Chapter 40

The rest of summer passed them by as many summers do: much too quickly. The friends gathered together as much as possible between shifts at work and other obligations, but they all understood their time together was rapidly approaching its end.

It was understood that Cammie and Virgo would be leaving together at the end of summer. Beyond that, the group of friends began to solidify their plans; they all soon learned that this next year would bring about big changes.

Shea and Levi planned to leave LA now that they were married. They weren't quite sure where they wanted to move, but the East Coast was calling to them.

Though it had been a short time since they started dating, Savannah was planning on moving in with Jackson at the end of summer when Cammie left, dramatically explaining that there was no possible way she could live alone. Savannah also reasoned that moving in with Jackson wasn't a big deal—they were Soulmates after all. Jen teased Savannah incessantly that she was behaving more like a lesbian than any of the actual gay women in their group.

Jen was probably the only person who had no plans to change anything. She would continue to live at her same place with her same roommates until she graduated. After that, she had no idea. But none of them really knew what to do after their graduation.

Despite impending despair of the end of summer—trying to cram every free moment with each other's company—Cammie prepared for her move across the ocean. As her time dwindled down to next to nothing, Cammie finished all of her preparations except the dreaded final trip home.

When the semester officially ended, Cammie sent both of her parents a text explaining that she would stay at her apartment with Savannah the rest of summer and would not be returning home. She also explained that she was accepted into a study abroad program and would be attending. Almost as an afterthought, Cammie sent them the information to look into the program. Though they weren't on speaking terms, Cammie still felt obligated to let her parents know the full details of her trip.

Afraid to ask for fear of her parents denying their assistance, Cammie had yet to broach the topic of paying for her education. She made it clear the last time she was home that she would not be attending law school and refused to take over for her father. When Jess had made that proclamation, it ended badly, so there really wasn't a doubt in Cammie's mind her parents would react the same way, it was just a matter of when. They hadn't brought it up, but then again, they hadn't brought up anything in the last few months. It was complete radio silence. Perhaps they were waiting for Cammie to break and come home, but the revelation of her study abroad had to be the final nail in the coffin.

Plus, she was still gay.

So, no, she hadn't exactly asked her parents if they would continue paying for her school, but in a very un-Cammie-like fashion, she decided to worry about when her parents actually stopped paying for school. When that happened, well, she would figure out some other way to pay for the remainder of her education. She promised herself that she would go to France, no matter what. An inexplicable tug pulled on the strings of her soul, leading her to cross the ocean and settle on the shores of France.

Now, with only two weeks left before she flew abroad, Cammie decided it was probably time to make that fateful journey home and face not only her parents, but the realization that she might never return to that home again.

Jess spent the last week with Cammie at her apartment and would be staying the next two until her sister left, wanting to spend as much time as possible before the big departure. Despite never having the conversation, Jess sensed that Cammie wouldn't be returning to California; she couldn't explain it, but just knew she needed to spend as much time with her sister now, when it was still an easy two-hour flight. She didn't tell this to Cammie.

"Are you sure you don't want me to come with you?" Jess asked, laying on Cammie's bed and watching her pace.

"Yeah, I'm sure." Cammie chewed on her lower lip. She turned to Virgo. "Are you sure you want to come with me?"

"Of course. I want to meet your parents."

"I don't understand why."

"Me either," Jess added. The sisters exchanged a worried glance, imagining the worst possible scenarios playing before them.

Virgo smiled, but declined to answer.

"You're sure?" Jess asked again.

Cammie nodded. "Yes. I've gotta just . . . go. I need to do this."

Jess nodded in understanding. Before Cammie could convince herself another reason to delay the expedition, she was moving through the apartment, pulling Virgo behind her.

Once Cammie was on the freeway and settled into the carpool lane, she turned to Virgo, her eyes colored with worry.

"You can stay in the car, okay? You don't have to come in."

Virgo shook her head and wrapped her hands around Cammie's free hand. "No. I am coming inside with you. I want to support you."

"Virgo, you don't know my parents. They were . . . mean. They were mean to me. That said nasty things. I don't want them to say anything to you. Just because I have shitty parents doesn't mean you have to be exposed to that. I just . . . I want to protect you from that. From them."

"I don't need protecting."

"I don't need you to save me."

"I know. But I want to be by your side, even when it's difficult."

Cammie's gaze lingered on Virgo's for a moment longer, then she turned her attention back to the road, chewing on the inside of her cheek.

The rest of the drive was tense. Cammie gripped the steering wheel firmly and declined to speak, though Virgo felt the stress permeating the car. Every scenario of what could go wrong played through Cammie's head and despite her best efforts to block them out, she couldn't help herself: she delved into each scenario and tried to solve it. They never ended well.

When they finally pulled in to her driveway, Virgo gave Cammie's hand one last squeeze.

"I'm here with you."

Cammie took a deep breath and nodded.

"Let's go."

They stepped out the car and approached the house in solemn silence, as if they were preparing for a funeral.

Cammie sent her parents a text when she was leaving her house to let them know she would be coming home for her suitcase and a few other things. Her mother sent her back a single word: "Ok." It wasn't reassuring.

After a hesitant knock that was left unanswered, Cammie shoved her key into the lock and pushed the door open. Cammie gulped as if trying to swallow her heart after it leaped into her throat.

"I'm home," she called into the empty house. There was no response and Cammie vaguely wondered if her parents had intentionally left the house abandoned. Quietly, she closed the door behind her, as if afraid to disturb the silence

Elizabeth appeared from the kitchen a moment later and visibly tensed at the sight of Virgo.

"Hi, Mom." Cammie said stiffly. Virgo resisted the urge to sling a protective arm around her girlfriend.

"Camille."

A beat passed, and when Elizabeth said no more, Cammie introduced Virgo.

"Hello, Mrs. Driver," Virgo said, offering a smile. Elizabeth's eyes narrowed in wonder at Virgo's accent. Cammie was suddenly grateful she made Virgo wear longs sleeves, despite the summer heat. This would be difficult enough, but imagine if their daughter was dating someone with tattoos?

"Hello, Virgo." Elizabeth said, visibly searching for the connection between her daughter and this girl.

"Virgo is my Soulmate," Cammie answered. "This is the girl I told you about."

Elizabeth didn't speak, didn't react.

"We're gonna pack."

Cammie lead them by Elizabeth, who still failed the speak, and up the stairs.

"It's nice to meet you," Virgo said to Elizabeth as they passed.

They hiked up the stairs in silence. Despite the tension, Virgo couldn't help but look around the house. She felt that she would get to know both Cammie and her family a little better as they walked.

As they crested the top of the stairs, a squeal pierced the silence and Annabelle ran from her room and jumped into Cammie's arms. Surprised, Virgo watched the interaction with an amused smile.

"I missed you!" Cammie exclaimed, kissing her sister's cheek.

"Me too! Me too! Why didn't you come home? You always come home," Annabelle demanded.

Smile only faltering slightly, Cammie explained the best she could. "I know, I'm sorry. I was really busy with school and some other stuff."

"Are you staying here now?"

Cammie shook her head. "No, I'm not. I'm actually moving with my friend, here."

Annabelle glanced behind Cammie, noticing Virgo for the first time.

"Annabelle, this is Virgo. You know how Mommy and Daddy always tell us about how they met?"

"Yeah! They're Soulmates! They were always supposed to meet!"

Cammie smiled sadly. "Right. Exactly. Virgo is my Soulmate."

Annabelle's brow furrowed in confusion. "I thought you said Adam was your Soulmate?"

Cammie shook her head. "No. I lied."

Her sister's eyes grew wide. "Why did you lie? Lying is bad!"

Cammie chuckled. "I know it is. I lied because I was scared of what Mom and Dad would think."

"About what?" Annabelle asked, desperately trying to make sense of this situation.

"Well, they don't like that my Soulmate is another girl. They think I should be with a boy."

The cogs were turning in her head.

"You can be a girl and marry another girl?" Annabelle asked.

Cammie nodded. "Yes, you can. You can marry whoever you want if you love them."

"You love her?"

Cammie glanced back at Virgo. "Yes. I do. I love her very much."

After a moment of wondrous thought, Annabelle asked the next question on her mind, apparently easily accepting that her sister could love a woman. "Where are you moving?"

"I'll show you."

Cammie lead Annabelle into her room and pulled up a map of the world on her phone. "See, we're here. And I'm moving here. That's where Virgo's family is. I'm going to live with them for a while."

"Can I visit you?"

"Of course you can."

Annabelle smiled, then turned her attention to Virgo. "You're really pretty."

Virgo laughed. "Thank you."

A knocked echoed through the room and after a polite pause the door was opened. Keith Driver stood on the other side of the door. Cammie heart sank, wondering what he could possible have to say.

"Annabelle, I need to talk to your sister. Can you go play in your room?"

After a small fit, Annabelle trudged back to her room. Keith closed the door behind him.

"Hi, Cammie."

"Hi, Dad."

"Your mother told me you were home." He was awkward, not quite sure what to say or how to say it. Defensive, Cammie was on her guard, wondering what tactic he would try today to convince his daughter to change her mind about everything.

Keith peaked over Cammie's shoulder at Virgo, who hung back against the window in her room. Virgo watched him with measured curiosity. His eyes then fell on the suitcase Cammie had pulled down.

"So, you really are studying abroad in France?"

"Yes."

"You're sure about this?"

"Yes."

"Your graduation date is going to be delayed."

"I know. I already took care of it."

Keith didn't speak for a moment. He looked much more tired than usual. "This is what you want?" Cammie didn't miss Keith's eyes flickering toward Virgo.

"Yes."

Keith was silent for a moment. "Okay."

"Okay."

Another awkward silence.

"Are you going to introduce me to your . . . friend?"

"She's not my friend."

"I know."

Cammie stared at her father for a moment, searching his face. "Dad, this is Virgo. My Soulmate. I'm moving to France with her."

Keith knew all of this, but hearing his daughter say it still shocked him. He took a moment to compose himself, then smiled and offered Virgo a hand. "It's really nice to meet you Virgo."

"It's good to meet you too, Mr. Driver."

"So, you're the one that got my daughter out of her shell?"

Virgo smiled. The comment was not lost on Cammie. She looked at her dad in astonishment.

"I'll be downstairs. Let me know if you need anything and don't leave without saying goodbye." Keith gave them a smile then closed the door behind him.

Cammie exhaled a breath she didn't realize she was holding.

"I think that went very well," Virgo said, pulling Cammie into her chest. Dazed, Cammie could only nod her head. Had her father approved? Had he given her his blessing, finally? Virgo kissed the top of Cammie's head. "Let's get packing."

Annabelle immediately clambered back into the room when Keith left. She was much more interested in Virgo than she was Cammie, and so it happened that Cammie packed by herself, as Virgo was otherwise occupied. When they finished packing, they said goodbye to Annabelle at the top of the stairs, instructing her to go back to her room, then hauled Cammie's suitcase down the stairs. Keith and Elizabeth were both sitting on the couch by the door, talking in low voices.

"Okay. I'm done," Cammie said. She still wasn't entirely sure what had happened in her room with her father, but with her mother now present, she didn't trust anything, instead deciding to retreat into distance once again. "Savannah is taking us to the airport, so I'll see you guys in May."

Elizabeth blinked. "That's it?"

"What do you mean?"

"You're making a life changing decision to move to another country for a year and all you have to say is 'I'll see you in May'?"

Cammie shrugged. "I don't know what else to say."

Tears sprang to Elizabeth's eyes. Keith looked like he also wanted to cry.

"We're sorry, Cammie. I'm sorry. I don't want our relationship to be like this. Not with you, not with Jessica. I don't want my children to leave and only come home for the holidays, and sometimes not even then. I know that once Jessica finishes school she'll move away and never come home. She hardly even comes home for Christmas. And now you're not even coming home, not even for a weekend." Elizabeth's voice caught as she began to cry. "I don't want to lose you girls."

Cammie decided not to answer. There was nothing to say; her mother was right.

"I'm sorry, Cammie. I don't want this to be the end of our family."

Cammie's jaw tensed as she held back tears that were brimming on the edges of her eyes. Instinctively, Virgo reached out to grab Cammie's hand and squeeze. Elizabeth looked at their intertwined hands. Both girls were aware of how uncomfortable it made her parents, but most notable Elizabeth. Cammie, however, no longer felt the need to care. Virgo was her family now. She met her mother's eyes with a confident, steady gaze.

"I'm sorry it has to be this way," Cammie said.

"You're really going to leave? Just like that?" Elizabeth cried.

"Yes. I'm prepared to leave just like that. I love her. I love her more than I love pleasing you. So as long as they are mutually exclusive, I choose her."

Virgo stayed silent throughout the exchange, but her heart was hammering in her chest as she felt Cammie's being ripped from hers.

Elizabeth's lip quivered. Keith put his face in his hands.

"We just wanted what was best for you."

"I know. I know that's what you honestly believed. But I'm here, right now, telling you that's not what's best for me. She is."

Cammie grip tightened around Virgo's, as if her Soulmate was the only anchor holding her in place. Elizabeth seemed to realize that if Cammie walked out of the door, she would not be coming back. Perhaps that was already true of Jessica, but she couldn't handle it if she lost both of her daughters.

"I'm sorry," Elizabeth whispered again. Keith stood up and wrapped his arm around his wife.

"I'm sorry too, Cammie. Truly, we both are. We wish things hadn't happened like this."

"Like what? Like me being gay?"

"No," he said quickly. "No. We wished we hadn't reacted like we did. We wish we hadn't pushed you both so hard. We wish we had listened more. We wished we had loved you better."

Tears now streamed freely down Cammie's cheeks.

"Cammie," Elizabeth said, taking deep breaths, fighting the urge to run to her daughter and comfort her; she knew it was not her place. "We know you can't change who your Soulmate is anymore than you can't change who your parents are. We're sorry. We truly are sorry for not realizing that sooner."

"We're sorry it took us so long. It's not perfect, but we are trying. And not just with your Soulmate—with Virgo. We're trying to be better about everything: about what you and Jess want to do with your lives. We're trying."

Cammie nodded, unable to speak. Gently, Virgo pushed Cammie forward and soon she was running into her parents arms.

Keith looked up and mouthed "thank you" to Virgo.

Dabbing her eyes, careful not to ruin her makeup, Elizabeth cleared her throat.

"If you're not in any hurry, I have dinner cooking."

Cammie glanced to Virgo.

"We would love for you both to stay," Elizabeth added.

"And get to know Virgo a little more," Keith added.

After a long pause, Cammie nodded.

It wasn't perfect, it was still tense, but Cammie could tell her parents were trying, which is a lot more than she could say four months ago. They were awkward, stumbled over little things, and definitely made fools of themselves. The dinner didn't feel like the one she shared with Virgo's family, and Cammie suspected it never would, but that was okay.

Everyone was trying and it was enough.

"I want to show you around the town I grew up," Cammie said pulling out of the driveway. They drove around her small town and Cammie pointed out places that were of significance to her. She showed Virgo her high school, where she played soccer when she was a child, the trails that she would hike as a child and the trail she ran the morning of her Dream; she showed Virgo where she hung out with her friends and where they would get food after school. Cammie showed her everything.

"Why does it feel like I'm saying goodbye?" Cammie asked when they drove away from the overlook of the city, a place she often came to think.

"Maybe you are?"

They sat in contemplative silence. "There's one last spot I want to take you."

Cammie brought Virgo to a small little building that looked just big enough for two people to fit comfortably inside. It was a small pop-up ice cream shop.

"We would come here every day in the summer, especially after soccer games." They ordered ice cream and sat down on the array of benches scattered around the little shop. "I came here, like, every day after school, too. Especially if we had a test or a lot of studying to do." Cammie smiled with nostalgia. "Savannah is going to be so jealous I went without her."

Virgo listened enthralled as Cammie to share memories while they enjoyed their ice cream. For the short time, Virgo felt as if she had grown up in this town with Cammie, played soccer with her, experienced her childhood with her.

"Cammie?"

The girls turned to find herself staring at a pair of bright blue eyes and curly blond hair.

"Adam."

Virgo arched an eyebrow in understanding and her eyes bounced between Adam and Cammie. The story of their breakup was common knowledge, so Virgo was rather unsure about what this interaction would bring, especially with her presence.

"How are you?" he asked. His eyes were kind and his smile genuine. The outraged indignation that Adam felt at the revelation of his Dream was nonexistent. Everything about him was inviting.

After an initial hesitation in which Cammie stumbled upon her words, she relaxed, remembered who she was speaking to—remembered the Adam she loved to be friends with—and eased into comfort. "I'm really great. It's so good to see you. How are you? It's been forever."

Adam's smile widened into a grin.

"I'm really happy to hear that. I'm also doing well. I'm just home for the summer. I'm actually getting ready to head back up to Davis."

"How are you parents?"

"Same. Yours?"

"They're getting better. I actually just introduced them to my girlfriend."

Cammie glanced to Virgo, then looked back to Adam, and smiled. There wasn't a trace of disgust or surprise on his face.

"I was wondering when I would meet the infamous Soulmate," Adam said with a grin.

"Adam, this is Virgo. Virgo this is Adam."

"Oh, I know who he is," Virgo replied.

The three of them shared a laugh.

"I hope it wasn't all bad."

"No, not at all. I'm happy we get to meet."

"Me too. I really did wonder what Cammie's Soulmate would be like."

Virgo smiled, understanding what had drawn Cammie to Adam in the first place. He sincerely was a nice guy.

"So, what else is new? Same plans? Become Super Lawyer?"

"Actually, no. I'm moving to France in two weeks with Virgo. I'm studying abroad there for the next year. Graduating late. Then . . . I don't know." Cammie glanced at Virgo. "We'll figure it out after that."

This was the first time Adam looked surprised. "Wow. France? Late graduation? Are you still going to law school?"

"Nope."

"Wow," Adam breathed, shocked. "Never thought I'd hear you say that."

"Me either."

Adam was shaking his head in disbelief. "You've really changed, haven't you?"

Cammie nodded. "I hope in all good ways, though."

"That's great, Cam. Really. I'm glad you're doing what you want to do."

"Me too."

They group lapsed into a silence, so Virgo offered to throw away their empty paper bowls and excused herself, leaving Cammie and Adam alone for a few moments.

"I'm really happy for you Cammie. I'm so glad you're doing so well. I was really worried about you."

Cammie offered a smile. "I was too. But it turns out she's the best thing that's ever happened to me."

"I can tell."

Cammie smiled, happy to know that her love for Virgo and Virgo's love for her transformed them both and shaped them into better people.

"So, how did you guys meet?" Adam asked. The three of them talked for a bit longer until it was time to say their goodbyes. Cammie and Adam exchanged a hug, and to everyone's surprise, Adam offered Virgo a hug too. "Keep me updated, you guys! I want to hear all about France."

They waved goodbye and much later than expected, with the moon high in the sky, they were driving back to LA.

"I think this went much better than expected, do you?" Virgo asked, reaching across the car and gripping Cammie's hand in her own.

Cammie smiled. "Yeah, totally. Everything feels like it's going to be okay."

When they returned home, Jess jumped up, eager to hear how the night went.

"I think you should go see Mom and Dad."

In the blink of an eye, summer was over. Before Cammie knew it, it was time to leave. Jess, Jen, and Savannah all insisted on piling in the already small and cramped car to drop Cammie and Virgo off at the airport. Shea and Levi argued for a while about driving in a separate car to see the girls off at the airport, but decided to say their heartfelt goodbyes at home, filled with promises to visit soon. They both insisted this wasn't goodbye.

When they pulled up to LAX, each with a backpack slung across their shoulders and a giant suitcase, no one wanted to move, no one wanted to say goodbye.

"I really can't believe you're leaving," Savannah said, tears hanging unashamed in her eyes.

"I know, me either," Cammie confessed, the tears springing to her eyes instantly. She really didn't want to cry, not today, not now. They'd all cried the night before when they had a giant sleepover with all seven of them piled into Savannah and Cammie's small apartment.

"This is really it."

"For now."

"You better still text me and FaceTime me."

"Of course I will. I'm still going to have WiFi."

"Yeah . . . It just won't be the same."

"I know. But we've been friends for almost fifteen years. I don't think a little distance is going to ruin that."

Savannah smiled. "I know." She took a deep breath. "I love you, Cammie. And if I haven't told you this yet, I'm so proud of the woman you've become."

Cammie pulled her best friend in for a hug and held on tight.

While Cammie said goodbye to Jen, Virgo took the opportunity to say goodbye to Savannah.

"I don't know if I ever thanked you for dragging Cammie to that open mic night," Virgo said with a sheepish grin.

Savannah returned the smile. "How else was I supposed to get her to fall in love with you?"

Virgo pulled her in for a hug. "Thank you for being such a good friend to me and Cammie. You are a unique soul and I am very much going to miss you."

Savannah tightened her grip on Virgo. "I'll miss you too. Take care of her."

"Always."

Finally, it was time for Cammie to say goodbye to her sister.

Jess smirked. "I never thought this would happen."

"Which part?" Cammie teased.

"All of if."

Cammie laughed. "Yet here we are."

"I'm really proud of you, CamCam. You've become such a strong and brave woman."

"I love you, Jess. More than you know."

The sisters decided to say no more, instead embracing with silent tears pouring from their eyes.

"I can't wait to visit you," Jess mumbled in her sister's ear.

"I'm only going to be gone for a year."

Jess gave her sister a knowing look and Cammie smiled, discovered.

"I know you're not coming back."

"There will always be a place for you."

"I know."

Jess pulled her sister in again and hugged her like it was the last time.

"I love you, CamCam."

"I love you too, Jess."

"Ready?" Virgo asked, her own eyes red-rimmed with tears.

"Yeah, lets go."

They passed through the doors of the airport, throwing one last look over their shoulders at their friends.

Until next time, Cammie thought.

Their plan took off. Cammie pressed her face against the window, eagerly watching Los Angeles disappear beneath her. Soon, they were above the clouds. Virgo laced their fingers together, wearing a bright smile.

"I still cannot believe we are going to my home. I'm so excited to show you everything."

Cammie fell in love with Virgo all over again on that airplane. She watched her lover's eyes alight with passion as she described all the facets of France. Just as Cammie had the opportunity to show Virgo her childhood, Virgo would now do that same. Although they had quite the journey ahead, Cammie almost felt like she was already in France; with her heart buried in Virgo, she supposed she already was.

"Cammie, wake up." Cammie blinked, pulling her head away from Virgo's shoulder. "We're here."

Cammie peered out the window and saw the Mediterranean sea glistening and the green coast of the South of France. Her heart beat with rapid excitement in her chest.

"We're here," Cammie repeated, in disbelief. "We're really here."

"Yes, we are here. Welcome home."

Their next adventure was about to begin.