Cameron's POV

"So, Zen." I began, searching for a conversation starter. "What do you do in your spare time?" Good one.

"Well, I uh, I read. A lot." She returned, slightly stutterish.

"Oh cool! What book are you reading now?" I asked.

"Winter Scent, by Jean Bennett." She said. She was hard to read, I couldn't quite figure out what her facial expression was.

"I love Jean Bennett!" I exclaimed, half-truthfully. I had read two of his novels and thought they were alright. But with Zen's influence, my opinion will probably change...

"Oh yeah? What's your favourite novel by him?" She asked, tilting her head a little to the right. A flash of excitement appeared in her eyes and a grin formed on her mouth. She was absolutely gorgeous.

"I'm gonna be mainstream and say Bloom, his third work." I said, smiling at how passionate she was about Bennett.

"Well, it is mainstream for a reason!" She chirped happily. I looked up at the large, ticking clock displayed on the opposite wall, only to find out that our break was nearly over.

"Damn! Breaks nearly over." I stated. "Do you want to exchange numbers? I won't be able to see you at lunch, I have to go to the doctors."

"Oh, umm sure. Write down yours on some paper and I'll text you at some point today?" She said hesitantly. Even though she was uncertain, I felt like I could bounce off the walls with joy.

"Of course!" I scribbled my number down on some torn paper from my maths book. "Here you go!" I slid it across the table to her. I expected her to pick it up, but she pulled out her phone and typed me in as a contact - well I'm hoping she did. As she did so, the bell went.

"All done! I'll text you later?" She said as she stood up.

"Will do! Talk later!" I waved. I got up from my chair and picked up the paper, throwing it in the trash on my way out.
She sure was an odd one.

Zen's POV

He was definitely determined. What for? I don't know. I was starting to like him though, it was better for me to have Cameron on my mind than being contaminated by God knows what. Anyway, Cameron, Cameron... Oh! I have noticed that he is quite attractive, he had very light (almost dirty blonde) brown hair, which was a little bit tousled and messy - but it suited him, really well. I wanted to touch it...

He had pretty hazel eyes that from what I have seen, are never dull. He's got a nice laugh and smile too, it's pretty much contagious. Also his vibe is great. It's the kind of vibe that lets you know you're in good company, and I really like that. I smiled  ever-so-slightly to myself as thoughts of Cameron clouded my mind rather than paying attention to what my computing teacher had to say. She and I both knew I did not want to be here and that I only ended up taking this class because I had no other options. It was the last class of the day, which went by very quickly without Cameron being here at lunch.

After another 30 minutes of gibberish rambling, the bell went and I was set free; although my packing up process caused me to stay behind a tiny bit. Rushing myself and touching something that had diseased bacteria all over it was NOT worth the risk. I muttered a lazy "goodbye" to Mrs Lambert and walked through the door that led to outside and made my way cautiously to my 'spot', the place I go after the last bell goes to indicate the school day's end for five minutes before actually leaving school grounds. That way, there's less people for me to bump into - once again.

On my journey home, I pulled out my (thoroughly disinfected) phone out of my jean's pocket and texted Cameron.

Hey. It's the weird girl you hung out with this morning.

I held my breath as I pushed send, and let it out as soon as I did so. I actually don't want him to think I'm weird, I just want him and I to be friends like anyone would be. That'd be nice. A couple of minutes passed, and my phone buzzed from a text.

It was mum.

Hi honey. Your psychologist has gotten a cold and because of your condition has decided to cancel all sessions till hes better. Love you sweetie xoxoxo

I internally celebrated. Woo! I'm glad he called off the sessions in any case. Dave is a pretty cool guy. I typed a quick reply saying "Thanks, I love you too" blah blah blah. Still no reply from Cameron. I sighed sadly and shuffled back home, away from people.

I cringed as I turned the doorknob to my front door.

"I'm home," I announced carelessly. I placed my bag in my room by my bed and walked into the living room.

"Hi hun! How was your day?" Mum asked, smiling warmly at me. But I knew deep down she was scared, scared that she'd never be able to kiss her daughter's forehead or cuddle with her or cry with her, loose all affection with her. And she had every reason in the world to fear that.

"Good, actually." I replied with a bored tone, even though I wasn't actually bored. That was just how I sounded sometimes. I walked into the bathroom to FINALLY wash my hands. I had done well today.

"Oh? Did something happen?" Mum asked, following me there.

"Not really. I just made a friend." I shrugged, as if it was no big deal. I never made friends, so mum would be estatic.

"That's awesome honey! What's her name??" She pushed as I rinsed my palms, and lathered on a third and last round of liquid soap.

"Uh, it's actually a he. And Cameron." I corrected, rinsing my hands again and reaching for the towel that only I use and wash differently, separate from the rest of the towels in the house. That goes for the one I use for my body after showering, too.

"Well that's great honey. I'm very happy for you," she smiled at me and walked out.

"Thanks, mum." I replied, grinning back at her, just not as widely.

Dinner has passed, dads home, it's 8pm. I checked my phone again to see if Cameron had replied; he hadn't. I locked my phone and rolled over on my bed, sighing heavily. I guess I could take a shower in the mean time. I got myself off my bed and got out a pair of latex gloves to put over my hands before heading into the bathroom. No matter how hard I scrubbed the shower, there was always a tiny speck of mould there to taunt me. I disinfected the handles with an old rag before chucking it in the bin and turning on the shower. While it was heating, I retreated back to my room to dispose of the gloves, and snapped on a new pair. I'd always shower with gloves on, and wash my hands once I was out. I undressed my self and dumped my clothes into my laundry basket, I do my own load of washing on weekends. I wrapped my towel around my bare body and stepped into the bathroom once again, this time shutting the door behind me. I breathed in the steamy, humid air and set my towel on the counter after checking it was clean. I stepped into the shower and sighed in pleasure as I felt the hot water wash over my body, cleansing it of any germs I may have picked up throughout the day.

After I had dried my hair, body and washed my hands I headed back into my room and checked my phone once more to find that Cameron had (FINALLY!) texted me back.

Haha, hi Zen! I don't think you're weird. I think you're as normal as me! :D

I smiled to myself as I typed a speedy reply.

You? Normal? Please.

He'd know I'm kidding, right?

Yeah, dunno what I was thinking when I typed that one up. :p how is Zen, anyway?

Well that was quick.

She's not bad, she's contemplating a lot.

I exhaled shakily. I figured he might as well know before he gets any more fond of me.

Contemplating what, dearie?

My breathing quickened.

Contemplating whether or not I tell you that I have OCD.

Sent.

Is that so? Well Zen, a mental disorder sure as hell isn't going to change what I think of you. You can't get rid of me that easy!

Oh my god. Was he really okay with this? Seems too good to be true, really.

That's a relief to hear. It's pretty bad though. So just as a warning, never touch me, my things or make me touch you/your things. It's nothing personal.

I thought I should pre-warn him if he's willing to be friends with me. Then my phone lit up:

Not a problem whatsoever.

I grinned like I have never before.

Thanks, Cameron. Goodnight.