by Sarah
Chapter 5 Amanda slowly opened her eyes. Someone was touching her cheek. She turned her head and gasped in surprise. "Hello, Amanda." "Daddy. . . ." Mac Cory smiled that wonderful smile of his that transformed his entire face. His eyes sparkled with happiness. He kneeled beside Amanda and continued to give comfort to her by his mere presence. "He's coming. You'll be home soon." Amanda sat up to hug him, but he disappeared. The only indication that he had been there was the echo of his voice saying, "Soon. . . ." Feeling safe and that a great burden had been lifted from her, Amanda closed her eyes and let the darkness consume her once again. ****************** Cameron and Layne had been digging for hours. They had found nothing. There were no signs of life. . . . .nothing that indicated Gary and Amanda had ever been there. Cameron felt the rage inside him building. He was tired and frustrated. . . . .yet determined. He looked at Layne. She had not complained once and, even now, continued digging, though he knew her hands had blisters on them. He surprised himself by saying, "Come on. Let's rest for a while." They crawled out of the tunnel. The noon sun beat down upon them. The tropical humidity was stifling. Layne sat on a rock and wiped her forehead with the back of her hand. Cameron pushed a container of water at her. She smiled slightly and took a long drink. Cameron sat down beside her. They were both covered in dirt. Layne had streaks of dirt all over her face. The dust would remain unheeded for now. This was not a time for vanity. This was a time for living and particularly for finding the precious lives of Gary and Amanda, whose very existence was hanging in the balance. Layne looked at Cameron and drew her hands into fists, not wanting him to look at them. "Show me your hands." Cameron told her. He did not have time to argue with her and reached over, pulling Layne's fists toward him. "Open them." Layne looked at him defiantly for a moment, then opened her fists and turned her palms upward so Cameron could see. He examined the raw, angry skin for a moment, then splashed water over the open blisters. He reached into his bag and pulled out ointment and bandages. He ministered to her hands and wrapped the bandages securely. Layne winced but said nothing. "You're a good man, Cameron Sinclair," Layne told him, looking at him with admiration. Cameron shrugged and looked away, "You're no good to me if you can't move." "So you just doctored my hands so that I could continue to use the shovel. Amanda was right about you. There's this person inside of you that you don't want anyone to see." Cameron grew uncomfortable with her praise. He stood up. "Don't make a big deal out of it. I want to find Amanda and Gary." "It is a big deal. Now, I know why she loves you so much." Cameron walked a short distance away. "Let's get back to work." As he turned to walk back to the tunnel, he kicked a rock with his shoe. In their quiet surroundings, devoid of the sounds of machinery, Cameron and Layne heard the small rock echo as it ricocheted through an opening in the ground. Cameron and Layne looked at each other. They both ran toward the hole that the rock had disappeared into. They pushed the vines away revealing the small opening. It was large enough that they could both look through it at the same time. "Give me the flashlight." Layne ran to the backpack and brought back the flashlight. Cameron shined the light down into the hole as Layne looked over his shoulder. The light revealed the two people laying on the ground below. "Amanda!!! Gary!!!" Cameron yelled, but neither moved. Cameron wanted to feel relieved, but instead, his body filled with dread, wondering if they had found them, only to lose them again. He looked at Layne and saw his own fears mirrored in her face. "This opening isn't big enough for either of us to fit through," Layne said as she looked around for another opening. Cameron had come to the same conclusion. "No, it's too small. Layne, go get help." Layne hesitated for a moment wanting to search for an entrance that would lead them to Gary and Amanda. She knew they would need medical help so she finally did as Cameron had asked. Cameron did not wait to see if she did as he asked. This was one thing he had to do alone. He looked around for anything that looked like it might hide an opening. He walked down the side of the hill. He pushed aside saplings and vines, randomly pulling and discarding foliage in hopes of finding an entrance. "Thank God!" he cried as he uncovered a corridor. Cameron crept cautiously through the tunnel. Other tunnels lead off this one so he began marking his way. They could not be far away. He had only walked a short distance to find the tunnel. He smiled when he saw the faint light ahead and knew it had to be the chamber where he had seen Gary and Amanda. He rushed through the opening to the chamber and saw them immediately. Cameron knelt beside Amanda and saw the blood on her forehead. He felt for a pulse, then shouted when he felt her strong heartbeat. He turned to Gary and was relieved that he, too, was alive. When he eased his arm underneath Amanda. She began stirring. As Cameron pulled her into his arms, she opened her eyes. "Am I dreaming?" she whispered. "I'm here, Amanda. You knew I'd come for you." "Gary, he's. . ." "Help is on the way. I'm going to take you out first." "Cameron!" Layne shouted from the opening above. "Thank God, you found an entrance. They are sending an ambulance." Cameron carried Amanda as she clung to him. She was weak and could barely speak. He held her tight as he maneuvered them through the narrow tunnel. Amanda shielded her eyes from the light when they exited the tunnel. Cameron could see Layne in the distance as he climbed the hill. He carried Amanda to the place where she stood. "I'm going to leave you here with Layne. I've got to get Gary out of there. This place is unstable. We've got to move quickly before the whole place collapses." Amanda looked up at Cameron, "Cameron. . . be careful." He kissed her on the forehead and disappeared. Layne put her arms around Amanda. She could tell that she was weak and barely hanging on to consciousness. "Layne," she whispered. "I knew you'd come." "You sent me a pretty strong signal. Cameron never gave up, Amanda. He's amazing." Amanda nodded and smiled, "I know." ******************* Cameron ran through the tunnel. He tried to ignore the dirt falling more freely from the ceiling above as he ran. The light was a short distance ahead. He would get Gary and get out of there before everything collapsed. Cameron kneeled and pulled Gary to a sitting position. Gary stirred for the first time in hours. He opened glazed eyes and looked at Cameron. "Cameron. . ." he choked. "Yeah, I'm here. We gotta get outta here." Cameron pulled Gary to his feet then let the full weight of Gary's body rest on his own. He looked up to the hole in the ceiling. Layne was watching everything. She smiled and gave him a thumbs up. Cameron began walking toward the tunnel with Gary on his back. Layne watched as Cameron disappeared into the tunnel then breathed a heavy sigh of relief. "They're on the way, Amanda," she told her with a smile. Amanda smiled groggily. They could hear the sirens in the distance. Layne sat by Amanda and supported her with her arm around her shoulders. Both women cried out as the ground began to shake beneath them. They struggled to get away, fearing they would be sucked down. As it settled once again, the rescue workers arrived. Amanda and Layne were oblivious to their presence. Layne had thrown herself across the small hole in the ground looking for signs of life. A weakened Amanda lay beside her. Layne saw nothing but dirt and debris. The tunnel that Cameron had disappeared into was nothing but rubble.
Chapter 6 "Layne. . . Laynie?. . .No,. . . Layne, no. . .," Amanda cried when Layne did not answer her. Layne could hear Amanda begin to cry behind her, but she continued to stare at the destruction below in a state of shock and disbelief. She slowly stood, intending to console Amanda, but found herself wiping her own tears. As she looked into the horizon with tear-filled eyes, a smile slowly spread across her face. "Amanda, look! Amanda. . ." Layne said with excitement and awe. Amanda wiped the tears from her eyes and almost fainted when she saw Cameron walking toward them with Gary on his back. They were both covered in dirt, but they were alive. Layne placed a steadying arm around her waist as Amanda swayed. "Cameron!" Amanda cried as she slid to the ground despite Layne's attempts to keep her upright. One of the rescue workers helped Gary onto a stretcher. They were trying to put oxygen on Amanda and get her onto a stretcher also. She was focused on Cameron. There was no one else in the world. Cameron fell to his knees beside her. He hugged her and pulled her tightly against him. He could not get her close enough. "Amanda. . .Amanda. . ." he whispered over and over as he stroked her hair. "You never. . . . .gave. . . .. up. . . .on me," she told him as she struggled to remain conscious. Cameron leaned back and looked into her eyes, "I couldn't let you go. I love you, Amanda. We are connected. I could always feel you. . .always. " ******************* Boca Lynda Memorial Hospital Gary's Room Gary's eyes were closed. The doctor had just left. The news was not good. Cameron stood by the side of the bed, and Layne looked on the scene from the doorway. Gary opened his eyes and looked at Cameron. "Thank you." "For what?" Cameron asked, shrugging. "'For what?!' For saving my life. I wouldn't be here now if it weren't for you." Cameron was uncomfortable with Gary's gratitude. They had been through a lot together the past couple of weeks, but their relationship was still strained at best. "You're a fighter, Gary. You would have figured something out." "I hope that time will give us a chance to work through our problems. . . .so we can be brothers again. I hope you want that, too." Cameron nodded, "Yeah, I want that. Why don't you take it easy. It's going to be a long trip to Bay City." "That shot they gave me is already working. Now get out of here. Go see Amanda," Gary told him and smiled. Cameron hesitated for a moment, then smiled back at Gary. He left the room and met Layne in the hall. He touched her shoulder as he passed her. "Would you sit with Gary?" Layne nodded and smiled. He did not wait for her answer but hurried down the hall. Layne sighed, content that Amanda was finally going to have the happiness she deserved. She walked into Gary's room. He had closed his eyes. Layne pulled a chair up beside his bed and began her vigil. "So you pulled the first watch," Gary stated as his eyes popped open and danced with mischief. Layne laughed, "It looks that way." Gary became serious. His smile disappeared. He fixed his deep brown eyes on Layne. "Thank you for coming to Boca Lynda with Cameron. Thank you for believing." Layne narrowed her eyes, then smiled, "I'm glad that I could help in any way. Hey, I got my best friend back." Layne took Gary's right hand into both of her own and squeezed tightly. "And you've made a new one," Gary said. Layne nodded in agreement, "I'm the lucky one." ******************** Cameron walked into Amanda's hospital room. He softly closed the door behind him. Amanda was lying quietly on the hospital bed with her eyes closed. She looked like an angel. He had never felt so incredibly alive. He walked to her and sat down beside the bed. Cameron had just gotten off the phone with Josie. She had not wanted to believe him at first, but now she was ecstatic that Gary was alive yet concerned because his condition was still very serious. They were going to airlift Gary on a medical airplane to Bay City later tonight. They had agreed to take Cameron, Amanda, and Layne on the same airplane. Amanda stirred. She opened her hazel eyes and looked at Cameron. She smiled when she saw him sitting there watching her sleep. "Hey," she said in greeting and reached out her hand to him. Cameron took her hand in both of his, then kissed her palm. "Hey, 'yourself'. You know there's someone that we need to call." "Mom," she smiled. Cameron dialed the number, then handed Amanda the phone. Back in Bay City, Rachel sat in the living room looking through business papers hoping to see the missing money there. She anxiously awaited word from Cameron and Layne, but tried to keep hope a distant emotion. A very strange sensation filled her body when she heard the phone ring. "Amanda?" she wondered as she ran to the phone. "Hello." "Mom. . .Mom it's me." "Amanda. . ." Matthew walked into the room and Rachel turned to him with a smile on her face. "Matthew, it's Amanda. Cameron found her. Oh my darling, it is so good to hear your voice." Amanda talked to Matthew, and then a tearful Alli before she said her good-byes. She handed the phone back to Cameron, and he laid the phone on its cradle. "You're smiling. I guess they were happy to hear from you." "Yeah, I can't wait to get home." Cameron smiled, "I can't wait to get you home. There's a lot of things I want to do." "Like?" she inquired with a wide smile. "Like kissing you under the stars until the sun comes up and holding your hand when we walk through the park. Lots of things, but right now I want you to rest. Close your eyes." "In a minute. . .Cameron, I love you. I love you. . ." she whispered with emotion tightening her voice. "Would you do something for me?" "Anything, Princess." "Lay beside me and hold me until I fall asleep." Cameron did not hesitate. He laid down on the bed beside her and held her tight. Amanda snuggled against him and tucked her head underneath his chin. Cameron kissed the top of her head. They both closed their eyes, savoring a new beginning. Miles of loneliness, now make perfect sense Here beside you. Tears like water fall It was worth it all just to find you. And yours are the last arms I'll run to. Now I know how the river feels when it reaches the sea. And finally finds the place it was always meant to be Holding fast, home at last knowing the journey's through Lying here with you, I know how the river feels. ******************** Bay City General Hospital Cameron watched over the attendants as they settled Amanda into the bed. The doctors wanted to keep Amanda in the hospital for observation. Layne had called the Corys and was sitting with Gary. When Amanda and Cameron were alone again, he sat on the bed beside her. Amanda smiled, "We'll find a way to be alone." "Yeah, I'll think of something. Amanda, there's something I need to tell you. . . . about why I came to town." "Carl hired you," Amanda said, then shrugged. Cameron placed his forefinger over her lips. "Shh. . .That's true, but there's more to it that you need to know. I was recruited from prison by the FBI. I was trained in Quantico. While I was there, they paired me with. . . .Josie. The deal was that I complete a case, and I would be released from prison. The FBI got a tip that someone in Bay City had put out feelers for a hit man. That information led directly to Carl. I was sent here as a mole to protect your family." Amanda smiled, "So you never truly worked for Carl. You were always in the house to protect us. And Josie was in your face all the time because she's your partner." Cameron nodded without expression. He was trying to gauge her reaction and was not sure where to go from here. "Josie had no idea I was Gary's brother. I knew she wouldn't take the case if she knew who I was. I know this is a lot to handle right now. I'll understand if you don't want me around anymore." Amanda smiled, then punched him playfully. "One of these days, Sinclair, you're going to stop beating yourself up and believe in true love." Cameron still did not smile. "I believe in you," he whispered. "Come closer," Amanda requested as she crooked her finger at him. Cameron leaned closer. Amanda wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. She pulled him tighter and showed him without words exactly how she felt about him. When they finally leaned away from one another, they found it hard to breathe. "I love you, Cameron," she gasped. "I love you no matter what fate may have in store for us. We'll face it together." Cameron nodded. "I love you. Listen, I want to stay here with you forever, but Layne is sitting with Gary. He's probably getting on her last nerve. I should go check on him." "I'll miss you," she pouted. Cameron leaned forward and kissed her gently, longingly. "I'll be back." Amanda watched as he walked away, knowing he would stay very close. She shook her head, understanding so many things now that she knew why Cameron had come into her life. It made her love him more, if that was possible. Cameron met Layne in the hall. "What's going on?" "The doctor is with Gary. Maybe you should see what's going on. Cameron, I think it may be worse than we thought." Cameron did not wait for her to elaborate and opened the door to Gary's room. Layne walked to Amanda's room and opened the door. She walked over and sat down beside the bed. "Rachel, Matt and Alli should be here soon. Alli was so excited when I called." "How is she? I mean really. She sounds fine on the phone but. . ." "She was really shaken between the kidnapping and the news of your 'death'. She's strong, like her Mom. I think she's gong to be just fine." Layne and Amanda held hands. Layne suddenly became very serious. "I thought you were gone, Amanda. I gave up, and I'm sorry." Amanda smiled, "It's a good thing I remembered that telepathy stuff, huh?" Layne laughed, "Yes, it is, because I was beginning to wonder if we were going to have to commit Cameron. He knew all along, Amanda. He never believed for one second that you were dead. He's a very special man." "Yes, he is." "Your family will be here soon. There's something that I haven't told you yet. Your Mom has offered me a job at Cory. I'm going to accept. Everything that has happened with you has made me see things much more clearly. I realized that I have been gone long enough. It's time to come home." "Oh, Layne, I can't tell you how happy that makes me. It will be so good to have you here. And we'll get to work together. So does this mean that I'm finally going to meet this mysterious husband of yours?" "Ah, I haven't told him yet. I've got a hard sell coming when I get off that airplane. Wish me luck." "You'll convince him. I have confidence in you." "Mom!" Alli cried as she ran through the door to the room with Rachel, Matt, and Paulina close at her heels. There was not a dry eye in the room. Rachel was the last to hug Amanda. She smiled through her tears of joy. "Amanda, I missed you so. I didn't want to give up. I could still feel you, but as time went by I knew you were gone forever. But Cameron and Layne didn't give up." Amanda nodded, "No they didn't. I can't tell you how happy I am to be home surrounded by the people I love." ******************* Cameron sat close by Gary's bed. They would be coming for him soon to run more tests. The doctor had cautioned that the internal injuries could be very severe. They needed to do surgery to repair his broken leg. Gary had multiple injuries. All of it worried Cameron. Gary stirred. He looked at Cameron. Cameron smiled slightly. "Hey, what are you looking so grim for?" "I'm just worried." "About me? Why?" "You heard what the doctor said." "Yeah, I heard. Cam, there's something I need to say. . ." "You don't need to say anything to me. You already said everything you needed to say in Boca Lynda, " Cameron interrupted. "Just shut up and listen for a minute. If it weren't for you and that damned hard head of yours, I wouldn't be here right now and I know it. I was really tough on you and I'm sorry. Thank you for saving my life." Cameron nodded not knowing what to say. "You've already thanked me." "And I'm going to keep thanking you." Gary was silent for a long time, then he swallowed hard. "I really want us to be family again. Come here and give me a hug." Cameron hesitated for a moment, then did as Gary said. He hugged him hard feeling like a little boy again. He turned as a tearful Josie burst in the room. Cameron retreated, seeing that they needed to be alone. As Cameron left Gary's room and walked toward Amanda's hospital room, he felt like everything was finally going right. ******************* Cory Mansion 2 Days Later Cameron and Amanda sat side-by-side on the couch. Amanda held up yesterday's Herald for Cameron to see. The headline read "Cameron Sinclair Hero". "Now the world knows what I've always known," Amanda told him. Cameron ducked his head. "Did I make you blush?" "Get out of here," he said continuing to avert his face from her prying eyes. "Shouldn't you be upstairs resting? This place has been like a circus today. Look at all of this stuff," Cameron told her then swept the room with a wave of his arm indicating all the flowers and baskets of goodies. "I want to stay here with you forever." Cameron smiled at her, then reached down and swung her up into his arms. "What are you doing?" Amanda asked as she looked into his eyes. "I'm carrying you upstairs." "I can walk, you know. I'm fine, Cameron." "It makes me feel better." Amanda smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck, relishing his gallant gestures, and the man who is Cameron Sinclair. Yeah, it made her feel better, too. One Week Later Cameron was cloaked by the dark night. The moon did not offer any light. He hid in the shadows and assessed the sturdiness of the trellis. He began climbing, trying not to notice when the structure groaned and creaked noticeably under his weight. Amanda sat in bed with pillows piled behind her back. The lamp beside her bed was the only illumination in the room. A book lay unopened in her lap. She had not left the house for a week. The doctor had ordered rest, and her family had made sure that she had it. Cameron had not been to visit today, and it was weighing heavily on her mind. They had had very few moments alone since they arrived back in Bay City. She knew everyone meant well, but she was determined to get her life back and that life included Cameron. She gasped as the French doors in her room flew open. Her shock turned to happiness as she beheld the sight before her. Cameron stood in the doorway. He was wearing faded blue jeans and a hunter green T-shirt. He had a deep red rose clenched between his teeth. Amanda tried to suppress a giggle and did not succeed. Cameron pulled the rose from between his teeth and advanced on her. Amanda laughed more. "You really know how to boost a guy's ego," he told her flatly. Amanda sobered, "I suppose I should be shocked and order you from my room." Cameron sat down beside her on the bed. "You could do that, but you won't." Amanda rolled her eyes. "Some things never change. You are so sure of yourself." Cameron lowered his voice. "I want you all to myself, and I'm hoping that you want the same thing." Amanda's heart fluttered. She leaned forward so that their lips were a breath away. "It's all I've been able to think about." Cameron closed the distance between them and pulled Amanda closer to him. He gently kissed her, teasing her lips as he showed her how much he had missed touching her. He caressed her cheek then trailed kisses down her neck and nibbled at her earlobe provoking a strangled gasp from Amanda. Amanda pulled his shirt from the waist of his jeans and deliberately ran her hands up the bare skin of his chest. Cameron leaned his forehead against hers, and they both struggled to control their breathing. He took the rose he had brought her and rubbed its velvety softness against her cheek. "I think I better leave." "No," Amanda pleaded. "You just got here." "If I don't leave now, I'm not going to leave," Cameron told her as he stood up. "I can behave." Cameron laughed, "Uh-huh, but even if you can, I can't." Amanda smiled, "Maybe I don't want you to." Cameron inhaled sharply, "Amanda. . ." "Please stay just a little longer. I haven't seen you all day." "All right," Cameron said, then nodded toward the bed. "Let's find a more neutral place to talk." Amanda laughed. Cameron helped her into her robe. She clasped his hand and they left the room together. She led him down the backstairs. They ran past the living room, where they could see Rachel and Matt. They ended up by the pool. Cameron pulled Amanda back against him. He put his arms around her waist. Amanda put her hands on top of his. Cameron leaned his head against hers, and they looked up at the sky. It was full of stars. "Where's our star, Cameron?" Cameron did not have to ask which star she was talking about. He remembered every moment from the first day they met. He pointed upward to a tiny light sparkling against the dark sky's background. "That's it. Right there." "I like being in your arms. I feel safe." "I'll never let anything happen to you. I'll always protect you, Amanda. I love you." "I know, Cameron. I love you. Where do we go from here?" Cameron thought carefully before he answered, "I cannot offer you expensive things or money. All I can give you is my love." Amanda turned in his arms and looked deeply into his eyes, "That's all I want and need. If I have your love, then I have everything." Alli watched from the shadows. She frowned as she heard her mother's words. Author's Note: The song "I Know How the River Feels" was recorded by Diamond Rio and can be found on their album, "Unbelievable".
"I have a feeling this is the last time the two of us are going to be alone for a while."