Chapter 2 -- Beginnings of a New Start
Cammo's eyes opened at six thirty the next morning, peering blearily round at the others. He saw several guys with girls, several guys with guys and one girl -- girl partnership, and he was very surprised, well, more happy really, to see Rocky and Joey snuggled together. He hadn't seen a more peaceful expression on Rocky's face for a long time. Rocky was lying on his back and Joey was lying next to him, his head snuggled against his shoulder, Rocky's arm around his chest. They were both sleeping peacefully and Cammo could swear there was a small smile on both their lips. Cammo quietly pushed the old blankets off him, stood and made his way to the slow running waters of the drain. Washday, he hadn't had a wash for five days and was feeling decidedly dirty. Even though the morning was cool, he stripped off his jumper, shirt and jeans, got an old piece of soap from the stash and started washing himself. His clothes would have to come later; they'd be washed in the same water later in the day but for now, he just wanted to cleanse what didn't smell too good, and that included all of him. He'd nearly finished when there was a voice from the group.
"Nice cheeks Cammo."
He turned to see Shelly smiling at him.
"Yeah thanks, but at least it's all clean again," Cammo grinned. "Can you say that about you?"
"Yeah, had me wash yesterday, Shelly replied. "Mmmm, that gives me a good idea seeing we're both clean now." There was a certain request in her tone.
"Nah, forget it," Cammo said, "I ain't gettin' me dick dirty after I've just washed it. Anyway, I've `ad enough recently to last me for a few days."
"Spoilsport!" Shelly exclaimed, turning back to the rest of the group.
Wouldn't mind shaggin' her,' Cammo thought, but not when I've just washed. Might give `er one tonight.'
Cammo returned to the rest of the group naked. There were a few of them wide awake now but none of them took any notice, they didn't see any difference between a person with their clothes on or off. As he was fishing for relatively clean clothes, Shelly approached him again.
"Before you put them on," she said almost sensuously, "Can I give him a suck for you?"
Cammo didn't have to answer; his dick almost seemed to have a mind of its own, raising itself from its dangling state to be hard in almost record time. Shelly was quick to observe its reaction and kneeled in front of Cammo, taking his dick in her mouth, almost to the pubes. Within a couple of minutes, Shelly's magical mouth had Cammo's climax burst from him explosively, flooding onto the concrete floor in large, white blobs. Shelly watched as the last of the offering dribbled from the member before licking it clean. Cammo was in seventh heaven.
"Shit that was cool Shelly, thanks a million." He was immersed in the afterglow of his exquisite climax.
"Cool," Shelly replied. "Tonight then?"
"Yeah," Cammo had suddenly become very interested in tonight. "Better believe it babe."
He turned round, gazing fondly at the rest of the group again, these were his family, well, the only family he had now. A few were awake, their eyes blinking in the half-light of their shelter, warding off the effects of sleep. Joey's eyes opened, blinked a few times, then focused on Cammo.
"Hi Cammo," he said.
"G'day little mate," Cammo responded, "see you've got a new best friend."
Joey looked a little embarrassed. "Yeah," he said softly. "He's so cool Cammo, gives me feelings I ain't `ad before."
Cammo smiled, pleased that Joey was with Rocky. He knew Rock would look after him and would never do anything to hurt him. He might be a rough diamond but when it came to friendship, he had a heart of gold.
"Cool Joey, stay with `im and ya won't go far wrong," Cammo said, meaning every word.
He turned away, heading to the entrance of their habitat. It was still only seven thirty in the morning but Cammo had things to do, there were things the group needed and with their situation, there was only one way to get them. He walked through the quiet streets, looking in shop windows in an attempt to find things the group needed before the shops opened. This way he could hold in his memory where certain things were and which shops stocked them. His clothing was reasonable today, slightly ripped jeans, a t-shirt and jumper, he didn't really look any different from the rest of today's youth, slightly scruffy but at least clean. He located the things the group needed by the time the shops opened and made his first move shortly after this time. Entering a shop, he quickly grabbed the object while the attendant was seeing to another customer and was gone before he was even noticed, placing the object in his shoulder bag. So far, so good, one down, three to go. He entered the second store under the same circumstances, grabbed what was needed and was gone again in seconds. Third store, same again but it was a very different story at the forth. He watched the attendant closely for many minutes, making his move when her back was turned. He grabbed the object and was about to turn to head out when a hand clasped his shoulder in an iron grip.
"I think you'd better come with me young fella," a deep, mature voice said.
Cammo turned his head to see a very large, middle-aged man holding him. He wasn't rough or abusive, but very determined. Cammo was led to the office and invited to sit down while the manager rang the police. Two officers arrived, one of whom Cammo recognised, the real cool one who often visited their habitat and who obviously felt for their plight. He smiled at Cammo.
"Good morning sir, we've had a report of attempted shop stealing from your store. Do you wish to make a formal complaint?"
The store manager thought for a few moments, his eyes studying Cammo before turning them back to the officers. "At this stage officer, I think the best course of action would be a lecture. Look, I can see the kids' obvious circumstances and I've got a fair idea where he lives. No, I won't make it official this time, I've got the article back, just a lecture if that's OK."
"That's fine sir, if you'll just sign the paperwork, we'll see to that for you." The officer sounded almost pleased the manager hadn't seen fit to have Cammo charged.
Cammo accompanied the officers back to the station. He'd left his bag in a hiding place where he could collect it later; they didn't know what he'd been up to before he was caught. They entered the station; the paperwork was put before the Sergeant who read it before turning his eyes to Cammo.
"Look young fella," the Sergeant's voice was anything but severe, "I know you kids've got difficulties, jeez, I'm only human despite what a lot of people think. I feel for you kids, you've been dealt a crook hand by circumstances beyond your control and you do the best you can, I know that. But, you can't go around stealing, you know that. Look mate, if I could, I'd see all of you kids in some sort of shelter, no one deserves to live like you do, but there isn't anything like that, anywhere. The authorities know of your plight but seem incapable of doing anything about it. You know what I'm saying is right, I can see it in your face. OK, that's the lecture, be very careful, the next store boss mightn't be so kind." He raised his eyes to the counter of the enquiries office. "Constable, go get that young fella at the counter in here, he's one of the welfare officers, he might be able to help Cammo here."
The Constable did as requested, bringing a young looking guy back into the Sergeants office.
"G'day Todd, this is Cammo, alias Cameron. He got himself caught nicking stuff from a local store but the manager only wanted him cautioned. I don't think I have to tell you where he lives." The Sergeant's last sentence was said with feeling.
Todd offered his hand, which was taken and shaken by Cammo. "Hi Cammo, trying to assist the rest of the group eh?"
Cammo got an instant feeling of trust as he shook Todd's hand, something he'd not felt for a long time, from anyone. "Yeah, you know how it is," he said.
"I do Cammo, I certainly do," Todd had a quiet, friendly voice. "Now, I want you to come back with me to my office and we'll see what can be done for you. Have you ever been in care before?"
"No I ain't," Cammo replied. "And it don't sound real good either."
"OK," Todd said reassuringly, "we can talk about that when we get there."
Todd turned and walked out of the Sergeants office accompanied by Cammo. He seemed a likeable enough guy, even though he was young. He led the way to his vehicle and drove back to his office, sitting at his desk before fixing Cammo with an interested gaze.
"Jeez Cammo, I don't know mate. We all know how you kids live and guys like me are desperate to do something about it but can't, the authorities make no allowances for homeless kids. How old are you mate?"
"Sixteen in a coupla weeks." Cammo replied.
"You're only three years behind me then," Todd said, "I'm nineteen in about six weeks. OK my friend, lets see about getting you somewhere to stay."
Cammo was incredulous. Not quite nineteen? This guy must have been really good at school, he must've excelled at everything, he had to have to be in the position he was in now. Cammo was warming to Todd quickly; there was something about him that reminded him of Rocky, he couldn't put his finger on what it was yet but there was something. Todd reached for the phone, but before he could pick it up, there was a sudden and decisive comment from Cammo.
"I don't wanna go into care. Please don't put me in care, I'd rather be with me mates than that." There was an almost pleading tone in Cammo's voice.
Todd sat back in his chair and studied Cammo again. There was no doubt in his mind the kid meant what he said. It may well bring back memories he didn't want to remember if he was placed with a family, and that was something Todd didn't want to happen. It would be a total waste of time as Cammo would only run off back to the others. Todd thought deeply for a few minutes.
"Just hang here for a few minutes Cammo, read a magazine if you want to, I'm just going to have a chat with someone. You OK with that mate?
"Yeah, that's cool, I'll wait for ya," the strong feeling of trust Cammo had for this guy had him saying.
Todd smiled and walked out of the office, heading for the co-ordinator's office. He had something in mind that may just work as long as it had the approval from his boss. Cammo read a magazine slowly, his primary education had taught him to read early in the piece, and even though not all the words printed were understood, he was able to make sense of the article. He was still reading when Todd came back.
Todd sat on the corner of his desk looking at Cammo. "OK Cammo, here's the deal. I want you to listen to what I'm going to say and not interrupt me `til I've finished. It shouldn't take long, OK?"
"That's cool," Cammo replied.
"OK, the Department has started a trial whereby staff are encouraged to take people like you under their wing and look after them. I've talked to the co-ordinator and since I'm one of the staff here involved in the trial, he's given permission for me to take you into my care as long as you are agreeable. The Department pays an allowance for your care so it's not as if it's coming out of my pocket. I want to give it a try as long as you're agreeable so, what do you reckon, you think you could live with me, as your carer?"
Cammo just stared at Todd, not really believing what he'd just heard. His feeling of trust for this guy was becoming stronger by the minute and the fact he'd offered his home for him to live in was almost unbelievable.
"Yeah, I reckon that'd be cool," Cammo said, his voice not revealing the excitement he really felt. "Would I still be able to see the others? There're things we do together, I'd miss em if I didn't see em."
Todd smiled; he could only imagine what those `things' were. "Yes, of course you could visit them, whenever Cammo. It's just that you'd be one kid out of that environment you call home. So, do you agree?"
Cammo looked at Todd, a strong feeling of friendship flowing through him. "Yeah, I agree. Thanks Todd, sounds cool." Even an offer like the one he had just received couldn't put any enthusiasm into Cammo's voice, even though he was looking forward to it like nothing else. His time on the streets had negated any enthusiasm his voice had ever held, and Todd was the first one to understand this.
"Good, we're set then," Todd said. "Let's see, it's eleven fifteen now, I've got half an hours work to do then we can draw some money from your allowance and go get you some decent clothes. How's that?"
"Cool." Cammo was feeling a strong enthusiasm even though his voice didn't convey it.
"All we've got to do now, is get your signature on a piece of paper to say you're agreeable to the deal," Todd explained. "Follow me Cammo and we'll fix that up right now."
Todd led the way to the co-ordinators office where a sheet of formal looking paper was handed to Cammo for him to read. It just set out the details Todd had already passed on to him and a paragraph outlining his acceptance. Cammo placed his scrawl in the space provided, and it was done. He received a handshake from the co-ordinator, who also told him he'd made the right choice, then went back to Todd's office to await him finishing what he had to do. Half an hour later, they were in the car again, heading to Todd's place.
"Do you live with yer family?" Cameron asked.
"No mate," Todd replied, "they live up north. I've got my own pad, just a two bedroom unit but I think you'll find it comfortable.
They pulled into the block of units, Todd leading the way to his. On entry, Cammo was astounded. The place was spotless, tastefully decorated and looked comfortable and warm, a completely opposing atmosphere to the one he was used to. Todd showed him around, finally showing him his room. Cammo looked it over. A bed, something he hadn't slept on for nearly three years was against one wall, built in wardrobes and a study desk. He looked round, a feeling of warmth flowing through him.
"This is so cool Todd," he said. "Looks real comfortable, but don't be surprised if you wake up one morning with me alongside you, it'll be force of `abit."
Todd looked into Cammo's eyes. "If that was to happen Cammo," he said, "I wouldn't mind, not at all."
Cammo was left wondering on that last from Todd, wondering what would happen if he did slip in beside him one night. Would Todd be interested? That was something he was going to have to work out for himself and his mind was already making plans on how to go about this. He'd definitely seen something in Todd's eyes but it wasn't clear what that was yet. He knew he trusted this guy fully, so only time would tell.
To be continued.