Em 💗

Mediocre wattpad writer Read “until now” by @blondiesbookshelf on wattpad!!

[blondiesbookshelf]

-Until now Masterlist-

Character intros:

Meet my characters!

Blurbs:

(oneshots or bonus chapters I write that are extra to ‘until now’. Only bonus chapters are cannon and posted where they fit into the story on wattpad)

-Meetings

-Flowers

-Old fart

-Old days

-Late Night Talks

-Messy

‘Until now’ Official Chapters:

Read ‘until now’ on wattpad!

(Not out yet)

[blondiesbookshelf]

Messy

Masterlist

(A/n: this is js something quick i literally just finished not even five minutes ago after a sudden burst of motivation. Thought it would hold my hypothetical readers over while i plan out and re-write the first few chapters of “until now” like i literally bought a journal and im physically writing out chapters outlines and everything. We official asf this time around, no more games. Anyway enjoy ✌️ (ignore the rushed ending I didn’t know where to go after the “I’m going to help you.” Also ignore the sudden start.)

“You said you wanted to get to know me Cameron?” I ask in a flat tone turning to look at him in the face, after I put my key into the top lock of my front door, knowing exactly what waits for me behind it.

I see Cameron swallow hard, “yes.” He whispers with a small nod.

“I’ll show you exactly who the real me is then.” I turn my key hearing the click to signal my door is unlocked.

Taking a deep breath before pushing the door open, stepping aside so Cameron can walk into my pitch black house first.

He looks at me once more, silently asking for permission to go inside. I nod my head once just like he did and watch him step inside.

“Remember that you asked for this.” I walk in after him, shutting the door behind me and flipping the light switch to illuminate my living room.

Now it’s me swallowing hard as I wait for his reaction to the scene in front of him.

Cameron takes a second, looking around at the broken glass, shattered picture frames, ripped apart fabric, and empty bottles that litter the floor and every other surface in my house.

“Jesus.” He murmurs under his breath after a minute. “Can I, can I ask what happened?” He talks slowly, choosing his words carefully.

“My lovely father happened.” I walk up next to Cameron and look up at him.

His eyes are still darting around the mess that is my house, taking everything in. “Your dad did this?” Cameron still keeps his voice small. “Why?”

“He ran out.” My voice cracks as I force my self to walk into my kitchen, careful to not step on any glass as I leave Cameron behind me.

“Out of…?” I hear his footsteps follow me.

“Drugs, alcohol. Maybe both.” I shrug, still trying to keep a strong face on, not ready to break in front of him yet. “I don’t know anymore.” I set my stuff down on my counter after pushing random debris to the side to make room.

“So he destroyed everything?” Cameron asks confused by the whole situation.

“It was either that or me, so I’d say this is a pretty good outcome.” I lean against my kitchen counter, looking at him, studying his eyes trying to figure out exactly what he’s thinking.

Maybe this will finally be the thing to scare him off for good.

“You don’t have to stay you know, I know this is a lot.” I feel the need to tell him.

Now? This is a normal thing. My dad comes home and drinks, smokes, shoots up, or snorts whatever he can get his hands on then gets destructive when he runs out before leaving again.

The first time he did this I thought I was going to die that night. That was the most scared I’ve ever been of my own father.

He broke a few pictures and punched a hole into the wall before I gave up on trying to calm him down and retreated into my room, locking myself in it.

The shattering got louder, shouting angrier, and words more aggressive to the point I thought I was next.

I grabbed my shoes and my phone before slipping out my window and walking to the nearby park to sleep in.

The next morning when I came home, slipping back in the same way I escaped I was speechless when I opened my bedroom door.

I was used to coming back to a mess after my dad leaves. Trash, dirty dishes, and bottle caps everywhere. But that day was an entire new level of mess.

That’s the worst I’ve ever seen my house. I was so overwhelmed, so exhausted, and so hurt. I just broke down, crying and sobbing for hours until my hands shook and I couldn’t catch my breath.

I was scared of who I saw my dad become and I knew things were going to keep escalating and there was nothing I could do to stop it.

It took me three days to completely clean my house and put it back together.

That was also the first time I found used needles.

“No I’m okay.” Cameron says, looking at me in the eye for the first time since he stepped inside. “I’m just uh, in shock I guess.”

“It’s not always like this.” I feel compelled to defend myself. “Only when he’s home.”

“And when is he home?” He asks softly.

“A few days a couple times a month. Sometimes I get lucky and he’s gone for longer.”

“So you’re by yourself all the time?” His gaze turns soft and I can tell he’s starting to feel sorry for me.

“I don’t need your pity Cameron.” I push off my counter, a slight attitude with my words. “I’d rather him gone than here. Because look what happens when he is home.” I wave my hand across the kitchen at the mess.

“It’s not pity, it’s sorrow. I could only imagine how hard it is.” He grabs my hand, so I look at him.

“Well you can go now.” I pull my hand away, suddenly feeling insecure that he’s in my house, seeing the state that it’s in. “I have cleaning to do.” I walk away from him, going into my hall closet and grabbing a broom.

“I’m not leaving you like this, I can’t it’s not right.” He follows after me once again, standing in front of me, stopping me in my tracks.

“I’m not a charity case.” I snap at him slightly, and try to go around him.

“I never said you were.” Cameron’s eyebrows furrow together, as he steps back into my way. “I’m going to help you clean up.”

“I’m okay thanks though.” I try to side step him again.

“Would you just stop for a second.” He gently grabs a my shoulder to keep me in place. “I’m not going to help for you. I’m going to help so I feel better.”

I press my lips into a flat line as I look at him. I know exactly what Cameron is doing. He’s trying to say that he’s only doing it for himself so I don’t feel as embarrassed or nervous about it. I’m not dumb, I know he’s doing it for me, he’s been doing everything for me these last few days after finding out more about me.

Weighing my options and looking over his shoulder I finally get a good look at the disaster waiting for me behind Cameron.

It’s going to take a few days, maybe even an entire week to get this all cleaned up. It’s safe to say I’d rather be embarrassed for a few hours while he helps me than be stuck at home for the foreseeable future cleaning this up.

“Fine.” I shove the broom into his chest, causing a smile to break its way onto Cameron face. “Whatever you see, can’t leave this house.”

“I promise, I’ll never even mention this again if it makes you feel better.” He nods his head.

“Just don’t even tell me anything you find, I really don’t feel like explaining myself tonight.” I pinch the bridge of my nose, already regretting agreeing to him helping me.

“Yes ma’am.” He nods before turning around, walking back into my living room and immediately starting to sweep everything up off the floor.

“Lord save me.” I mumble under my breath as a grab a few trash bags to start picking the bigger things up.

————

7/3/26

WC: 1,260

Hi Emma fart

[blondiesbookshelf]

Late night Talks

(Very IMPORTANT a/n at the end of this)

Masterlist

“I work so fucking hard to stay alive and then he just-just comes in and ruins everything when he feels like it! I can’t do this forever, I don’t even know if I can do this another month or-or a week. I don’t even want to last another day.” I sniffle

I can tell Cameron is shocked by my sudden burst. He opens and closes his mouth, thinking about what to say. “You don’t mean that.” Is all he comes out with. “You’re the strongest person I know, you can keep fighting.”

“What if I don’t want to?” I ask softly, testing the waters. “What if I want to rest for once? f-for indefinitely”

“Em” Cameron says my name with a crack in his voice.

“I’ve definitely thought about it.” I say the quiet part out loud. “Of course I have, anyone in my situation would’ve.”

It’s silent for a while, Cameron is clearly trying to process what I’ve just told him.

“What’s been stoping you then?”

I’m stunned by his words “what do you mean?”

“What has been keeping you here? Keeping you from giving up?” He grabs my hand, giving it a squeeze. A silent reminder that he’s here.

I don’t even know how to respond because the thing is that, I don’t know. I don’t know why I’m still here. I feel tears prickle my waterline but I refuse to let them fall.

“M-my mom.” My voice shakes. “Giving up would be letting her down, that she died for nothing.”

“What do you mean?”

“It means he would’ve won twice.” I say firmly.

“Are you talking about your dad?” Cameron asks me.

I nod my head, “the thing he wants the most is for me to be gone. Whether that’s me moving out, running away, or dying. He would be most happy with me gone.”

“So what,” Cameron scoffs “you’re living out of spite?”

“It’s a reason isn’t it?” I shrug. I don’t like how that is the real reason, that the only reason I’m still breathing at this very moment is just out of spite of my own father. It’s like a slap to the face.

Do I really have no other reasons for staying? Just not letting him win again?

I feel Cameron take a few deep breaths next to me, squeezing my hand tight every time he breathes in, calming himself down.

“Is there-“ he swallows hard. “Is there anything I can do to help, I don’t know, give you another reason? Take some of the pressure off? Help you feel more loved?” He runs his free hand through his hair, griping the ends of them tightly for a second before letting go.

“You’ve talked me off an invisible ledge more times I could count just by being you, being here. Which is why I think we should take some time apart.” I gently take my hand out of his.

Cameron’s head immediately snaps up, “what?” He asks, anger leaching into his voice. “Why?” He sounds more hurt than anything this time.

“I’m too much.” I look down to avoid rolling my eyes at myself. It’s a terrible excuse but I don’t know how else to word it. “You shouldn’t have to worry about if I’m going to kill myself or not.” I sigh. “That is way too much for one persons mental health, trust me I know. If you stay around I’m going to end up relying on you too much.”

“What if that’s what I want?” He gently grasps the bottom of my chin lifting my head so he can look at me while he talks. “What if I want you to rely on me? That I don’t mind this so call burden you keep acting like you are?”

“It’s mentally exhausting Cameron, not fair to you when you should be worry about your future.”

“There is no future of mine without you in it. So, no. I’m not going to ‘give you space’ or ‘give us some time apart’” he uses air quotes to mock me. “I know my limits, and if for some impossible, improbable reason dealing with you becomes ‘too much’ I’ll make the decision myself to distance myself.”

“Cameron-“

“This isn’t a discussion.” He cuts me off. “Unless you have an actual reason for wanting to basically break up with me.” He looks at me, like he’s waiting for me to say something else but when I stay quiet he whispers “that’s what I thought.”

Cameron pulls me into his chest with a sigh, “you’re staying with me for a while.” He says firmly.

“For how long?” I mumble.

“The Weekend at least, maybe even longer.” He whispers “but you need out of the house for a bit because it’s killing you to stay there.”

“Okay.” I agree with a whisper, too tired to fight him on this right now.

A/n: like what you read? Want more? That’s crazy because you have to WAIT. Last night I was re-reading ‘until now’ and decided I actually hated everything about it so for the foreseeable future it has been taken down on all platforms because I’m re-writing it. This thing has lowkey been my passion project for over a year so I’m going to be doing it right this time not just writing blurbs when I feel like it (that this is) planning a story line out, making a timeline, planning chapters out before hand, like I’ve don’t with all my other fanfic I’ve written but not to this work that takes up my head 24/7??? Anyway I’m not going to abandon you guys (the one person who reads this) again and give updates (and get chapters early) while writing so hopefully you can fall in love with the characters as much as I have before the real thing comes out 🫰🫰 I love you whoever is reading this just have some patience with me while I write something I’m actually proud of.

[blondiesbookshelf]

Bonus chapter #? - old days

Masterlist

-Eleven years go-

Emily aged five:

“Daddy!” I giggle running up to him as he walks through the door.

“Hey pumpkin!” He matches my excitement as he lifts me off the floor and into his arms.

“I missed you.” I frown before putting my face into his neck.

“I know, but dad has to work to keep this roof over your head” he sets me back down onto the floor. “I do have something for you though.” My dad smirks.

“Show me! Show me!” I jump up and down excitedly.

He goes into his work bag to pull out a new stuffed dog to add to my stuffed animal collection that’s gathering in my room.

“Drew, I thought we agreed on no more stuffies, she’s running out of room to put them” my mom walks out from her and my dad shared bedroom, obviously just getting out of the shower, and gives my dad a kiss on the cheek.

“Yeah but, it was on sale so it’s okay” he laughs and pulls my mom into his side.

“Why does she get something?” My brother wines, coming out of his room after hearing all the commotion.

“Didn’t dad just buy you a new game for your Xbox?” My mom questions.

“Yeah but that was almost a week ago.” His voice becomes high pitched as if he’s about to cry and hugs my mom’s leg.

“Your birthday is in a few weeks how about you go write up a list of what you want for me and your mom.” My dad bargains as my mom rubs my brothers back to call him down.

“Fine.” My brother huffs about to walk away but looks at me before he does, and I stick my tongue out at him. “Mom!” He wines again pointing at me as I play with my new stuffed animal.

“What?” She questions as she looks at me, seeing nothing but her daughter playing with her new toy.

“She just- don’t you- ugh” he storms off.

“What do you say to your dad Em?” My mom asks me.

“Thank you daddy!” I beam at him hugging my new teddy bear to my chest.

“Of course pumpkin.” He laughs.

───♡︎───

-Present-

“You fucking bitch!” My dad slams me up against the wall.

The psycho thinks I took his car keys after he passed out last night, I wasn’t even home. I spent the night at Cameron’s and came home to my dad frantically searching the house for them and started screaming at me when he noticed I was home.

“I didn’t fucking take them!” I scream out, tears streaming down my face.

“I should’ve killed you when I had the chance!” He presses his forearm against my throat to cut off my air circulation.

“Do it pussy!” I gasp out, while I’d rather not die right now, I’m not afraid to. I’m also not afraid to fight back this time.

My arms are just long enough to reach his face so as my vision starts to get blurry and a wave of déjà vu washes over me from the last time, I pull my arm back and punch him square in the throat. A little karma from what he’s doing to me and he lets go of me to grab his throat while coughing.

I take this as my opportunity to run but before I make it out the door I hear him scream. “I fucking hate you! Dying would be the best thing to ever happen to you!”

[blondiesbookshelf]

Bonus chapter #?: Old fart

Masterlist

“Cameron” I hear my name being sung from behind me.

I turn to see Lucas walking up to me as I’m trying to change out after a long a tiring practice in a hundred and two heat. I’m not in the mood for his shit right now.

“What?” I say as he finally reaches me, before throwing my shirt on over my head.

“Could you please ta-“

“No” I cut him off, how much do you want to bet he’s about to ask me for a ride home.

“Please Cameron? I really don’t want to walk, and my house is literally on the way to yours!” He try’s to persuade me.

“The walk is thirty minutes, you could use the extra cardio” I lightly tap his stomach with the back of my hand with a laugh. Lucas is the last person on earth to ever need more cardio he’s more lean then anyone I’ve ever seen. “Plus I’m not going to my house”

Tonight is Emily’s night for our sleepover, which I’ve genuinely been looking forward to all day because my brother has been getting on my nerves, and I just don’t think I have the energy to deal with my moms loudness right now. All I want is to cuddle up and be alone with the love of my life, and that is exactly what I’m going to get to do.

“Well excuse me” he shoves my arm in retaliation “I should’ve guessed you were going to hers” he thinks for a moment “what does she like, food wise? I’ll get you guys something if you take me home. Please Cameron?” He clasps his hands together and begs.

I consider his offer, I mean I was going to get us food anyway on my way over. He’s just going to be saving me money, but do I really want to be stuck in a car with him for thirty minutes? He’s louder than my mom and again, I don’t want that right now. I want the softness of my girlfriend’s voice telling me about her day.

“Just call her and ask” he speaks up.

I roll my eyes and pull out my phone to call Emily, thankfully she picks up on the first ring, “hey Cameron” she says softly, and I feel a smile make its way onto my face.

“Hey baby” I match her tone, I feel my annoyance fading away because I get to talk to her, until Lucas and his bitchass leans in to hear our conversation.

“Let me hear” he mumbles.

“Fuck off” I shove him away.

“What?” Emily says confused on the other end.

“Not you, Lucas is just trying to eavesdrop on our conversation” I glare at him rubbing the spot on his arm I shoved him at. He’s pouting like a little kid.

“Oh. Did you need something? Are you on your way?” I can tell she’s tired just from the way she’s speaking. Maybe I shouldn’t take Lucas home so I can get to her quicker.

“Lucas asked me to take him home” I grumble “in payment he offered to get us food, anything you’re craving in particular?”

Emily quiet for a moment, obviously thinking “nothing really I’m not that hungry.” She pauses again “Maybe ice cream?” She says sheepishly.

“Ice cream I could do myself, I was thinking something expensive to wring him of money” I smile at the floor.

“I heard that” I hear Lucas mumble, and I just flip him off in return. “Rude”

“I’m not that hungry” Emily repeats with a mumble.

“You okay? You sound tired” my smile drops from my face.

“I am tired, I just started my period this morning” She doesn’t sound thrilled, but who would?

“I’m sorry, sweetheart. Now the ice cream makes sense” it’s one of her biggest cravings that she has when she’s on her period. “I’ll make sure to get some, do you need anything else?”

“Could you get me tampons? I only have like three left”

“That I can do, give me like forty five ish minutes okay?”

“Make it thirty?”

I let a little laugh slip out “thirty.” I say firmly.

“Thank you, bye Cameron” she says softly.

“Bye baby” my tone is sweet as I hang up on her.

“What she say? Yes? Because we both know she’s the one who wears the pants in your guys relationship” Lucas perks up when I put my phone back into my pocket and grab my duffle bag off the bench.

“Get your shit I’m on a time limit” I nod my head to the doors.

He jumps up from where he was sitting and runs over to his locker to grab his bag.

“What does she want to eat?” He says as we leave the locker room and start making our way to the parking lot.

“Panda” I lie, I’m the one who wants Panda “we have to make a pit stop at CVS first”

“Why?” He wines as we reach my truck. I throw my duffel bag into the back before getting up into the drivers seat as Lucas struggles to lift himself up into the passenger side.

I always think it’s funny how Emily can get up into it so easily, but some of the guys who are twice her hight fail on the first attempt, and most of the time need a few tries before finally being able to get into their seat.

“Because I need to get stuff?” I start my truck, and start making my way to the nearest CVS. Thankfully it’s literally right down the street.

“Okay Mr. Grumpy pants” Lucas huffs “what’s got your panties in a twist?”

“I’m tired, and need to take your dumbass home when all I want is to be with my girlfriend” I glance at him as I drive.

“Awe. You know Cameron, I’m happy you found her. You guys are, like, made for each other, I better be invited to the wedding.”

I smile slightly at his comment but cover it with my hand so he can’t see it. I can’t wait for our wedding, even though I know for a fact it’s unfortunately a few years away.

“Not you just Ry” I laugh as we pull into the CVS parking lot “I could live without you there, but I think Emily will kill me if Rylee isn’t”

“Acting like I won’t be her plus one” he grumbles opening the door and jumping down.

“You’ll actually be on the ‘do not let in’ list” I laugh again, locking my truck and head inside the store.

“Then I’ll snitch to Emily, she loves me so I know she won’t allow it.”

“She only tolerates you because we’re friends” I lead us over to the ‘feminine health’ isle.

“Oh now I see why we’re here” it finally clicks as I stop in front of the array of tampons and pads.

“How am I supposed to know which one she wants? Why are there so fucking many?” I huff.

“Welcome to the dating life, boy” he places his hand into my shoulder with a sigh “it’s full of a whole lot of confusion, all the time.”

“I’m just gonna call her” I grab my phone to call her, but get no answer. She probably fell asleep waiting for me.

“Just get these” he grabs a random box of tampons “it’s what Ry uses” he shrugs.

“But don’t girls have like different flows or something? What if these don’t fit her?” Women’s bodies are so confusing, I try my best to understand everything I can so I’m not a complete idiot, but it’s hard to keep up sometimes.

“I don’t know” he shrugs “She just sent me for these one time and I just keeping buying them when needed, no complaints yet.”

“Whatever” I grab the box out of his hands “lets get out of here I don’t want to keep her waiting any longer then I need too”

“Wait hold on let me grab something” he starts walking to the next isle over.

“Bro, come on I just said I don’t wanna take forever” I follow behind him.

“I’ll be quick trust” Lucas stops at the ‘family planning’ area of the isle, aka the condoms.

“Really? This couldn’t wait? You’re not even seeing Rylee tonight.” The only reason I know of his girlfriend’s whereabouts, is because he was whining at practice. Something about a cheer competition six hours away and they won’t be back until like three in the morning.

“No but she’s coming back to my place after school tomorrow, the whole house to ourselves for three hours.” He smirks “We haven’t gotten that much of alone time in months.”

“I still don’t understand why this couldn’t wait until tomorrow”

“Well we’re already here, plus I’m not about to waste time on coming back here tomorrow.” He wiggles his eyebrows.

“Ew, I can go without knowing about you and Rylee’s sex life thank you” my face forms into a disgusted one.

“Oh, hush” he shushes me “one of the privileges of being my best friend is knowing everything”

“Well don’t be expecting the same thing from me” I like keeping my life as private as possible, especially in regard to me and Emily’s relationship.

“Watch me” he cracks his knuckles like he’s about to do something.

“Sure” I roll my eyes.

“Why aren’t you getting any condoms my dear, Cameron Arana” he raises his voice slightly so that if there is anyone in nearby isles, they could definitely hear us. “Could it be because you already have some?” His voice continues to raise. “Do you Cameron Arana have a active sex life with your girlfriend Emily-“

I smack the back of his head “shut the fuck up will you?” He can humiliate me all he wants, I couldn’t care less, but he doesn’t have the right to drag Emily into his nonsense. Especially when she’s not here.

All he does is laugh before grabbing a box of ‘her pleasure’ condoms. “But seriously, if you need some, it’s on me” he winks.

“I- uh- no thanks” I don’t know how to really respond without revealing too much of my non existent sex life. “We’re not there yet” I keep it vague.

“Hit me up when you guys are, I’ll buy you a box of any kind. Gotta make sure one of my star players stays safe” he once again smacks my shoulder.

“Thanks” I deadpan and shrug his hand off of me. There is no way in hell I’m going to be telling him anything when the time comes.

We walk up to the register, and Logan goes to check out first. It’s an old lady that had the brightest smile on her face until she saw what he was buying. Her smile was then replaced with deep a scowl.

Lucas obviously clocks her demeanor change when she hands him his bag. He’s most likely taking it as disrespect by the way his eyebrows furrow and the frown that appears on his face.

“I’m sorry do we have a problem?” He speaks up, tilting his head slightly to the side as if he’s saying ‘try me’.

“Well I just think you’re a little young to be buying contraceptives” The cashier says in a soft Southern accent.

“Last time I checked this was a free country, and I can have sex with my girlfriend anytime I damn please.” Lucas’s tone is sharp and defensive.

“Lucas” I say in a warning tone. How many times do I have to say that I don’t want to be here? That I just wanna go back to my girlfriend who has already fallen asleep waiting for me?

“You, young man, have no respect for your elders!” The lady raises her voice and points her finger at him.

“Why would I have respect for an old fart like you, who is judging me unwarranted?!” He shouts back.

“Miller” I use his last name in a commanding voice.

Ever since I’ve been moved up to captain I’ve tried to leave my authority behind on the field. My biggest fear is using my tittle to hold over the head of my teammates. But it’s also my job to make sure none of my players get into unnecessary trouble. And I would put “fighting with a old lady over condoms” into that category.

Lucas snaps his head over to me, ready to argue but sees my face and knows that it’s probably better to not. “Not worth it” I grumble shaking my head.

He takes a deep breath to calm himself, nodding his head “you’re right”

“Get out of my store, you, young man are no longer welcome here” the lady yells at him.

He goes to argue once again but look at me before shaking his head and grumbles “I’ll be at you’re truck”

“Here” I throw him my keys so he’ll be able to get in before handing over the box of tampons to the lady so she can check me out and I can finally get out of here.

“You shouldn’t be friends with people who are so disrespectful” she scans the box “and the girl you’re buying these for should be here herself, men shouldn’t know or worry themselves with this stuff. She should be ashamed.”

I take a deep breath just like I made Lucas do to calm myself. I know why he reacted the way he did, this ‘old fart’ in the words of Lucas, really knows how to push buttons, and saying that my girlfriend should be ashamed that I’m buying a period product for her is crazy, and not okay. If I didn’t just tell Lucas to not feed into it, I would be yelling at her too.

“Look lady, it’s not the 1930s anymore. Teenagers have sex lives, and having a period isn’t a sin. You should just be happy he’s being safe. I don’t know where you get this audacity but just be happy I got him out of the store before he did something stupid. And I’ll be friends with whoever I damn please, I least I have some”

She scoffs before handing me my double bagged box of tampons, obviously keeping to her word of needing to be ashamed of periods. “your generation had no respect for any authority.”

I purposely take the box out of the bags and hold them in my arms as if they were a baby. “Why would I? You’re the one who’s rude and disrespectful.” I lean over the counter to get close to her face, “If I ever hear you talk shit about my girlfriend and how she should be ashamed of a normal bodily function again, I will personally make your life a living hell” I sneer before walking out of the store before she has a chance to reply to me. No one shames me, my friends, and most importantly Emily.

“I shouldn’t have gotten as worked up as I did in there” Lucas speaks up when I get into my truck.

“No you shouldn’t have, but I understand why you did. She tried to pull the same shit with me, trying to disrespect Emily. I just called you out because you’re wearing a rattlesnakes football shirt, and she seems like the type to go to the school about it. I’m just trying to keep you out of trouble”

“Well, thanks. Genuinely. And I’m sorry for acting out.” He’s acting like a little kid who just got scolded, I really don’t care that much. I’m just trying to avoid extra drama that I don’t need.

“Don’t be” I start my truck and pull out of the parking lot. I will never be returning here, like ever.

“What she say about Em?” He looks like he’s ready to get mad on her behalf, I’m happy he’s willing to defend her but it’s really not needed. That’s what she has me for.

“Some shit about how she would be ashamed that I’m buying tampons for her? That men shouldn’t know about that stuff” I roll my eyes recalling the situation.

“Are you serious? That lady has some serious issues.” He scoffs and shakes his head.

“Tell me about it” I mumble as we make our way to our next stop, Panda Express.

“Let’s not tell our girlfriends about this? I don’t want to explain that I’m now banned from that CVS because I was arguing with an old lady.”

“Agreed, my mouth is shut if yours is” I nod

“Good” he breathes out.

───♡︎───

My hands are full as I struggle to use my key to get into Emily’s house. I have my overnight bag, our food, her ice cream, and her tampons of course. The ones that caused a whole scene at our local CVS.

When I walk into her living room, I see, as expected, her beautiful self sound asleep on the couch, and her favorite blanket pulled up so far that it covers half of her face.

I smile to myself as I set everything on top of her kitchen counter. I put her ice cream in the freezer, food in the fridge, period products in the bathroom, and my over night bag in her room.

I end up needing to reheat my food, considering I had a fifteen minute conversation with Lucas outside his house. Usually I wouldn’t have done that, but we got caught up in talking and I already knew Emily was asleep so she wouldn’t have minded that I was twenty ish minutes late.

I grab her remote and put on my current watch on Netflix, I’m happy I ended up giving her all my streaming services or I would die if boredom because my phone died after Lucas bought us food.

Sitting at the the end of the couch I place her feet onto my lap, and start eating my food and watching my show, mindlessly stopping every few seconds to rub her leg.

A few minutes after I finish my food, I start to see her stir awake. She sits up confused but overall happy to see me.

“Cameron?” Emily says confused with a ghost of a smile on her face.

“Hey baby” I look at her and squeeze her foot so she knows that this isn’t a dream.

“When did you get here?” She shifts her body around on the couch to where she’s now laying into my side, right where I like her.

I shift her again to where her legs are laying across my lap, letting her be even closer to me “like thirty minutes ago” I start rubbing her leg again.

“Why didn’t you wake me?” She grabs my free hand and interlaces her fingers with mine, causing me to burst into a smile.

I love when she initiates physical contact, even something as small as holding my hand. It always reminds me how far she’s come, that mere months ago she didn’t like any touch from anyone, not even a hug.

“I’ve learned to try and avoid waking you up” I laugh “plus you were sleeping good, I didn’t want to ruin it by waking you”

She huffs slightly trying to act annoyed but fails miserably, “did you get me ice cream?”

I nod my head even though she can’t really see it “I got everything you asked for, plus the food you didn’t want” I know for a fact that she would’ve ended up regretting saying that she ‘didn’t want anything’.

“Thank you” she drawls out before snuggling further into my side.

“You’re welcome” I laugh again “now tell me about your day” I sigh resting my head on top of hers as she starts talking. This is exactly where I want to be for the rest of my life.

Started: 1/18/26

Finished: 1/19/26

WC: 3,312

[blondiesbookshelf]

Bonus Chapter #1- Flowers

Masterlist

Saturday, August 23

Cameron:

I knock softly on Chris’s door at what he would call the ass crack of dawn on his days off, aka ten in the morning.

My parents give him the entire weekend off because of the lack of bookings they have for the first time in forever. They wanted to give him a ‘much needed break’ but to me it just sounds like they don’t want to pay his ass if they can manage without him.

“Fuck off.” I hear him groan from the other side of the door.

“You’ll get money and food out of the favor I’m about to ask you.” I say into the door, trying to coax him out of his bed. It seems to work because he goes silent for a few moments before opening his bedroom door a crack to look at me.

“I’m listening.” Chris grumbles out, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.

“If you drive me up by the school I’ll give you twenty dollars and DoorDash you breakfast.”

“Why can’t you drive?” He narrows his eyes at me in suspicion.

“I can but I’m dropping my friend’s car off at her house.”

“Her? Who’s the friend?”

“Who the fuck do you think?” I asking him with a ‘seriously?’ Look on my face.

“Emily? Why couldn’t she drive herself home?”

“Does it really matter?” Always with the questions this guy.

“If you want me to drive you it does.”

“I’m literally paying you already.”

“This is my condition for me to agree.”

I roll my eyes at my brother. “We hung out until late last night after my game. She was tired and I didn’t want her driving like that so I offered her a ride home with the promise of dropping her car off to her this morning.”

“And what were you guys doing that made her so tired?” He asks knowingly.

“Gross man.” I groan. “Not everything is about sex you know, I can have a conversation with a girl without that being my ultimate motive.”

“Yeah whatever.” Chris mumbles under his breath before closing the door in my face.

He reopens it a few seconds later, sliding slippers into to his feet and grabbing the keys off of the dresser that’s by his door. “Let’s go.” He brushes past me.

───♡︎───

“It’s this one right here.” I direct Chris to her truck, pulling her car key out of my pocket.

“She drives a truck? Emily might fit into this family already.” He laughs at himself putting his own truck, a sleek black Ford super duty F-450, into park. “It’s a little small though we might need to upgrade her.”

“I think it’s perfect actually.” I open the car door to jump down, the Tacoma actually fits Emily super well.

“I’ll text you my order so you can get that started.” He reminds me of my end of the deal while holding out his hand so I can give him the twenty dollars I promised him.

“I’m sure you will.” I slap the bill into his hand and make my way over to her truck, having to slide the seat all the way back for me to be able to even attempt to get into it.

The inside is so her.

There’s a strawberry scented air freshener hanging from her rearview mirror, cute pins poked into her dash mat, a little cow stuffy and rubber duck wedged between the dash and the windshield.

There’s also no gas in this thing, less than fifty miles left until it’s empty. I don’t know how she could let it get this low, I mean I can now that I know she survives off of two hundred dollars a month. I just get anxious every time I go below half a tank.

This is just no good.

I start her truck up and make my way to the nearby Costco that thankfully just opened. I’m in the middle of filling up her tank when a bright idea popped into my head. I’m just thankful I’m in an area where exactly what I need is close by.

───♡︎───

I’m in the middle of a Trader Joe’s looking around at all the flower options. How am I supposed to know what she likes? Roses seem too basic but I want to get her at least something after she practically laid her soul bare to me last night.

I want to get Emily flowers to show her that I care, and I’m happy she finally opened up to me. Also just as something to brighten her day.

I decide on a simple bouquet of sunflowers, it’s simple but not basic. Who doesn’t like sunflowers?

“Awe you’re so nice for getting your mom flowers.” The cashier who seems to be around my age says with a smile on her face as I hand her the bundle of flowers.

“Actually it’s for-“

“You never really see guys doing that anymore, especially ones that are cute as you.” She cuts me off and looks up at me, slightly pouting her lips.

Is she trying to hit on me? It’s been a while since anyone has actually tried and shoot their shot at me, excluding Lily because her flirting is more of her just embarrassing herself.

“I’m actually talking to-“

“Can I get your number?” She cuts me off again, clearing not caring for what I have to say.

“I have a girlfriend.” I say firmly to stop her from continuing. I know me and Emily aren’t dating but I don’t plan on seeing anyone else until we are. So if I have to act like she is for this random trader Joe’s worker to back off so be it.

“And?”

I’m actually stunned at her response. This girl is obviously crazy. “And we’re done here.” I say rudely cutting the conversation short grabbing Emily’s flowers back after I pay.

I walk out to my truck and place the flowers carefully into her back seat making sure they’re safe before making my way to the next stop.

───♡︎───

“Cameron! I’m seeing a lot of the Arana family today.” David says as he walks up to my truck in the Dutch bros drive through line.

“What do you mean?” I reach my hand out the window to dab him up.

“Your parents were in my line this morning, and your brother texted me to go out tonight, now I’m seeing you.”

“We’re all just obsessed with you.” I joke.

“Who wouldn’t be? Look at me.” He looks himself up and down. “Now what do ya’ want?”

“Blended aftershock rebel with strawberry boba.” I remember her teasing me the first time we met up about how she gets it now. “Then a 9-1-1 for me.”

“Perfect.” He mumbles putting my order into his iPad. “That it?”

I nod my head, and pay for our drinks taking a few minutes to talk and catch up with David especially because he seems to be hanging out with my brother again.

As soon as the drinks are in my hands my phone starts ringing with Lucas calling me.

“Hello?” I answer after connecting my phone to her truck.

“Cam you busy right now?”

“Uh, kinda, why?”

“Me, Hayden, and Eli are going to get food then come back to mine probably swim and stuff considering my dad just built a slide for my little sister.” Lucas explained.

“No Logan?” I question.

“Na said he was busy with something.”

“Hmph.” He’s probably out with some girl, that’s what he seems to be spending his weekends doing. “I would love to but I’m about to go to Emily’s house to drop some stuff off.”

“I take it yall are talking again?” Lucas sounds excited for me.

“Yeah we had a really good conversation last night after the game. We talked for hours I didn’t get home until around midnight.” I small smile slides its way onto my face as I continue to dive to her house.

“What’d I say? I told you it would work out.”

“That you did.” I agree. “Look I might swing by later but no promises.”

“I won’t hold my breath then, just thought I should call and ask.”

“I’ll see you Monday if not today then.”

“See you.” Lucas hangs up the phone and I realize I should probably text Emily that I’m on my way over to her.

───♡︎───

I decide that walking up to her door with flowers and Dutch in hand is better than her grabbing it out of her own truck.

So here I am flowers tucked into my side like a baby holding her Dutch and truck key in my other as I ring the doorbell.

It takes Emily a few seconds but when I hear the door start to creek open my head shoots up from my shoes to look at her.

“Hey Cameron.” Emily trails off as her eyes focus on what’s his my hands. “What are you…?” She looks back up to me.

“Thought I’d do something nice.” I shrug like it’s no big deal, because it isn’t. “I didn’t know what flowers were your favorite and didn’t want to be basic with roses so I hope sunflowers is okay.”

Emily grabs the flowers from my arms and brings them close to her face to smell them, eyes watering as she does.

“Were the sunflowers a bad choice?” I grimace.

“No, uh.” She sniffles and wipes her eyes. “They’re the best ones you could’ve picked.” Emily smiles. “They were my mom’s favorite so they always remind me of her.”

“I’m happy to be of service then.” I smile softly, also handing Emily her Dutch drink.

“Why did you get these for me? Thank you, by the way.” She smiles again.

“Thought it’ll be a nice thing to do.” I shrug again. “And as a thank you for last night, really you don’t understand how happy I am that you shared even a little bit with me.”

“Well thank you, you really didn’t have to. I shared because I want to, you made me feel safe enough to open up. And thank you for bringing my truck back, I could’ve driven last night.”

“You’re welcome.” I smile down at her. “It was all no big deal I wanted to do it.”

“Uh Cameron?” She questions me with a laugh.

“Yeah?”

“I just realized how did you plan on getting home?” Emily laughs again.

Oh shit yeah, I didn’t think that far ahead. “Well if you will so kindly drive me home I’ll treat you to some breakfast?” I offer her up.

“Yeah sure.” Emily smiles. “Just let me change really quick.”

“What? You look fine.” I look her up and down, she’s wearing a slightly over sized shirt and a cute pair of sleep shorts. Sure it’s not the best outfit but for an easy breakfast? It’s perfect. Plus I like seeing her in comfortable clothes like this.

“Yeah, no. Just wait out here I’ll be back in a minute.”

“Yes ma’am.” I nod my head before she closes the door.

—————

Finished: 4/2/25

If you liked it please give my story a chance!

[blondiesbookshelf]

Meet my characters!

(So if you see a blurb you know who they are lol!)

Masterlist

Cameron Arana:

Age: 17 (his birthday is December 18th)

Height: 6’5

Looks: tan skin due to his Mexican-Italian heritage, black flowly hair that stops just at the nape of his neck, brown eyes, smooth skin, slim muscular build.

Personality: Cameron, despite his build is a gentle giant and a sweetheart to his core. He’s a respectful man but will go to the ends of the Earth to defend those he loves. His love language is quality time, and acts of service.

Parents-

His mom: Angelica Aranda (48)

His dad: Bruno Aranda (54)

Siblings: Christopher/Chris Aranda (22)

Background: growing up cameron only knew two things: cars and football. His dream ever since he was thrown into football at the age of five was play in the NFL one day, if that didn’t work out he would work at his family’s successful auto shop with his brother. All of that went down hill his freshman year of high school, yes he’s still driven to succeed at football but when she walked into his class that first day? He was hooked. Although it’s taken him up to his senior year to become close to her, she never left his head all those years. She’s it for him, and he’ll do whatever it takes to finally get her.

Extra: Cameron is a starter on the varsity football team. He is a Defensive end and Defensive Tackle with his number being 54. He’s semi popular at school, people know who he is but he keeps his circle small, most of his friends also in the football team.

Schedule:

Semester one-

Criminal justice

College algebra

English 4

Lunch

Weight training

Semester two-

Weight training (again)

Auto 4

Sports medicine

(Leaves after 3rd period)

Emily Gray:

Age: 17 (birthday June 10th)

Height: 5’7

Looks: mid size (not skinny but not super fat, prob around a size 10-12), Long blonde hair, glasses, light acne

Personality: she keeps to her self, afraid to open up to new people, but when she’s comfortable enough she’s a funny, sarcastic, sweet, and witty. She’s insanely smart, with being in honors classes and straight A’s.

Parents-

Her mom: Cindi Grey (49 🪦)

Her dad: Andy Grey (54)

Siblings: Andrew Grey (25)

Background: Her mom passed away suddenly when she was 13 years old. Her once loving family crumpled apart after her death. Emily’s dad became a verbally abusive drunk pice a shit for a lack of better words. He would leave for days at a time (still does but now it’s weeks he’s away for) come home shout at whoever is closest and destroy things around the house. Thankfully she had her brother. Because she was so young and devastated with everything happening her brother stepped up and started saving for both of them to move out, together. Things happened and Andrew ended up leaving one day and never coming back leaving her all alone. Fast forward to now and it’s still the same, she’s alone practically 24/7 scraping by with the little amount of money her dad sends her each month. All of this while she’s still grieving the loss of her mother.

Extra: Emily is editor for the schools yearbook, a 4.2 GPA, has taken AP classes her entire high school career, tutors people struggling for extra cash, loves/loved to read. She also loves being comfy, you will almost always see her in oversized hoodies and sweat pants in the winter and shifts over to baggy tees in the Arizona heat.

Schedule:

Semester one-

AP chemistry

College algebra

Yearbook

Lunch

AP Literature and Composition

Semester two-

Photo

Journalism 2

Yearbook

(Leaves after 3rd period)

Setting: this story takes place in Arizona. (Where they live is around 45 minutes from downtown phoenix if you want to be specific) and the story stars in early august of 2025

Remember to read the story they’re from!

After missing his shot with her freshman year because of his nerves, Cameron has spent the last three years pining after Emily. Still too af

[blondiesbookshelf]

Meetings

Masterlist

Reader:

“Are you even listening?” Cameron laughs as he plays with my hand mindlessly while we drive back to his house after school.

“I know you’re nervous” Cameron’s thumb starts rubbing itself in the neck of my hand as a way to try and soothe my nerves.

“That obvious?” I groan. Cameron is either really good at gauging my emotions or I’m bad at hiding them, but either way I hate feeling like this.

“Only a little, but you need to relax” he gives a quick glance at me before returning his attention to the road. “You’re working yourself up over nothing”

“Doesn’t feel like nothing” I mumble looking out the window “it’s you’re parents for gods sake, I want to make sure I give a good first impression”

“And you will, if it makes you feel better my brother preached about you at dinner the day after he met you” he gives my hand a squeeze

“That is not helpful” his brother talked about me? I’ve met him once and it was for five minutes max, and he was making fun of Cameron for half of that. I mean he was nice to me in the few words exchanged between us, but knowing that just leaves a bad taste in my mouth. “What did he say?”

“Did you know that the girl Cameron is always with is actually real?” He deepens his voice to mock his brother “and she’s nice too, I walked in on them studying! Studying! You’re more responsible then I was at you’re age Cameron”

I laugh at the mocking, and the disgusted face he made at the end of all of it. “Okay I don’t see how would that be helpful at all to me, that’s just gross” I mimic Cameron’s grossed out face.

“Yeah, I know he thinks with his dick most of the time. I’m just happy he left out the part of us sleeping together on the couch when he found us, because he would have blown it out of proportion and make it seem like we were doing something else.” He laughs before turning serious “It’s stupid but I value his approval, so do my parents so even though it wasn’t a lot his words mean something”

“I think it’s sweet” I say softly “I always looked up to my brother when we were younger, and I bet I still would if he was here. I envy how close you and your family are”

Cameron sighs softly as his shoulders slump a bit “I’m lucky to have them. And I praise the heavens above everyday because I’m grateful to have you. Not only do I want you to meet my parents for obvious reasons, but I want you to meet them to see if you like them. I want you to feel comfortable around my family. I’m actually more nervous about you meeting my parents than about my parents meeting you.”

Well now I feel bad for being so against it “Why didn’t you say that earlier?”

“Because it’s stupid. Everything with you is just so new to me, I’ve never felt this way about someone before. Like what do you mean I crave your approval for my family?” I see the slightest amount of pink make its way onto Cameron’s face, he’s embarrassed.

“It’s not stupid, your feelings are worth just as much as mine. And while I would rather not meet your parents today, I’m doing it for you. You help me so much that I can swallow my nerves for a few hours while to meet your parents” I feel Cameron give my hand another squeeze as a take a deep breath when we pull up his long driveway.

Cameron has a three car garage and two garage doors. One big one that opens up the space for two cars and a smaller one that fits one car. The small door opens to reveal my truck sitting there, hood open as his brother walks out from behind my truck patting its side like it’s a dog that just brought the ball back.

Cameron gets out and walks around to my side to open the door for me like he always does. “You’ll be okay” he whispers into my ear, and rubs my back slightly when I jump down before closing the car door.

Like what you just read? Read the rest of this chapter and more from my story ‘Until Now’ on wattpad!!

After missing his shot with her freshman year because of his nerves, Cameron has spent the last three years pining after Emily. Still too af