“What do you think, guys? Do we have a chance of winning?” Brook asked with apprehension. “I hope we do. We have come so far. It would really suck if we lost.” Nick replied. “Guys, it doesn’t matter if we win or lose. The important thing is that we have come so far. Yes, winning is important, but the best part is achieving what we have and we deserved it. We don’t dance to win but to live, to enjoy.” Marissa told them. “Yes, Marissa is right. You guys did an amazing job. No one will be disheartened if we lost. Everyone who performed today equally deserved the trophy. It depends on the judges whom they liked the best. Be proud of what you achieved till now.” Ronny explained to them. “Guys, judges will be announcing the result soon. Let’s go backstage.” Cameron informed them. “Olivia, Caleb, and Jenny are already waiting there. All of them went backstage and had their fingers crossed for the result. “Okay, so the second place goes to.” Everyone was delighted to hear their group na
‘Finally! A start to something new. It has been three long years, and it’s about time to let everything go and have a fresh start.’ This was the very first thought that came into Cameron’s mind as he entered his new apartment, which was on the ninth floor of the building. The last three years have been tough for him. Divorce from his wife, the true colors of his ex-girlfriend, his parents’ disapproval of his behaviour, his efforts to mend his relationship with his sisters, everything has taken a toll on him. For the past three years, he has lived a life of guilt and has always felt responsible for his actions. However, when he looked at his apartment, he could not help but display a happy smile on his face. He might not be happy with where his life was right now, but it was a start. His new home wasn’t anything exclusive but a comfortable condo for him, just as he liked it. Unlike his former home, it didn't smell like costly photographs and wasn't crammed with overpriced exhibit it
Marissa Carmine almost had a panic attack when suddenly the volume of the music rose from the stereo. She recently bought a new music system as her old one decided to die down. She wasn’t that good at technology like her peers, so when she attempted to press all sorts of buttons to reduce the volume, it only worsened the situation. In her defence, she did tried to read and understand the instructions given in the manual, but it all were gibberish to her. “You! Stupid dumb box! Why don’t you lower your damn voice? Goddamit! Why can’t this system be simple to work with?” She shouted loudly, talking to no one in particular. “Jesus Christ! Come on, which one of you is going to lower the volume of the music?” She started talking to the buttons trying to figure the operation of her music system. As crazy as this sounds, she didn’t want the grumpy old lady to give her a long lecture about discipline, and, as it is, it wasn’t her fault that she was not that literate about gadgets. Unfortu
“Marissa,” Cameron whispered in shock. He was unable to believe his eyes. He had lost almost all hopes of ever meeting her again, let alone discovering her as one of his neighbours. They both were standing in shock, trying to decipher the meaning of their sudden encounter, when Steve, her neighbour abruptly came out of nowhere. “Is everything alright here?” “I... um...” Marissa was having difficulty forming words. She was still trying to digest that Cameron Bernard was standing before her equally shocked by her presence. Steve, however, oblivious to the entire situation and their history asked Cameron, “Are you new here? I have not seen you before.” “Yes. I have just shifted here.” Cameron told him after composing himself. “And let me guess, the sudden and loud music from this apartment brought you here?” Steve asks him with amusement. “You could say that.” He replied with an uneasy smile. “Well, let’s say our little Marissa is illiterate when it comes to electronics or any ot
Unlike the previous day, Cameron was prepared to run into Marissa. In fact, he hoped for the same but unfortunately, when he left his apartment he could not see her anywhere. However, she did not leave his mind. He knew that life was giving him second chance to make things right with her and ask her for his forgiveness and he had every intention to do so. At present, Cameron was working in the office when his phone rang. Without looking at the caller ID, he accepted the call. “Hello, baby brother.” His sister spoke from another line. “What do I owe the pleasure of you calling me?” He asked her teasingly. “Well, it will be great if you could pick Brooklyn from her class.” She told him, hoping that he would agree. “Olivia, your daughter is eighteen. Why can’t you just buy her a goddamn car?” “Cameron, we are planning to get it for her next birthday.” His sister defended herself. “You said the same thing last time.” He rolled his eyes. “Don’t roll your eyes on me.” She knew her b
“I cannot believe you, Jennifer.” Cameron glared at his younger sister. “It’s not a big deal.” His sister rolled her eyes. “It’s not a big deal! Are you crazy? Imagine my surprise when I found out from Brook that you were getting married. I didn’t even know you were dating someone, let alone getting married. And the worst part is, I found this from my niece instead of my very own sister.” He exclaimed. “Well, what did you expect me to say when you called me the first time after so many years? Hey brother, you know I have a boyfriend. You don’t know that guy because when I met him, you were busy screwing your good-for-nothing girlfriend, especially when you finally came to your senses and tried to mend our relationship. I was hesitant to tell you because I was just waiting for the moment for you to disappear again. But fortuDevonly, you proved us all wrong.” Jennifer crossed her arms and grunted loudly. “That would have been better than nothing.” Both of them were shooting daggers a
The previous week was a little strange for Marissa. For some unknown reason, Cameron’s behaviour has been absurd. ‘I think I am over-analysing everything.’ Marissa thought. Her train of thought was broken when she heard Nicholas and Brooklyn arguing. “Brook, can’t you see where you are dancing? Stop stepping on my foot.” Nick said loudly. “It was a mistake, Nick.” She said while rolling her eyes. “Of course, whatever the high and mighty do is by mistake.” “What’s your problem, jerk face?” Brook shouted. “My problem is with you. What are you going to do about it? Complaint to your parents?” He retorted. “Excuse me!” Brook was completely baffled by Nick’s behaviour. For the past few days, he has been behaving strangely, getting annoyed at every little thing. “You heard that right. For every little thing, you go to your parents. Have you ever tried fighting your own battles?” “I do fight my own battles. You know what, Nick? I pity your parents for having a kid like you.” She yel
Cameron was standing outside Marissa’s door, trying to build the courage to ring the doorbell. After a deep breath, when he was about to touch the bell, someone called from behind, causing him to have a mini heart attack. “Cameron,” “Fuck! Marissa, you scared the shit out of me.” He exclaimed loudly, one hand on his heart and breathing deeply. “I am sorry, but why are you standing outside my door?” She asked him curiously. Today, Marissa was late coming home as she had to run to the grocery store, so it was unusual for her to see her student uncle standing in front of her doorstep in all his glory. To move on with her life, she refuse to associate him as her past. It was their history. She do not know about him but she do not want any negativity in her life and it would be better for everyone if she pretends to omit that part of her life forever. Cameron would now only be her best friend’s brother and brother-in-law and Uncle of one of her student. “Well, you see, I kind of got
“What do you think, guys? Do we have a chance of winning?” Brook asked with apprehension. “I hope we do. We have come so far. It would really suck if we lost.” Nick replied. “Guys, it doesn’t matter if we win or lose. The important thing is that we have come so far. Yes, winning is important, but the best part is achieving what we have and we deserved it. We don’t dance to win but to live, to enjoy.” Marissa told them. “Yes, Marissa is right. You guys did an amazing job. No one will be disheartened if we lost. Everyone who performed today equally deserved the trophy. It depends on the judges whom they liked the best. Be proud of what you achieved till now.” Ronny explained to them. “Guys, judges will be announcing the result soon. Let’s go backstage.” Cameron informed them. “Olivia, Caleb, and Jenny are already waiting there. All of them went backstage and had their fingers crossed for the result. “Okay, so the second place goes to.” Everyone was delighted to hear their group na
Days have passed since the wedding, and Cameron didn’t miss a chance to make Marissa feel special. Daily he would greet her with red roses. Like any other day, he rang her doorbell with a bouquet of red roses. “Cameron, you don’t need to buy me roses daily or need to do any other thing.” Marissa gave a long sigh. “I don’t need to, but I want to.” Cameron shrugged and went inside. “By the way, I ordered some Chinese takeaway. I figured you would be tired.” “See, you didn’t need to buy food. I could have cooked something.” She folded her hands. “Marissa, just relax. It’s nothing.” He rolled his eyes. “Cameron, all this is too much,” Marissa told him in frustration, which made him confused. “I don’t understand.” He asked her in a dilemma. “Giving me flowers, dropping me or picking me up from work. Trying to make me feel... You have no clue what effect it has on me. I am still not ready for commitment and you treating me like this is making me feel guilty.” “Marissa, I am doing th
“I can’t believe that I am getting married today,” Jenny said anxiously. “What if he changed his mind and didn’t love me anymore?” She asked with apprehension. “Jenny, Ronny loves you, and he won’t change his mind ever. If it was for him, he would have married you directly in court.” Marissa told Jenny. “Marissa is right. You are having wedding jitters. Caleb just told me that Ronny was worried if you changed your mind and left him standing at the altar.” Olivia tried to calm her sister down. “I love him. I could never do that to him.” Jenny told them. After thirty minutes, Jenny walked down the aisle and finally Ronny kissed his bride. “Those two make such a lovely couple,” Marissa told Cameron, who was standing beside her. “That they do.” Cameron agreed with her. “By the way, you look beautiful.” He meant his words. When he saw Marissa, he couldn’t take his eyes off her. “Thank you.” Marissa was taken aback by his comment, but that didn’t stop her from blushing. “May I have
The night was still young and, amongst all the other people in the club, these two decided to call it a night. Marissa and Cameron were a bit tired, so they walked home as they took Ronny and Caleb’s car to go to the club. Even though they could have took a cab but did not feel for the night to end just yet, Marissa had both her arms crossed, trying to protect herself from the cold, which didn’t go unnoticed by Cameron, so he immediately removed his jacket and placed it on Marissa’s shoulder. “I am fine. I am not feeling that cold.” Marissa told him. “Well, the important point is that you are feeling cold. And what kind of a guy will I be if I let my friend suffer in this cold weather?” Cameron nudged her. “Not a very good one. But what about you? Aren’t you feeling cold?” She asked him with concern. “No. Don’t worry, I am fine.” He reassured her. Both of them were walking in silence when Cameron decided to break it by asking her, “What are you thinking about?” He had both his h
“I don’t understand why do we have to go if they are the ones getting married?” Cameron groaned in annoyance while driving. “Because they asked us; you being their family and me being their friend, we have to.” Marissa rolled her eyes. “Well, there is no book which states these kinds of rules.” “Actually, there is, and you have to follow it. Don’t be so grumpy. We get to have the taste of so many cakes.” She chirps excitedly. “Still, it is their wedding, so they should be the ones to go cake tasting. And not to forget that you are still healing. Your leg is not perfectly fine yet. You limp when you walk.” “Cameron, I really didn’t think you were this annoying. Pull up your pants, bring a smile to your face and drive fast. And I cannot stay in my bed forever, and my leg is just fine. My limp is not noticeable and A little pain is not going to kill me.” Marissa glared at him. Cameron didn’t argue further and drove faster. As soon as they reached their destination, he immediately ra
“This is bad. No, this is worse.” Marissa was hitting her forehead with the pillow. “Stop it, Risa. This is worse than you pacing around.” Ronny groaned. “Then how the hell am I supposed to react? We have a dance competition coming up in a few weeks, then there is your wedding preparations, plus my twisted ankle. Everything is so messed up. How are we going to manage everything?” She whined and then glared at him. “It’s not that bad. Everything will go just fine.” Ronny tried to assure her. “Yeah, right!” She told him sarcastically. “Cut it out, guys and Marissa, Ronny is right. Enough time is left.” Cameron intervened to calm both of them down. “I can’t believe that I agree with my good-for-nothing brother, but he is right.” For Marissa’s sake, Jenny had begun tolerating his presence and she still held a grudge against him and never left a chance to taunt him for it. Marissa, however, could sense the tension between the siblings irrespective of the fact that they have indirect
It’s been almost a week, and Marissa still hasn’t talked to Cameron. That was killing him inside. It was strange for him to feel this way, as he hadn’t felt like this ever. Not even with Daphne. To his astonishment, his past with Marissa did not hamper his current relationship will Olivia and Caleb as they were still talking to him and, whereas Ronny and Jenny were concerned, his sister was a bit more approachable than his future brother-in-law; not that he blamed him. Fortunately for him that after lots of convincing and begging, he managed to persuade Olivia with his elder brother and sister-in-law’s help to let him pick up his niece. Olivia was hesitant but Caleb finally managed to crack his wife who allowed him to pick Brooklyn but he was not let go without a warning which he took it at heart. So, presently, he was at the dance institute trying to build the courage to come face-to-face with Marissa and get past Ronny. He knew that it was not going to be easy but he was ready f
It’s been two days and Cameron still could not talk to Marissa. At first, he thought he would try to have a chat with her after her class, but that couldn’t happen as Olivia hadn’t asked Cameron to pick Brook up yet. She made it clear that for now, it would be better if he did not go to the dance institute to pick Book. He did not blame Olivia for that but at the very least she was talking to him, unlike his younger sister. He tried to call her but Jenny kept on cutting his call. It was clear that Jenny do not wish to talk to him and he sincerely hope that she doesn’t cut him off completely. She is his little sister and loves her. Even though he had not been a good brother like Jason had been to all of them but he cannot imagine a life without Jenny. For once, he even thought about Ronny but he was sure that he would not pick up his call. Whereas, Jason and Stella are considered they had to go back home. Both their kids were still in Rosewood and they only came here till the weekend.
Cameron had never felt guiltier than now. He sat on the bed as he felt dizzy. Jason could see his younger brother's anguish and his heart went out to him. He sat down next him. “Are you all right, Cammy,” He asked. Even though his younger brother was no longer small and was nearly the same size as him, the fact that he was still his little brother remained. He simply wished Cameron had come to him so he could have helped him. “What the hell I have done, Jason. I ruined everything. I made Marissa life a living hell. It is all my fault.” Cameron had tears in his eyes. Jason couldn't recall the last time he saw him tear up and today was one of those rare occasions when he witnessed his younger brother in distress. “Do not blame yourself for everything, Cameron. You cannot be the cause for everything that had happened in Marissa's life and I really doubt she believes otherwise, because if she did than, she would have avoided you at all cost.” “I was surprised when she did not asked m