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"Two True Loves"
By: Jade Lightning, a.k.a. Inuyashas-hanyougirl
Chapter 4: Valentine's Day, A day of Love and Tears

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    Bill and Camille knew nothing of Jeff or his anger towards them.  Sure, Bill was always aware of his long-term rival, but he wasn’t a threat now.  Finally, Bill and Camille made it to the lunch room, where Camille was expecting him to stop.  Bill however, turned down the hallway, instead taking the route to the courtyard.  Camille was confused but kept walking.

    “Bill, you should’ve told me that we were going outside.  I would’ve brought my jacket if I had known that I needed one,” Camille said.

    Suddenly, from behind, she heard Joey say, “Like Bill would take you somewhere unprepared.  That’s unheard of.”  Camille and Bill stopped and turned around.  Joey and Peter were standing behind them.  Joey had Camille’s jacket, scarf and hat, while Peter had Bill’s letterman jacket, scarf and gloves.  Peter was handling the jacket like it was the robe of some king in a far off fairytale country.  Bill took his jacket, scarf and gloves and put them on.  Joey, acting like a butler, put Camille’s jacket on her, helping her get her arms through the sleeves.  She then took her scarf and hat and put them on.

    Shortly after that, Peter and Joey disappeared, without much more than Bill whispering something to Peter.  Camille wasn’t exactly sure what he said, but obviously, Bill had been expecting them to show up with the jackets and other accessories.  Bill smiled at Camille and asked, “You were saying Camille?”

    Camille blushed when Bill asked that question.  She said, “I was just wondering why they took so long to show up.  Yeah, that’s it, why they took so long to show up.  That doesn’t matter anyway, let’s keep going.”

    Bill grinned when he heard that.  So far, he had managed to surprise Camille, even with the amount of knowledge she already had about her valentine.  Bill was a Hampton, and as far as he guessed, that name meant something.  He said that since he was a Hampton, you could equate him with not giving up on what he wants without a fight and always going a step further in everything he did, especially if it was of great importance to him.  He told his friends that all Hamptons were like him, thus giving his own meaning to the Hampton name.  He went by what he said, holding things of importance to him in a special place in his heart.  The valentine he was going to give Camille was obviously of great importance to him, so in honor of his family name, he was going a step further, making his valentine to her special.

    After a few minutes, Camille and Bill got to the entrance to the courtyard.  Before Camille could see anything, Bill said, “Alright, before we do anything else, I need to make something official.  Camille, will you go to the dance with me?”

    Camille giggled and said, “Sure I will!  I like your style Bill, having to be official and all and stuff.  You knew that I would go with you, and we had a general understanding that that was how it was going to work.  You’re so sweet Bill.”

    Bill smiled and kissed Camille’s forehead.  He then replied, “Thanks for the compliment; I think you’re sweet too.  I did want to clear something up about your valentine however.  I would take you out to dinner before the dance, but I have to pack for a trip I’m taking this weekend to Richmond, Virginia, so I won’t be able to.  I’ll have to leave with my parents on a flight to Richmond right soon after I get home, but I’ll be back for school on Monday.  I won’t be home this weekend, but you understand right?”

    Camille smiled and said, “Oh Bill, I do.  You know I wish that you didn’t have to be gone the whole weekend, but that’s okay.  What else did you have to say?”

    Bill smiled and said, “Phew, I’m glad that’s settled.  Now as for your valentine, I wasn’t going to settle for not taking you out to dinner on Valentine’s Day.  That would be improper, especially for someone like me.  You deserve a special gift on Valentine’s Day, so to come up with a solution, I decided to take you out anyway, just to lunch instead of dinner, and this is what I came up with.”

    Bill had just finished his sentence when the courtyard door was opened for them by Peter, who was posing as an informal doorman.  Camille looked out in amazement.  Right near the fountain, a table and chairs had been set up formally, just as they would be in a formal restaurant.  Camille was so happy she almost cried.  Bill took her hand, and led her outside.

   When they got to the table by the fountain, Bill showed a look of confusion.  “Now where’s that Joey at?  He better not be late, or he’ll have to answer to me.”  Bill then heard Camille cough to get his attention.  He then realized that he needed to pull out her chair for her and seat her, like any gentleman would do for his date.

    Bill felt embarrassed for a minute, but maintained himself.  He went to Camille’s chair and pulled it out for her.  She sat down, and then Bill gently helped her scoot up closer to the table.  He then sat down himself and looked to her.  She giggled and said, “Your first try at formal dinner dating…you’re doing great so far.  Don’t worry; I don’t know much about it myself.  I learned most of what I know from books and movies.  I thought millionaires were schooled on stuff like this.”

    Bill looked at her, readjusting his scarf and jacket as he did so.  He grinned and said, “Ah you mean etiquette?  Finishing school they call it for girls…,” he paused, and chuckled warmly saying, “Come on now Camille.  I may not be a proper millionaire, but I know how to conduct myself when dining out…of that you can be sure.”

   Joey then came back with their meals.  After this, he ran off to find Peter, the two of them catching a quick lunch before they would come back to help Bill clean everything up, giving the couple some time alone together.  With a sigh of relief, watching as Joey entered he building, Bill laughed and said, “Well look at that, he got here in plenty of time.”  Looking back to Camille he added, “That’s one less thing I’ll have to punish him for later,” with a laugh.

   Camille laughed gently and smiled.  For one of the first times, she felt strangely awkward around Bill.  She didn’t know why, but she felt shy around him all of the sudden…she just didn’t know how to respond.  It felt strange being with him in this way…and while she knew she loved him, they were close friends, and they got along great, she just didn’t feel normal.  She felt…well, ill.  Her stomach felt a little achy…the muscles in her face, especially her cheeks, felt tight, making it hard for her to laugh or smile properly, and she felt an dull pain in her head, signaling a headache coming.  Why was she so uncomfortable?  She loved Bill, and he obviously cared for her a great deal…so why was she so disturbed?  She fingered the rose he had given her, and was lost in her thoughts…she just didn’t know what to expect.

   Bill hadn’t noticed any of this, and was getting ready to eat.  Yet he looked up and saw her like this and asked, “Hey Camie?  You alright?”

   Camille looked up at him and paused, realizing this was the first time he had called her by that nickname.  She felt a little bit better at hearing this, even though her stomach continued to churn uncomfortably and the muscles in her cheeks tightened even more.  She still managed to laugh, though not as strongly as she normally could, and why that was she discovered, was because she felt strangely nervous being with Bill at that moment.  She didn’t understand why she felt this way, especially since they were such good friends outside of their romantic relationship.  She was stirred out of her thoughts again when Bill scooted his chair next to hers and placed his hands on her own.  She continued to finger the rose gently, and looked up at Bill, when she felt him rest his hand on hers.

    “Camie?  Are you okay?  I was wondering why you weren’t answering me.  Come on, what’s bothering you, if anything?” Bill asked.  Camille looked at the gentle expression on his face, and once again, she felt she could see a thin layer of frost forming on his dirty blonde hair.  She reached up and stroked his hair gently, wiping the frost off the strands.  Bill could feel a warm tingly sensation throughout his body as she did so, and he shut his eyes, breathing deeply, and brought his hand up to meet her own.  As he did this, Camille lowered her hand to his hairline, and gently stroked it, her hand dropping steadily towards his ear.  It was at this point that Bill rested his hand on hers, holding it against his cheek.

    Camille snuck a quick breath, and in that instant, she could feel him trembling underneath her hand.  It was then that she realized that he was just as nervous around her as she was around him.  Both of them had those nervous tensions, and this gave her some comfort.  She too closed her eyes, and a smile spread across her face, and she could feel her nervousness melt away.  After a few moments, she opened her eyes slowly, only to find Bill opening his own eyes at the same time.  When he saw her smiling, he too was able to smile.  Camille pulled her hand away from Bill’s face, but he held on to it, stroking it tenderly.  The two looked intently into each other’s eyes, and Bill let out a small chuckle, shaking his head gently.  He looked at her once more and said, “Camille, I know we’ve already established this, but as you know I am too old-fashioned for my own good sometimes.  For the sake of tradition, answer me this. Will you go to the dance with me tonight?”

    Camille giggled quietly, and she nodded, “Of course Bill, I’ll go to the dance with you tonight.  Wait, rather I’ll accompany you to the dance tonight.  Thank you for asking,” she said politely.  She paused for a minute, hearing Bill get a laugh out of her elegant manner of speech.  Then she continued, “I like that about you Bill, having to do everything according to tradition.  That’s a unique trait…and I like it.  It’s something about you that makes you special, just another thing that…well, that appeals to me…”

    Bill laughed again, smiling brightly and said, “And I thought it was the hair and good looks too…darn it all…” Camille and Bill burst out in laughter at that point, the nervous tension between them finally melting away entirely.  Bill managed to calm down after a few moments, and shook his head smiling as strong as ever.  He saw Camille look at him and he said, “Really Camille…I have always liked you and I’m sure you know that.  However, I realize that while you know how I feel, and I know how I feel…I haven’t been open enough to say it.  I never wanted to lose the friendship between us, no matter how sure I was of our relationship.  Yet after what has just happened, I’m pretty sure that we’ll always be friends no matter what befalls us.  So now there’s something I need to say…” He paused, and seeing her gentle smile and beautiful eyes, he was comforted yet again.  He breathed deeply and spoke once more, “I love you Camille, and while I know I may have never shown it until recently…I have always cared about you in the deepest depths of my heart.  I have always cared for you, and I always will…even if I don’t show it.”

    Camille could feel her heart leap into her throat.  It was true; while Bill had told Camille he loved her that one afternoon when he went to retrieve his jacket, he hadn’t said it since then.  She thought maybe he had said it to comfort her, knowing in his heart that something was wrong but that it was not the appropriate time to ask her about it.  They had been dating for those past two weeks and were now a couple in the eyes of their peers, but Bill had never done much more than hold her hand, hug her, kiss her on the cheek or forehead, and other stuff like that.  Now she felt he finally was comfortable with having a romantic relationship with her, and she found she too was more relaxed.

    Joey and Peter had finally come back, only to find Bill drawing Camille into a kiss.  Joey paused and watched this, restraining Peter from going into the courtyard while they were kissing.  Joey said, “Durn it Peter…Bill went through with it.  He is so lucky…at least I live across the street from her…if it weren’t for me they probably wouldn’t be together…son of a…”

    Peter slapped Joey’s shoulder, “I know I have only been here since second grade, but I recall that it was Camille who introduced you to Bill, not the other way around.  Just chill Joey, being single is a good thing…,” Peter said, interrupting him.

    Joey gave Peter a look, “Feh, whatever…you and Bill have fun…I wouldn’t even go to the dance if you two idiots didn’t need me for moral support,” he said with a smirk on his face.

    “What the hell you talking about Joey?  I don’t need any “moral” support…but you’re gonna need life support if Bill and I hear you saying crap like that at the dance tonight,” Peter snapped back.

    “Please, I’m not afraid of you guys…go ahead and beat the crap out of me tonight…ruin the dance for everyone,” Joey countered.

    “Shut the hell up Joey…You don’t know what the crap you’re talking about…,” Peter muttered.

    Joey grinned and punched Peter playfully on the shoulder as he usually did when they “argued” like this.  Peter looked at Joey and playfully punched back, Joey returned the punch, and the two started to wrestle with each other, in full view of everyone in the lunchroom, and Bill and Camille in the courtyard, had they been paying attention.  Of course, Joey and Peter were playing; the two saw each other as brothers, with Bill as their third, and were used to this kind of playing.  However, Peter accidentally kicked Joey and this caused Joey to pull away from the “fight”.

    Joey laughed and said, “Peter!  No kicking remember?  You’re a soccer player and you aren’t allowed to kick, those are the rules!”

    Peter laughed and replied, “I’m the goalie you idiot!  I use my hands remember?  You stupido; you’re losing whatever is left of your brain since your mother dropped you when you were four…”

    Joey glared at Peter, understanding the joke and went along with it.  “Feh, at least my parents didn’t drop me on concrete…”

    "Wha…?  Joey you idiot…you will pay for that!”

    “Come and get me then Peter!” Joey dashed out to the courtyard, forgetting about Camille and Bill being out there.  Peter chased after him, and this caught the attention of everyone in the lunchroom, and Bill and Camille, who had begun to eat their lunch.  Bill’s eyes widened a bit, and he grew as annoyed as ever with his two best friends.  They were his right hand men…and as such, he wouldn’t take this mess from them, even if they were just playing.  Bill stood up and with his long arm reached out and grabbed Joey by his jacket collar as he dashed by.  Joey stopped abruptly, helpless to escape Bill’s grasp.  Bill then caught Peter as he sped by, and as with Joey, Peter was unable to get away.  Bill was taller and a great deal stronger than his two friends.  He stood a good four inches taller than them, and because he weight trained so much, he was much stronger and bigger in build than they.

    Bill pulled Joey and Peter to him and said in a hushed voice, “That’s enough you two.  I can’t leave you alone for five minutes without you causing trouble…stop being so stupid…you idiots…”

    Peter shrugged and Joey replied, “Okay…but for the record you had left us alone for eight minutes and twenty-seven seconds.”

    Bill laughed and said, “Ah, you’re gonna be a smart aleck eh?  I’ll remember that…” Bill grinned, letting go of Joey’s and Peter’s shirt collars.  “Come one guys, everything’s been going great for me so far…let’s not mess it up now, whaddya say?”

    The three looked at each other and laughed.  This was just another game for them, and Bill smiled and said, “I’ll catch up with you guys later.  Whose house are doing homework at tonight?  I’m driving as usual…”

    Joey laughed, and said, “It was your place as usual.  I can never get used to that mansion of yours…especially now that your parents have decided to remodel the place.  I don’t see how you can stand it.”

    Peter nodded in agreement and Bill said, “I can’t Joey…infact, I haven’t told Mom or Dad…but I plan on leaving home indefinitely.  I’m not saying I’ll never come back…but even if they leave me that mansion in their will, seeing as I’m the only heir, I don’t ever want to live there.  Heh, what are we worrying about this now for; I need to get back to Camille.  I’ll see you guys later.  Hang tough!”

    Joey and Peter turned and left, pondering over Bill’s words.  He was just going to give up the mansion right, or was he giving up the entire Hampton fortune?  “No,” Joey thought, “The Hampton fortune numbers in the millions…billions even.  Who knows how much the Hampton name is worth, and Bill is the only heir…that could be dangerous.  If he dies and leaves no heir…wow, the Hampton line would end…after staying alive for centuries…” Joey was stirred from his thoughts by Peter opening the door into the school and beckoning him to follow.  Joey glanced back towards Bill, who had become his brother and greatest confidant as the years went by, and then followed Peter to lunch.

    Meanwhile, Bill had gone back to continue his romantic lunch date with Camille.  Even as they sat together, you could see the love between them; whether it was the way Camille looked at Bill as he breathed, or the twinkle you could see in Bill’s brown eyes as he kept an arm around her.  Everyone around them could see this, including Jeff Mitchell, who had become a vulture, stalking its prey until the right time came to strike and take it out.  He would never make his presence known, but he’d make sure it was felt, and feared.  The problem was, Bill had no concern with Jeff’s anger or presence, and that only made the envy in Jeff’s heart, all the more potent.

    After Bill and Camille’s romantic lunch, class resumed as usual, but with the Valentine’s Dance that evening the subject of afternoon chit chat.  Unknown to either Bill or Camille, they were the subject of most of that gossip, for they had become a popular couple in the school, and for just about everyone, the sweetest and most perfect match you could find.

    Later that afternoon, Bill was driving his friends to his house for homework as planned, but dropped Camille off at her house before leaving.  Bill parked the truck, and opening Camille’s door for her, helping her out of the vehicle, and carrying her book bag for her, he walked her to her front door.  After she had unlocked the door and thrown her book bag inside, she turned back to Bill, who took both of her hands in his own, looking into her eyes intently, and smiling sweetly as he did so.  She returned this smile, and only seconds had to pass before they kissed once more.  Bill then rested his head on her, nuzzling it gently, and said, “I’ll pick you up tonight at seven, okay?  Make sure you’re ready by then.”

    Camille simply nodded in response, loving every moment she could get close to him.  Bill chuckled warmly and quietly, kissing her on the top of the head before turning back to his truck.  As he got into the driver’s seat, he called back, “I love you Camille.  See you tonight.”  He then drove away, and Camille turned to go inside that again, empty house.

   Her father had been gone for quite awhile, and as she walked upstairs, past her deceased sister’s room, she sighed and said, “I just hope he isn’t sitting in jail somewhere; he’ll come back angrier than ever.  I know he doesn’t care about me at all, and if he’s angry, he’ll hardly leave any money for me to buy groceries with.  I’m lucky he still pays the bills.  After Hope died and he lost that chunk of his check, he was so angry…I…wonder if that’s why I don’t have my mother.  That anger…it’s a wonder he ever got close to anyone.” Her voice fell short, when she thought of what she didn’t have, and of what kind of company she was left with in her father.

    Sitting down on her bed and pulling out her notebook, she heaved another deep sigh.  She said, “God, what am I supposed to do?  I really love Bill, and I thank you so much for sending him to me and bringing us together, for he is a truly special person, and I love him with all my heart.  What am I going to do about this…I mean, I can’t delay my explanation of what kind of family I have forever, no matter what, and he’s going to want to know about it sooner or later.  What am I supposed to do?  Am I supposed to lie about my father’s alcoholism and how he’s never around?  Am I supposed to fake happiness when my sister is dead, a sister none of my friends even knew about, I have no mother, and my father only keeps me around for an extra five-hundred dollars a month?”

   She paused, and then spoke, “God…how long…before Bill wants to know about this perfect family he thinks I have?  How can I tell him I’ve never met my mother, and that I had an older sister up until two years ago that he never knew about?  What will he say when I tell him all I have is a father that lives off the government, spending almost all of his money on alcohol and wasteful living and is never home?  When he finds out how much I’ve hidden…will he ever trust me again?  God, I just…don’t know what to do anymore.  I pray that you’ll do what’s best for me in my life, as I know you have always done, ever since I was born.  See me through my trials, and keep me in your light…and forgive me of my sins, through Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.”

    Camille tried to suppress her tears.  She had grown close to God and Jesus through her trials, and knew that God would continue to see her through all her trials and tribulations, and that knowledge kept her spirits high, to the point where she could enjoy herself at the dance that night.  Looking at a picture of herself and Bill together, a smile spread across her face, and her heart felt warm.  She knew Bill loved her and that if she kept her faith in God, that everything would be alright.

    She sighed sweetly, and reached for her hairbrush saying, “I might as well start getting ready for the dance.  Since all my homework is done, I can enjoy myself tonight…no worrying or moping for me.  Bill promised me a good time tonight, and I’m gonna give him an equally good, and memorable evening.”  Camille then turned on some of her favorite music, and went about getting ready for the Valentine’s Day Dance that night.  She was done crying for the day; the rest of Valentine’s Day was for love, and romance.

Description
"Two True Loves"
By: Jade Lightning, a.k.a. Inuyashas-hanyougirl
Chapter 4: Valentine's Day, A day of Love and Tears

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    Bill and Camille knew nothing of Jeff or his anger towards them.  Sure, Bill was always aware of his long-term rival, but he wasn’t a threat now.  Finally, Bill and Camille made it to the lunch room, where Camille was expecting him to stop.  Bill however, turned down the hallway, instead taking the route to the courtyard.  Camille was confused but kept walking.

    “Bill, you should’ve told me that we were going outside.  I would’ve brought my jacket if I had known that I needed one,” Camille said.

    Suddenly, from behind, she heard Joey say, “Like Bill would take you somewhere unprepared.  That’s unheard of.”  Camille and Bill stopped and turned around.  Joey and Peter were standing behind them.  Joey had Camille’s jacket, scarf and hat, while Peter had Bill’s letterman jacket, scarf and gloves.  Peter was handling the jacket like it was the robe of some king in a far off fairytale country.  Bill took his jacket, scarf and gloves and put them on.  Joey, acting like a butler, put Camille’s jacket on her, helping her get her arms through the sleeves.  She then took her scarf and hat and put them on.

    Shortly after that, Peter and Joey disappeared, without much more than Bill whispering something to Peter.  Camille wasn’t exactly sure what he said, but obviously, Bill had been expecting them to show up with the jackets and other accessories.  Bill smiled at Camille and asked, “You were saying Camille?”

    Camille blushed when Bill asked that question.  She said, “I was just wondering why they took so long to show up.  Yeah, that’s it, why they took so long to show up.  That doesn’t matter anyway, let’s keep going.”

    Bill grinned when he heard that.  So far, he had managed to surprise Camille, even with the amount of knowledge she already had about her valentine.  Bill was a Hampton, and as far as he guessed, that name meant something.  He said that since he was a Hampton, you could equate him with not giving up on what he wants without a fight and always going a step further in everything he did, especially if it was of great importance to him.  He told his friends that all Hamptons were like him, thus giving his own meaning to the Hampton name.  He went by what he said, holding things of importance to him in a special place in his heart.  The valentine he was going to give Camille was obviously of great importance to him, so in honor of his family name, he was going a step further, making his valentine to her special.

    After a few minutes, Camille and Bill got to the entrance to the courtyard.  Before Camille could see anything, Bill said, “Alright, before we do anything else, I need to make something official.  Camille, will you go to the dance with me?”

    Camille giggled and said, “Sure I will!  I like your style Bill, having to be official and all and stuff.  You knew that I would go with you, and we had a general understanding that that was how it was going to work.  You’re so sweet Bill.”

    Bill smiled and kissed Camille’s forehead.  He then replied, “Thanks for the compliment; I think you’re sweet too.  I did want to clear something up about your valentine however.  I would take you out to dinner before the dance, but I have to pack for a trip I’m taking this weekend to Richmond, Virginia, so I won’t be able to.  I’ll have to leave with my parents on a flight to Richmond right soon after I get home, but I’ll be back for school on Monday.  I won’t be home this weekend, but you understand right?”

    Camille smiled and said, “Oh Bill, I do.  You know I wish that you didn’t have to be gone the whole weekend, but that’s okay.  What else did you have to say?”

    Bill smiled and said, “Phew, I’m glad that’s settled.  Now as for your valentine, I wasn’t going to settle for not taking you out to dinner on Valentine’s Day.  That would be improper, especially for someone like me.  You deserve a special gift on Valentine’s Day, so to come up with a solution, I decided to take you out anyway, just to lunch instead of dinner, and this is what I came up with.”

    Bill had just finished his sentence when the courtyard door was opened for them by Peter, who was posing as an informal doorman.  Camille looked out in amazement.  Right near the fountain, a table and chairs had been set up formally, just as they would be in a formal restaurant.  Camille was so happy she almost cried.  Bill took her hand, and led her outside.

   When they got to the table by the fountain, Bill showed a look of confusion.  “Now where’s that Joey at?  He better not be late, or he’ll have to answer to me.”  Bill then heard Camille cough to get his attention.  He then realized that he needed to pull out her chair for her and seat her, like any gentleman would do for his date.

    Bill felt embarrassed for a minute, but maintained himself.  He went to Camille’s chair and pulled it out for her.  She sat down, and then Bill gently helped her scoot up closer to the table.  He then sat down himself and looked to her.  She giggled and said, “Your first try at formal dinner dating…you’re doing great so far.  Don’t worry; I don’t know much about it myself.  I learned most of what I know from books and movies.  I thought millionaires were schooled on stuff like this.”

    Bill looked at her, readjusting his scarf and jacket as he did so.  He grinned and said, “Ah you mean etiquette?  Finishing school they call it for girls…,” he paused, and chuckled warmly saying, “Come on now Camille.  I may not be a proper millionaire, but I know how to conduct myself when dining out…of that you can be sure.”

   Joey then came back with their meals.  After this, he ran off to find Peter, the two of them catching a quick lunch before they would come back to help Bill clean everything up, giving the couple some time alone together.  With a sigh of relief, watching as Joey entered he building, Bill laughed and said, “Well look at that, he got here in plenty of time.”  Looking back to Camille he added, “That’s one less thing I’ll have to punish him for later,” with a laugh.

   Camille laughed gently and smiled.  For one of the first times, she felt strangely awkward around Bill.  She didn’t know why, but she felt shy around him all of the sudden…she just didn’t know how to respond.  It felt strange being with him in this way…and while she knew she loved him, they were close friends, and they got along great, she just didn’t feel normal.  She felt…well, ill.  Her stomach felt a little achy…the muscles in her face, especially her cheeks, felt tight, making it hard for her to laugh or smile properly, and she felt an dull pain in her head, signaling a headache coming.  Why was she so uncomfortable?  She loved Bill, and he obviously cared for her a great deal…so why was she so disturbed?  She fingered the rose he had given her, and was lost in her thoughts…she just didn’t know what to expect.

   Bill hadn’t noticed any of this, and was getting ready to eat.  Yet he looked up and saw her like this and asked, “Hey Camie?  You alright?”

   Camille looked up at him and paused, realizing this was the first time he had called her by that nickname.  She felt a little bit better at hearing this, even though her stomach continued to churn uncomfortably and the muscles in her cheeks tightened even more.  She still managed to laugh, though not as strongly as she normally could, and why that was she discovered, was because she felt strangely nervous being with Bill at that moment.  She didn’t understand why she felt this way, especially since they were such good friends outside of their romantic relationship.  She was stirred out of her thoughts again when Bill scooted his chair next to hers and placed his hands on her own.  She continued to finger the rose gently, and looked up at Bill, when she felt him rest his hand on hers.

    “Camie?  Are you okay?  I was wondering why you weren’t answering me.  Come on, what’s bothering you, if anything?” Bill asked.  Camille looked at the gentle expression on his face, and once again, she felt she could see a thin layer of frost forming on his dirty blonde hair.  She reached up and stroked his hair gently, wiping the frost off the strands.  Bill could feel a warm tingly sensation throughout his body as she did so, and he shut his eyes, breathing deeply, and brought his hand up to meet her own.  As he did this, Camille lowered her hand to his hairline, and gently stroked it, her hand dropping steadily towards his ear.  It was at this point that Bill rested his hand on hers, holding it against his cheek.

    Camille snuck a quick breath, and in that instant, she could feel him trembling underneath her hand.  It was then that she realized that he was just as nervous around her as she was around him.  Both of them had those nervous tensions, and this gave her some comfort.  She too closed her eyes, and a smile spread across her face, and she could feel her nervousness melt away.  After a few moments, she opened her eyes slowly, only to find Bill opening his own eyes at the same time.  When he saw her smiling, he too was able to smile.  Camille pulled her hand away from Bill’s face, but he held on to it, stroking it tenderly.  The two looked intently into each other’s eyes, and Bill let out a small chuckle, shaking his head gently.  He looked at her once more and said, “Camille, I know we’ve already established this, but as you know I am too old-fashioned for my own good sometimes.  For the sake of tradition, answer me this. Will you go to the dance with me tonight?”

    Camille giggled quietly, and she nodded, “Of course Bill, I’ll go to the dance with you tonight.  Wait, rather I’ll accompany you to the dance tonight.  Thank you for asking,” she said politely.  She paused for a minute, hearing Bill get a laugh out of her elegant manner of speech.  Then she continued, “I like that about you Bill, having to do everything according to tradition.  That’s a unique trait…and I like it.  It’s something about you that makes you special, just another thing that…well, that appeals to me…”

    Bill laughed again, smiling brightly and said, “And I thought it was the hair and good looks too…darn it all…” Camille and Bill burst out in laughter at that point, the nervous tension between them finally melting away entirely.  Bill managed to calm down after a few moments, and shook his head smiling as strong as ever.  He saw Camille look at him and he said, “Really Camille…I have always liked you and I’m sure you know that.  However, I realize that while you know how I feel, and I know how I feel…I haven’t been open enough to say it.  I never wanted to lose the friendship between us, no matter how sure I was of our relationship.  Yet after what has just happened, I’m pretty sure that we’ll always be friends no matter what befalls us.  So now there’s something I need to say…” He paused, and seeing her gentle smile and beautiful eyes, he was comforted yet again.  He breathed deeply and spoke once more, “I love you Camille, and while I know I may have never shown it until recently…I have always cared about you in the deepest depths of my heart.  I have always cared for you, and I always will…even if I don’t show it.”

    Camille could feel her heart leap into her throat.  It was true; while Bill had told Camille he loved her that one afternoon when he went to retrieve his jacket, he hadn’t said it since then.  She thought maybe he had said it to comfort her, knowing in his heart that something was wrong but that it was not the appropriate time to ask her about it.  They had been dating for those past two weeks and were now a couple in the eyes of their peers, but Bill had never done much more than hold her hand, hug her, kiss her on the cheek or forehead, and other stuff like that.  Now she felt he finally was comfortable with having a romantic relationship with her, and she found she too was more relaxed.

    Joey and Peter had finally come back, only to find Bill drawing Camille into a kiss.  Joey paused and watched this, restraining Peter from going into the courtyard while they were kissing.  Joey said, “Durn it Peter…Bill went through with it.  He is so lucky…at least I live across the street from her…if it weren’t for me they probably wouldn’t be together…son of a…”

    Peter slapped Joey’s shoulder, “I know I have only been here since second grade, but I recall that it was Camille who introduced you to Bill, not the other way around.  Just chill Joey, being single is a good thing…,” Peter said, interrupting him.

    Joey gave Peter a look, “Feh, whatever…you and Bill have fun…I wouldn’t even go to the dance if you two idiots didn’t need me for moral support,” he said with a smirk on his face.

    “What the hell you talking about Joey?  I don’t need any “moral” support…but you’re gonna need life support if Bill and I hear you saying crap like that at the dance tonight,” Peter snapped back.

    “Please, I’m not afraid of you guys…go ahead and beat the crap out of me tonight…ruin the dance for everyone,” Joey countered.

    “Shut the hell up Joey…You don’t know what the crap you’re talking about…,” Peter muttered.

    Joey grinned and punched Peter playfully on the shoulder as he usually did when they “argued” like this.  Peter looked at Joey and playfully punched back, Joey returned the punch, and the two started to wrestle with each other, in full view of everyone in the lunchroom, and Bill and Camille in the courtyard, had they been paying attention.  Of course, Joey and Peter were playing; the two saw each other as brothers, with Bill as their third, and were used to this kind of playing.  However, Peter accidentally kicked Joey and this caused Joey to pull away from the “fight”.

    Joey laughed and said, “Peter!  No kicking remember?  You’re a soccer player and you aren’t allowed to kick, those are the rules!”

    Peter laughed and replied, “I’m the goalie you idiot!  I use my hands remember?  You stupido; you’re losing whatever is left of your brain since your mother dropped you when you were four…”

    Joey glared at Peter, understanding the joke and went along with it.  “Feh, at least my parents didn’t drop me on concrete…”

    "Wha…?  Joey you idiot…you will pay for that!”

    “Come and get me then Peter!” Joey dashed out to the courtyard, forgetting about Camille and Bill being out there.  Peter chased after him, and this caught the attention of everyone in the lunchroom, and Bill and Camille, who had begun to eat their lunch.  Bill’s eyes widened a bit, and he grew as annoyed as ever with his two best friends.  They were his right hand men…and as such, he wouldn’t take this mess from them, even if they were just playing.  Bill stood up and with his long arm reached out and grabbed Joey by his jacket collar as he dashed by.  Joey stopped abruptly, helpless to escape Bill’s grasp.  Bill then caught Peter as he sped by, and as with Joey, Peter was unable to get away.  Bill was taller and a great deal stronger than his two friends.  He stood a good four inches taller than them, and because he weight trained so much, he was much stronger and bigger in build than they.

    Bill pulled Joey and Peter to him and said in a hushed voice, “That’s enough you two.  I can’t leave you alone for five minutes without you causing trouble…stop being so stupid…you idiots…”

    Peter shrugged and Joey replied, “Okay…but for the record you had left us alone for eight minutes and twenty-seven seconds.”

    Bill laughed and said, “Ah, you’re gonna be a smart aleck eh?  I’ll remember that…” Bill grinned, letting go of Joey’s and Peter’s shirt collars.  “Come one guys, everything’s been going great for me so far…let’s not mess it up now, whaddya say?”

    The three looked at each other and laughed.  This was just another game for them, and Bill smiled and said, “I’ll catch up with you guys later.  Whose house are doing homework at tonight?  I’m driving as usual…”

    Joey laughed, and said, “It was your place as usual.  I can never get used to that mansion of yours…especially now that your parents have decided to remodel the place.  I don’t see how you can stand it.”

    Peter nodded in agreement and Bill said, “I can’t Joey…infact, I haven’t told Mom or Dad…but I plan on leaving home indefinitely.  I’m not saying I’ll never come back…but even if they leave me that mansion in their will, seeing as I’m the only heir, I don’t ever want to live there.  Heh, what are we worrying about this now for; I need to get back to Camille.  I’ll see you guys later.  Hang tough!”

    Joey and Peter turned and left, pondering over Bill’s words.  He was just going to give up the mansion right, or was he giving up the entire Hampton fortune?  “No,” Joey thought, “The Hampton fortune numbers in the millions…billions even.  Who knows how much the Hampton name is worth, and Bill is the only heir…that could be dangerous.  If he dies and leaves no heir…wow, the Hampton line would end…after staying alive for centuries…” Joey was stirred from his thoughts by Peter opening the door into the school and beckoning him to follow.  Joey glanced back towards Bill, who had become his brother and greatest confidant as the years went by, and then followed Peter to lunch.

    Meanwhile, Bill had gone back to continue his romantic lunch date with Camille.  Even as they sat together, you could see the love between them; whether it was the way Camille looked at Bill as he breathed, or the twinkle you could see in Bill’s brown eyes as he kept an arm around her.  Everyone around them could see this, including Jeff Mitchell, who had become a vulture, stalking its prey until the right time came to strike and take it out.  He would never make his presence known, but he’d make sure it was felt, and feared.  The problem was, Bill had no concern with Jeff’s anger or presence, and that only made the envy in Jeff’s heart, all the more potent.

    After Bill and Camille’s romantic lunch, class resumed as usual, but with the Valentine’s Dance that evening the subject of afternoon chit chat.  Unknown to either Bill or Camille, they were the subject of most of that gossip, for they had become a popular couple in the school, and for just about everyone, the sweetest and most perfect match you could find.

    Later that afternoon, Bill was driving his friends to his house for homework as planned, but dropped Camille off at her house before leaving.  Bill parked the truck, and opening Camille’s door for her, helping her out of the vehicle, and carrying her book bag for her, he walked her to her front door.  After she had unlocked the door and thrown her book bag inside, she turned back to Bill, who took both of her hands in his own, looking into her eyes intently, and smiling sweetly as he did so.  She returned this smile, and only seconds had to pass before they kissed once more.  Bill then rested his head on her, nuzzling it gently, and said, “I’ll pick you up tonight at seven, okay?  Make sure you’re ready by then.”

    Camille simply nodded in response, loving every moment she could get close to him.  Bill chuckled warmly and quietly, kissing her on the top of the head before turning back to his truck.  As he got into the driver’s seat, he called back, “I love you Camille.  See you tonight.”  He then drove away, and Camille turned to go inside that again, empty house.

   Her father had been gone for quite awhile, and as she walked upstairs, past her deceased sister’s room, she sighed and said, “I just hope he isn’t sitting in jail somewhere; he’ll come back angrier than ever.  I know he doesn’t care about me at all, and if he’s angry, he’ll hardly leave any money for me to buy groceries with.  I’m lucky he still pays the bills.  After Hope died and he lost that chunk of his check, he was so angry…I…wonder if that’s why I don’t have my mother.  That anger…it’s a wonder he ever got close to anyone.” Her voice fell short, when she thought of what she didn’t have, and of what kind of company she was left with in her father.

    Sitting down on her bed and pulling out her notebook, she heaved another deep sigh.  She said, “God, what am I supposed to do?  I really love Bill, and I thank you so much for sending him to me and bringing us together, for he is a truly special person, and I love him with all my heart.  What am I going to do about this…I mean, I can’t delay my explanation of what kind of family I have forever, no matter what, and he’s going to want to know about it sooner or later.  What am I supposed to do?  Am I supposed to lie about my father’s alcoholism and how he’s never around?  Am I supposed to fake happiness when my sister is dead, a sister none of my friends even knew about, I have no mother, and my father only keeps me around for an extra five-hundred dollars a month?”

   She paused, and then spoke, “God…how long…before Bill wants to know about this perfect family he thinks I have?  How can I tell him I’ve never met my mother, and that I had an older sister up until two years ago that he never knew about?  What will he say when I tell him all I have is a father that lives off the government, spending almost all of his money on alcohol and wasteful living and is never home?  When he finds out how much I’ve hidden…will he ever trust me again?  God, I just…don’t know what to do anymore.  I pray that you’ll do what’s best for me in my life, as I know you have always done, ever since I was born.  See me through my trials, and keep me in your light…and forgive me of my sins, through Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.”

    Camille tried to suppress her tears.  She had grown close to God and Jesus through her trials, and knew that God would continue to see her through all her trials and tribulations, and that knowledge kept her spirits high, to the point where she could enjoy herself at the dance that night.  Looking at a picture of herself and Bill together, a smile spread across her face, and her heart felt warm.  She knew Bill loved her and that if she kept her faith in God, that everything would be alright.

    She sighed sweetly, and reached for her hairbrush saying, “I might as well start getting ready for the dance.  Since all my homework is done, I can enjoy myself tonight…no worrying or moping for me.  Bill promised me a good time tonight, and I’m gonna give him an equally good, and memorable evening.”  Camille then turned on some of her favorite music, and went about getting ready for the Valentine’s Day Dance that night.  She was done crying for the day; the rest of Valentine’s Day was for love, and romance.