Professor C (camren)

7 - Intentions

Lauren was running around her single bedroom apartment in her matching black lace underwear that provided a resounding contrast to her porcelain skin. She was running with a purpose but seemed to have been without direction. Straightening iron in one hand, she was searching for a fine-bristle comb that she was sure she left in the living room table after she used it to brush lint off of her pants the other day.

Oddly enough, she was calm and was quite simply in a rush, considering she absolutely despised being late. Lauren had always been punctual unless she had no intentions of leaving her cave, which seemed to have been the case for at least eight years.

The abnormal peace of the fast-paced situation came from the thought that she still had enough time to prepare until Darnell popped in.

It was a little over one in the afternoon that Saturday, the day of the party. The psychologist had been darting from the kitchen, to the living room, to the bathroom and then the bedroom; she even contemplated on going out into the balcony. She'd been jumping over piles of clothes, pieces of paper and shoes scattered about while her damp hair had been sprinkling droplets of water as if she was a raincloud.

She really had to clean up soon. To give her a little credit, she did clear the living area and the kitchen just to accept a guest just in case she needed to - Darnell, to be exact.

"Ha! There you are!" She exclaimed, spotting the coveted comb beneath her couch. Butt raised in the air and legs tucked beneath, her shoulders and one cheek were flat against the carpeted floor as she reached for the item with a slithering hand. "Come here. Come here." She mumbled repeatedly in a squeaky strangulated voice, grunting in the process as the pressure in her chest increased due to her position.

The satisfied grin on her face as soon as her hand made contact with the comb was beaming of pride. It was too youthful and full of life, something her facial muscles had barely felt until the semester she met Pebble but wasn't enough to chase the darkness away. Traces of her sweet demeanor had been devoted to children and the most innocent life forms.

Sighing contently, she adjusted to sit on the floor and lean back onto the side of the couch to level her breathing. Her chest was still heaving when she'd push herself up and scrambled towards the bathroom where her blow dryer was waiting for her, plugged and ready to go.

It took an hour and a half to straighten Lauren's thick head of jet black hair plus the 30 minutes to dry it completely. Figuring she still had time to spare, she sauntered over to the kitchen and heated some blueberry bagels as the nerves had caused an uprising of acid in her belly, disintegrating what she had for lunch.

Yup, she was beginning to feel it and the tremors of her crawling anxieties were messing with resolve, shaking it into a pile of rubble.

Bare feet perched on her old coffee table and elbows on her knees, Lauren absentmindedly munched as her thoughts ran rampant. She was staring out into the sliding glass door that lead to her balcony. It was a nice day out, the sky was blue and the clouds were forgivingly wispy; a hot enough temperature that would allow buds of flowers and leaves to poke out, and encourage resilient grass to unearth, in time for the looming spring.

Lauren could hear the sound of children playing with each other, laughing at whatever little debacles they stumble upon or just because they were having the time of their lives. The sound of cars passing coursing along the roads were gentle, a speed just right to evade any sort of accidents involving uninhibited children, indulged in their juvenile glee.

The damn suburbs always shoved her down in the dumps and she still could not figure out why she had not moved out.

As it turned out, thinking was bad for Lauren. Her thoughts were immediately shifted to doubts as questions arose in her mind, clouding her rational judgment. She was obsessing over the things that could go wrong.

What if she choked on the smallest piece of food? What if she went into a full-blown panic attack? What if she passed out? Or worse; what if the fabric of her dress suddenly fell apart? Those were among the panicked questions that perforated her mind until she arrived at the thought of Luca's intentions for inviting her.

Was it a ploy to humiliate her?

Lauren had never even experienced a panic attack and yet she feared a supposed imminent one. If the question was on breakdowns; that would make the most difference. Lauren had had her fair share of bawling her eyes out until there were no more tears and what was left of her was a pulsating face and a very painful headache, and eyes too puffy that her lids could barely be opened.

The most noticeable damage the break-up inflicted upon Lauren was the oversight of most things. Her grades were on a steady decline. She would "forget" a meal or two and later realize she was incredibly ravenous due to her stinging stomach, writhing in its place. Lauren would only wash her clothes when she had exhausted everything in her closet, even the most tattered ones. She still remembered to take baths and brush her teeth, though. Her apartment became the literal description of shambles and chaos.

Lauren was a mess.

It was in Indiana that she willed herself to try harder, work harder and get over herself to look for Camila and study the hardest to earn her Master's degree. That didn't mean she cleaned her apartment, though. Thankfully, she didn't own much.

The two months she lived with Sean, the doctor spent quite a hefty amount of money on housekeepers and take-out. Lauren didn't care if he had eaten or if their king-sized bed had enough space for two.

Albeit the nerves, Lauren stood up and went to brush her teeth and wash the area around her mouth, careful not to drench her straightened hair. She looked at herself in the mirror, wondering where her youth had slipped. She'd never really indulged in much vices; she once drowned herself in alcohol almost every day but that was years ago in college.

Lauren's supposedly youthful 28-year-old face looked dull, lifeless. The mask she wore to work every single day came off upon stepping into that little apartment unit; where she was free to wallow in her misery. With a deep and heavy huff, she began to gather her make-up to paint her face; temporarily concealing the blemishes on her cheeks and the dark under her eyes, and maybe add life to it.

Upon the last touch, her red lipstick, Lauren grinned at the person staring back at her.

She could see excitement gleaming in her green eyes and she had not realized how she missed that glow until she saw it. Somehow, she felt alive for the first time in a really long time. It could have been the make-up, her gut-wrenching recent discovery or Camila's presence in her bleak life.

Lauren had become too dependent on the woman that she had turned her back on. It was definitely unhealthy, but at least, she had seen progress. Otherwise, there wouldn't have been manila folders littering her coffee table.

She wanted closure, she was going to try and be satisfied with it. But not after what she saw in the faculty parking lot. Lauren was contradicting herself and maybe getting her hopes too high up, imperiling her life with the elevation should her expectations end up being let down.

There was no guarantee that Camila would be running back to her if the Clausnitzers marriage would end.

There was a knock on her door and Lauren's head swiftly dropped while her left arm rose to check the time. It confused her considering it was too early for Darnell to pick her up. She'd just have to ask the man to wait 10-15 minutes. He brought it upon himself, Lauren thought.

"Hold on!" She yelled loud enough for the person on the other side to hear. "Be right there!"

Still in her underwear, Lauren darted towards her room with her straightened hair whipping about with her pace to find an oversized plaid shirt and some cotton shorts for the sake of decorum. She practically sprinted towards the door. Red manicured fingers reached for the deadbolts and chain, she twisted the knob open to reveal a man who was not Darnell in his typical crisp button down, completed by a tie.

And Lauren's beautiful day was ruined. Dark clouds slithered onto the clear blue skies of her mind, thunder clapping and lightning flashing as heavy rain pelted her being. Her skin was crawling with heat, her body reacting to her ire.

Lauren swore she felt her heart stop and lifelessly careened down until it reached her feet, shattering upon the impact. There was another form of anxiety and apprehension boiling within her but there was an apparent irritation for the unnecessary interruption that she didn't want to deal with. He was a reminder of her current dejected life.

Her arms instinctively crossed, showing her disinclination to engage in a conversation with the man blatantly ogling at her body.

"What are you doing here?" Lauren wryly breathed, mouth barely moving while her immovable death gaze continually incinerated his glorious light brown locks, god-like chiseled features and those cold gray eyes that were supposed to weaken her knees but didn't even manage to prickle her skin.

It was quite challenging to look him down considering she was almost a foot shorter and so she settled on shifting her weight on one foot and only allowing her chin to tip up very slightly to expose her apathetic green hues. Why did she not wear her stilettoes? She could definitely pull that combination off; well, if she wanted to seduce someone.

"Wow." Sean breathed; deep, manly voice reverberating within his throat and coming off as silk. His eyes shamelessly traced Lauren's body, scanning her scalp down to her bare feet but lingered on her green hues. "You're gorgeous as ever."

Lauren scoffed, rolling her eyes in the process as a grim smile graced her lips and found herself shaking her head disbelievingly. They had just seen each other recently and Lauren did not remember him complementing her in any way. It could be because they were in a courthouse, in an annulment hearing or because she avoided him fervently that he could not be granted a chance.

"Again. What are you doing here?" She reiterated, firm with tenacity that punched the doctor's ego.

That struck a chord.

Sean's brows instantly tensed and congregated in the middle as the awe-struck gentleness in his gaze lit up in a fiery ember as his short temper spiked up. Pride preceded the man. Sure, he was a generous person, maybe affectionate, too but it was nothing but ordinary when Lauren would find the doctor obsessing over something as little as Lauren's independence from him.

He needed the satisfaction that he aided Lauren in accomplishing the littlest things.

"Can't I just complement you without you bitching about it?"

"I ignored it. I did not 'b***h' about it." Lauren clarified in a snarky attitude and an unwavering stance. Her brows rose, challenging her soon-to-be ex-husband. Her tolerance was being tested and she was so close to exploding. "For the third time, Sean, w-"

The man relented upon realizing his feeble attempts with an audible huff that was a clear indication of his irritation. He looked away as if searching for something that could somehow lull his anger but came empty handed, instead, begrudgingly reattached his gaze back to the green ones that had been impatiently waiting with a particularly annoying successive tap of her bare foot.

"I told your lawyer I'll personally deliver the judge's decision." He explained, running his hand through his mane. There was a sign of defeat lurking about as his shoulders slowly dropped and he slowly shifted on his feet.

"Where is it? I don't see any documents."

"Let me rephrase that." Swallowing the thumping lump in his throat, Sean lifted an index finger, nervously wagging it in front of Lauren. "I came to personally tell you about the next hearing schedule."

"Completely unnecessary but whatever." Lauren shrugged, rolling her eyes and showing her utmost disapproval. She then waved her hand dismissively, needing to conclude the conversation. "Lay it on me."

"Glenn's statement helped and we have a hearing within the month." As reluctant as he was to admit, the testimonies his friend delivered was a progress in favor of Lauren.

Ida had previously taken the witness stand, informing the judge of the couple's 11-month relationship. She had cited the lack of intimacy and Lauren's overall gloomy demeanor. She did not fail to mention her shock upon being told of the wedding she was not invited to seeing as it a crass and hasty decision. Sean had only managed to drag his friend and coworker, Glenn, who had moved to another city.

It had been over a year since the annulment had been filed and as tedious as it was, Lauren was grateful that Sean was stripped of the opportunity to appeal the court's decision, should it turn out to be an affirmative. Hence, his desperation for his apparent intention.

"Okay..." Lauren trailed off, having found no real purpose in the doctor's presence. She adjusted her gaze and simply looked at the tie around his neck; thinking about how liberating it would feel to yank it and maybe strangle him for a good second. "Thanks for that but the only person I should be talking to is my lawyer. Good day."

Lauren faked a smile, c*****g her head eerily to the side. She then stepped out of the way and reached for the door, intending on closing it only for a shiny leather shoe to halt it in its path. It was so close and a groan immediately came forth from Lauren's mouth.

"How are you, Lauren?"

"Busy." She answered simply upon another failed attempt at closing the door.

"You can make time." The man insisted, desperate for a little opportunity the sway Lauren into giving him another chance. His pride was enduring a beating and his anger was impending as he felt heat prickle his skin while his heavy heart pounded with purpose.

Lauren incessantly blinked, thinking that she'd been coursing through a dream; hoping to wake up and realize that Sean did not actually come by. It was a different side of the man she had never had a glimpse of. He had simply demanded things from Lauren and one of them was his wish to actually consummate the marriage that ended up in him on a fetal position, grimacing with unmatched agony.

"Time for what?" Lauren humored him, looking for a distraction to slam the door in his face. He was much stronger than her, might as well outwit him.

"To talk about us." Sean tried, offering the psychologist a small, insecure smile. His large hand was pressed against the timber structure, a leverage that his foot might not be able to provide. "I missed you."

"You see...I don't." She bluntly retorted, hoping that would do the trick that would push the doctor away. Her vexation was only growing and her chest had tightened and she felt the need to simply yell her frustrations out but couldn't. Instead, she settled for her sassy answers. "That's why we broke up. You broke up with me and I was happy to release you back to the wild where you can find more sluts to bang."

"Okay." Sean sighed heavily and raised both his hands in surrender but kept his foot where it was. "Yes, I broke up with you but that was because I've been competing against a girl who had no idea had battle against me for years. Camila? That's her name, right? You kept dreaming about her; you were talking in your sleep and calling a name that wasn't mine. What was I supposed to do?"

"I don't know; not bang another girl and just break up with me?" She shrugged upon pursing her lips, playing her answer off as if it was nothing. "That's why we're not together anymore. We've only been together less than a year; married for...a couple of months - not years if we're considering semantics and, I don't know, facts. Don't be dramatic. Please just go home."

"Come on, Lauren. We-"

"I believe the lady is requesting for you to make an exit." Another male voice joined their conversation and Lauren was fighting the urge to sing Halleluiah.

Both pairs of eyes were directed to the source of the sound and revealed a dapper Darnell, dressed in a slick tuxedo that he wore with a very adorable bowtie. He looked quite respectable but incredibly intimidating with his stance. His determined gaze and rigid expression was enough to scare Lauren, thankful that he was on her side.

There still was some sort of grudge, a resentment for what she had seen earlier that week but she was willing to settle it later, when the time was right. Of course, Lauren had nothing against gay men, she was gay. She was just repulsed by that extramarital kiss. As for the moment, they needed to get rid of Sean and Darnell was her saving grace - her dashing knight in a marvelous tuxedo.

"Who are you?" Sean spat, features crumpling in disgust. His fists were already bawled, ready to fight for the girl that never wanted to be with her; willing to risk his rising career. Darnell's ensemble threw him off, assuming that they were set to have a romantic date that he was certainly not happy about.

Darnell grinned ominously, quite amused by the doctor. Unfazed, he sauntered towards them in confident strides.

"I'm everything you're not."

"Yes, but you're not this Camila girl either." Sean begrudgingly raised, having no other cards to deal. The name alone riled him up, pushing him to make immature jabs. "Good luck trying to pry her legs apart."

"That's okay, man. I like everything but boobs and vaginas." Darnell offered, relieved to finally stand between the ex-couple and be at the most favorable position to protect Lauren. "Please leave before we file a restraining order."

Sean was revolted by Darnell's statement that confirmed his sexuality that his features crumpled, almost sticking his tongue out to gag. Seeing as he was defenseless against a sassy Lauren and a particularly muscular man, he was forced to retreat, mumbling his grievances.

Without warning, Lauren pulled Darnell by the shoulder to swivel him in his place and threw her arms around the man, who had chuckled in his surprise. The brunette repeatedly expressed his gratitude, thanking him for. She was breathing deeply, willing her heart to calm down and her friend held her patiently.

"I was going to ask if you're ready." Darnell shared upon Lauren's loosening grasp.

Averting his gaze, she insecurely tucked strands of hair behind her ear, embarrassed. There were two things that she was mortified about; the delay and Darnell having to deal with Sean.

"I'm sorry. He was-"

"I understand. They will understand." Darnell interrupted, setting his hands on her arms to reassure her. He was pertaining to Luca's family, whom she was certain wouldn't make a big fuss about it, and not just to offer phony words. "Besides, I think the Clausnitzers wouldn't mind accepting you in those clothes with a face, body, brain and personality like yours. Late entrance with everyone's attention on you would suit you, Miss Lauren." He complemented, earning an appreciative smile and red tin grazing those porcelain cheeks.

"You know how to flatter the ladies, Mr. Price." Lauren pushed him by the shoulder, chuckling slightly and prompted him to do so, as well. "Turning lesbian on me now?"

"Possibly." He quipped, beaming his pearly whites.

"Come in but you have to forgive me for the mess you may find and my small little home." The psychologist told him through her laughter, gratified for the lightness in her chest. She stepped to one side and allowed the man to come through the door, and closed it behind him while his wandering brown eyes inspected the small space. Extending her arm, Lauren directed the man towards the small living room. "Uh...sit. This won't take long. I promise, I just have to slip my dress on and we're ready to go."

"Nonsense. Take your time." Darnell assured her in his steadfast confidence. "I don't mind showing off the most beautiful date a guy could ever have."

"Flattery alone won't make me fall for you, Mr. Price but excuse me." Lauren gave the man an appreciative smile and ambled towards her room, leaving Darnell to wander towards the living room as he inspected the apartment unit.

The visitor could not find anything that would indicate that there was a man living in the house except for the plaid shirt strewn on the couch, the one he was sitting on. He would assume it was from a hook-up but found a resemblance in the one Lauren was wearing. The odd thing was that there were no children's toys or clothes, when he was told that Pebble was hers. Even in a divorce or a separation, she would have been granted visitation rights.

At the end of his search, Darnell was certain Lauren lived alone. Now, that was a news that could make a headline.

Lauren was true to her words. She was quick and the next thing that Darnell found was a woman, dressed in an elegant black dress that traced the curves of her body; chest, waist, butt and all. The hem of the dress was hovering above her knee and the ensemble was completed by black heels with thin straps. Her make-up was just the right intensity that made those eyes a glimmering gem that dulled her jewelry's shine.

Lauren looked stunning.

"Wow." Darnell breathed, abruptly shooting up to his feet to admire the woman before him. "I'll be the envy of all lesbians and straight men."

Lauren was a blushing mess that huffed out the air inside her lungs that she had congregated, forced in due to her nerves. Darnell's constant honest reassurance somehow boosted her confidence, making her think that she was ready for the night to begin.

"Shall we go, Miss Lauren?" Darnell offered his arm, grinning proudly.

There was a black limousine and driver waiting for them out in front, and Lauren wanted to ask Darnell why there was a freaking limousine with a driver but refrained from it. She was aware that Camila and the Clausnitzer family was loaded and a limousine would be nothing to them. Regardless, she was in shock. Her frugal life had never led her to a damn stretch limo.

During the long ride, they both were quiet. While Darnell simply respected her silence, Lauren's thoughts were back to obsessing over Camila...again.

Lauren and Camila would be mingling in a social setting; talking to each other with no such professional responsibility prompting them to do so. They would be having a meal together amongst all the other participants of the occasion that she still had no idea what for.

There should be some sorts of disparities from the first time she'd gone to the Clausnitzer estate. For one, she and her ex-girlfriend have had time to adjust to each other's presence and the strange, new aura that preceded them. Two, Camila had previously invited her to that bizarre dinner they shared with Milo and Luca; all inelegance aside, it was quite a peaceful dinner that ended with the professor accompanying Lauren to her car. Three, they've been quite civil with each other and their platonic, professional relationship could lead into a friendship they once shared.

Friendship. Now Lauren didn't like the taste of that.

Cars. Expensive cars were the first the graced Lauren's eyes. The estate grounds were covered in them like ant colonies. There was only enough space for one car to pass through and that was where their limousine was taking them to; towards the front door and with distance they travelled, Lauren was losing her cool.

Why were there so many people? She frantically asked herself and unconsciously bounced her knee up as she picked at the fabric of her dress. Darnell sensed her distress and gently set his hand over her leg and smiled at her.

"I got you." He cooed, flashing her that winning smile yet again. "We're partners in this. Tell me if you suddenly want to ditch. But I promise, they're nice - very business minded but nice."

Lauren nodded incessantly, unaware that her door had been opened for them until artificial light streamed in and landed on her feet. She did not have much time to react, given that Darnell had stepped out of the car and was standing with his hand offered to her.

Cold, clammy hands accepted the man's who didn't do so much as bat an eye, much to Lauren's relief. Her date was an understanding gentleman, a much needed change. Trembling knees carefully lifted and directed equally weak feet to the ground until Lauren could straighten herself and stare at the heavy door.

Darnell held onto her quite tightly and escorted her in where Lauren felt the need to shield her eyes upon the sight of the dazzled interior with every surface was polished and shined to perfection. The chandeliers were lit and boasting their beauty and the one that hung atop the foyer was enough to make up for the lack of furniture. The railings of the winding staircase were too bright to ignore, too.

However, nothing could dull Camila's light. Lauren knew that and if it weren't for the professor she would have been stressing over the elegant older woman in her 70's next to her, donned in a luxurious long-sleeved blue dress that had its own galaxy of stars that shined against the lights. She also would have been looking at Luca, in an identical tuxedo, who was excitedly waving at them.

Camila had always looked gorgeous in red. She had her own version of the woman's dress. They looked similar but they weren't identical. They both had sleeves up to their wrists but that was the end of it. Camila's fabric was a much simpler one, turtleneck and shorter, maybe the same length as Lauren's.

Lauren was floored. She was wondering if her poker face had worked but Camila's certainly wasn't. Camila's features gaped and her brown eyes were in a spell, there was no way she was plucking her gaze from Lauren whose confidence was boosting by the second.

Darnell immediately greeted the older woman that Lauren was still about to learn the name of but didn't quite notice the mean leaving her side. She was too busy, too entranced but was lured out of it by a tight hug from Luca who was mumbling things Lauren did not care to hear.

Camila did acknowledge her though; a nod, as always but her eyes were not leaving Lauren, even when Darnell pulled her tiny body towards him.

"Oh, Lauren, this is my great aunt, Patricia; my grandfather's youngest and most beautiful sister." Luca announced quite obnoxiously, finally snapping Camila out of it. There was an apparent fondness for the woman and Lauren found herself smiling.

"Good evening, ma'am. It's a pleasure to meet you." Lauren extended her hand, unsure if it was okay to hug the woman. Thankfully, Patricia took the reins, squeezing her tightly.

"Call me Aunt Patty, darling." The woman coaxed and that certain silky flow to her accent told Lauren of her class. She zoned her blue eyes in on Lauren's green ones, smirking, it seemed. "The pleasure is all mine, especially after you blessed me with those magnificent eyes. If I had eyes like those, I wouldn't dare blink."

Lauren released a small chuckle, both flattered and bashful. She took the woman's timeless classic beauty and expressed her appreciation as well. Those streaks riddling her features were apparently laugh lines and she was strikingly young looking for her age, filled with vigor.

"Thank you. You're very gorgeous."

"Thank you, darling." Patricia acknowledged and was about to say something when a server arrived, holding a tray of flutes of Champagne. "Wine?" She looked towards Darnell and Lauren, collecting one for herself.

"Sure. Thanks." Lauren mumbled and was in the middle of raising her hand to retrieve one for herself when she heard a loud shriek that tugged at her lips.

"Miss Mauwen!" Elf exclaimed, running towards the group with a young Hispanic woman trailing behind. The boy was in a suit, sans coat and he looked too adorable for the woman who was kneeling down to meet him, giggling. "You're here!"

"No Champagne for me. Hi, buddy!" Lauren announced happily as her the small body gently collided against her, small arms wrapping around her neck. She fixed Elf's collar upon pulling away, smiling at him. "You're becoming more handsome every day." She cooed, earning a blush to surface on the boy's smooth cheeks.

Unbeknownst to the pair, the four adults were watching them. Albeit reluctant to admit it, Camila thought they looked adorable, too. Lauren was just wonderful with children. Patricia raise brows, smiling knowingly at Luca, to confirm what he told her of, it seemed.

"Told you." Luca whispered, clinking his glass against Patricia's and taking a swig of wine subsequently.

"Thank you. You're beautiful, Miss Lauren." Elf set his hands on either side of Lauren's cheeks and then her shoulders, getting ready to tell her of a gripping story. His gorgeous eyes widened in splendor as his excitement took over. "Do you want to play with my dinosaurs? Mr. Claus got me a new one. Godzilla!"

"Elf, honey, I think you should go play with your cousins." Camila interjected, much to the boy's dismay. It wasn't because she hated them together, she simply felt that it could be rude to Patricia, to be interrupted.

Elf frowned and Lauren was quick to mirror his gesture and kiss his forehead. She situated her own hands on the boy's cheeks, almost engulfing his entire head. "It's okay. We can play with your action figures later."

Immediately, Elf threw himself at the woman for another hug. His spirit was lifted just enough, a promise of Lauren's presence another time was more than enough. "Promise?"

Lauren chuckled, rubbing her hand on his back. "I promise."

The psychologist stood up after the boy released her. She fought to straighten her dress that was slightly wrinkled from it being bundled up. It was a valiant effort that didn't do much and Darnell was ready to offer her some Champagne, apparently taking one for her, too just to release her of her inhibitions enough. She gratefully accepted the glass, thanking Luca for insisting that she go with Darnell; the man seemed to know her needs before she even thought of it.

However, with the two side by side, she was reminded of the incident that Monday. Luca and Darnell were kissing. Camila could have been rummaging through the car while they thought it was all clear, ready to commit infidelity. The thought that they could have been repeatedly doing that was infuriating. She found them disgusting and was baffled as to how they could still act casually around the girl.

Lauren wanted to say something but it wasn't the time. Not then, at least.

"You're wonderful with children." Patricia commended, scrutinizing Lauren's significantly happier exterior. She was utterly amazed by what she saw and by a person without a child, no less. "How many kids do you have?"

Awkwardly, Lauren chuckled as she shook her head. "I don't. I have two nephews, though."

Luca and Camila were in shock; more Camila than Luca. Lauren does not have a child; Pebble was not her child. How could she have not figured out early on? She was sure she knew Lauren enough but her body language towards the little girl was different, motherly. And why was she feeling anger rise within her? She threw hear head back, chugging the sparkling golden liquid.

"You're a natural, darling." Patricia approved, nodding at the psychologist. She figured she could find an explanation somewhere and it was what propelled her to ask. "What is it that you do?"

"I'm a psychologist but I work as a counselor over at the community college."

Patricia hummed in approval. She was impressed and her nods were slowing down as she offered the woman a very bright grin. Lauren was actually surprised the woman like her. She thought it wasn't possible. She was beginning to like the Clausnitzer family even more.

The older woman had one more question to ask and she began speaking after gulping a generous amount of wine. "What about your husband, wh-"

"Excuse me, Madame Patricia, but dinner is about to be served and Mr. Dietrich asked me to fetch you." A server came, a different one but was dressed in a similar white shirt, black vest and bowtie combination.

"Thank you." Patricia nodded courteously. "Let's go?"

Luca was quick to assist his great aunt and Camila was right next to her, holding her hand. When there were only two left, Darnell once again offered his arm just as he did back at the apaprtment.

"Shall we?"

"Keep that up. You might get a chance." Lauren jested with that gorgeous smirk, playfully winking at the man who heartily laughed at her joke.

However, Camila didn't find humor in it - in the way they were attached and the way they were too close.

Lauren found herself in a ballroom, left of the living room she once lounged in. It was something comparable to hotels and her eyes could not even stay in one place. Long windows, crawling from the ceiling down to the fleur-de-lis patterned carpeted floors were covered in thick drapes. A grand crystal chandelier hovered above, ever sparkling, ever so beautiful. A small grand piano was situated to one corner and a classical pianist working his magic sat before it.

There were round tables covered in gold cloth with eight chairs each and the elegantly-dressed occupants were on their feet conversing save for the young ones who were enjoying some sweet treats in one table, where Lauren spotted Elf. There were servers with the straightest, most rigid postures, ambling about the space, much like a restaurant.

Who are these people? Lauren thought.

It wasn't long before she and Darnell had been dragged by Luca into the hoard of rich ladies and gentlemen, accepted with handshakes, hugs, or cheek-to-cheek. They were all cordial and quite engaging, the characteristics of businessmen. She had met at least, 30 people, including Luca's parents, who all had questions to ask her and Lauren's cheeks had never been that sore. She was in a jumbled mess of cordial greetings, gratitude and shallow conversations.

Unknown to Lauren were the angered yet longing brown eyes that were stuck to her and the adhesive that glued them on was strong. Camila had consumed three glasses of Champagne and was craving her usual dose of brandy or a long drag of cigarette but couldn't have both. Her hands were beginning to tremble and she was attempting to distract herself but nothing had worked except her staring.

Lauren was like a drug; dangerous but revitalizing. The thing is, she was revitalizing, too and Camila wanted to feel alive. She had not had a stick since dawn, having the Clausnitzers over was a terrible idea.

Long agonizing minutes later, Lauren found herself sat in a table with Camila and Luca where she would be enjoying a seven-course meal. Patricia had brought her husband along plus another couple who were all eager to talk to Lauren while Darnell kept making her laugh. It was supposed to be a contagious thing, happiness but Camila was seething and each second that joined the rest of history made Camila a notch angrier.

All through the meal that everyone enjoyed, Patricia kept reminding Luca of sitting erect, looking at table with his parents and grandmother who were attentive of his actions. Patricia had insisted on sitting with Luca and his guests, not entirely too eager to hear about the business aspect of their family.

Amid the mass of voices and laughter within the ballroom, various conversations came and went around the circular table - just as individuals would stop by and introduce themselves, still enamored by Lauren and her charm to some degree - that had isolated a certain brown-eyed brunette whose pride was still in the way. Luca seemed to have given up on coaxing his wife to join in on the merriment, but while he did, he had gotten scowls or narrowed eyes as Camila lifted her glass to her lips; occupying her mouth to avoid speaking.

Out of courtesy, Camila would offer answers should a certain person direct a conversation towards her. She had successfully masked her irritation or indifference - or, so she claimed - well from the clueless crowd and even going as far as smiling, laughing with them. It was an opening that would almost ensure that Lauren would receive pleasant answer albeit it being forced. However, while the forest that separated them had been paved, Lauren knew better than to provoke a pressurized woman and risk an explosion that would devour the entire estate.

They were in the middle of discussing U.S. stock indices: Dow Jones Industrial Average, NASDAQ Composite, and S&P 500, mutual funds and dividends that Luca actively participated in. Lauren couldn't understand nor care about the subject. It was tedious and situated galaxies away from her expertise and interests. However, she figured that her Economist ex-girlfriend had things to say.

Lauren wondered if every single person around the table followed the flow, if they were knowledgeable of the subject or if they were simply smiling and nodding quite foolishly, just as she was doing. She could tell that Darnell's full attention was devoted onto it, all the technical terms preceded the look of splendor in his eyes. Luca looked like a star, displaying his prowess without glorying himself. The man was simply humble and quite helpful with clarifying technical terms.

Lauren had arrived at one solution.

She was blatantly aware that it was her who was causing the temporary muteness of the stubborn professor. There was remorse swirling in her gut. It was a family party and she was but a nuisance to Camila's enjoyment. Hence, if the variable, her, was omitted, the professor's silence might just dissipate. Besides, her bladder had been on a rampage for quite some time.

"Excuse me, I have to go to the bathroom." Lauren quietly interjected during a brief pause in the conversation, smiling at the other seven people around the table.

The psychologist leaned towards Darnell who mirrored the movement and made for an intimate conversation, earning Camila's irritated attention as evidenced by her narrowed eyes. The gentle, satisfied grins and Lauren's quite bashful demeanor ignited a forest fire within the professor and Luca swore he saw the smoke float out of his wife's ears.

A hand firmly gripping a water goblet and the other clenched tightly on her lap, Camila wanted to chuck a wine glass or two at the "canoodling" pair, wanting to pry their damn heads apart. What were they even doing? She yelled in her head. She was seeing red but there was a prominent other color dulling its shine; green - Camila was green with envy. The professor was assuming that Lauren was doing it on purpose and she seemed to be enjoying it, which was seething her blood and frustrating her to no ends.

Lauren may have blushed or smiled quite coyly but it was for reasons very different from Camila's observation. The psychologist was simply embarrassed to have forgotten where the bathroom was and Darnell chuckled, finding Lauren's bashfulness adorable - in a very platonic way.

Gracefully, Lauren pushed her chair with the slightest noise, stood up and pushed it back. One respectful nod and a tight lip smile, she swiveled and headed for her destination.

Lauren knocked gently and waited for any sort of response, ensuring that she was not barging in on anyone. The silence prompt her hand to land on the door knob and twisted it open. She was about to close the heavy door when an obstruction prevented her to do so. Brows furrowed in confusion, she lifted her gaze to inspect the hitch only to find furious brown eyes, setting her soul ablaze and engulfing the cold confines of the bathroom in a wild fire.

"C-Camila." Lauren whispered upon taking a sharp breath, tone bleeding with disbelief as her racing heart prevented her to speak. "What are you...what are you doing?"

Without a word, Camila set her hand on her ex-girlfriend's shoulder and pushed her in. It was forceful, and her actions showed that she was not taking "no" for an answer but there was a placidness like she did not mean any harm to Lauren - physically, at least.

The next thing Lauren heard was the click of the lock and it was when the rapid whirling vortex in her mind that brought her up to a daze decreased in speed, just enough to allow her to think. The first thing she thought off was quite the obvious, most conspicuous thing any person blessed with sight would find: she and Camila were in a locked bathroom alone.

Lauren was baffled. Her racing heart echoed in her ears and pulsated in her head. It was as if the vital cardiovascular organ took control of her entire body just as her emotions took over everything else in her consciousness. What was she supposed to feel? Lauren was ridiculously nervous and her clammy hands would be the first conspicuous sign apart from her ashen features, accentuated by those wide, stunned green eyes.

Camila's expressions didn't exude of the platonic façade they had been keeping up for a month and a half. No, this was serious and with a bit of alcohol courage, Camila meant business; not the kind with documents and bar graphs.

There was a curve on her upper lip, a snarl that spoke of disgust or some sort - anything that wasn't positive. Her chest was ridiculously tight and she was going to release herself from the shackles of torment that she had endured far too long. Camila was sad; she was miserable. She was sick of being remaining in the pits of desolation and that was why she became a total b***h of terror that would consume happiness and magically turn them into fear towards her.

Camila had forgotten about being sad for a long time; at least, she had pushed it aside. But she felt it again that week, because Lauren addressed Pebble with the endearment she used to call Camila and it ravaged the bandaged wounds, inflicting another fresh, stinging cut.

And she felt it again when her new family had their first encounter with Lauren and are without history that would make them cringe at the mere reminder of the woman. It was unfair. And if Camila could, she would have turned the hands of time, erased her past and live on.

"Do you think it's okay to just come waltzing back into my life and assume that it's okay?!" Camila spat in her cracking voice that oozed of agony and fury; gritting her teeth and taking threatening steps towards Lauren who had taken subsequent ones until her back hit the cold surface of the skin. Heaving chest, her laborious breaths came in and out of her mouth. "Do you think it's okay to swoon not just my family but my husband's entire clan?!"

"I-I'm...I'm sorry." Mouth dry, Lauren stammered, having nothing else to say. Her brain was not working; riddled by fear and guilt, and the knowledge that she deserved it, and was maybe expecting the outburst. "I d-didn't mean to?"

Clouded by her frenzy that had been fueled by anger, Camila scoffed, lips painted with a humorless, eerie grin as she shook her head as if she was dismissing a thought. She was evidently frustrated and she could not believe the words that came out of Lauren's mouth. It was simply ridiculous.

She could feel the soreness in her clenched fists but she tightened them even more; paling her knuckles and reddening the tips of her fingers just to keep herself from using her hands.

"You didn't mean to?! Is that all you have?!"

Something about Camila's words hit Lauren hard and gave her the impression that her ex-girlfriend was looking down on her like she was looked down on - the most pitiful scum of the universe.

Lauren hated being pitied. That was the main reason she had not accepted any sort of consolation from her family and friends. She despised being sympathized for her misery concerning Camila because it was simply adding to it; stomping on her pride. And Camila's words ignited the sleeping beast that lived within Lauren's chest. She thought she was simply going to accept what Camila's bitterness had to offer but she found herself raising her own voice and matching the professor's rigid stance.

"What's so bad about other people enjoying my company, Camila?! What's so bad about them getting to know me and the things that I am forced to keep a secret because of you? It's still a secret, isn't it?"

"You act like nothing happened!" Camila pushed her head closer, her face perilously close to Lauren that if those porcelain features were to move a couple of inches, their lips would collide.

The pair could feel each other's heated temperature; the heat emanated from their reddened faces, the same kind that prompted sweat to surface on their skins. They could feel hot breaths mingling with their own but their determined, fiery gazes weren't letting up.

"That's what you wanted, right?!"

There was such conviction in Lauren's tone that Camila was silenced, because yes, Lauren's assumption was correct. The intention of erasing the past was almost obligatory that she had forgotten they shared beautiful memories, too. However, instead of the sweet, sweet taste of vindication, guilt claimed Lauren once more. She thought she would feel a little better, having to air her concerns of an old issue out but she thought wrong, and was regretting ever saying anything upon Camila's aversion of her gaze.

Camila had lowered her weapons and merely stood there, contemplating on what to do while her brown eyes found the expensive white marble flooring.

Lauren dropped her head backwards and let out the deepest exhale, emptying her lungs of air as she closed her eyes. There was no time to think. She frantically needed to say something, anything. Her hands crawled up to her head, fingers entering the maze of her black tresses and ran them through it.

"I'm sorry. Look, do whatever you have to do; hit me, slap me. Whatever." She timidly began after she attempted to drench her mouth, dropping her hands to the side in utter defeat. Her chest was heavy and she had no energy to keep her straight posture that she simply slumped her shoulders down. "Let's just get this done and over with. After that, I will call a cab, I can even walk back home just to get my ass out of your hair."

"You don't get to walk away from me again and think it'll solve everything, Lauren." Camila wryly mumbled a little too quietly that Lauren almost didn't catch it. The professor was not just talking about the party and her ex-girlfriend was slapped with the memo; right to the heart.

It was the first time she had used Lauren's name since their paths collided but the counselor could not even celebrate it. The dejected tone put Lauren off and practically kicked her back to her corner to think of all the mistakes she had made that led them to where they were. Of course, there were reasons as to why she decided on breaking up with Camila; at the time, it seemed as if it was the right thing to do and when she realized her fault, she was too late.

The next time Camila looked up to Lauren, her prickling eyes had congregated enough moisture. They were reddening and were ready to spill out and it was the bullet that murdered Lauren Jauregui. Oh, did it hurt to see Camila cry, and she was only in the brink of tears. Her heart stopped and she was sure her lungs had forgotten how to function, as well.

But what happened next was the last Lauren expected and probably not in Camila's control.

Camila's hands rose up and attached themselves to Lauren's cheeks and there was a clear yearning in those glossed eyes that Lauren desperately needed. She unconsciously drenched her lips and so did Camila until reality came crashing down on the green-eyed brunette and she was not willing to subject Camila to infidelity.

"We can't." Lauren breathed and with a sheer lack of conviction that she was hoping Camila did.

But Camila was a lost cause. She was guided by her feelings and raw want, maybe frustration that she was persistent and not budging. Her exterior made it seem that she did not hear nor understand a word Lauren was saying, her expressions remained blank amid those expressive doe eyes.

"Camila, we can't." The psychologist shook her head, frowning and feeling her heavy heart descend down to her stomach. She wanted it and it took everything in her to say "no". "Are you two in some kind of a polygamous marriage?"

Camila scowled at her, stimulating the rebellious heart within her; taking Lauren's decline as a challenge. She raised a challenging brow, c*****g her head slightly in a very, incredibly creepy way.

"Who asked for your opinion?"

Lauren could feel a swift pull in those hands, drawing her near. Before she knew it, the most indulgent lips that she had ever tasted landed on hers and obligated her to take a deep breath just to maintain her life. She was grateful for the fragrant oxygen that was mixed with Camila's glorious aroma; god, did Lauren miss that scent.

Upon that first contact, Lauren's resolve vanished and so did her lucid mind. Ivory arms intuitively wrapped around a narrow waist, pulling Camila closer to feel most of her body against hers. It was a needy kiss, dripping with passion that was supposed to make up for the eight years that they have missed out on each other.

They drank each other's soul while bringing new, exuberant life and to Lauren, and an in denial, Camila, hope for the future. Elated was only the beginning of how they felt. It was a form of release for the pent up feelings they have reserved for each other.

The pair were sucked into a deep frenzy that made their heads spin and the floor might as well be a carrousel on high speed. They both could remember how intoxicating their essence and the tastes of their mouths were, and it didn't have anything to do with the alcohol they had enjoyed that night. They were on a high, taken up to the sky and floated amongst the clouds that their weakened knees were insignificant only to be brought back down to earth with a resounding thud upon hearing frantic and successive knocks.