Keeps On Raining, Part I
Posted by DiF on Sunday, August 21, 2011 Under: Random
Title: Keeps on Raining, Part I
Characters: Cameron, Summer, James, Hayley, Will, and Evie
Word Count: 2397
Rating: PG-13 [language]
Warnings/Spoilers/Summary: Summer retreats to New Orleans after some not good news, with baby Evelyn in tow. Cameron remains in California with the teenagers. A storm is brewing. Canon with my epic. Contains spoilers.
Wednesday, August 23rd, 2005
New Orleans, LA
Retreating to the humid summer days of New Orleans was not ideal for many people. However, Summer was drawn to the muggy city, not for its weather –- she had more than pleasant weather at home in the Pacific Palisades – but rather because of the homey feel. Prior to the purchase of the Garden District home, she had not really felt that home feeling tied to any particular place. She always felt like a guest wherever she went, whether it be Jimmy's or Bob's or Joni's or Cameron's houses. Jimmy likely had not known the lasting impact the purchase of the nearly 7,000 square feet house would have. It was her home, her sanctuary, where she retreated to when things seemed bad, where everything seemed better.
She had fallen in love in that city, in her home. Some of her happiest memories lived between the walls of the red house or conversely out in the gardens. Her husband fully confessed his love under the shade of the old trees behind the house. If she added up their starlight kisses under the New Orleans moonlight, she was certain their tally would reach towards a thousand. New Orleans held her heart, so it was no surprise to Cameron when Summer announced she was going to the Crescent City to wait out the results of her biopsy.
The plan had been for Cameron to remain behind in California to finish up whatever was needed for his film with Hayley and William. The teens would fly to New Orleans with him once his work was complete and their own summer projects as well. The house seemed overly large for just Summer and three-and-a-half-year-old Evelyn, but they made the most of it, spending days playing or visiting sites in and around the city.
It was enough of a distraction to keep her fears and tears at bay most of the time. She never liked to cry in front of her children, since she truly believed that was the greatest cause behind James's distance from his father. She hid her tears from Evelyn, not wanting her precocious daughter to worry at all – especially with Cameron so far away and hardly able to provide support to either. But it did not mean her tears did not stain her pillows at night, almost always after ending her nightly call with her other children and husband. She would present the strong face to everyone, so they would not worry.
Smiling as Evelyn colored in the zoo coloring book they picked up that day, Summer passed by the phone as it began to ring. Barely able to not jump, she snatched the cordless off the wall and sat across the table from the bubbly toddler. She smiled slightly, happy to hear a voice she missed more than she admitted to anyone but Cameron.
“Why hello, James. How are you doing?”
“Hey, Mom. I'm okay. How are you feeling?”
“Good,” she answered quickly without even thinking. “You want to talk to your sister? I'm sure she'd love to hear you too.”
“Uh, yeah, sure, Mom.”
“Evie,” Summer chirped at the toddler, “guess who's one the phone?”
“Daddy!?” her eyes brightened.
She frowned slightly, “No... It's your big brother, James.”
“JAMIE!” she clapped.
Handing the phone to the young girl with a smile, Summer got up and filled a glass with water. Leaning against the counter, she smiled a bit more as the young girl chattered to her twenty-six-year-old brother, telling him about all the exciting things they had been doing lately, but not in any linear manner. She assumed the all-over conversation annoyed the scientist, but he must be humoring her for the conversation lasted for a few minutes.
“Okay, Jamie. I will,” Evelyn suddenly declared and held the phone towards Summer. “He wants you, Mommy.”
“Thanks, love bug,” she pushed away from the counter and accepted the phone. “That sounded like a happy conversation.”
“Was I like that when I was little?”
Summer smirked, “No, sweetheart. You were much quieter.”
“Ah...well that doesn't really surprise me.”
“How have you been?”
“Busy. Between work and spending time with Beatrice, you know how that can be.”
She slipped into a chair at the table, idly picking up a crayon and filling in the ear of an animal, “How is she? Will you be bringing her out for Thanksgiving?”
“Actually...”
“What?”
He smirked, “I wasn't going to tell you just yet, but under the circumstances...”
“What, James?”
“I've accepted a position at Berkeley. Beatrice and I...”
She gasped, “You're moving back to California!?”
“Mom... I feel like I should be near you. I don't need to be an eight hour flight from you under the circumstances.”
“You've said that twice now, James. What do you know?”
He sighed, “Mom, I went over your biopsy today.”
Summer set down the crayon, kissed her daughter's head, and headed into the living room, “James...”
“Mom, what did your doctor tell you?”
“I'm in New Orleans, James.”
He paused for a moment, “When are you starting treatment? What treatment are you going to have? Why isn't Cameron with you?”
“He's finishing up work on a film right now.”
“He can't do that in New Orleans?”
“He probably could. But both Hayley and William had prior commitments. I've only been here for just over a week. The three of them should be here in about a week. Don't worry.”
He sighed, “You know I can't do that, Mom. What did your doctor tell you?”
“Stage two breast cancer,” she finally admitted, her bottom lip trembling slightly. “But treatable.”
“Mom...”
“He recommended surgery followed with radiation and chemotherapy,” she answered.
“How much? For how long? When are you having the surgery?”
Summer sighed, “James, I know you mean well, but please take a deep breath. Cameron and I are awaiting a second opinion before making a final decision. In any event, we won't begin treatment until returning to California. I presume since you know of the biopsy, you've spoken with Cameron.”
“Yes of course I've talked with Dad. And that's how I managed to get it sent to me so that I could look at it. Mom, I'm not letting this kill you.”
“James, no one is dying. I promise. Not now, not yet.”
“Mom, this is a big deal. This isn't just something you can shrug off.”
“I'm fine, James. Really. Why don't you come down from New York for the weekend and see for yourself? Evie would love to see you and I miss you. You can bring Beatrice as well.”
He paused, “Okay. I'll talk with her and let you know.”
She smiled again, “Great. I'll make your room ready.”
“Hey, Mom?”
“Yes?”
“I love you.”
She smiled, a tear snaking down her cheek, “I love you too, Jamie.”
After kissing Evelyn good night, Summer slipped the phone from the toddler's hands. She turned out the small bedside lamp, checked the girl's nightlight, and turned on her baby monitor before heading out of the room. She waited until she reached the master bedroom and closed the door before putting the phone on speakerphone. Cameron chatted happily about the day's activities in California, professing to be ready to sign off on the final papers for his film. He briefly recounted what the two teenagers did during the day as Summer readied herself for bed.
With all of the lights off, she climbed into the center of the large bed, clutching the phone. Cameron's tales concluded naturally and a silence settled between the couple. Though she wanted to confess how much she missed him and that she was beginning to think the two weeks apart at such a time was foolish, Summer remained silent.
“Summer,” Cameron breathed, “I miss you, baby.”
Her breath caught and before she could suppress them, tears ran down her cheeks, “Cam...”
He sighed, “Dammit, Summer. I never should have let you go alone. We need to be together. I need to hold you.”
“Cam...”
Fuck it. I'm flying there tomorrow.”
“I... I want to be with you, but Hayley and William...”
He groaned, “Hayley's eighteen and going to college in the fall. I think she could handle being alone for a few days.”
“Yeah, sure. She is a responsible young woman. That I don't disagree with. But Will – ”
“I know. I know. His class is done on Friday. Then we'll fly out that night or early Saturday.”
“I... okay.”
He paused, “Baby, how do you feel?”
Summer held off answering for a long moment, “Scared.”
Cameron sighed, “Everything is going to be okay, Summer. We are going to get you the best treatment money can buy. Everything is going to be okay.”
“Cam...”
“I'm not going to lose you, dammit. We'll beat this. I promise you.”
She began to sob and cry uncontrollably, unable to form any understandable words. Remaining calm, Cameron softly spoke to her, trying to calm her with his words. His heart and soul ached to be with her. He never should have agreed to the separation; it was hell to them both. Nothing could be worse than hearing his beloved wife crying on the phone and being unable to hold her.
“Summer, I love you. We will beat this. We will.”
“C-cam,” she sobbed, “t-tell m-me s-something g-good.”
Remaining silent for a long moment, he tried to focus his own thoughts in order to turn hers, “Well... about four years ago, the most beautiful and unexpected miracle happened. You see, I was out of town and you called to tell me...”
Friday, August 25th, 2005
Los Angeles, CA
Finished with everything he needed to do for the release of Elizabethtown – at least for the time being – Cameron spent Friday afternoon packing to be reunited with Summer and Evelyn. He, Hayley, and William would be flying out at noon the following day, despite both teens protesting the change in plans. He could not explain their mother's need for their support, as Summer wanted to talk to the entire family together, which made it difficult to convince both to stop fighting what was happening. Outside of the doctors, only James knew of Summer's cancer diagnosis. Cameron already expected she would harass him for going against her wishes in regards to that. At least by Saturday evening the entire family would be gathered in New Orleans, including James who was bringing his New York girlfriend down for the weekend. They all could shower Summer with love and support, just as she needed.
Bursting into the master bedroom, Will did not speak to Cameron. Instead, he plucked the remote off the nightstand and turned on the small television. Figuring something had to be wrong, Cameron turned to face the screen fully as his son flipped through the stations. Will stopped on CNN, tossing the remote onto king-sized bed.
The shirt in Cameron's hands fell to the floor, “Oh God.”
“Mom and Evie...”
“Phone,” he stated.
The fifteen-year-old boy looked around for a phone. Finding his father's cell phone on the dresser, he quickly scooped it up and handed it to Cameron. For a moment the older man stared at the phone in his hand.
“Go call your sister. Tell her to get home right now,” he instructed.
“I want to talk to Mom.”
“You will, but go call Hayley for me first, please.”
Nodding, Will left the room as Cameron held down Summer's speed dial. He began to pace their bedroom, his worry increasing with each step and each unanswered ring. When the rings stopped, his heart fluttered but quickly stopped as he realized her voicemail answered. Quickly leaving her a message, Cameron hung up and scrolled through his phonebook for the New Orleans house number.
“Please pick up, baby,” he muttered.
“Hello?”
“OH THANK GOD, SUMMER,” Cameron quickly responded.
“Cameron? Is everything okay?”
“Summer, get Evie and get out of there.”
There was a long silence, “Cameron, what's going on?”
“Baby, when was the last time you had on the TV?”
“Evie and I watched Sesame Street this morning. Why?”
“Oh fuck. Summer, that hurricane that hit Florida yesterday... they're saying its going to hit the Louisiana and Mississippi Coast. The governor has already declared a state of emergency. You need to get out.”
She was silent for a minute, “What category is it?”
“One, at the moment. But, Summer, that doesn't matter. You need to get out of there. I have a bad feeling about this. A really bad feeling,” Cameron declared.
“Okay. We'll leave. I'll go ask the neighbors to help me board up the house while Evie naps and you get us airfare back home. Is that okay?”
He sighed in relief, “Yes, it is. Keep your cell phone on you. I'll call you once I have the flight set.”
“Cam?”
“Yes, baby.”
“I love you. We'll be okay.”
“Oh God, I hope so. I really hope so.”
“I'm going to go get the house situated now. I'll talk to you soon. I love you.”
After professing his love to her, Cameron hung up his phone and hurried from the bedroom. Finding William arguing with his sister on the phone, he plucked the cell phone from his son's hand and tersely told the teen girl to get home before hanging up. Meeting eyes so similar to his, Cameron quickly explained the situation to his son. They both moved to carry out the quick plan; one going to cancel flights to New Orleans, the other to make arrangements to get their family out of the city. Grateful for his son's assistance, Cameron flipped open his phone to call the airline or whoever else he needed to. He was getting his girls to safety, no matter what.
Characters: Cameron, Summer, James, Hayley, Will, and Evie
Word Count: 2397
Rating: PG-13 [language]
Warnings/Spoilers/Summary: Summer retreats to New Orleans after some not good news, with baby Evelyn in tow. Cameron remains in California with the teenagers. A storm is brewing. Canon with my epic. Contains spoilers.
Wednesday, August 23rd, 2005
New Orleans, LA
Retreating to the humid summer days of New Orleans was not ideal for many people. However, Summer was drawn to the muggy city, not for its weather –- she had more than pleasant weather at home in the Pacific Palisades – but rather because of the homey feel. Prior to the purchase of the Garden District home, she had not really felt that home feeling tied to any particular place. She always felt like a guest wherever she went, whether it be Jimmy's or Bob's or Joni's or Cameron's houses. Jimmy likely had not known the lasting impact the purchase of the nearly 7,000 square feet house would have. It was her home, her sanctuary, where she retreated to when things seemed bad, where everything seemed better.
She had fallen in love in that city, in her home. Some of her happiest memories lived between the walls of the red house or conversely out in the gardens. Her husband fully confessed his love under the shade of the old trees behind the house. If she added up their starlight kisses under the New Orleans moonlight, she was certain their tally would reach towards a thousand. New Orleans held her heart, so it was no surprise to Cameron when Summer announced she was going to the Crescent City to wait out the results of her biopsy.
The plan had been for Cameron to remain behind in California to finish up whatever was needed for his film with Hayley and William. The teens would fly to New Orleans with him once his work was complete and their own summer projects as well. The house seemed overly large for just Summer and three-and-a-half-year-old Evelyn, but they made the most of it, spending days playing or visiting sites in and around the city.
It was enough of a distraction to keep her fears and tears at bay most of the time. She never liked to cry in front of her children, since she truly believed that was the greatest cause behind James's distance from his father. She hid her tears from Evelyn, not wanting her precocious daughter to worry at all – especially with Cameron so far away and hardly able to provide support to either. But it did not mean her tears did not stain her pillows at night, almost always after ending her nightly call with her other children and husband. She would present the strong face to everyone, so they would not worry.
Smiling as Evelyn colored in the zoo coloring book they picked up that day, Summer passed by the phone as it began to ring. Barely able to not jump, she snatched the cordless off the wall and sat across the table from the bubbly toddler. She smiled slightly, happy to hear a voice she missed more than she admitted to anyone but Cameron.
“Why hello, James. How are you doing?”
“Hey, Mom. I'm okay. How are you feeling?”
“Good,” she answered quickly without even thinking. “You want to talk to your sister? I'm sure she'd love to hear you too.”
“Uh, yeah, sure, Mom.”
“Evie,” Summer chirped at the toddler, “guess who's one the phone?”
“Daddy!?” her eyes brightened.
She frowned slightly, “No... It's your big brother, James.”
“JAMIE!” she clapped.
Handing the phone to the young girl with a smile, Summer got up and filled a glass with water. Leaning against the counter, she smiled a bit more as the young girl chattered to her twenty-six-year-old brother, telling him about all the exciting things they had been doing lately, but not in any linear manner. She assumed the all-over conversation annoyed the scientist, but he must be humoring her for the conversation lasted for a few minutes.
“Okay, Jamie. I will,” Evelyn suddenly declared and held the phone towards Summer. “He wants you, Mommy.”
“Thanks, love bug,” she pushed away from the counter and accepted the phone. “That sounded like a happy conversation.”
“Was I like that when I was little?”
Summer smirked, “No, sweetheart. You were much quieter.”
“Ah...well that doesn't really surprise me.”
“How have you been?”
“Busy. Between work and spending time with Beatrice, you know how that can be.”
She slipped into a chair at the table, idly picking up a crayon and filling in the ear of an animal, “How is she? Will you be bringing her out for Thanksgiving?”
“Actually...”
“What?”
He smirked, “I wasn't going to tell you just yet, but under the circumstances...”
“What, James?”
“I've accepted a position at Berkeley. Beatrice and I...”
She gasped, “You're moving back to California!?”
“Mom... I feel like I should be near you. I don't need to be an eight hour flight from you under the circumstances.”
“You've said that twice now, James. What do you know?”
He sighed, “Mom, I went over your biopsy today.”
Summer set down the crayon, kissed her daughter's head, and headed into the living room, “James...”
“Mom, what did your doctor tell you?”
“I'm in New Orleans, James.”
He paused for a moment, “When are you starting treatment? What treatment are you going to have? Why isn't Cameron with you?”
“He's finishing up work on a film right now.”
“He can't do that in New Orleans?”
“He probably could. But both Hayley and William had prior commitments. I've only been here for just over a week. The three of them should be here in about a week. Don't worry.”
He sighed, “You know I can't do that, Mom. What did your doctor tell you?”
“Stage two breast cancer,” she finally admitted, her bottom lip trembling slightly. “But treatable.”
“Mom...”
“He recommended surgery followed with radiation and chemotherapy,” she answered.
“How much? For how long? When are you having the surgery?”
Summer sighed, “James, I know you mean well, but please take a deep breath. Cameron and I are awaiting a second opinion before making a final decision. In any event, we won't begin treatment until returning to California. I presume since you know of the biopsy, you've spoken with Cameron.”
“Yes of course I've talked with Dad. And that's how I managed to get it sent to me so that I could look at it. Mom, I'm not letting this kill you.”
“James, no one is dying. I promise. Not now, not yet.”
“Mom, this is a big deal. This isn't just something you can shrug off.”
“I'm fine, James. Really. Why don't you come down from New York for the weekend and see for yourself? Evie would love to see you and I miss you. You can bring Beatrice as well.”
He paused, “Okay. I'll talk with her and let you know.”
She smiled again, “Great. I'll make your room ready.”
“Hey, Mom?”
“Yes?”
“I love you.”
She smiled, a tear snaking down her cheek, “I love you too, Jamie.”
After kissing Evelyn good night, Summer slipped the phone from the toddler's hands. She turned out the small bedside lamp, checked the girl's nightlight, and turned on her baby monitor before heading out of the room. She waited until she reached the master bedroom and closed the door before putting the phone on speakerphone. Cameron chatted happily about the day's activities in California, professing to be ready to sign off on the final papers for his film. He briefly recounted what the two teenagers did during the day as Summer readied herself for bed.
With all of the lights off, she climbed into the center of the large bed, clutching the phone. Cameron's tales concluded naturally and a silence settled between the couple. Though she wanted to confess how much she missed him and that she was beginning to think the two weeks apart at such a time was foolish, Summer remained silent.
“Summer,” Cameron breathed, “I miss you, baby.”
Her breath caught and before she could suppress them, tears ran down her cheeks, “Cam...”
He sighed, “Dammit, Summer. I never should have let you go alone. We need to be together. I need to hold you.”
“Cam...”
Fuck it. I'm flying there tomorrow.”
“I... I want to be with you, but Hayley and William...”
He groaned, “Hayley's eighteen and going to college in the fall. I think she could handle being alone for a few days.”
“Yeah, sure. She is a responsible young woman. That I don't disagree with. But Will – ”
“I know. I know. His class is done on Friday. Then we'll fly out that night or early Saturday.”
“I... okay.”
He paused, “Baby, how do you feel?”
Summer held off answering for a long moment, “Scared.”
Cameron sighed, “Everything is going to be okay, Summer. We are going to get you the best treatment money can buy. Everything is going to be okay.”
“Cam...”
“I'm not going to lose you, dammit. We'll beat this. I promise you.”
She began to sob and cry uncontrollably, unable to form any understandable words. Remaining calm, Cameron softly spoke to her, trying to calm her with his words. His heart and soul ached to be with her. He never should have agreed to the separation; it was hell to them both. Nothing could be worse than hearing his beloved wife crying on the phone and being unable to hold her.
“Summer, I love you. We will beat this. We will.”
“C-cam,” she sobbed, “t-tell m-me s-something g-good.”
Remaining silent for a long moment, he tried to focus his own thoughts in order to turn hers, “Well... about four years ago, the most beautiful and unexpected miracle happened. You see, I was out of town and you called to tell me...”
Friday, August 25th, 2005
Los Angeles, CA
Finished with everything he needed to do for the release of Elizabethtown – at least for the time being – Cameron spent Friday afternoon packing to be reunited with Summer and Evelyn. He, Hayley, and William would be flying out at noon the following day, despite both teens protesting the change in plans. He could not explain their mother's need for their support, as Summer wanted to talk to the entire family together, which made it difficult to convince both to stop fighting what was happening. Outside of the doctors, only James knew of Summer's cancer diagnosis. Cameron already expected she would harass him for going against her wishes in regards to that. At least by Saturday evening the entire family would be gathered in New Orleans, including James who was bringing his New York girlfriend down for the weekend. They all could shower Summer with love and support, just as she needed.
Bursting into the master bedroom, Will did not speak to Cameron. Instead, he plucked the remote off the nightstand and turned on the small television. Figuring something had to be wrong, Cameron turned to face the screen fully as his son flipped through the stations. Will stopped on CNN, tossing the remote onto king-sized bed.
The shirt in Cameron's hands fell to the floor, “Oh God.”
“Mom and Evie...”
“Phone,” he stated.
The fifteen-year-old boy looked around for a phone. Finding his father's cell phone on the dresser, he quickly scooped it up and handed it to Cameron. For a moment the older man stared at the phone in his hand.
“Go call your sister. Tell her to get home right now,” he instructed.
“I want to talk to Mom.”
“You will, but go call Hayley for me first, please.”
Nodding, Will left the room as Cameron held down Summer's speed dial. He began to pace their bedroom, his worry increasing with each step and each unanswered ring. When the rings stopped, his heart fluttered but quickly stopped as he realized her voicemail answered. Quickly leaving her a message, Cameron hung up and scrolled through his phonebook for the New Orleans house number.
“Please pick up, baby,” he muttered.
“Hello?”
“OH THANK GOD, SUMMER,” Cameron quickly responded.
“Cameron? Is everything okay?”
“Summer, get Evie and get out of there.”
There was a long silence, “Cameron, what's going on?”
“Baby, when was the last time you had on the TV?”
“Evie and I watched Sesame Street this morning. Why?”
“Oh fuck. Summer, that hurricane that hit Florida yesterday... they're saying its going to hit the Louisiana and Mississippi Coast. The governor has already declared a state of emergency. You need to get out.”
She was silent for a minute, “What category is it?”
“One, at the moment. But, Summer, that doesn't matter. You need to get out of there. I have a bad feeling about this. A really bad feeling,” Cameron declared.
“Okay. We'll leave. I'll go ask the neighbors to help me board up the house while Evie naps and you get us airfare back home. Is that okay?”
He sighed in relief, “Yes, it is. Keep your cell phone on you. I'll call you once I have the flight set.”
“Cam?”
“Yes, baby.”
“I love you. We'll be okay.”
“Oh God, I hope so. I really hope so.”
“I'm going to go get the house situated now. I'll talk to you soon. I love you.”
After professing his love to her, Cameron hung up his phone and hurried from the bedroom. Finding William arguing with his sister on the phone, he plucked the cell phone from his son's hand and tersely told the teen girl to get home before hanging up. Meeting eyes so similar to his, Cameron quickly explained the situation to his son. They both moved to carry out the quick plan; one going to cancel flights to New Orleans, the other to make arrangements to get their family out of the city. Grateful for his son's assistance, Cameron flipped open his phone to call the airline or whoever else he needed to. He was getting his girls to safety, no matter what.
In : Random
Tags: 2005 random "cameron crowe"
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