Chapter 6

Scarlet

As I pull up to my house, I notice that there is a sexy classic Ford Mustang with sleek deep blue paint with 2 white stripes down the hood...I know exactly whose car this is.... none other than Jace Rangel. Jace is a longtime friend of Camerone's, I did not realize that anyone was going to be home with Camerone. As I park Beast in the garage, I can't help but to think of Jace, 'Jace is too old for you Scarlet he is easily has 7 years on you.' Even as I tell myself this, I find myself lost in thought picturing Jace, he looks a lot like Cam tall and slender he is built from working out regularly, his skin is the color of a delicious Moca Frape with piercing golden eyes. His sharp jaw traced by a 2-inch line of hair that exaggerates the hard lines of his handsome jaw, his hair is the color of dark chocolate although any stranger would not know the color of his hair because it is usually tucked underneath of his grey baseball cap. 'Chill Scarlet it will never happen he is Cam's best friend that would be weird.' I sigh as I remove my helmet and swing off of my bike.

When I walk into the house, I find both Jace and Camerone sitting at the dining table, Jace is the first one to speak,

"Well, hi there Scarlet. Congratulations on surviving the hell commonly known as High School." He smirks at me. I roll my eyes at him before I respond, "Hi Jace, yes I finally made it thank you. Haven't seen you in ages...you good?" Camerone looks between Jace and I shaking his head before he speaks for Jace, "If you don't mind Scar, I invited Jace to stay for dinner." I lock eyes with my brother, 'I don't know what you have planned but I have a feeling I will not be too happy about it.'

"I don't mind Cam. I'll get started on making dinner." Camerone nods his head with excitement, a little too much excitement for something as simple as his favorite dinner... "Sooo Scar, what was your thoughts for college? I know that you briefly mentioned something about it this morning. Also, you mentioned something about an apartment with Stella?" Now I definitely know that I have been trapped and cornered and Jace is simply here as reinforcement. I turn to look at him and I see once again the sad look on his face from this morning.

Once again, I feel guilty thinking of my slip up this morning. "Right, well Stella and I have both been accepted at Wesleyan College starting this fall. It's a really good school and I am actually really excited to start classes.... As for the apartment situation...Stella and I are uncomfortable with staying in the dorms for a few reasons..." I continue preparing our dinner pausing the conversation giving Camerone sometime to consider what I have just told him; I am sure that he will have questions. Sure, enough as I knew that he would he begins to speak,

"I see. I am proud of you for being accepted into such a great school...I guess I just didn't realize that you were going to move so far away.... What will you guys be doing for income to pay rent and food? Have you considered all of that?" He questions me with concern only he is not looking at me he has his eyes locked on Jace. I am starting to think that this is not only a trap, but that Jace has an even bigger part in what is coming then I may have guessed at first. I cautiously begin to answer Camerone's questions,

"Actually, Stella and I both already have jobs lined up, Stella is supposed to start work on June 6th and I will be starting work on June 7th.... *Deep breath*...and we are supposed to move in by Monday...." I place the casserole in the oven for 15 minutes. I am terrified to face Camerone I cannot handle the pain and disappointment I know will surely be there. Instead Jace speaks up catching me completely off guard,

"Well, it would appear that there really is no changing her mind about this one Cam." He sighs as if he is exasperated. Camerone responds nonchalantly, "It would appear that you would be right about that. You live out there in Rocky Mount, North Carolina don't you Jace?" He says all too smug. 'Oh, hell no! That is why Jace is here...Camerone thinks that I need a babysitter....' I am absolutely fuming I am so mad right now. Before I get the chance to say anything Jace speaks up again,

"I sure do Cam it really is not a bad area, and the school is great too. I am sure that there is really nothing that she could do to get herself into any trouble out there." I can hear the smug smile in his voice as he speaks. Regardless of the rage building in my chest I must remain calm. I grab the casserole out of the oven and begin to serve everyone. 'Be rational Scarlet he just wants to make sure that you will be safe. After all you are the only family he has left.' I tell myself trying to squash the anger with him.

Camerone begins again... "Do you mind keeping an eye out for my baby sister since she will be so far away from home?" Camerone asks Jace innocently. 'Relax Scarlet he is trying to get a reaction from you. Don't give in.' I pass out the servings to everyone before taking my seat as if this conversation is not bothering me.

"Of course, I will man. I mean she is not a baby anymore, but I will keep an eye on her for you, it is really the least that I can do. By the way Scarlet this is fantastic thank you." He turns to smile at me. 'He is ruggedly handsome and irritating all together' sigh 'at least I know that he will be close by'. The rest of dinner passes in a blur Camerone and Jace are speaking about some huge project that Jace is doing I didn't pay much attention my mind was on other things.

I finish my dinner and gather all of the dishes to wash them, and I put the extras in the fridge. I pack Cam a lunch to take to work because I know that I will not see him again till the morning. I say goodnight to Jace and Cam and head to my room. When I finally make it to my room my head is spinning, I flop down on my bed looking at the ceiling. 'Why is it so important to Cam that I have someone always keeping an eye on me? I have Stella, doesn't that count for someone to keep an eye on me?' As I am thinking of Stella, I take out my phone and begin to write a text to her:

Well, we had THE TALK....I guess it went well I'm not sure what I expected. Oh, and he cornered me he invited Jace over for dinner as reinforcement. OH, and let's not forget apparently Cam thinks that I need a babysitter when we move out there...Anyways I am gonna go to bed I'll see you tomorrow with all the juicy details....