Free CREE by LaShawn Vasser

while being in New York, Cree was actually enjoying herself.
     

Chapter 10
     
    Over the next several weeks, Cree could count the times on one hand that she’d spent with Cameron. That day in the park with Robert and Gwen had been one of the highlights. Their routine consisted mostly of work, sleep, eat, and repeat. Well, at least for him. Cree filled her days trying to make up little projects for herself. No one anywhere was more thrilled about going back to school than Cree. She would finally feel as if she had a purpose. However, for now, she was excited that Cameron was finally getting a day off. Cree was hopeful that tomorrow, they could spend some quality time together.
    She was already in bed by the time Cameron made it home. He moved around in the darkness not wanting to wake her up.
    Cree spoke. “Hey.”
    He yawned. “Hey. I thought you would be sleeping.”
    She turned over on her side, rose up on her elbow and rested her head in her hand. “Couldn’t sleep.”
    Cameron undressed. “Everything alright? What’s on your mind?”
    “No. Just excited you’re off tomorrow. I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve.”
    He was quiet for a second or two. “I…um…forgot to mention it, but Freddie was able to get free tickets to the baseball game tomorrow. It’s been a while since the guys and I have hung out.”
    Was he serious? They see each other every damn day! Cree was pissed or was she over-reacting?
    She did her best to remain calm. “A baseball game?”
    “Yeah. One of Freddie’s patients has a Box, and he gave him three tickets.”
    Her voice was tight. “I hoped we could do something fun.”
    He could hear her anger. “Come on Cree. I don’t want to argue. Am I not allowed to hang out with my friends from time to time?”
    His response almost pushed her over the edge. “Baseball games last all damn day!”
    “I knew you would do this.”
    She sat up, “Cameron, you’ve had one day off in weeks, and you’re choosing to spend it with your friends. How am I supposed to feel?”
    “You’re overreacting. None of the other girlfriends are going. It’s just us guys.” He stalked off to the bathroom. “It’s a few hours in the damn afternoon, Cree!”
    She responded as he walked away. “What am I supposed to do while you’re at the game?”
    He threw back over his shoulder. “Hell, I don’t know? You’re a grown ass woman, find something to do.”
    Cree was angry and hurt.
    *****
    Cree got up early the next morning to go for a run. Cameron was still sleeping when she’d left. She needed to clear her head and run off some of her anger and frustration. By the time she came back, Cameron was in the kitchen making breakfast. Cree took her earbuds out as she silently walked over to the refrigerator to get bottled water.
    Nope. The run didn’t help . She turned the bottle up for a long drink.
    He watched her from the moment she came into the kitchen. “Good morning.”
    She mumbled underneath her breath. “Morning.”
    Cameron knew she was still pissed. “Do you want a chickpea pancake?”
    She almost choked on her water. Chickpea? Buttermilk…yes. Blueberry…maybe. But, who the hell has a Chickpea pancake? Cree rolled her eyes.
    “I’ll make me something later.”
    Cameron shook his head out of frustration too. “Cree. I’m going to the game. The silent treatment and your attitude are not going to work. And, I’m not going to feel guilty about it either.”
    There was so much Cree wanted to say. She was afraid if she started talking she might kill him with the pan on the stove. Instead, with Herculean strength, she responded with controlled anger. “You said that last night.”
    Cree walked out of the kitchen to take a shower. It helped to take some of the tension out of her body, but she still needed to get her mind together.
    The apartment was too small. There was no room to get away from Cameron when she was angry. The one thing that was guaranteed to help her clear her mind was