(this is the first chapter to my new book A normal life, At the bottom you will see my friend Luke who I have asked to be the main character for the book so hopefully you guys like who I chose. Live I've said before, I have no shortage of great friends to suit roles.)
Cameron's POV
Walking up today in a new home freaked me a little bit. This has been my first move and I was still getting use to the idea that they tore down my other home. I mean, I understand needing to move or the real estate people would have literally destroyed the house while we were still in it. But come the fuck on mum another country?
Erica: "Cameron, you up?"
Cameron: "Yeah, I'm up. I just woke up."
Erica: "Right, apparently some things work differently here so I'm going to need you to be quick getting organized. You had a shower last night yeah?"
Cameron: "Yeah, I'll take one later when I get home."
Erica: "On the bright side, at least you don't have to wear a uniform?"
Cameron: "I guess. Anyway I'm up I'll throw something on and breakfast?"
Erica: "Banana till we find a shop closer by."
We've been here three days now, And it was still a bit of a culture shock. Turns out having a thick Australian accent can really throw people off balance when talking to them.
Erica: "Come down and let me know when you are ready, I'll need to head off to meet up with Danielle for this job when I drop you."
Cameron: "Do you need to be early?"
Erica: "No, I got time."
Cameron: "Alright, I'll be quick."
Only ten minutes later I had my heavy bag over my shoulder as I made my way to the kitchen. I loved how big this new place was but when I can stand in the middle of the kitchen with my arms spread, and not touch the counter top or the island in the middle of the room, I'd say that's bad designing.
Erica: "Still getting use to it? It's a big move."
Cameron: "Do you sometimes regret it?"
Erica: "Yeah a little, but I think this is what's best for us. And your dad will be over in about a week or so after he finishes up business back home."
Cameron: "Sydney to Dallas is a big move you know."
Erica: "I know, but we got the essentials so we should be fine. Now are you ready to go?"
With a nod from me, I followed her out as she left the keys in the pot plant, covered by the dirt just enough so only a small amount of the silver ring was visible for the house keys, we only had one set on us at the moment.
With our relatively short trip underway, I was talking about the accent, whether I should just use it or try to fit in.
Erica: "They will find out eventually. You are better off just being yourself. No one is going to be nice to someone if they find out something as big as their accent is fake, they will probably just assume everything else is too."
Cameron: "See when you put it that way."
Erica: "I'd say you can do what you like but my American accent is shit."
Cameron: "Yeah, I'd have to ignore you if you ever picked me up one day."
Erica: "Exactly."
Looking down at myself with my Grey tracky-dacks. Tight ish black shirt, not realizing I should get another one sometime, I felt a little exposed but then again. Might as well do something to stand out... Just don't get hard. Cos getting hard in trackys are the worst thing because you can se everything.
Erica: "Alright let's go in. Didn't even do your hair today."
Looking in the rear view mirror at myself and my hair, the short but erratic look kind of suited me. I mean I literally woke up with my hair like this. And it's only hair who cares? I think it makes me look slightly less like I give a fuck.
Erica:" You look fine Cam, come on."
As I got out of the car and walked through the car park just opposite the school, The two of us walked into the administration building to find a younger gentleman working the office, solo it seemed.
Teacher: "HI how can I help?"
Erica: "Hey, enrolling a new student today, My son Cameron Sears."
Teacher: "Cameron Sears? As in Erica Sears? Oh my Ma'am my sincerest apologies I wasn't paying attention."
And that, my friends, is why I was a little worried. Celebrity status should make the rounds pretty quick but Mum has insisted we don't hide it, what's the point.
Erica: "It's alright mate I'm sure you've been very busy. Miss Krile said to meet her when we arrive to go over his itinerary?"
Teacher: "Of course I'll just page her now."
As he did so, the teacher instructed us to take a seat. By the smile on his face, I could see he knew who my mother was. But then again when you take the lead role in the Aussie Unexpected Smash hit Lay me Down, I'd say everyone knows her. The movie blew the fuck up, with new fans all around the world and especially here in America. Her previous films had given her a pretty high regard as an Actress back home but here, I guess she was hoping it would be a little quiet, I guess we were wrong.
Miss Krile: "HI you must be Mrs Sears and Cameron how are you both?"
Erica: "Nervous."
Cameron: "On the scared side, Moving from back home where I was used to everything to another country is a shock."
Mrs Krile: "I'm sure it was a big one to you. Now if you will follow me to my office we can get started."
As we followed her in, I could see just through the large two open doors part of the school, with young students running around and chatting away, it seemed pretty simple here.
Cameron: "Lockers?"
Mrs Krile: "Not a stereotype but it does make things a lot easier for our students to hold their belongings without needing to carry it everywhere. I'll give you your locker code and show you where it is a little later."
While Mrs Krile and my mum began talking about the finer details. I zoned out a little as I looked of her window, seeing more students beginning to arrive and enter the building. How this place was such a massive indoor school with outdoor seating was beyond me. Enclosed areas this bag back home was reserved for shopping centres.
Mrs Krile: "Now Cameron, you will need to take some elective subjects to fill the time table we will give you, This is the list of classes we offer and you are free to take which ever ones you like."
As I looked over I saw that Drama had been underlined.
Cameron: "Thanks but I'm not really interested in the arts, that's mums job."
Mrs Krile: "Completely understandable."
Cameron: "I like the idea of these two. Wait how many do I need to take?"
Mrs Krile: "Two."
Cameron: "Yeah I'll take these two, Sports and Ancient History."
Mrs Krile: "Very well, I'll make sure to have Mr Milo input the choices into our database so we can spit out a timetable for you soon."
As she left the room briefly, I looked at mum and saw a worrying gaze.
Cameron: "Hey no, you aren't allowed to dot hat remember this was your idea. If I want a normal life out of the spotlight, I'll need to go to a permanent school."
Erica: "Yes but, you were home school back in Sydney so I don't know why you were so excited at going to a new one, I mean I'm nervous yes any parent would but..."
Cameron: "Mum, I'm nervous and scared too but remember. I'll still be able to attend certain events with you. Just gotta give it a little time. Trust Danielle and where she can take you. I have a feeling you two will get along on set."
Erica: "Yeah, Thanks Mate, you were always so much better at this than I was."
Cameron: "I think you just get flustered because you try to hold onto such humble beginnings. But with all the attention and money, and with dad not being here yet as he finishes up his season... I'm still mad he's going to die by the way."
Erica: "I think had he not found that out it would have kept us there. But imagine if it did surprise us?"
Cameron: "Anyway, I'm excited to attend a school. I'll get to be a kid."
Erica: "We can back out at any time."
Cameron: "I know, I'll let you know if it gets to that point."
As we waited a little longer, Mrs Krile came back in with my new time table.
Mrs Krile: "Now, are you able to move in your sweat pants?"
Cameron: "Ah, I forgot about colloquialisms. Yeah I'll be right.'
Mrs Krile: "OK, you have sports class today so I just wanted to make sure."
As Mum went over a few worries she had, mainly of course the normal parent stuff of safety procedures if something went wrong, how it works if I got injured or hurt. The normal worrying mum stuff but I was excited... Then I suddenly wasn't.
Cameron:" What if they find out who I am and then just base everything off of that? Hm."
Erica: "Sorry?"
Cameron: "OH, sorry did I say that out loud? I was just thinking to myself."
I think having Mrs Krile being female was helping mum a little. I think a burly or big man would have intimidated mum more without dad here. God I miss him already, but I got one week till he's home.
Mrs Krile: "Now, you still have a half an hour until the first class starts. I'd recommend finding your locker and unpacking your bag into it, checking your time table and seeing what classes are when to make it easier, now for sport you won't need a book as it's purely physical."
Cameron: "Yes Miss."
Mrs Krile: "Also students can be cruel, we have many different walks of life here but I'm sure someone can help you out if you ask. It shouldn't take too long."
Cameron: "Got it."
Saying goodbye to my mother, I stepped out of Mrs Kriles room as she quickly sent Danielle a message letting her know she will be a little late enrolling me in. Danielle seemed OK with it as mum physically sighed and seemed to relax a little. As I did leave the office, I stepped out into the hall and looked up at the sign above the office door, with the numbers for lockers and an arrow pointing in the direction. The walls were almost packed with them which seemed excessive but what can you do?
Cameron: "To just be myself, this is going to be easier done than said."
Being myself would be easy, however saying that to myself was a pain. Following the rows of lockers, avoiding the people as they moved around me. I kept needing to take a quick glance for the numbers. As I didn't have the time to just stop dead and look, someone would bump into me or fall over.
Cameron: "There it is."
After a minute, a freaking, minute. I found my damn Locker. Checking the paper I was handed earlier by Mrs Krile when I got my time table. I input the code and opened it up. It was pretty spacious in there, I could fit my bag and books so that made my life easier. Contrary to what anyone back home would say, Americans have this whole Locker idea down to a T.
Student: "Excuse me."
I moved to the side a little and checked my time table. Noticing which classes were first as I grabbed my books. Still probably looking slightly like a mess. I hadn't even realized that people had been watching me till now. I guess walking the way I do, upright with a slight drop in the shoulder frame, making my pretty decent body look just that little bit bigger. I probably looked like one of their footy players. Only difference being this tight shirt wasn't really doing much for making it look like I wasn't muscular. When Mum and dad are working on their roles, Dad has a personal trainer with him when preparing for action shots. So I decided to join in one day and found I kind of enjoyed it. Then he got me my own sessions with his trainer, Steven, and I told him what I wanted and we did it. A lot of people find it hard to start but once you get going, it's a pretty euphoric feeling, or maybe they just recognize who I am... Likely the latter. As I walked around, trying to find this first class. I felt someone bump into me before apologizing and keep moving. This school was going to be fun. I'm glad Mum kept me grounded and humble, even with the wealth and the luxury we had, she taught me early to be proud and thankful for what we had. As a lot of people won't get the opportunity. Words I took to heart every day.
Student: "Hey you seem lost, need any help?"
I turned to see a girl beside me, with her brunette colored hair and summer style Blue dress, she looked really pretty in the outfit she wore.
Cameron: "Yeah I'm trying to find this class for Maths but fuck knows where it is."
Yeah... Yeah nevermind I can't really just give up 17 years of Australian.
Student: "Haha, You went too far. It's back here."
As I got led by this young woman to the class, I could see some more eyes on me, and now her... And I know those looks. The looks of, poor guy or, why is he around her. Seems like this girl has a bit of a reputation... Fuck I forgot about that, reputation is everything to these kids.
Student: "The classroom is just here, This is Mr Peterson, He's been a teacher here for a number of years."
Mr Peterson: "You must be Cameron right? We got word a new student was joining us, how are you finding the school so far?"
Cameron: "Big, and full. I haven't even seen the outdoors yet."
Mr Peterson: "Am I your first teacher?"
Cameron: "Yes sir."
Mr Peterson: "Alright, let me see something really quick. Come here a moment and solve this question."
I loved numbers growing up, always have, likely always will. So many ways to solve an equation, so many formula to learn, all for a single answer. As I saw what was being asked, seeing it being rather simple. I answered it out loud, doing the working out in my head.
Mr Peterson: "And you didn't need to work it out?"
Cameron: "I did it in my head. It was pretty simple."
Student: "I don't know what this is?"
Mr Peterson: "Hm, OK in my class I have a student called Joshua, or Josh for short. When the bell rings, I'll get him to check your schedule and show you to the other classes so you don't get lost later alright?"
Cameron: "Sounds good, thanks mate."
Mr Peterson: "Now, Lauren you can head off now."
Lauren: "Yes sir, see you later Cameron."
Cameron: "Hey thanks for helping me out I appreciate it."
Lauren: "All good."
As she left the room, I turned to get a better look at my teacher, with hair pulled back into a little pony tail at the back, But with a wicked fucking beard going. He looked like a lot of fun.
Cameron: "Alright, what's the deal with Lauren, I can see the looks people are given me when they see she's dragging me along."
Mr Peterson: "She's got a reputation for being a loose cannon if you know what I mean?"
Cameron: "Like aggressive and hurtful loose, or throwing a sausage down a hallway loose?"
With a chuckle under his breath he looked over at me and gave me a once over, probably checking to see I was gonna be OK.
Mr Peterson: "While I'm not allowed to say that, yes in your own words, like that. Don't bother being subtle or hiding who you are by the way, students have already started talking about the famous New kid."
Cameron: "Ah, let Em. What are they gonna do? I'm just another kid like everyone else except I got some added bonuses at birth. Is there anything I should be worried about?"
Mr Peterson: "Not that I can tell. But I do know that it may take a little bit before you get use to the school. But once you find where everything is with Josh, it will be a cake walk."
As we were talking more about the school, Him answering the questions I had with earnest. The bell had rung, scaring the absolute fuck out of me.
Mr Peterson: "You'll be hearing that a lot."
Cameron: "I think I just crapped my pants."
Mr Peterson: "Anyway, why don't you take a seat just over there, third row Second table, either of the two seats. That's where you will be seated beside Josh. The two of you should work well together."
Cameron: "Yes sir."
Walking over and taking my seat, book and pencil case placed on the table as I waited for more students to come in, and as they did, they all looked at me with what looked like surprise and fear in their eyes. Guess I'll need to dispel that feeling later.
Cameron: "Maybe I should have taken Drama."
Mr Peterson: "Trust me when I say You don't want Drama."
Student: "Drama is a drag, it's not fun."
A woman sitting on the end desk of the next row turned to see me, informing me of the Drama class before a last student came racing in. With his dark hair, slight stubble and what looked like a cuddly frame, little bit of a stomach, he looked at me and then took the seat beside me.
Cameron: "Josh right?"
Josh: "Yeah, Cameron?"
Cameron: "Yeah."
Mr Peterson: "Josh, as you've already shown the ability to do this work, and Cameron answered a question I gave him earlier in his head alone. I want to ask that you take him around the school and show him to his classes. He's pretty lost after Lauren dragged him here."
Hearing part of the class literally fucking groan at the mention of her name made me laugh a little. You gotta love it when a class can come together for mutual enemies.
Josh: "Alright sir, Cameron let's go now, students should be in class and it will be easier to get around."
Cameron: "Sounds like a plan, Leave our books and equipment here?"
Josh: "It won't take an hour to find everything."
He had a point. As we left the class and he showed me around, in order from English right through to Ancient, he stopped by the Gym hall last.
Josh: "Americans take their sports extremely seriously. There are a number of sports available but the biggest one is football."
Cameron: "Which one? NFL, NRL, AFL, Soccer? Etc?"
Josh: "I guess NFL would be the right one. Anyway, There are a number of students on the teams for different sports but Football is where the money goes and comes in. They have done a really great job for the last few years but we are worried it will all go downhill from here. The remaining members of the last team have to focus on their work, so we have our team, and they are good, but at the end of the day it's anyone's guess. I'm sure you will meet them later."
With the gym hall being empty for now, He introduced me to my teachers before we started heading back to Maths.
Josh: "Any other questions?"
Cameron: "No I think that about covers everything."
Josh: "Let's get back in then."
Im glad he didn't speak differently or treat me any different but maybe they don't know who I am... Maybe students just see me for me?
Mr Peterson: "Your back, good, Cameron can you introduce yourself formally to the class."
Cameron: "Ah! That's why you said to be quick."
Mr Peterson: "Better to get it out of the way now right?"
Cameron: "Sure, right well first off My name is Cameron and I'm from Sydney if you haven't guessed by the Accent. My Mum and I moved over here about 3 days ago and Dad should be over next week. I was homeschooled for a while growing up due to my parents noteriety but I wanted a proper, kids life so when mum brought up schooling! I jumped at it."
Josh: "So who is your parents then?"
Student: "Who cares, probably wouldn't know them anyway."
Cameron: "Erica, and Daniel Sears."
I swear the class, which was previously muttering to themselves, all dropped the conversations they were having and just looked at me, staring in disbelief.
Cameron: "My parents are quite well known actors and yet I tried to stay out of the limelight. I'm good to be Honest, Just a kid that got lucky."
Student: "Your parents are famous actors and you aren't taking drama?"
Cameron: "Unless Comedy falls into that then no. I don't want to do Drama."
Student: "Wow."
Mr Peterson: "Take a seat, open up your booklet and answer exercise 1.04 in your book. It shouldn't take too long."
Cameron: "Yes sir."
I could already see students messaging away at their phones, likely telling their mates about the new guy. Ah well, I wouldn't have been able to hide it anyway, as mum said, it was inevitable.
(This is my friend Luke who will play Cameron.)