Broken

Chapter Two: I Have to Keep Going, I Can't Be Lazy

TW: Low self esteem, pretty sad chapter
Camden's POV:

I was exhausted, that much I could admit. But I just felt so weak. And lazy. People were counting on me, and I couldn't make it just cause of some stupid cold. I was letting everyone down. I had even, somehow, let myself down. I felt so stupid. And angry.

I felt someone lift me up off the tile floor and carry me to my room, laying me on my bed. That someone was Angie. She looked tired. And sad. And worried. Like she was worried about me. I didn't know why though.

"Hey sugar... Do you want one of your stuffies? You always seem to sleep better when you have a stuffy." Angie murmured. I nodded, pointing to Cuddles the bunny and Kendall the koala. Those two were probably my favorites. But I really love all of my stuffed animals.

Kendall the koala is a gift from Angie. She had won it for me as a present when she went to a fair. I like Kendall. She's very soft, and feels good to hug. Angie says I'm like a koala. I'm Angie's little koala. That's what she tells me anyways.

Cuddles the bunny is a stuffy I've had ever since I was a baby. I cuddle her every night. She's very cuddly, which is why I call her Cuddles. Cuddles the bunny and Kendall the koala are best friends. And they like being hugged. I like hugging them. They're soft.

"Angie... Why can't I go into work today? Angie, I have to! I can't be so lazy! I don't care how much it hurts, I have to keep going!" I shouted, weakly sitting up. She tilted her head at me. I took Kendall the koala and held her close to my chest.

"People are counting on me, Angie! I can't let them down! I'm going into work today and that's final!" I declared as I got up. I think I got up too fast. Everything started spinning. I immediately sat back down as I tried desperately to get my bearings.

"Camden... You're not being lazy, sweetheart. You're sick. Look at yourself! You look like a ghost! Cam, please just rest.." Angie mumbled, but I shook my head. I'm not lazy. I don't need to take breaks. I stood back up, going to my drawers and grabbing my hoodie that I took from Angie.

"Sweetheart, what are you doing?! Get into bed! You are NOT going into work today!" Angie shouted, but I shook my head furiously as I pulled the hoodie on. Angie sighed, grabbing my wrist and pulling me to bed. I pulled away, which made Angie turn to me.

"For fuck's sakes, Camden! Just lay down! You know what? Forget it. I don't fucking care what you do. You never listen to me anyways," Angie spoke harshly. I frowned, running to Angie and grabbing her hand, she scowled at me and yanked her hand away with a glare.

"Get the hell off of me! Don't even fucking start! Do what you fucking what! I COULDN'T FUCKING CARE LESS!" Angie hollered, getting in my face. I stumble to the ground, staring at Angie with wide eyes. She stepped back, still breathing heavily as she tried to calm herself down.

"W-Why are y-you shouting a-at me?" I murmur. I never thought Angie would yell at me... She knows it scares me, why would she do that if she knows it scares me?! I felt my tears fall, and the realization hit Angie like a wall of bricks.

"Camden... Oh my god, Camden, I am so so sorry! Cam, I didn't mean to yell at you, I'm sorry," Angie spoke, her voice laced with remorse and her eyes filled with guilt. She reached over to hold me, but I recoiled, scared that she may try to hurt me.

"D-Don't! Don't hurt me, Angie.. I'm sorry! I don't know what I d-did wrong, b-but I'm s-sorry... A-Angie... Angie, do you h-hate me?" I stammer shakily, murmuring out the last sentence. I was scared, I didn't want Angie to hate me. I love Angie..

"Oh Camden, Camden, no. I don't hate you sweetheart. I could never hate you. Never. I love you so much, sweetheart," Angie spoke, pulling me into a hug, and I hugged her back as I cried. I did feel better knowing Angie still loves me. She kissed my forehead gently.

"A-Angie, y-you s-scared me... Y-You're not m-mad at m-me a-a-anymore, r-right?" I mumble, tilting my head slightly, and she rubs my back, kissing my forehead and spewing out apologies. She takes a shaky breath before she decides to answer my question.

"No Cam, I'm not mad at you. I'm so sorry, sweetheart. I never meant to yell at you. I'm so sorry. I love you more than anything, I really do," Angie soothes as she runs a hand through my hair. I snuggle up to her as she holds me tight.

"I didn't want you to worry, Angie.. I just feel lazy and selfish when I don't work, you know? I just feel like I'm letting everyone down! I know it may sound silly, but I can't help it!" I cry as I latch onto her shirt. She kisses my forehead.

"Sweetheart, you are NOT lazy and you are DEFINITELY NOT selfish if you need a break. You can only do so much before you need to rest. Burnout is a very real thing, sweetheart." Angie spoke, holding me close to her. I listen to her heartbeat, and it soothes me.

"Again, I'm so sorry for losing my temper and shouting at you. I didn't mean to scare you. I'm so sorry," Angie says, her voice was shaking, and her eyes were genuine. I smile a little as I hug Angie, and she hugs me back. I look up at her before replying.

"It's okay, Angie! I forgive you!"