chapter eight!

season 1, episode 5 - summer catch!

MIA WAS AT DANCE PRACTICE, trying to dance with one of the escorts.  Due to what happened at the Fourth of July party at Susannah's, Belly couldn't really have a partner. 

Mia was currently dancing with Kiara since she still didn't have an escort yet. "Ow!" Kiara exclaimed, getting her foot stepped on for what it seemed like a hundredth time. "Sorry!"

Meanwhile, Alex was dancing with a random girl, laughing with her. "You are quite the dancer." he joked as he spun her around softly. "Thank you. And might I just say that you are a gentleman." Once their escort arrived, Alex let them dance together as he sat at one of the tables.

"For a minute, I thought you had someone to take to the dance already.  I guess I was wrong." Alex knitted his eyebrows, confused by who was talking to him. He looked up, relieved it was Sam. "Sam, hi! You scared for me!"

"Hi. How did I scare you? I'm literally not that menacing."

Alex smiled, "Anyways... do you have someone to take to the deb ball yet?"

"No. I literally just got here. I don't think anyone would want to go with me anyways."

"I'll go with you." Alex stated, causing Sam to look at him in disbelief. "You'll go with me? Really? Me? I can't dance."

"I'll teach you."

"But you barely know me that well."

"Well, I want to. Only if you'll let me."

"Would they even allow us?"

"Two girls are going together this year."

"Fine, I'll - I'll do it." Alex hugged Sam, causing the boy to stand there awkwardly. "Yes! We're going to have so much fun! We're going to dance and eat and you're not going to regret it! Are you okay?"

"I'm not really fond of hugs."

"Oh, sorry! I should've asked." Alex stated as he let go of Sam. "It's fine."

"We should probably start dancing. I'm your partner after all." Alex joked, extending his hand to Sam. The boy sighed, "Fine."

The two went onto the dance floor, Alex resting his hand on Sam's shoulder and the other guided Sam's arm to his back. "Okay so the first step of waltzing is moving forward and moving backwards. Move your feet backwards for a minute." Sam raised an eyebrow at this, "What?"

"Just do it please." The boy rolled his eyes at him, doing as he was told. Alex moved his feet forward as he steadied himself from falling.

"Kia, look." Mia whispered, causing Kia to turn her head around. The two noticed Sam and Alex dancing, making the girls smile at one another. "I didn't think Sam would actually dance."

"I guess you were wrong about that. Alex must really have an effect on him if you ask me." Kia laughed, "He really does. I swear if Sam starts smiling, I'll have to thank your brother for it." Mia laughed, covering her mouth.

"I see that you're getting the hang of it." Alex stated, causing Sam to roll his eyes. "Barely. I almost tripped five times just now."

"We all can't learn how to dance perfectly that fast. Practice makes perfect as people say." Sam tried not to laugh, "That was really corny."

"Did you almost laugh? Oh my god, I almost made you laugh! You think I'm funny, don't you?"

"Keep dreaming, Knight."

"I'll take that as a yes."

Dance practice was finally over as Alex and Mia walked out of the country club. The girl decided to open her phone, getting a text from Cam.

Fake Dating

C.C.

Morning Knight

Pls meet me at the park when your done with dance practice

Knight in Shining Armor

Why?

Also I'm done with dance practice rn Rodriguez

C.C.

Bc your "boyfriend" is doing something for you

I'm not telling you what it is until you come to the park

Knight in Shining Armor

Really?

Wow your quite the "boyfriend"

C.C.

I know

I'm the best

Knight in Shining Armor

Keep telling yourself that

Anyways I'll be there after I drop Alex off

C.C.

Tell my future brother in law I said hi

Knight in Shining Armor

We aren't getting married Rodriguez

C.C.

I was joking Knight

Can't you take sarcasm?

Knight in Shining Armor

I WILL kill you

C.C.

Flirting with me already?

Damn Knight I didn't think it would get this far

Knight in Shining Armor

I hope a bird poops on you

C.C.

You really know what to say to a guy

Anyways see you soon

Knight in Shining Armor

See you soon

MIA HAD CHANGED INTO A BROWN tank top, baggy jeans, and matching sneakers.  Finding a parking spot, she gets out the car.  As she walked through the park, she takes out her phone, curious where Cam could be.

Fake Dating

Knight in Shining Armor

I'm in the park

Where are you?

"Knight! I'm over here!" Cam called out, causing her to follow the voice.  Her jaw dropped, met with a shocking sight.

A picnic.  Cam set up a picnic.

"Rodriguez, you did all this?"  Cam nodded his head, "Do you like it?"

"I love it! It's so cute!" the girl beamed, a wide smile on her face.  He led the girl to the blanket, allowing her to sit.  "I made us some sandwiches, some cookies and fruit, and water."

"That sounds really good."  As they ate, Mia couldn't stop smiling.  This was her first picnic and even though it was with her rival, she was still experiencing her romcom dreams.  "But are you okay after what happened yesterday? You know, when you were drunk?"

"I'm better.  I still can't believe I touched your hair." Mia stated with a shudder, causing Cam to roll his eyes.  "Oh, please.  My hair is really soft and you asked me if you could."

"That's because I was in a state where I was saying things I shouldn't have said.  For example, that."

"Oh, I also got you these." Cam stated.  The boy picked up a bouquet of pink buttercups, causing her to cover her mouth with joy. "I remember you said that these were your favorite so I got them for you. I also got them because I wanted to ask you if you want me to be your escort to the debutante ball. If you say no it's fi-"

"Yes, I'll go with you." Cam stared at her in disbelief, "Really?"

"Yes, I love buttercups."

"I'm also doing this so Jeremiah will get jealous." Mia nodded her head slowly as she was deep in her thoughts. She had almost forgotten about her crush on Jeremiah and how the whole plan started. "Right. Good thinking." she stated as she took the bouquet.

The two eventually finished their meal and walked out the park.  "If you're gonna be my escort, that means you have to come to dance practice with me."  Cam nodded his head, "I'm not very good at dancing."

"Waltzing is pretty easy.  I'll show you how to do it some time."  she stated.  The two just stood there in awkward silence, waving each other goodbye.  As Mia got in her car, she received two text messages.

The Fantastic Four

Alan Cumming - Alan

Simba's daughter - Kiara

Kia's wife - Mia

Olivia Rodrigo from Wish - Olivia

Alan Cumming

MIA

MIA

MIA KNIGHT

Simba's daughter

ALAN I DON'T THINK SHE CAN ANSWER RN DUMBASS

Olivia Rodrigo from Wish

You two fight like 3 year olds 💀

I need Mia to stop this right now 😭

Kia's wife

Hey guys

I was out with Cam for a bit

What's up?

Alan Cumming

YOU WENT OUT WITH CAM??

YOU TWO ARE DATING??

RUE WHEN WAS THIS

Simba's daughter

I owe Olivia a lot of money 😭

Olivia Rodrigo from Wish

You do

Pay up please

Kia's wife

I'm NOT dating Cam

Relax Alan

You guys made a bet about that??

Simba's daughter

You two bicker everyday

The tension is VERY hard to ignore 💀

Alan Cumming

Anyways

Do you want to go to the mall with us tomorrow?

Sam is coming with us unfortunately 😒

Simba's daughter

He's not THAT bad

He's just a bit grumpy 💀

If your coming tho, pls bring Cam and Alex

Your brother is the only person keeping Sam sane atp

Kia's wife

I'll come with you guys

I'll bring Alex but why Cam?

Simba's daughter

Bc you two are entertaining when your around each other

Plus I need my daily enemies to lovers story happening in front of my eyes

Kia's wife

Why does everyone keep saying that?

Anyways Isabel just texted me

Alan Cumming

Didn't she give you that strong drink yesterday?

She needs to be blocked

Kia's wife

She asked if I wanted to take a swim at the Fishers house

What should I say

Alan Cumming

Say no 🥰

Bc she literally GOT YOU DRUNK

Kia's wife

Too late

I said yes

Alan Cumming

WHAT

MIA

WHY WOULD YOU SAY YES

Kia's wife

Because Jeremiah 🤭

And Conrad is my best friend so I want to see him too

Olivia Rodrigo from Wish

Jeremiah gives me the ick

He needs to be off this planet

Kia's wife

LIV

WHY WOULD YOU SAY THAT

Olivia Rodrigo from Wish

BC HES A WALKING RED FLAG

AND A WHINY LITTLE BITCH

HE TRIED TO KILL ISABEL AND CONRAD WITH A FIREWORK YESTERDAY

Kia's wife

I'm sorry

WHAT

A FIREWORK??

Simba's daughter

YES A FIREWORK

HES CRAZY

Alan Cumming

I always had a feeling he was a snake

Kia's wife

Omw to the Fishers house rn

I love you guys and I'll talk to you later 🫶🏾

Alan Cumming

Bye Mia

Try not to get lost in Jeremiah's ugly ass eyes 🫶🏻

Olivia Rodrigo from Wish

BYE 😭

Simba's daughter

HELP 💀

MIA HAD ARRIVED AT THE HOUSE, getting a bathing suit from Belly. Her and the girl were swimming, giggling about random things. "Wait so you went on a picnic with Cam? That's so cute!" Belly beamed, causing Mia to roll her eyes. "It is not! I didn't expect it though."

"I think he likes you."

"Who likes who?" A voice asked, causing the girls to turned around. Jeremiah was currently shirtless as Mia felt butterflies in her stomach. He looked really good.

"I think Cam likes Mia here."

"He does not. We hate each other."

"Sure you guys do. Is it okay if I join you girls for a swim?"

"Yeah, the water's nice." Belly stated. "I'll be right back." Mia stated, getting out of the pool. She quickly went into the kitchen, snacking on a few crackers. As she walked back outside, she was met with a heartbreaking sight.

Belly and Jeremiah were making out in the pool.

Belly was everything a guy like Jeremiah could want.  She was kind, caring, and pretty, maybe even prettier than her.  Mia couldn't help but stare at her with envy.  No matter how she looked, how she dressed, how she acted, Jeremiah would never look at her the way he looked at Belly.

She was the girl who always got the guy, who everyone adored, and who would have the fairytale ending with her prince charming.

Mia was the girl who never even got a chance to get the guy, wasn't really noticed, and would always never have a fairytale ending. Thats why she asked Cam to be her fake boyfriend.  To try and get Jere to fall for her, to finally get who she wanted.

But that would never happen.  He was too focused on Belly.  The secret glances, the giddy smiles, everything.

And he was kissing her.

Mia was trying her best not to cry.  She decided to leave, silently slipping out of the pool and made her way into the summer house.  Grabbing a towel and quickly changing back into her clothes, she let Laurel know that she was leaving.  Getting in her car, she honked the wheel in frustration.  She then buckled her seat belt and drove away. 

Where was she going? She didn't know but as long as it was far away from Belly and Jeremiah. 

SHE WAS A fool who had fallen for the blonde.  Blinded by a stupid crush to see that he didn't like her more than a friend.

And nothing would change that.

Finding a spot, she got out of the car and quickly locked it. Walking up the steps of a house, she knocks on the door. "Who is it?" a voice asked.

"It's me, Rodriguez."

The door swung open, Cam standing in the doorway. "Knight, what are you doing here?"

"I - I didn't have anywhere else to go."

He moved out of the way as the girl came inside. Closing the door behind, he faced her. "Knight, are you ok-"

Mia started to cry, burying her head into his chest. Cam's eyes widened as he rubbed her back. "Do you want to talk about it?" he asked. The girl just nodded her head as he led her up the stairs and into his room. Sitting on the bed, he gives Mia some tissues. "What happened?"

"I thought Jere would actually like me more than a friend. But then him and Belly kissed in the pool and - and -"

She buried her head in his chest again, sobbing. The boy rubbed her back again, letting her cry. He hated that she felt this way. Usually he'd say something snarky to get her to roll her eyes or for her to come up with a quick comeback but she needed him right now. Cam sighed softly, trying to think of something to calm her down. "Is the Princess and the Frog still your favorite movie?"

Mia sniffled, "Yeah. Why?"

"I can put it on if you want. Maybe that'll make you feel better."

"I think I would like that."

"I'll set up the tv. You can go in the bathroom and wash your face."

"Cam?"

"Yes, Knight?"

"Thank you." Cam gave her a small smile, "Anytime, Knight."

MIA WASHED HER face, turning off the faucet. As she patted it dry, she noticed that her eyes were still a bit red. Sighing, she turned off the bathroom light and walked out. That's when she saw the living room.

Green pillows and a white blanket were placed on the couch. Fairy lights were hung and snacks were on the table. Cam walked up right next to her, holding a bag of marshmallows. "You did all this?"

"Yeah. Do you like it?"

"Like it? I love it!"

He led her to the couch, allowing her to sit down. He sat next to her, putting the bag of marshmallows on the table and pressing play on the tv. The two of them watched the movie, sitting in comfortable silence while eating snacks. "Rodriguez?" Mia whispered.

"Yes, Knight?" Cam whispered.

"Thank you. You didn't need to do all this."

"I wanted you to feel better so I had to. Plus, I remember you'd always make me watch this with you whenever you'd feel sad."

"Really? I don't remember that."

"How do you not remember? You would always beg me to."

"Oh, yeah. Now I remember. I also remember you'd always dance with me whenever 'Evangeline' would come on."

"Who says we still can't? It's about to come on right now."  As the scene played, Cam stood up. "Care to dance?"  Mia rolled her eyes, "Fine." Taking his hand, the two playfully waltzed like they did as kids. Only this time, they were just two teenagers, trying to heal from the past.

"You know whats so funny?" Cam asked. "What?"

"When we were younger, I remember you told me that Tiana and Naveen looked like me and you."

"I was so convinced that I made you dress up as a frog for Halloween in second grade."  Cam laughed, "I couldn't wait to take off that costume. My hair was dying."

"I think I was dressed as a fairy that time."

"Oh, yeah. You were Iridessa from Tinkerbell."

"Maybe we should watch one of the movies after this."

"Maybe we should."  Once the song was over, Cam playfully bowed while Mia curtsied. The two went back on the couch, watching the remainder of the film.  Unbeknownst to them, Cam's mom was watching. Angelina walked up right next to her, looking confused. "What are you doing?" she whispered. "Don't you see your cousin and Mia?" her aunt whispered.

Angelina looked at the two kids sitting on the couch, a small smile creeping on her face. "There's definitely something going on with them. It kind of reminds me of me and Ej before we got together. Except I can't tell who's falling first."

"We just need to give it time, my love." Angelina groaned, "I know. I've never seen Cam this happy around someone and he's always happy."

"He's definitely in love with her."

"I don't think so. I think he's happy about reconnecting with her but I think she's going to fall for him."

Cam's mother smiled, "I agree. Let's go before they notice we're here."

The two went back in the kitchen, leaving Cam and Mia in the living room. Time was still young and rich, maybe it would be in their favor for once.

Maya Speaks 💫:

I was giggling and kicking my feet while writing this chapter lowkey 🤭

Also he remembered her favorite flowers?? I'm SCREAMING

But Cam's mom and Angelina are lowkey shipping them 🤭

The slow burn is slow burning (don't hate me)