Ch. 24

Everyone was packing up their bags and tents getting ready to drive back home.

Dean had walked Cami back to her camping grounds last night before heading to his own. Though he came back drenched he was in a way better mood so Jackson didn't question it.

It was warm this morning and you could tell that it had rained. You could smell it in the air, along with the scent of the earth, it was fresh.

Dean laughed to himself. If he told any of his friends how he was feeling they'd probably laugh at him. But he was ecstatic, high on happiness, and he was hoping that feeling could last.

As he and Jackson were loading their things into the back of his truck, a small figure approached.

Dean turned, to his delight it was Camille.

She gave a small smile, seeming a bit shy.

"Could I ride home with you?"

Dean was surprised and then said.

"Oh sure, I've still got room."

Cami nodded and then took her bag off her shoulder. Dean lifted it away for her and placed it in the back of his truck.

Dean had an old truck. Three people could fit in the front row, his back row was occupied with other things like his school supplies.

Camille climbed into the middle and Jackson got in next.

After making sure everything was secure Dean got in last and started up the car.

They joked, and as in they, Dean and Jackson joked nearly the whole way home. Camille felt a bit awkward with Jackson being there so she was quiet and laughed silently.

Dean dropped Jackson off first, no doubt on purpose. Jack grinned at him before he turned to go into his home.

Dean drove slowly. A few times he opened his mouth as if to say something... But he couldn't find the right words.

Just as he finally figured out what he wanted to say, Camille spoke up.

"Dean?"

"Yeah?"

"Last night... Did you mean it?"

"Camille of course I meant it." He turned to the side with a serious look.

She hesitated and then said, "So then... What do we do now.. what are we now..."

Dean was quiet for a moment and then let out a small laugh.

Camille turned and hit his arm jokingly.

"Don't laugh at me, I'm trying to be serious."

Dean nodded.

They pulled up to her house.

"Camille?"

"Yes."

"It's okay if I call you Cami now, right?"

"Yeah."

"Would it also be okay if I asked you to be my girlfriend?"

She was surprised but the look on her face was soon replaced with a big wide grin.

"Of course."

She got closer to him. He smiled looking down at her.

He inched his face closer and stuck his hand in her hair.

As they kissed a knock came on Dean's window.

He turned and Camille gasped before backing up.

It was her mother.

Dean smiled awkwardly and then signaled for her to back up as he opened his door. Camille hopped out the other side.

"And who are you to be kissing and giving my daughter rides home?"

Dean nodded.

" I'm sorry I haven't formally introduced myself to you Mrs. James.... I am Dean Carter. I am Camille's boyfriend. I hope you don't mind that I gave her a ride home, but a lot of the kids up there had their cars packed and I had room for myself and two others including her."

Laura stared at him silently and then finally shook his extended hand.

He turned to Camille and gave a quick wink.

"Mrs. James you must be proud to have such a beautiful daughter, I can see where she gets it from."

Laura smiled.

"Oh don't flatter me Dean."

He stood with his arms behind his back. Nodding profusely.

Camille thought it was adorable.

Laura walked towards her car and called out to Camille.

"I'm going into work just so you know." She paused and looked at the two of them.

"Don't get any funny ideas, I don't plan on staying all night."

Dean nodded and tried not to burst out into laughter.

"Of course not Mrs. James, your daughter is way more valuable to me than that."

Laura stepped into her car.

Camille stood there with her bags in hand, and Dean walked towards her.

"You need my help?"

"No I've got it." She looked up smiling at him.

"Are you sure? Cause I can help I don't have anything else to do-"

Camille laughed. "Dean I've got it, I brought one bag of clothes and a sleeping bag and it's not even that heavy."

"Okay, but don't say I didn't warn you."

Dean kissed her forehead.

"I've got to get home to see my mom, but text me later or I'll text you, I'll see you later though."

Camille nodded before turning and walking towards her front door.

Dean pulled away heading home. Laura still sat in her car, having just watched the entire exchange between the two. She had a feeling in her to dislike Dean, but after seeing that she figured she might be able to believe that he genuinely cares about Camille.

If only she knew the extent of his care.