly, it wouldn’t matter the gender of my roommate, it would still be an adjustment. I’m sorry if I gave you the impression it’s you being a man or you at all that is the issue. Just an adjustment, I’m sure it will all work itself out. I’m just not the same as you, is all.” His eyebrow rises and I know I’ve said something to warrant a response.

“So you think you have me pegged? Tell me, Fate. Who am I?” The way he said my name was laced with sarcasm and I shrink away from the table, putting my hands in my lap. After a moment, he breaks the silence. “I’m sorry, Fate, I didn’t mean to sound that way. I just don’t appreciate being judged.”

“I didn’t mean it that way, I’m just observant, so I know we are different in the social aspect.”

“Okay, explain.” Just like that, as always when I feel I’m put on the spot, I go to what I know.

“You’re like a schooling fish, you just love people and that’s just not me. I can’t explain it,” I say to Cameron without looking in his eyes.

“So you’re a beta fish then?” I'm stunned to be having this conversation. He is actually talking to me about it and not just looking at me as a freak talking about fish.

“Actually, that’s probably one of the easiest ways to explain it,” I say honestly.

“But those get along with the other gender, so we’re good,” he says with a big smirk.

“Unfortunately, that is false. They enjoy being alone no matter the gender. They also hide. Caves, rock formations...but always alone.” I babble on like I just can't stop these things coming out of my mouth.

“Well, there has to be an exception or there wouldn't be any of them since they have to mate.” I go to open my mouth, but he puts his finger to my lips. I am immediately uncomfortable but less because he’s touching me. It’s more that I didn’t flinch. “I know you could probably give a scientific answer to this but just leave it. You can hide and be the rare lonely Beta fish. But I’m not going to let you do it forever. No one should hide their whole life away, alone.”

In that moment I feel as if this might actually work. I could have a friend. Then I hear a girl excitedly screaming. “Oh my God. It’s you.” Her words make me shrink back. Who does she think I am? Then I notice she is looking at Cameron. His face is scrunched up. He looks frustrated, but he quickly turns to a cheerful smile.

“Yes, hello, and you are?” he says to the girl, who is maybe two years older than me.

“Oh, it is you. My name is Cara. I can’t believe I’m looking at Cameron McAlister. No one will believe me. Can I take a picture with you and maybe get an autograph?” He stands from his seat and the girl grabs on to him and turns her phone to take a picture of them both. I just sit there, trying to look invisible. She hands him a notebook, and he puts it down on the table in front of me as he signs it. Cameron McAlister and underneath it says, ‘Ten Ways Gone.’ He quickly hands it to her, and she gives him a hug.

“Well, Cara, enjoy your night,” he says, trying to dismiss her.

“Oh, I’m sorry to interrupt your date. I didn’t realize, thank you again.” She looks at me with envy, and I go to correct her, but Cameron talks, silencing me.

“Thanks for understanding and letting me get back to my date.” She leaves, grabbing her take-out order with her. I can’t think, my mind is spinning. Who is this guy, and what the heck did I get myself into? Whatever it is, I know I just can’t deal with it right now. Quickly, I grab my purse and take off out the door.

“Fate, wait. Let me explain.” I hear him saying from behind me, but I don’t stop. A cab is waiting outside and without thinking I hop in, telling him where to go. Just as we are taking off, Cameron comes out the door, looking for me. Talking to him about this right now isn’t something I can do without more information. Who thinks to google their roommate before moving in? The last thing I need is to be living with someone in the spotlight. I’ve moved too far and given up too much for it to come crashing down around me.





Chapter Four





As soon as I’m through the door, I rush to my room and lock the door behind me. Opening my laptop, I begin to look up Cameron McAlister. What I see makes my heart drop. Headlines read ‘Party boy leads to trashed hotel room… Musician Cameron taking time off for education… Stories leak of backstage sexual behavior worries executives… Time to clean up the image of lead man Cameron McAlister.’ My roommate is a celebrity and not just any type. A musician.