A/N: and now it's time to excuse my prolonged absence: Last Monday (June 23) was my graduation. Hah…go me! I'm going to high school! (yes I'm lame, deal with it). so this whole week I've been with my friends. But now things should wind down and I will write. This is the last chapter of this story. The sequel should be out soon, I'm actually starting it as soon as I post this, so don't bite me. If all goes as planned it could be up by tonight.

[xx][x][x][x][x][xx][x][x]CHAPTER 23: Epilogue [x][x][xx][x][x][x][x][xx]

Cameron stared wistfully out the window, thinking hard. Lately she had been thinking a lot about her father and how she had wanted so much just for him to come back, only to shove him away when he actually came. She felt guilty. Ever since the concert she had been left with nothing else to think about and it was beginning to drive her insane. Matt hadn't picked up on it yet, and she was glad. He had finally gotten his cast off and was oblivious to pretty much everything. She smiled slightly at the thought of how happy he was. A knock on her door startled her from her deep reverie.

            "Yeah?" she called.

            "Hey, can I come in?" Matt's voice floated into the room.

            "Mhmm," Cameron responded, not moving from her place by the window. She felt his arms slip around her waist and Matt pulled her against him, kissing the base of her neck. She laughed softly; Matt knew she was ticklish there. She turned to face him and hugged him tightly, turning her head to avoid their usual kiss.

            "Are you ok, love?" he asked. Cameron nodded.

            "Yeah, I'm fine."

            "You've been holed up in here ever since the concert. Cam, that was over a month ago. What's wrong?" Matt inquired gently. Cameron shrugged.

            "I guess I just have a lot on my mind, Matt."

            "Anything you want to talk about? You know I'm here for you,"

            "I know." Cameron said. "Really, I just need to sort a few things out. I'll be fine, Matt."

            "Ok," he said reluctantly. "But remember, if you need anything…"

            "Then you'll always be here," Cameron finished. Matt nodded. "Matt…uhm…I'll be back in a second," Cameron said. She gently pulled out of his arms and shuffled through her desk, pulling out a small piece of paper. Then she grabbed the phone and slipped out onto the small balcony. Dialing the number, she waited for an answer. When she got the machine, she took a deep breath. She was afraid to leave a message. Hell, she'd been afraid to call in the first place.

            The familiar feeling of Matt's arms slipping around her waist gave her the extra push. He had guessed what she was going to do. Swallowing hard, Cameron gripped his hand in hers; he squeezed it reassuringly. Finally she began to speak.

            "Dad? It's me…Cam…"