as i struggled to open my eyes, i felt his arms wrap around my waist as much as he could. i laid there, allowing the blissful feeling to capture me. "good morning." cam stretched out his legs, groaning from the way he was laying.

"hey.." i whisper, taking in the lonely feeling that entranced me as he left the bed. he had stayed over last night, but nothing happened other than that one kiss. "are you leaving?" i question, my voice was gentle, and i knew cam noticed it.

"audrey." he smirked and made his way to the side of the bed where i laid. "we have a new manager... i think you know her." my eyes widen, taking in the night once again.

"eden?" i query, my hands gripping the comforter that surrounded my body with anxiety. he nods, running his slender fingers through his light hair.

"ya. matt hired her last night. without telling us." he checked over his text messages and showed me the bright screen of words. none of the others were happy with matt's decision and it made me think of all the bad 'in the moment' things he's done before. "so, why don't you get dressed and come over to the manor. i'm sure she has news for us... and since you're officially a misfit..."

"okay, okay. fine. but just to clear things up, if-"

"yeah, i know. don't worry. nothing is gonna happen between me and her." he dismissed me and stood, his knees cracking as they straightened.

"no, that's not what i meant," i whined. "i meant, if you... if you want to be with her— be with her instead of me, i'm not holding you back. i want you to be happiest." he kissed my forehead and pulled me to my feet. i wasn't going to be the one holding him back. and since we aren't in a relationship, it wouldn't hurt as bad if he found that spark again with eden.

"get dressed, audrey. i'll be downstairs chatting with your parents." my heart flipped. talking to my parents? not even my friends would introduce that option.

he left the room, leaving me to dress into something more presentable. i pulled over a black tube top and black track pants. slipping on a black and red pair of fila's as well.

brushing through my short wavy hair, i found it being more straight today for some odd reason. clipping in two black clips to each side to pin down my hair, i smile to myself. content with the outcome.

"yes, it was nice talking to you, mr and mrs?" i came down at the perfect moment. my father was about to speak, but i was quick to intrude. for some reason, my last name was a privilege for other people to know. it showed by heritage and my past, so anyone who has the knowledge of my last name has to be special.

"let's go, cam. stop harassing my parents." i giggled, waving to my mom and dad as we leave. "what did you guys even talk about, anyway?" we both get into the car. i watched as fitz started the vehicle and inspected him. he was so focused as he watched the streets.

"about the whole incident a couple months ago." he shrugged, checking both ways before pulling out into on coming traffic. "your dad wasn't too pleased with us. i'm sure you already know that though." i nodded, rolling down my window and feeling the crisp air beat against my face.

-

once we reached the manor, fitz let me inside first, my eyes feasting on the open room full of friends. "hey guys." mason called out, his tone bitter. he rushed over and rolled his eyes. "i'm mad because i like her. she's super chill and is giving us good weed. but i don't want her as our manager." he pouted. the house was arie, but the sound of distant chatter rang through my ears. cam caught my attention as his foot tapped against the flooring, exiling the voices behind it.

"why didn't he even question this? he must know none of us fucking want this." cam was pissed, and having it be matt who was the fuck up just made his blood boil even worse.

as we perambulated over, cam looked over to me, his eyes flaring with anger. "why are you so irritated?" i whisper, trying to not have mason butt in.

"it doesn't matter. i just don't think it's a good idea." shaking my head, i saw the expression on matt's face change drastically in seconds. "matt, can we talk?"

"sure." he agreed, following cam outside. i stood beside mason as he leaned against the wall.

"eden." i called, grabbing her attention away from her phone. "come over here." she does as i asked and folds her arms over her chest. "haven't seen you since the party-"

"listen, audrey. i think you're cool and all, but the misfits are already branded... and you aren't really part of it." she scowled. my hands shook and clamped together, my knuckles whitening. "i'm kidding! i'm joking you." she laughed. "no, you're actually amazing. sorry for your mini heart attack."

"good, i would only hope so for your sake."

"why so?"

"well first off, you'd make the boys very upset and their content wouldn't be as great as it could be. second, cam would definitely fire you without question." my eyes narrowed, asserting my importance. she didn't particularly bother me for any reason, but because she was a risk for cam switching his emotions she made me anxious, which i guess is bothersome.

my mind cannot be caught on that, because i brought it to cam's attention that i don't want to be his second choice. i want him to go where his heart desires because if you're truly in love, you wouldn't find a second person that makes your heart feel the same way. "so, i have a little trip." she gushed, thinking of her brilliant idea. "we're going camping on the beach. i thought it would be a nice little get away. and also a way for us all to get to know each other."

"that sounds great. i'm not sure if i can go though.. my parents are strict." she rolled her eyes and flicked her hand. "i'm serious. after-after the incident they forced me to move back in and they control wherever i go."

"audrey, you're coming. i don't care what your parents say. we have to get to know each other more. get closer. because we are pretty much the only girls that really come around as often. i've heard of bordie and bee but also heard they obviously have their own lives and don't visit as often." my head bobbed, biting my lower lip.

"i'll talk with my parents about it." god i sounded like i was back in middle school.