Chapter 56: Chapter 5

CAMI

Once I’ve secured myself in my room, I hear Jace’s departure. I quickly retrieve my phone and prepare a text. If they dare to enter, I’m sending it, certain that Jace is still somewhere outside. The sound of shouting and heavy footsteps echo down the hall, followed by the violent kick of my door swinging open. In a heartbeat, I hit send and see the message go through. Just as a punch lands across my face.

I crumple to the floor, curling into myself as my parents descend upon me. I try to mentally shield myself from the onslaught, praying for Jace to return quickly.

The front door slams open and Jace’s voice rings out, calling my name. I remain still, too scared to move, too scared to see what’s happening. My thoughts are interrupted by more shouting and a gentle touch on my leg. I jerk upright, swinging out and connecting with something. I’m scooped up and crash into a solid form, snapping me back to reality. All I see is Jace, a red mark blooming on his jaw. Where are my parents? Those cowards have fled like the scum they are.

I find myself in Jace’s arms as Frankie and Tank reenter, shaking their heads.

“How the fuck did they escape?”

Frankie gestures and I spot my open window. Damn! They must have escaped through there. It would have been easy, considering we’re on the ground floor.

***

JACE

Surveying Cami’s room, I notice she has very little. A picture of a beach catches my eye and I pick it up. When I glance at her, she smiles.

“I’ve always loved the beach, even though I’ve never been. It was my escape when I couldn’t physically get away.”

“Couldn’t escape from what, Cami?”

“Nothing, never mind. It’s not important.”

I signal for Frankie and Tank to leave us alone. Looking into Cami’s eyes, I know her pain is important to me. I don’t want to see her hurting. I close the door as best I can and return to Cami.

“Cami, please talk to me.”

“I’m a cutter, okay? There, I said it. Now you can leave because I’m sure you don’t want someone who’s broken or seen as damaged goods. But thank you for saving me.”

Instead of leaving, I wrap my arms around her and pull her close. It feels right to hold her. I can understand why she’s built such a tough exterior, considering what she deals with daily. I listen as her soft whimpers escalate into a full-blown meltdown. All the while, I just hold her. Eventually, she calms down and pulls away from me.

“Where do I go now?”

“You can come home with me. We can set you up in a room, or you can stay in mine. It doesn’t matter. We’ll get you clothes and food. Cami, what’s your full name?”

“Cami Lynn Conner. Why?”

“No reason, just curious. Wait, did you say Conner? What are your parents’ names?”

“Mike and Toni, why? Do you know them?”

“No, do you have any siblings?”

“An older sister, but she was taken by the system when she was little. Jace, what am I going to do? They’ll try to get me back!”

“Hold that thought. Let’s get out of here and we can talk more on the way to my place. Grab whatever you have and we’ll take it with us.”

She nods and hastily throws some items into a suitcase and a duffle bag. That took all of a few minutes. As we exit the room, Tank and Frankie give us knowing smiles. We make our way to the car and I dial my parents.

“Jace, is everything okay? You’re not home from school yet.”

“I’ve got her, Dad. I’ve found my goddess!”

“What does she need, Jace? What size does she wear?”

Cami silently mouths a size six and I relay the information to my mom. She hangs up quickly and I can’t help but chuckle. I dial Mandy next, putting the call on speakerphone as I glance at Cami. I see the confusion in her eyes and offer her a reassuring smile.

“Jace, what’s wrong?”

I hear Nate in the background and she quickly informs me that I’m on speakerphone.

“What’s going on, Jace?”

“Nothing, nothing. I’ve found my goddess. Mandy, what were your biological parents’ names?”

“Nick and Toni Conner, why?”

Cami’s eyes widen and she bursts into tears, burying her face in my chest.

“Jace, what’s happening? Who’s crying?”

“Yeah, Jace! Mandy and I want to know what’s going on.”

“I think my goddess is Mandy’s little sister.”