Red

Chapter 3

Cameron's POV
"Hey mum, I'm gonna go to Robin's house for a little, is that alright?" I ask over the phone as Robin takes a bite from their chocolate bar.
"Of course it is. If you text me when you want to leave, I can probably pick you up."
"Really? Thanks!"
"I'll see you later Cameron."
"Right, bye."

"So you gonna tell me anything yet? Or am I going to have to wait until we get to my house?" Robin asks.
"Give me a square of chocolate and I'll tell you the basics," I reply, holding out my hand. With a chuckle, they place two squares in my hand and I scoff them down immediately. "Well how do I begin? I doubt you'd even believe me if I told you."
"Just go ahead."
"Okay, there is proof for all this, let me add, I just can't show you until we get to your house. So... my brother is alive... I know it sounds crazy, please don't think I'm insane I can explain!"

They're certainly looking at me like I've finally lost it.

"So, I was cleaning my room last night and when I opened a drawer I found what I assumed was a forgotten Christmas present. But it had the name... the name "Red" written on it. In it there was a note and a USB stick, and on it was a video of my brother. He's alive, and has apparently left things for me to find, one of them being near your house. So if you don't mind, can I search for it before we get to yours?"
"Sure... it's just a little... I can't believe it. Shay is alive..."
"I know, I still don't fully believe it. But that phone call earlier, it was him."

A bit more walking and we reach an area which I'm certain is the crossing where I've almost been run over. But what am I supposed to look for exactly?

"It should be around here, whatever it is, I'm almost certain it's around here," I mutter, beginning to scan my surroundings. Robin decides to remain on this side of the road as I cross to the other, continuing my search near some bushes. That's when I notice a small toy car, silver and intricate. After fiddling with it for a while, I discover that you can open the top, and what I find there isn't particularly shocking. Another USB. This one red.

"Hey Robin, I found it!" I call, beckoning them over. They wait for a little to make sure there are no cars before running across the road towards me.
"I guess we should get back to my house so you can watch it. I suppose my room would be the better option, that way my parents are less likely to walk in on us watching it. That is if it's a video like the first one."
"What do you mean?"
"Maybe it's another hint in some other format."
"Like a riddle? Hopefully he knows I'm too dumb for that. Come on, let's get going."

Soon, we're at Robin's house, their parents already home.

"Oh Michael, you didn't say Cameron was coming around today," their mum says as we walk inside. I have to stop myself from cringing at the name, and Robin notices this. They nudge me slightly, turning those unpleasant feelings into anger.

"What was that for?" I groan, turning to them.
"You were spacing out, had to get your attention somehow."
"Whatever. It's nice to see you Mrs Prince," I grin. "Sorry for the sudden intrusion."
"It's alright, I should really thank you for looking after Michael so much, he can be a bit of trouble at times."
"Heh yeah... hey how about we go upstairs?" I ask, noticing Robin's discomfort.
"Sure," they reply.

When we get to their room, I sit on their bed and pull out my laptop. Whilst Robin dumps our blazers on the side, I bring up the video from Shay.

"You weren't kidding... that's really him."
"Yeah, did you think I was lying to you?"
"No, but it's hard to believe, y'know."

After I show them it, I plug the second USB in, wondering to myself how much money my brother has wasted on all this, and like Robin predicted, it's not a video.