Chapter Text
Cameron often thought back to the most memorable night of her life. It wasn’t one of the many benders where her friends had too much to drink, or smoked and had ‘deep’ conversations (that would be hilarious when they sobered up- like why salty food is eaten before sweet) or even when she went downstairs just to see her mum walking out and never coming back.
Half of those she could barely member minus photos, “do you remember that time” conversations and badly taken digital camera photos that would never see social media. There was always one memory that kept her up at night, swam into her names at random times, crept into her cerebrum when it shouldn’t do.
A breezy august night. The sting of sunburn on sand. The chirping birds that shouldn’t be awake just yet. The smell of cheap marbolos bought at the shop that thrived off of barely-legal customers. The low thrum of chatter from their friends theyd wandered away from and a crackling fire. Cheap tinnies being opened and chugged like there wasn’t exams still to do.
And her best friend of 11 years. The one who’d seen her every phase. Who had met her as a boisterous primary school sticky-fingered, wiry-haired kid that made friends at the drop of the hat.
The graze of a too close hand. One so familiar, but not like this, not there. The hitch of a breath as she met Cameron’s eyes- something they’d done many times before. But not like this, weighted, tense. Even during intense games of air hockey during sweaty summers.
The giggle Rae let out. Intoxicated, excited, like she had something to say, that had been inside her for a while.
“I’m not too scared for uni” she states, continuing their conversation. “I just wanna be free, do what I want, you know?” Cameron hums, she got what Rae meant, but couldn’t relate. Her dad wasn’t strict like Rae’s parents- he knew where they were right now. He even told Rae’s parents she was at his and Cam’s right now, having a wholesome, sober celebratory graduation sleepover.
“Drink, smoke, wear whatever…” She pauses, like she’s almost not drunk enough to finish her thoughts. “…finally do what i’ve wanted to since high school.” Rae finished, before closing the (very short) distance between them.
It’s slow and messy and exciting all at once, neither sober enough to know any better. Weed and strawberry gum mixing with cheap vodka. It’s evident how long it’s been building, simmering, itching to happen for.
They forget where they are, who’s close by, that they’re best friends and this isn’t what they do.
Someone has to pull away eventually. Cam slowly breaks the connection, smiling wildly, feeling dream-like.
And then exams finished. There was more late nights, parties, pub trips, sleepovers- yet never another kiss. No mention of the event that Cam assumed Rae must have forgotten about- oh wanted to forget about it. For two girls who talked about anything and everything all the time everyday, that night was neatly avoided.
It’s at the back of Cam’s mind, trying to push through her worries about results day, getting into university, and leaving her dad. During the long drive to move into her accommodation, it forces its way through the cracks. Maybe it would be fine- if they were going to different schools, living in different buildings, far far away from each other with only a few texts and calls between them that would soon simmer out.
But they weren’t. Cam was pulled out her thoughts from an excitable text from Rae.
Raemond: Were 5 mins away!!! i’m so nervous
Cam chuckles at the contact name made years ago when she got her first phone. She takes a deep breath, looking at her dad who’s focused on the road but clearly having a lot on his mind.
All she needs to think about right now is moving in, making friends, settling in and her course.