Filed to story: That Campus Prince Is a Girl
Cameron: [Now and then.]
Bradley: [So, how do you feel about same-sex relationships?]
Cameron paused and thought, ‘How do I feel about it?’ She didn’t really “feel” anything specific.
Everyone had the right to choose how they lived. It wasn’t anyone else’s place to interfere.
Cameron: [It’s just a personal choice.]
Bradley: (So it doesn’t bother you?]
Cameron: [Not at all.)
She wasn’t the type to stick her nose into other people’s lives. Their relationships were none of her business, let alone something to be bothered by.
Bradley read her message, and his smile widened again.
No discomfort. That was all he needed to know.
Which meant… it was time to make his move.
He felt good, light even. He typed again.
Bradley: [Cameron, are you at home right now?]
Cameron: [Yeah, I am.]
Bradley: [You guys don’t have night classes, right?]
Cameron: [Nope.]
Though most students still headed to the library after dinner to study. Getting into college didn’t mean slacking off. Especially not for students in technical majors like Cameron’s. The things they were learning now would matter for the rest of their careers.
Bradley: [I found a great little bar recently. Want to check it out with me tomorrow night?]
Cameron blinked. “A bar?”
She hadn’t been to many bars before. But if Bradley was inviting her, she didn’t mind going.
Cameron: [Can’t do tomorrow. I have plans with a friend. How about Monday night?]
She had a dinner with Xander’s mom tomorrow.
Bradley: [Monday works. I’ll come pick you up.]Cameron: [Sounds good.]
Cameron: [Sounds good.]
It was already late. After a bit more small talk, they said goodnight.
Bradley stayed lying in bed, scrolling back through the chat. The smile on his face refused to fade.
He’d made up his mind-he was going to pursue Cameron.
But not all at once. No sudden moves. No bold declarations.
Just slow and steady.
And Bradley had all the time in the world.
The following evening, in a lavishly decorated private dining room, Gwen grasped Cameron’s hands with warm excitement.
“Cam, Iswear, never in my life did I imagine you were a girl,” she said, her eyes sweeping over Cameron’s androgynous outfit. “Now I’m dying to know what you’d look like in a dress.”
Gwen’s enthusiasm caught Cameron off guard. She was used to people insulting or attacking her, so that didn’t bother her. She always gave it right back. Bat this kind of kindness, the overflowing warmth, left her unsure of how to respond.
Still smiling, Gwen continued, “I went shopping yesterday and saw a few dresses I thought were gorgeous, so I bought them. I just knew you’d look stunning in them.”
Cameron said nothing.
Gwen let go of her hands and pulled over a small mountain of shopping bags, setting them right in front of Cameron.
“I wasn’t sure of your size, so I got a few different ones. Why don’t you try them on in the bathroom?” she offered with a hopeful gleam in her eye.
The private room had its own bathroom, and clearly, Gwen was looking forward to seeing Cameron in something feminine.
Before Cameron could even respond, Gwen had already nudged her into the bathroom and shut the door behind her.
Standing there, surrounded by more than ten shopping bags on the floor, Cameron finally came to her senses. ‘I should’ve said no.
She opened the door.
Gwen was still waiting outside and blinked in surprise. “Cam, why didn’t you try anything on?”
Cameron replied, “Thank you for the gifts, I really appreciate the thought. But I didn’t earn any of this. I can’t accept something like that for no reason.”
Gwen’s smile froze in place. Those dresses? Her son Xander had picked them out himself and insisted she deliver them to Cameron. And now Cameron was turning them down?
“Cam,” Gwen said gently, “these were bought just for you. I’ve already removed the tags. They can’t be returned. If you don’t want them, I’ll have to toss them.”
Cameron stared at her.
Toss them away?
Just like Xander had said before?
‘Like mother, like son.’
She glanced at the brand logos on the bags. None of the items was worth less than five figures.
That would be an awful waste.
Finally, she relented. “Alright. I’ll keep the clothes. But I believe in reciprocity, so I’ll give you a gift in return. How about that?”
Gwen beamed. “Absolutely. Whatever you say.”
As long as Cameron was willing to take the clothes, that was all she needed.
Then she grinned again. “So, are you going to try one on now?”
Cameron shook her head. “I’ll bring them back to my dorm and wash them first. I’ll wear them later.”
Gwen didn’t press her. She was just happy Camemn had accepted them.
By then, the food they had ordered had been served. Although they didn’t know each other that well, Gwen gave off a friendly, genuine vibe. Sharing a meal with her didn’t feel awkward at all.
During the meal, Gwen sent a quick message to her son.
Gwen (Cam took the clothes. She even said she’s giving me a gift later.}
“Yes!”
Xander had been glued to his phone, waiting for an update. When he saw the message, he practically jumped to his feet.
“Xan, did it work?” Tyrell’s eyes went wide. “No way. Xan, are you finally getting a girlfriend?”
Xander raised an eyebrow. “Yup.”
“No freaking way! Where is she? Igotta see this for myself,” Tyrell said, buzzing with excitement.
Xander smacked the back of his head. “Calm down. You’ll meet her eventually. And when you do, you’re gonna lose your damn mind.”
Tyrell squinted at him. “Lose my mind? What, is she model-level hot?”-
Xander gave a smug little scoff. If Cameron had been born in ancient times, she would’ve been Helen of Troy, a face that could launch a thousand ships.
Then, just like they planned, Xander dialed Gwen’s number.
Gwen glanced at her phone, her expression tinged with surprise. “Why is Xander calling me now?” she murmured.
Cameron’s fingers tightened slightly around her fork. She didn’t say a word.
“I just take this call, Cam,” Gwen said.
Cameron gave a small nod.
Gwen answered, her voice warm. “Hey, Xander. What’s got you calling out of the blue?”
“Hey, Mom,” Xander replied, “I’m out with a friend, and I’m out of cash. Can you transfer me some money?”
