Title: Keeps on Raining, Part II
Characters: Cameron, Summer, James, Hayley, Will, and Evie; Jimmy; Robert
Word Count: 3576
Rating: PG-13 [language]
Warnings/Spoilers/Summary: Summer prepares to leave New Orleans, as per Cameron's plans. James calls his father, all worried, thusly getting Jimmy involved. He's not the only former beau who rings up Summer. But does everything go according to plan? The storm is coming. Canon with my epic. Contains spoilers.

 


Friday, August 25th, 2005
New Orleans, LA

With the house all boarded up and their suitcases packed, Summer sat on the sofa with Evelyn. She softly read from the girl's favorite book, too afraid to turn the television on and see things that would scare either of them. Though the toddler seemed nervous without being able to see out the windows, she calmed down when Summer handed over a very well-loved stuffed elephant. As the little girl squeezed her Ellie tightly, her mother drew her attention down to the pictures on the pages, softly reading the words to her.

As the little girl started to drift off, Summer's eyes focused on her cell phone. It had yet to light up with Cameron's face. That worried her more than anything. He had seemed so... so very worried on the phone. He may have attempted to keep his voice calm and poised, but she could hear right through it, to the heart of the matter. Whatever storm growled along the coast towards her was bigger than all the previous ones that glanced off the coast. That alone worried her enough to keep the television off.

“Come on, Cam,” she muttered down at her phone, her blue eyes flicking to the toddler curled up on the sofa, sucking her thumb.

On cue her phone lit up with his face. Before it could fully ring, she smiled and flipped it open, muttering a breathy greeting.

“Sweetheart...”

Getting up from the couch carefully so as to not wake the little girl, Summer headed into the formal dining room, “Cam... what's going on?”

“I'm getting you and Evie out of there. I got the two of you on the first plane out of there that I could.”

She sighed slightly in relief, “Okay, when?”

“The plane takes off eleven tomorrow morning. I'm sorry I couldn't get you a seat on one any earlier.”

“It's okay, Cam, really. I'm sure we'll be fine here tonight. What is the news saying now?”

“You haven't been watching?”

“I don't want to scare Evie any more than boarding up the house has,” she explained, sitting at the dining table.

“Good point. Well... now they're saying the hurricane is going to hit land something like sixty miles east of you. It's still only a Category One, but, baby...”

“We'll be fine, Cameron. I'm sure of it. We'll get on the plane tomorrow and be back home with you in time for dinner,” she stated.

He sighed, “I'm trying to see if I can get a charter plane there earlier.”

“Call Travolta. I bet he'd fly in to rescue me,” she teased.

Cameron fell silent for a brief moment, “That's not a bad idea, Summer.”

She chuckled softly, “Well he can be your fall back plan, Cam.”

“I'm going to call him now. Maybe he can get you out of there sooner.”

“Cameron,” she warned, “we're not in any immediate danger. We'll be fine.”

He sighed again, “I never should have let you go there.”

“You didn't know this was going to happen. And we've spent many summers in this house. It's not your fault, Cam.”

“Summer... I should be with you.”

“And how would you rescue us then?”

“I don't know. But you shouldn't be alone.”

“We won't be. Not much longer. I should probably set my alarm for early so we have enough time to get gas before going to the airport.”

“No need. I already arranged for you to be picked up.”

Summer smiled, “See? You've thought of everything. We'll be fine, love. I'm sure of it.”

“Summer...”

“I'm going to take Evie upstairs and tuck her into our bed. Why don't you call back on the house phone in a few minutes so I can put you on speaker and you can read us a good night story?” she suggested.

“I love you.”

“I love you too, Cam. We'll be fine.”



Staring at the late night newscast, James's dark eyes flicked to his phone. Cameron called while he and Beatrice were still at work, leaving a message to cancel their plans in New Orleans as Summer was leaving ahead of the storm. He canceled their plane flight without looking into what his stepfather was truly talking about as he trusted him more than his own father. It was only once he settled down after dinner with his girlfriend that he clicked on the television and flipped to The Weather Channel. Drawn into the colorful depictions of the hurricane's projected path, James's worry for his mother compounded. It was clear why there was a hint of worry in Cameron's voice. He trusted his mother and sister would be safe.

Fighting the urge to call her to check himself, mostly because he did not want to wake his baby sister if Summer managed to get the girl to sleep, he pulled his eyes away from the phone. Getting up, he crossed the small apartment to the window and pushed it open. Leaning out the window, he inhaled the sleepless city's night scent. Though he knew his mother did not care for New York, and on whole he did not either, he wished she was there, not in New Orleans. She would be safe from the storm and he would be able to personally see to her cancer treatment. She needed to be out of harm's way.

Leaving the window, James passed the phone once more. Uncharacteristically, his thoughts turned to his birth father – not the man he called 'Dad.' It certainly bothered him, as he really had so very few positive thoughts and feelings towards Jimmy. Yet for whatever reason, he kept thinking that Jimmy ought to know Summer was in New Orleans. A part of him, he supposed, even hoped that the musician would rescue his mother, maybe that would make up for all his previous wrongs.

Pulling open a drawer near the phone, James shifted through for a particular letter from Summer. Finding the torn envelope, his fingers slipped the letter out, unfolded it, and turned it over. His dark eyes dropped to her 'PS,' focusing on the jumble of numbers. Pushing aside his reservations, he picked up the phone and pressed the numbers. He hesitated on the last number before pushing it down. Not even paying attention to the time difference, he felt his heart pound in his chest more with each ring.

“Hello?” a groggy voice muttered.

“I know we haven't spoken in something like eight years, but... uh...”

“James?”

“Yeah, hello.”

“Is something wrong? Are you okay?”

He sighed, “Look, I don't really know why I called you. But Mom–”

“Summer? Is Summer okay?” alarm filled his voice.

“You've heard of that storm in the Gulf Coast, right? That one that hit parts of Florida and is now heading towards Mississippi and Louisiana?”

He was silent for a moment, “Vaguely.”

“Mom is in New Orleans.”

“I see.”

James sighed, “I don't even know why I bothered. Sorry to wake you, Jimmy.”

“No, no. Don't hang up.”

“I don't even know what you could do. You're in London.”

“Give me a few minutes. What number can I reach you at?”

His eyes looked down at the base of his house phone, uncertain if he really wanted to give Jimmy any way to reach him. Deciding that his mother's safety was beyond any feelings he had against his father, he quickly rattled off both his house number and cell phone number for Jimmy. Hanging up the phone, he sighed and paced back over to the window. Maybe he should have asked Beatrice to stay the night. This truly was too much stress and worry for one person to shoulder alone.



Waking as her cell phone rang, Summer quickly flipped it open and rolled out of the large bed, leaving the toddler clutching her stuffed animal. She stepped out into the hallway, closing the door most of the way, and held the phone up to her ear. Muttering a quick apology and greeting, she slipped into a fancy chair next to a side table in the hallway.

“Princess...”

“Jimmy?” her eyes widened with surprise. “What... it has to be like four in the morning in London.”

“Closer to five, but you know I hardly sleep as it is.”

“Well okay... I however, was asleep.”

“You're okay?”

“...yes,” she responded cautiously. “Jimmy, what is this call about?”

“Our son called me. He's worried about you.”

She smiled slightly at the fact her son called the man he had not spoken to in years, “I'm fine, Jimmy.”

“He does not seem to think so. I have arranged a private jet to pick up you and your daughter at daybreak.”

Summer fell silent, trying to process his words.

“Summer? Princess?”

“I... I appreciate it, Jimmy. But Cameron has already taken care of that.”

“I see.”

“I really do appreciate it, Jimmy. I do. Cameron has a car picking us up at nine thirty and we'll be out of here before noon.”

“Summer, you know I would do anything in my power for you. Let me at least have the plane on standby in the event that something happens.”

She paused for a moment, “Okay. But if I don't need it, I want you to make sure it gets as many people out as it can.”

“Agreed.”

Hearing her daughter stir in the bedroom, Summer sat up, “Jimmy, I need to go. Thank you for the offer. I... I will talk to you soon.”

“I'd do anything for you, Summer.”

She stood and approached the bedroom, cracking the door open to see Evelyn sit up in bed, “I have to go, Jimmy.”

“Summer, I lo–”

“MOMMY!” Evelyn suddenly shrieked.

“I'm sorry, Jimmy. Thank you. Bye,” she quickly hung up the phone and rushed into the bedroom.

Dropping her cell phone on the dresser, she gathered her daughter up in her arms, kissing her head. The toddler sobbed, burying her face on Summer's chest. She mumbled things about bad dreams, something about monsters taking her daddy away. With softly spoken words, Summer managed to calm the girl down enough to pull back and look into her blue eyes.

“I know Daddy is okay.”

“Does he have boards to keep the monsters out too?” she asked, her big eyes dripping tears.

Summer wiped her pudgy cheeks and responded, “Daddy's safe at home in California. We'll be back with him tomorrow.”

“Monsters?”

“I will protect you from the monsters.”

Her bottom lip still trembled, “Daddy?”

“Daddy will protect you too.”

“No... who protect Daddy?”

“Daddy's fine, sweetheart.”

Her big blue eyes looked up at her mother, her tears still glimmering in the dim light of nearby nightlight. Leaning forward, Summer kissed her forehead again, her thumbs wiping away tears. Saying nothing, she stood back up and retrieved her cell phone from the dresser. Returning to her daughter, she flipped it open and held down Cameron's number.

A moment later, Cameron's worried voice answered, “Summer? Baby? Are you okay?”

“Hey, Cam,” she chirped. “Your little princess wanted to check in and make sure the monsters aren't getting you.”

“Oh... Summer...”

Summer held the phone out to Evelyn, “Say hello to Daddy, Evie.”

“Daddy!? Are you okay?”

“Hi, sweetheart. Daddy is just fine. Remember how we sprayed the monster spray before you left?”

“Do you still have some, Daddy? I no want the monsters to get you.”

He smiled, “I do. I'll spray some more under the bed, just to be safe.”

“Okay, good,” the little girl declared. “Mommy put boards on the windows to keep them out here.”

“You're going to be perfectly safe, Evie.”

“Daddy?”

“Yes, sweetie.”

“I see you tomorrow?”

“Yes, Evelyn. You'll see me tomorrow. You and Mommy are going to get on a plane and come home tomorrow.”

“You promise the monsters won't get you?”

“I promise. They won't get you and Mommy either.”

“Okay, Daddy,” she paused. “I love you, Daddy.”

“I love you too, Evie.”

“Okay. Bye, Daddy,” she declared, holding the phone to Summer.

Summer smiled her thanks to her daughter. Waiting for the girl to lie back down and pull her stuffed animal back, she kissed her forehead and stood back up. She crossed to the other side of the room, sitting in large chair near the boarded up windows.

“Cam...”

“She's going to be fine. You're going to be fine.”

“I know,” she tucked her feet up underneath herself. “Jimmy just called.”

He remained silent for a moment, “Why?”

“James apparently called him. He's sending a private jet for me and Evie.”

Cameron said nothing.

“I thanked him but told him that you already took care of it.”

“Dammit, I can get you a jet.”

“No, baby, you don't need to. You already got us booked on a plane. There's no need to be extravagant about it. You know how Jimmy is. He was just... Cameron, you're the one taking care of things. You're the one I trust and rely on. It's been that way for decades,” she declared.

He sighed, “I know, Summer. I just... He's Jimmy Page.”

Smiling slightly, she shifted in the chair and glanced over at their daughter, “I chose you over him. And I would a million times over, Cam.”

“God, I love you, Summer. If anything were to happen to you...”

“It won't. I've got you protecting me from all the monsters.”

“I always will.”

“I love you, Cam. I'm going to crawl back in bed with our sweet princess. I'll see you tomorrow.”

“I love you too, Summer. Give her more hugs and kisses for me.”

“Good night, my king.”

“Good night, my queen.”



Saturday, August 26th, 2005
New Orleans, LA

Setting Evelyn's suitcase on the front porch, Summer returned to the house. She did another quick sweep of the rooms before locating her daughter huddled on the loveseat near the front door. Squatting in front of the girl, she grinned and kissed her happily. She offered her hand as she stood back up. The young girl slipped her hand into her mother's, held her elephant tightly with her other arm, and trailed Summer out of the house. Releasing her hand on the porch, Summer turned and pulled the door closed. Her fingers traced around the board covering the glass on the front door before she inserted her key and locked up her beloved house. She tucked the keys back into her pocket before she turned around and sat on the top step to the porch. Evelyn sat next to her, moving as close as possible.

Looping her arm around her daughter's shoulders, Summer squeezed her gently, “Are you ready to see Daddy again?”

“Uh huh,” she nodded. “Daddy's really good at keeping monsters away.”

“Yes, he is,” she agreed. “Daddy's been keeping monsters away from me for a very long time.”

“Really?”

Summer nodded again, “Yep. Daddy has been protecting me and taking care of me for a loooooong time.”

“More than five years?”

“Way more than five years.”

“More than ten?”

“Your daddy has been my best friend and the best monster fighter for thirty years,” she explained.

“Whoa. That's a long time, Mommy.”

“It is,” she nodded. “So I know he's going to take care of us.”

“Is Daddy going to be on the plane too?”

“No, sweetheart, he won't be on the plane. But he will be there when we get off.”

“Will and Hayley too?”

“Possibly. I don't know. But they'll be home if they don't meet us at the airport.”

“Okay. Can I have a cookie?”

Summer chuckled, nodded, and reached into her purse. While her daughter munched on a small package of mini animal cookies, she pulled out her cell phone and checked the time. Frowning as the car should have been to the house fifteen minute prior, she considered whether she should call and confirm the car with Cameron or wait it out a few more minutes. Before she could decide, her phone lit up with an unknown incoming call.

“Hello?” she answered.

“Summer, are you okay?”

“Robert?”

“Are you okay?” he repeated.

“Yes, of course. What makes you think otherwise?”

“I just spoke with Jimmy. He said he sent a jet to evacuate you from New Orleans.”

She sighed, “I told him last night that it wasn't necessary because Cameron made arrangements for us already.”

“Are you still in New Orleans?”

“Robert, that really isn't your concern.”

“It bloody well is. Even if you weren't the mother of my daughter, it would be my concern. I still lo–”

“We're waiting for a car to come and take us to the airport.”

“Don't you have a car there? Drive yourself to the airport. And who is us? Who is with you?”

“My youngest, Evelyn,” she responded, glancing as the girl dug out another animal cookie.

“And you're not out of there yet? Are you bloody out of your mind?”

“Robert,” she responded calmly, “I'm fine. The cab will be here soon and we'll be safely on a plane out of harm's way before noon. Everything will be fine.”

“But – ”

Her phone beeped with another incoming call, “Robert, there's another call coming in. I'll let you know as soon as we're out of here, okay?”

“Summer, I – ”

She glanced at the caller, “It's Cameron. I have to go. I'll call or text you later.”

Before he could say another word, Summer hung up on him, switching over to her husband, “Hi.”

“Please tell me you're at the airport.”

“Um,” she stood up and stepped down the stairs, walking out of earshot of their daughter, “not exactly.”

“Dammit. Summer, where are you?”

She sighed, “Still at the house, waiting for the car.”

Cameron was silent for a minute, “Are you serious? They should have been there over thirty minutes ago to pick you up.”

“The only cars I've seen would be neighbors driving by with cars full of people, things, and pets.”

“Fuck. Okay. Just drive to the airport and leave the car there,” he stated.

Summer hesitated, “Um, Cam...”

“Baby, what?”

“I'm almost out of gas. If people are evacuating...”

“Can you make it to the airport?”

“I think so? It's only like 20 miles from here or so,” she responded. “The light hasn't yet come on...”

“Then get in the car and get to the airport. Call me back when you get there.”

“Okay. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

Hanging up, she tucked her phone into her pocket and returned to her daughter. Summer kissed Evelyn happily, instructed her to grab her elephant and her airplane bag, and to follow her to the garage. With two suitcases in hand, she headed around the house to the garage. Leaving the luggage with her daughter, she unlocked the garage and headed to the car. As the large garage door opened, Summer slipped behind the wheel of the sedan, inserted the key into the ignition, and started the vehicle. Her eyes dropped down to the fuel gauge. Her heart sank as the low fuel light instantly lit up. She only hoped they could make it to a gas station that had fuel as they certainly would never make it to the airport.

She backed the car out, closed the garage door, and got out of the car. With her daughter's help, she loaded their belongings into the trunk before hurrying around to buckle Evelyn into her seat. Her lips brushed the girl's forehead before she dug her cell phone out of her pocket.

“Can you do Mommy a favor?” she asked the young girl.

“Okay!”

“I want you to talk to Daddy while I drive, okay? Tell him we have to get gas before we go to the plane.”

“Okay, Mommy,” she responded.

Summer quickly pressed Cameron's speed dial and handed the phone to her daughter. Closing the passenger door, she rushed back to the driver's side and sat behind the wheel. She smiled at Evelyn as the girl happily greeted her father, telling him that Summer was going to drive and she was going to talk to him. Backing down the driveway, Summer paused longer than necessary as there was no traffic. Her eyes lingered on the house that had become a home so many years ago. She had a feeling she would never see it again – and that broke her heart.