Living With The Player

**CAMILA**

The kind policeman placed a blanket over my shivering body, I watched as our house burned to the ground. Mom and dad were a few feet away, barely keeping a grip on their control but still trying to remain strong for me. I was numb, well not fully since I had small injuries from running outside.

They tried to comfort me but it was of no use, my pictures, my files, everything gone in the blink of an eye and we were rendered homeless.

Dad went ahead to make some phone calls, trying to get us a roof over our heads for the night. We'd probably book a hotel room, for the night, but I can't help but think how expensive that'll be, it's not like we'll stay in one room. I can't do anything to help them, it's not making things better in realizing that this is all my fault. It's my fault our house caught fire and burnt to the ground. How could I be so silly and reckless?

Like most teenagers, I was texting on my phone happily, I got so overwhelmed that I forgot the dish on the cooker. If that were the only thing that occurred, it'll still be okay, except I didn't just forget, the dish would've burned, I'll get scolded and it'll be okay. What I'll give for a scolding at this point. Aside from my forgetful attributes, I got so invested in the chat, I carelessly tossed a napkin on the burner, I relocated to my room to grab a pen and write something down. Well, it's a napkin and it escalated quickly.

My irresponsibility made me unaware until the smoke detector sounded. I rushed down, the phone still in hand, paper in the other and met the kitchen on fire. Confused, I rushed back to get water, but it was far too late. It's a miracle I escaped with merely burning marks on my back and my hands which meant no sleeveless tops for me anymore, It was all my fault that everything we worked hard for was gone. All the neighbours could say we're "Sorry" then retire back to their homes. At least they still had homes.

"Hey Pumpkin." Dad cooed holding me. Not this time. His soft hands can't help me at this point. I'm too invested in my thoughts to consider the possibility of ever overcoming the guilt I'm feeling.

"I'm so sorry Dad." I apologized, breaking down in a pool of tears. How could I do this to my parents? How will I show my face after this? They'll hate me if I tell them, but if I don't, the guilt will gnaw at me for eternity. I'm so confused. Dad didn't see through my features, either that or he misinterpreted them for sadness. Not a full misinterpretation, I was sad, just not for the reason he thought. Still, he smiled caressing my cheeks. I pursed my lips and stiffened.

"Don't be sorry dear, It's not your fault at all, it was an accident. They happen all the time, you're not to blame at all."

But I am. I didn't dare to tell him the truth that I was cooking. He thought it was a leak, he assumed, I didn't make an effort to make any form of correction. Now I just feel extremely guilty.

I nodded at his response as he held me tighter. I kept apologizing under my breath, for an unknown reason to him.

We were able to salvage dad's car so we all got in. This car was all we have left.

"The house was insured but it'll take a while for them to cover it," Mom announced as I sniffled. She wasn't feeling too well after everyone left, her face fell and she was on the verge of breaking down, I could sense it.

"Are we going to a hotel or something?" I asked following my previous conclusion. At least the house has insurance. It still doesn't make it okay, but it's better than nothing at this rate.

"It'll take a while, we can't keep living in a hotel and the money I would use to rent an apartment will be channelled into getting you two new clothes and other things," Dad announced with a sad sigh. He just lost everything yet all he could think of was me. I choose to repay him this way? So stupid.

I could barely keep it in anymore, I wanted to tell him the truth so badly. Fuck the consequences and anything that comes my way. I just needed to admit.

"There's another option. I have an old friend. He heard the news, called to sympathise, then he kindly offered to let us stay for a while, at least until we get back on both feet. He's married with two kids but they have a lot of spare room and one of his kids is in college."

I sighed. Usually, this idea would not appeal to me in any way. I wouldn't want to live with anyone but now...? We had no choice. It was either this or the streets.

"And his other child...?"

I blurted out curiously.

"You should know him, you attend the same high school anyway."

We do? I barely speak to anyone, I'm sure he'll be one of the randoms. We all let out a sad sigh.

"Yeah. Mr Emerton is a good friend and a great person." He announced. I stood on edge. I froze at that moment. Usually, there are thousands of people bearing that last night, but with the filter given; I know it's someone from my school, and currently, there's only one person with that name. Oh, fuck me. Two disasters in one night. I buried my face in my palm and tried to act normal.

"I'm going to live with Dylan Emerton," I muttered slowly as he smiled, squeezing my mom's hand reassuringly.

"Oh no," I muttered weakly.

"Please not Dylan, I can't face him again." I thought as dad started the engine. I prayed to all the angels in heaven, even if I had committed the biggest sin, I squeezed my eyes and prayed that Dylan wouldn't remember me. It's been two years, so I only hope he forgot me, although the same can't be said, since I still recall him every single night. Almost like it was yesterday, but it wasn't. It's been over two years.

**MINUTES LATER**