TateThomas and Debs leave early, along with a lot of the other trainers and fighters. The storm has picked up, and nobody wanted to get caught in the middle of it. It's just Camden and I. Alone.The gym is filled with so much tension even a perfect combo couldn't split through it.Camden keeps looking at me, and I can't help but sneak a few glances myself. My body is vibrating with sexual tension as I watch him. He's something else when he's in his element. I can't believe he helped me today, it was a surprise to see him being... nice. I was humiliated I have been hitting wrong all this time, but I'm relived he taught me. I don't think my wrists could have gone another minute going the way I was.To be honest, I kind of wish he was mean to me because when he's nice I want him that much more. When I left four years ago it hurt, I felt like I was dying from the inside out of loneliness. I went from doing everything with Camden, to nothing. I must have adapted to that pain
16 Years OldCamdenSitting on my front steps I watch the cars leave Tate's house. Her mom passed away yesterday and family has been there every second of the day. I left my window open last night in case she needed me, but she never came. I'm trying to give her time to heal, but its killing me.Grabbing my old baseball cap, I slip it on and head toward the train tracks behind our house."Hey Camden!" Stopping, I turn and find Felicia with some other girls."Oh, hey." I give a wave."My parents are gone tonight, you want to come over?" She twirls her hair, and bats her eyes. She knows Tate is my girl, she also knows Tate is going through a lot. It's no secret around school she puts out, and I would be a liar if the idea of getting laid hasn't crossed my mind. But I want Tate, she's making me work for it. But she's worth it."Nah, I got plans." Tugging my cap down, I continue toward the tracks.Pushing pass the brush I spot Tate propped up against the large tree that
TateAfter running two miles I shower, letting the hot water set into my aching calves. I only had to stop ten times while I heaved for breath. I fell once bruising and skinning my knee, and my toes are aching from my tight tennis shoes.I'm really out of shape.Pulling on my sports bra, and loose cross back tank top, I head out the door to my dad's house.I'm dreading this dinner. It won't go well, I don't know why Journey insists on us doing this family thing. We aren't a family anymore, not since mom died.Passing Camden's parent's house the moving truck is gone today, but his sexy car is still in the drive way. Hurt aches in my chest as I think about never being his again. When I moved to LA, it hurt and it was the toughest thing I've ever done breaking ties with Camden, I always thought in my head that maybe one day we'd get back together. That hope laced itself in my soul severed last night. Reality punching me in the gut at full force. I lost the only boy I ever
CamdenA commotion next door grabs my attention. There's yelling and cursing, all coming from Tate's house. Setting my dinner aside I peek through the curtains and find two people in Tate's front yard. It's so dark I can't make out what is going on, but it doesn't look good.Turning the porch light on, I step outside, the unmistaken sound of a fist connecting with bone being heard and a rush of energy surges through me.Moving quick off the porch steps, I head onto the Davis's yard, and my heart stops. A big mother fucker has Tate pinned to the ground, and is trying to secure her hands above her head. My eyes widen and mouth parts as I start that way, ready to end the life of whoever is on top of her. Her wrists being so tiny, she slips through and punches the guy in the face so hard he wavers. Like a match igniting gasoline I sprint forward. The need to protect Tate my only thought, bad blood between us is history. Nobody touches her but me.He thrusts his fist right int
17 Years OldTate"I don't think this is a good idea Camden." Biting my nails I eye the green T-bird."Babe, how are you ever going to learn if you don't try?" Camden, opens the driver side door with a lazy grin spreading across his face. His blond hair is long and falling in his eyes effortlessly. Seriously, how did I get so lucky to land the ruggedly good looking Camden Steel? Of course I don't ask him that, his ego is big enough. I've had my permit for a while now, but with mom's death I just didn't ever get around to getting my license. Camden has been up my ass about getting it."What if I wreck it?" I worry. "Then, you've added some character to it," he laughs.Knowing I'm not going to get out of this, I slide behind the wheel. The seats are clothed and soft, and the steering wheel is worn from previous drivers. It took Camden years of saving to get a car. He's worked at a mechanic shop learning how to fix cars, and has saved every pay check.Turning the key in the
TateSitting in the waiting room, Journey eyes me from across the room."What?" I can't help the venom dripping from my voice. I can't believe she brought that punk to dinner. If she would have just listened to me the first time, and stayed away from Scotty, this would have never happened. "I'm sorry," she mumbles under her breath. She looks down, her blonde hair shielding her face.Sitting forward, I rest my elbows on my knees. My anger dissolving instantly, I hate how she makes me feel like a jerk so easily."Don't be sorry, just... tell me you're done with that prick," I sigh.Her head jerks up. "Oh, I am so done," she chokes with emotion. Her eyes filling with tears.Nodding I rub at my left eye, the one Scotty managed to hit, it hurts."I've been hearing stories that you're out of control, Journey. How many guys have you been with Journey?" She crosses her arms, giving me a sideways glance. I feel like her mother, but if Dad isn't going to dive into her persona
Back at the house I head into my old bedroom. The idea of losing this place hurts. I grew up here, and have so many memories of mom here. Sighing I plop on my bed looking my room over. With everything that has happened I might stay here, keep a closer eye on dad. Pulling my phone out I text Chloe to let her know.Hey, so dad had a heart attack. -TWhat? I'll leave work now, I'm coming over. -CHe is fine and at the hospital for observation. -TYou sure? -CIt's a long story, I'll tell you about it later. I'm going to get my things and stay here though, keep an eye on things. -TOkay, I'll try and come over tomorrow?-CSounds good. -TStepping into my room it looks just like I left it. My hands slide against the wall where the paint is faded from an old poster. Glancing around the room my eyes land on the window, Camden's house is right next-door. The way he said I was his won't stop replaying through my mind over and over again. How he came to check on me, causing bu
Camden18 years oldPulling Tate close, I breathe her in. She leaves tomorrow, and it's literally ripping me apart. I want to kill her father for making her do this. He's sending her off to college. He is making her believe it's what her mother wanted, but I know it's because she looks just like her mom. Tate won't let me come with her either. I caught the interest of a coach at my last match, and if I can deliver in the next fight he has set up, it could mean big things for me. Because of this, Tate is refusing I follow her to LA.She says it would be good for us, to develop individually, to find ourselves without depending on the other. But how can I do anything without her? We've been inseparable since we were kids. I won't be able to do anything with-out seeing her face, hearing her laugh, or smelling her sweet perfume.I'd throw my future to be with her, because none of it matters without her.She stirs in her sleep, and my hands tighten on her naked breast, pulling h