The Ties That Bind Us: (The Ties Duet Part One)

by Danda K.

  “Yeah, still a bit sore.” She looks back at me and smiles, angling her cheek for me to kiss.

  Obliging, I kiss her then walk over to the closet. “Want some company?” I grab the Epsom salts and check the water’s temperature before adding them.

  She points to the small standing shower. “Sure, just rinse off first.”

  I undress as she steps into the tub and slowly submerges herself, the steam from the water dancing around the surface.

  I quickly rinse off in the shower with some soap and turn off the water. Turning towards the tub, I see Cam lying there with her eyes closed and her head leaning against the edge. Most of her body is submerged, with just one knee resting above the bubbly surface. Her hair’s up in a messy bun, some loose strands wet and sticking to her neck. Cameron opens her eyes and watches as I approach her.

  Smiling, she scoots up to give me room to sit behind her.

  Once I’m settled in the tub, she leans back into me, her breaths calm and steady. We’re both silent as I glance at the curve of her full chest peeking through a break in the bubbles.

  Cameron’s voice breaks the silence. “Why do you call me Nyx?”

  I can’t tell if this is a spontaneous question or if it’s something she’d thought about for a while. I’ve actually wondered why she’s never asked.

  I return her question with a question. “Why do you think I call you Nyx?”

  “Other than the fact that she resides in Hades’ underworld and represents all things dark and chaotic?”

  It should surprise me this is her assumption, but it doesn’t.

  Cameron continues, “In paintings she’s also portrayed with a dark, misty cloud over her.” She shrugs, reaching for some body wash. I stop her and grab the soap for her instead.

  “That’s your problem, baby. You take the worst parts of things and label it as a whole.” I squeeze the soap on the sponge and run it down her arm slowly. “Did you know that not only was Nyx known to be incredibly beautiful, but she was the only goddess Zeus ever feared? She could bring sleep or death to the human race.”

  I switch to the other side, squeezing the water out of the sponge and watching it slide down her arm.

  “Yes, she was the goddess of night. But she also had the power to give life and illuminate the darkness.” There’s a trickling sound as I dip the sponge in the water again. “In fact, Nyx produced Hemera and Aether, Day and Light.” I bring the sponge to the front of her chest and slowly run it down the valley of her breasts.

  “While some gods are either fully good or evil, Nyx had the ability to impact mankind in both good and bad ways. But,” I kiss the crook of her neck, “because of her dark and mysterious features, many people have portrayed her as a negative deity.”

  I drop the sponge, grip her chin with one hand, and turn her face to look at me. “You’re just like her because, besides the beautiful ivory skin and dark features you have, you emanate light. Like Nyx, you lived in your own personal hell, but it never determined who you were. You’re not a product of your environment. You’re the strongest person I know, and I knew your strength from the moment I found you on the beach that night. I saw the look of determination in your eyes, and I just knew you were a force to be reckoned with.”

  She leans forward and hugs her knees. “I guess I never thought about it like that.”

  “It’s okay, now you--” I’m distracted from the conversation by something on her back.

  “What are these?” I point to the little circular scars there.

  Unphased, she replies, “My father thought it would be fun to burn me with his cigarettes.”

  Despite the anger nearly exploding in my chest, I continue, ”It’s shaped like a crescent.”

  I run my fingers along the curved trail by her left shoulder blade.

  Cameron shrugs. “I’m not even sure he realized he was doing that, to be honest. He was always drunk. All I knew was the louder I screamed, the more he did it.” She pops a stray bubble on her shoulder. “Eventually, I stopped screaming all together.”

  I look around the rest of her back and notice some smaller burns. They all seemed to be randomly placed. The crescent is the largest and most prominent, though. It’s around four inches from top to bottom. I clench my jaw together so tight I almost feel my teeth chipping. I’m seriously contemplating getting out of this tub right now and finding that piece of shit and burying him six feet deep.

  She turns around to look at me again. “I’m gonna get out.” Kissing me on my lips, she stands up and climbs out of the tub.

  I eye her shoulder again as she wraps the towel around her body.

  A crescent moon. The symbol for the goddess Nyx.

  Thirty-one

  Jaxon

  Thanksgiving is a week away, and I decided it’d be a great idea to invite our friends over to celebrate. I invited Sayeed, Sam, and Morgan. Cameron invited Camilla, Shane, Tegan, and Kim.

  Gelissa’s calling me from random numbers now, so it’s getting even harder to avoid her. Since I’m still waiting to hear back from the tech guys for Cameron’s computer, I accidentally answered a few of the unknown number calls. The second I heard her venomous voice, I immediately hung up.

  I know there’s nothing good coming from the other end of that line, just another way to manipulate me like she’s done so many times.

  “It isn’t even Thanksgiving yet. Please explain why we’re currently putting up Christmas decorations?” Cameron adjusts her new glasses as she pulls more tinsel out of a box.

  Carrying in our six-foot artificial spruce, I lay it behind the couch. “I’m sorry if I like to feel jolly for more than twenty-five days out the year.” I cut the strings around the tree so it can open up.

  “Trust me, Charming, you’re jolly for way more than twenty-five days out of the year.”

  Magnet runs from the bathroom and checks out the merchandise. I wrap my hands around his furry stomach and carry him away. “Don’t get any ideas, serpent. It’s a Christmas tree, not a cat tree.” I place him in the bathroom sink and head back to my project.

  “Somebody’s got jokes today, I see.”

  Cam shrugs and continues taking out some new Christmas ornaments, stockings, and lights. I wanted her to experience her first Christmas with all new decorations. The fact that she was never able to enjoy any holiday as a kid really makes me feel like shoving both her parents into a furnace and flipping the switch. Even as bad as my foster years were, we at least got to experience a little bit of Christmas.

  In reality, I don’t give a shit about making the house look like Santa’s workshop, but I want Cam to feel everything. Especially since it’ll be our first Christmas together. I usually put up a small tree and hang my stocking along with Magnet’s, Sayeed’s, and Sam’s.

  Since Sayeed learned I had no family, he’s made it his mission to make sure I have one now. He takes part in Christmas with me even though they don’t celebrate as Muslims. Sam loves the idea of presents, so we’ve exchanged since the first year I moved in.

  But this year, I’m going all out.

  For her.

  Because she may not know it yet, but she’s going to love this time of year.

  Cam holds out two stockings with Magnet and Jax on them. “Where should I put these?”

  I point to the space next to the TV. “By the fireplace, obviously.”

  She rolls her eyes and places them over the small black heater that looks more like a wood-burning stove. I usually hang all of our stockings around it. ”You’re forgetting one, Ebenezer.” I reach into the bag on the coffee table and reveal her white and blue sparkly stocking.

  I go over and place it next to mine, while Magnet’s, Sayeed’s, and Sam’s hang on the other side of the fireplace. I catch the look of surprise on her face as I hang up the stocking, but it’s gone as quick as it appears.

  By the time we finish, the apartment’s covered in twinkling lights, and our tree is glowing and decorated. Cam is playing “Baby It’s C
old Outside” on her phone as she makes hot chocolate for us to drink during a Christmas movie. I knew she’d be a sucker for early Christmas decorating, just like I am.

  ◆◆◆

  Thanksgiving Day’s already off to a fantastic start. The turkey’s been in the oven since early this morning, and Cam’s in the kitchen blasting “The Taste of Ink” by The Used as she makes homemade mac and cheese.

  Apparently, all I’m good for is preparing a salad. I’m not complaining- salad’s almost impossible to fuck up. And Cameron’s a damn good cook. So I’ll stay in my lane.

  I walk into the kitchen, and the sight of her in her white apron and tight jeans has me feeling all types of fucking grateful. Approaching her side, I watch as she melts cheese in a pot over the stove. I grab a spoon out of the drain board and start to dip it in to taste the dairy gold.

  Cameron slaps my hand away. “It’s not done yet. And I’ll never get anything done if you continue to eat it all before I finish.”

  “I’m your taste-tester, baby. It’s always good to have another palate’s opinion.” She lets out a groan, adds some cheese sauce to my spoon, then brings it to my mouth.

  “That’s it, you’re not eating anything else until later.”

  I shoulder bump her, remembering our rendezvous in the bedroom earlier. “Oh, really? That’s quite a different tune from an hour ago.”

  She slaps my shoulder. “Out.”

  “Alright, alright, geez. Relax, Gordon Ramsay.” I grab myself a beer from the fridge, head back to the living room, and collapse on the couch to watch the game.

  Sayeed and Sam showed up about an hour ago. He made some naan and kebabs and also brought a cheesecake. The rest of the clan arrived shortly after, minus Kim, who had to cancel to care for her ill grandmother.

  We’re just sitting down and filling our plates when I notice Cam isn’t here. I head to the kitchen and spot her on her hands and knees, cleaning the floors.

  “Baby, don’t worry about that right now. We’re all eating.”

  She scrubs vigorously. “I just need a minute.”

  This is not about the floors.

  I’ve noticed when Cameron’s anxiety is triggered, her go-to is cleaning the floors. I’m sure it’s not easy for her to be the center of attention while hosting our first holiday together. And I’m not sure why she uses cleaning as an escape from her discomfort, but I’m pretty sure it has something to do with her dad.

  I bend down next to her and put my hand over hers so she’ll stop. Cam looks up at me and blows some hair out of her face. Leaning back on the balls of her feet, she stares ahead as I say, “You’re not there anymore, baby.”

  I help her up and turn her to face me, nodding my head towards the living room. “Come on out. Everyone’s waiting for the chef.” Kissing her forehead, I take her hand in mine and lead her towards the table.

  We finished eating about an hour ago. Most of the guys sit around the table now, watching recaps from the earlier football game, when I notice Sam asleep on the couch. I watch as Cameron lays a red blanket over him. Sometimes I wonder what we’d be like as parents. I’d be the push-over for sure. She’d be the rule maker. I try not to think too far ahead because, with Cam, everything has to be on a day-by-day basis.

  Tegan’s loud laugh rattles in my ears as she slaps Morgan’s shoulder, hysterical over something he said. They’ve been talking each other up all night, making me wonder if he finally got over his obsession with his curly-haired Houdini.

  “I’m going to call it a night, Beta.” Sayeed places his hand on my shoulder, and I turn my head to face him from the chair. “Thanks so much for having us.”

  I stand up and pat his back a few times. “Thanks for joining us. I see Sam couldn’t make it past nine.”

  Sayeed laughs, “To be honest, I can’t wait to join him. Cameron’s meal was delicious.” He says goodnight to the rest of the clan before picking up Sam and heading out the door.

  I join Shane on the couch and flip through some channels. He peaks over his shoulder to where Cam and Camilla are clearing off what’s left on the table. “So, how’re things going with you guys?”

  “It’s goin’ good. Cameron’s really something else.”

  He huffs out a laugh. “Ain’t that the truth. I’m glad to hear it. Cam’s good people. She hasn’t had it easy, so I’m glad she has you.”

  We cheers with our beers and continue watching the TV.

  Around eleven, everyone heads out. Morgan offers to take Tegan home, and Shane and Camilla head out in their car. We say our goodbyes at the door then Cameron heads back to the living room, flops down on the couch, and covers her face with her arm. I lift her legs to sit next to her, then rest them on my lap.

  Cameron lets out an exasperated breath. “I’m exhausted. My feet are killing me, and I can’t move. I may actually just sleep here.”

  I watch as she adjusts her head on the pillow. I pick up her foot and remove her sock, rubbing the sore area with my thumbs.

  “So, how was your first Thanksgiving, Nyx?”

  A long hum escapes her lips before she answers, “I think it went pretty well for my first time. I still can’t believe I cooked all that.”

  “You always cook good, baby. I’m not surprised.”

  She lets out a yawn. “Yeah, well, you wanna get laid in the foreseeable future, so you have to say that.” I put her foot down and scoot behind her to lie down, bringing the blanket over us both.

  “Nyx?”

  Her breath is steady as she responds sleepily. “Hmm?”

  “I love you.”

  She mumbles back a variation of the words, half asleep. If there’s anything in my life to be thankful for at this moment, it’s this. I just hope things continue to go up from here.

  Thirty-two

  Cameron

  I haven’t had a day off in six straight days. I made plans with Tegan and Kim to come over and watch Friends reruns with me, but they canceled. Honestly, it’s for the best because I could really use a quiet day to myself. Jaxon’s working ‘til later tonight, so it’ll just be me Netflix and chillin’. I make myself a cup of coffee, grab some Stella D’oro, and head back into the living room for my binge session of the greatest TV show ever.

  It’s freezing today, and although I turned on the heat, it still isn’t taking the chill out of the air. I grab a few blankets from the closet and bring them over to the couch. Jaxon usually sets up the fireplace when it gets chilly, but he was in a hurry when he left and didn’t get to it. I’ve never set it up and really don’t want to burn the house down today.

  Just as I contemplate calling Jaxon, there’s a knock at the door. I walk over and open it to find Sam and Sayeed.

  “Hi Cameron, sorry to bother you. I have to head to the store to help Jaxon. There was a bit of a mishap with a delivery. Do you think you could just hang with Samir until the sitter gets here? I know it’s your day off, and I’m so sorry.”

  Me? Babysit? Who the hell would want me to babysit their kid?

  I mean, Sam’s older and independent, so it’s not like I have to coddle him. I’ll just sit him on the couch with some snacks. It can’t be that hard. Sayeed turns around to leave, waving his hand. “I’m sorry, I’ll just take him with me.”

  His back’s already to me when I blurt out, “I’ll watch him!” I open the door wider. “Just let the sitter know which door to knock on.” Sam runs over to me, and I rub his head, hoping it comes off as playful and not awkward.

  “Are you sure? I’ll take him if it is too much trouble,” he gestures to the exit.

  “No trouble at all. I don’t have any plans today, just watching some TV.”

  “You are a lifesaver. Thank you, Cameron.” He kisses his son on the head and turns to leave. “Thank you again so much. I really appreciate it.” He closes the gate and heads off to the store.

  “I prefer to hang out with you,” Sam says, looking up at me with a smile. I hope the one I give back seems just as genuine.

/>   “I like hanging with you too, kid.” Because I don’t mind Sam, actually.

  “Can we watch Into the Spider-Verse? It’s on Netflix.”

  There goes Central Perk.

  “Uh, yeah, sure.” I turn on his movie. “Want some popcorn?” He nods and crosses his legs on the couch as I head towards the kitchen. As I wait for the popcorn to pop, I take out a gallon of milk and pour him some.

  “I’ll take some soda, too!” He shouts from the living room, confident I won’t shatter his dream. But I am.

  Walking over to him on the couch, I say, “Sorry, I know the rules. No soda.”

  He huffs out a frustrated breath and takes the glass of milk instead. “It’s cold in here.” He grabs a blanket and puts it over himself.

  Yeah, tell me about it.

  Once the movie starts, he forgets our little stand-off and is busy watching the human spider boy. Sam’s a good kid. I like him because he’s mostly quiet, while some kids are like little energizer bunnies. They don’t sit still, talk constantly, and somehow know the most random bits of information they want to tell you at the most inconvenient of times.

  I saw enough of it from Camilla’s little sister, Abby. She was a cute kid but always made me so uncomfortable because she had no sense of personal space. She always tried to climb on my lap or brush my hair with her toy brushes.

  Sam isn’t like that; he just watches his shows, plays his games, does his schoolwork, and will occasionally try to bargain for soda.

  I decide to finally start a book Kim has been insisting I read. I put my glasses on, head over to the other end of the couch, and throw on a blanket. I skim through the first page. This one’s about this girl who gets a job at a bar and falls in love with the owner. By the tenth chapter, I’m hooked and lose track of time in the real world.

  Sam’s movie is over. He ate the whole bowl of popcorn and is now searching Netflix for something else to watch. He squirms in his seat. “I have to go to the bathroom.” I look up at him from my book with an eyebrow raised.