Not Quite the Opposites (camren)

14 - Lone Journey

It was a cold November day and the relatively hot Miami breeze brought a heaviness to my chest. The bright skies never dissolved the dark clouds that blocked the sun from shining on me. It was time to leave the nest. While I spent as much waking hours, even sleeping hours with my family, I wasn't really prepared to be away from them.

But I had to because it was my choice.

I did many things leading to that day; things that would make me feel better knowing that I chose to exhaust my free time on the four people that matter to me so much. I gave all of them tighter hugs and more kisses. I had cooked with my father. I went grocery shopping with my mother. I played video games with my brother. I had slept in my sister's room quite often. I did those and more but nothing seemed to be enough for me.

It felt like a repetitive stab to the chest every time I notice something missing while a cardboard box stood close by. Things were wrapped one by one and as days went, the house became emptier and less of a home. It was always like that but I was not going with them this time.

It was a Saturday and most kids my age would have been out; enjoying their time with friends. I was with a friend, my best friend, actually. It meant the world to me that she was present during my time of need.

For some reason, I didn't cry when my family boarded the large van we owned. I was severely heartbroken to see them go but I was too hurt to cry. I was too consumed on trying to be brave to cry. I held each of them tightly before reluctantly letting go. We did a much needed group hug after.

Camila was waiting patiently behind me; watching us intently. All my family members hugged her at least once. They have grown as fond of her as I have. She's just the lovable kind; respectful, too, and my parents love people like her. The luggage and boxes of my personal things were loaded in her pick-up truck, ready for transport as well.

"I'll have your plane tickets ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas, nugget." My mother exclaimed as she peered her head out the passenger window. She wiped a tear that fell on her cheek while she maintained an assuring smile. "We love you, Lauren."

"Thanks, mom! I love all of you!" I retorted, flashing a pained closed-mouth smile.

My father sat in the driver's with his face flushed red as he had been bawling his eyes out while we said our goodbyes. Chris sat behind my mother's seat. He was still putting a brave face on while our sister was still sobbing in the back seat. It was probably one of the most painful sights of my life.

Soon, they were off. I watched them drive up to the street and take a right turn; taking a part of my heart with them. I took a deep breath, calming my weary heart. I couldn't even look at the apartment anymore. It just reminded me of my family. I was slowly being consumed by my thoughts and my aggrieved emotions.

I looked out into the horizon and hoped the familiar van would suddenly appear despite knowing it wouldn't. Just when I thought the world had forsaken me, I was proven wrong.

"It's going to be ok, Lo." I heard the familiar raspy voice of the girl who has become the best kind of friend I've ever had; the closest one to my heart.

She stood in front of me; blocking out the empty road that my eyes lingered on and replaced it with a reassuring smile that somehow made the world I was currently living in livable.

"I know, Camz." I lied. I bowed my head down in defeat, standing face to face with familiar concrete walkway. I could not even muster a smile.

Of course, Camila knew better; she almost always does. She didn't find any conviction in my words. "You know I'm only a call away if you need anything, right? Talk to me when you're ready."

For some reason, her words got to me and my chest just burst out in a peculiar mixture of agony and hope. I was desperate to do something, anything to completely destroy the horrid feeling in my chest. It was inflicting such physical pain that my breathing had been laborious and I would have probably passed out if I only tried breathing normally.

"Please stay closer." I begged, whispering. My words were filled with expectation that she would be there through everything. It meant more than just the physical aspect of being close. I urgently needed her to be there for me. Otherwise, I would fall back on my usual habit of seclusion.

I was secluded in that very moment but not in a way that suffocated me. Camila had pulled me by the arm, immediately consuming my body in an earnest embrace. I took another deep breath and sank in her arms as I leaned my head against the side of hers. The smell of lavender filled my sense of smell as my sense of touch felt the constant, steady beat of her heart.

"Promise." She husked within the embrace.

In a twist of fate, my parents allowed me to stay with Jette considering her apartment was only a block away from our school and I had an absolute lack of a car. The rent was not as pricey as well considering I am sharing it with two other girls; one being Janette Zack and the other being Ivy Martinez. I was in for tumultuous a ride as it seems.

Unfortunately, Camila's house was quite far and even though I ached to be with her, it wasn't practical. It was tempting but I had to go with what was rational. My parents did suggest that I go stay with her. Of course they would, they love that girl.

Camila reluctantly took me to a single story Spanish style house with arches, white walls, roofing made of terracotta shingles, and a particularly prominent green door that threw the entire style off. The green color resembled that of moss and it reminded me of envy for some reason.

With a wheeled luggage and a backpack, I knocked to find out just to inform anyone inside that I was coming in. I unlocked the front door with the key the girls have given me a few days prior and pushed the relatively heavy door open.

Thankfully, nobody was home. Well, aside from me.

I was greeted by the spacious living room with a very juvenile set of furniture, if they qualify as such. The room was filled with bean bags over a very wide Persian rug preventing them from getting on the plain white linoleum floor. There was no coffee table or any sort. The walls were barren and bright white.

Further into the room to the right is the dining area with the kitchen right next to it. Two bathrooms come after the culinary haven; the second of which is attached to the master's bedroom where the empress of all that is fake, according to my friends, resides. Right next to Jette's room is Ivy's and then my new room which are in line with the living room.

Oddly enough, the house was well maintained.

"Camz, don't carry anything heavy! I'll be right there." I called out as soon as I put the bags I was carrying down in the middle of the living room.

I ran out to rejoin my friend and help unload my belongings from her truck. I was genuinely surprised to see my other wheeled luggage, and three of the varied sized boxes down on the ground with Camila standing by, wiping sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand.

Oh, no. I thought as I continued to marvel at her natural beauty in that loose white tank top and those tight pants. The sweat trickling down her throat was not helping me at all. It only intensified whatever feelings I have for her. She has always been attractive but at that moment, she was just perfect.

The sun shone on her beautiful dark brown locks as it gently basked the side of her face. She was divine. She looked up at me and grinned broadly but I was on a stand still as my eyes continued to revel at her lips, as they moved while she spoke in that sexy raspy voice of hers. She said something but I couldn't make it out in my trance.

She started waving her arms in the air as she jumped, being as noticeably obnoxious as possible.

"Lolo!" She exclaimed louder making me shake my head and blink my eyes incessantly. "You ok there?" She probed as a smirk grazed her lips as her brows stitched together.

"Crap." I muttered under my breath. I felt my features starting to heat up in embarrassment and desire for her. It was a weird combination that I am not very keen on repeating. I forced myself to smile at her, scrambling to find an incredibly good excuse. "I...I...uh...I...didn't I say don't lift heavy things?" I stammered, gritting my teeth in frustration, mentally slapping myself across the face.

Camila shrugged, momentarily closing her eyes with that smirk; that stupid knowing smirk that is continually distressing me. However, I prefer that over her disposition earlier especially after arriving my new apartment.

We carried box after box to my room; I made sure we did it together. I was pleased to see my queen-sized mattress already there, in the middle of the four cornered space while my desk was aligned to it but pushed to the opposite side, on the same side as the door. The closet that was fastened on the side towards Ivy's room was spacious enough for my clothes and shoes.

Soon enough, we brought everything in one piece. Camila had offered to help me unpack and I was not one to decline especially because I wanted to rest as soon as possible. I asked her to deal with the things that go on my desk while I dealt with my clothes. It was a good system.

"Hey Laurie." Jette's voice suddenly filled the air. Her tone was rather excited while apparently using a new nickname. I was crept out a little; I didn't even hear the front door open or close, for the matter. Her aura just always felt so ominous and malicious; like she was preceded by evil smoke wherever she goes.

I swiveled to find her only in her matching lace underwear, revealing the tattoo of a phrase she had bellow her left breast. I was ready to get out of there. Her eyes widened in shock when they soon focused on the girl who was in the room with me. I know she was expecting to see Camila, given her truck was outside. However, she was eyeing her in a way that made me think she was ogling at her. Maybe the underwear was for my friend.

It's funny how she resorted to baring her body while Camila was effortlessly gorgeous fully clothed.

As I expected, the brunette didn't even look up which made the older girl stealthily roll her eyes but I caught it.

"Hi." I awkwardly greeted her back as I stood up, focusing on her eyes. Her presence just made me cringe for some reason.

"How's the moving?" She put her left hand on the door frame and leaned her weight towards the specific limb.

I pursed my lips as I shrugged my shoulders. "It's been good." I adjusted my gaze to look at my friend who was sitting on my desk, arranging my school books. "Camz and I have been working since early this morning." I purposely stressed my friend's name to annoy my rather flirty roommate and to acknowledge my best friend.

The blonde smiled gawkily and nodded before turning on her heels. It was a little out of character but I didn't care enough for her to find out.

"That was something." Camila muttered without moving from her position. From her tone I could tell she was smiling; relieved that Jette had left. "That's your roommate for an entire year. Shocking." She mocked as she shook her head, chuckling.

"Hey!" I whined as I walked towards her. "You can't make fun of me. You love me." In the back of my head, I meant the last three words differently than what I was trying to say.

I was quite unhappy about my living situation but this was the result of my choice which is quite stupid.

"I do love you, that's why I can make fun of you." She reasoned as she finally lifted her head up to look at me, satisfied with her stacking of my things. She had a playful smirk as she wiggled her brows making my heart skip. It was hopelessly hard to pretend I was not captivated by her.

Before I could even react, she shifted the conversation as she pat the stacks of my books. "We have to get you a free-standing shelf from all the books you didn't let your family take with them. I have one at home if you want."

"If you won't miss it." I shyly retorted.

Camila's selflessness always astounded me. She was always the one to give and they were mostly not concerning material things or money. She had offered words of comfort and encouragement to people too many to count. She had been there for her friends when they needed her; when I needed her. She forgave so easily, it was as if nothing ever happened.

The chocolate-eyed brunette frowned as she stood up and I knew she had to leave. I was not really too happy about the thought of being alone with Janette Zack but I was in no position to stop my friend from leaving.

"I sort of have to go." Camila muttered. She gave me a closed-mouth smile that never went up to her eyes. Somehow, I knew it was because of the same person I dreaded and there was always the coat of protection Camila bestowed upon me every time we were together. The coat made me feel safe but it vanishes the moment my best friend leaves.

I reluctantly led her to the front door. She trailed behind a little farther than I expected. She brushed past me and stepped outside with pleading eyes.

Just like what she said to me at the beach, "Be careful, ok?"

The resemblance of the way her face contorted that night to that day was uncanny. She knew something about Jette that I didn't but her kindheartedness had prevented her from outright saying them. Instead, she always asks me to be careful and her consistency is impeccable.

I nodded. She was about to turn for her car but I stopped her.

"Hey! Where's my hug?" I complained, protruding my bottom lip. "I told you I love hugs from people I love."

Camila dropped her shoulders in defeat as she looked up, feigning annoyance. "Right here." She opened her arms, inviting me in.

I obliged and walked up to her, wrapping my arms tightly around her waist. Hers wrapped around my neck, falling on my shoulders. I immediately relaxed in her hold, closing my eyes. It was as if she was my solitude and with her, I am never judged.

Upon loosening our grasps, Camila smiled at me and started to turn on her heels again, and again, I stopped her.

"Camz!" I called out.

"Yo!" She retorted with raised brows. Her lips maintained an "O" shape with her brows up in the air.

I grinned at the thought of what I was about to say; she quickly mirrored my expressions. "I love you, too!"

With one last look, I watched her get in her car and drive away with two honks of her car's horn. That was how she always left and she never leaves until I'm inside the house.

In my room, I sat on my desk chair where Camila previously sat on. She was right about the shelving. My desk was almost filled and I needed it for my school work. I traced the stacked various sized books but came to a stop when my finger stumbled upon the same neon-green paper stuck between two books.

Knowing it was Camila's, the corners of my mouth pulled up. Her little notes light up my entire day. They would be in either little cute, sweet nothings to quotes from books or inspirational speakers. In two months, she had given me 13 of them and I have kept all in a shoe box I keep in my closet; just like my sexuality.

Camila's note said: "Everybody isn't your friend. Just because they hang around you and laugh with you doesn't mean they're for you. Just because they say they got your back, doesn't mean they won't stab you in it. People pretend well. Jealousy sometimes doesn't live far. So know your circle. At the end of the day real situations expose fake people so pay attention. - Trent Shelton"

I knew what she was talking about and it was an uncontested notion that she didn't trust the two girls that I live with. However, they haven't really done anything bigger than gossip. Well, except the part where Jette likes bullying my best friend. She must feel a little betrayed that I chose to stay with her bully.

I found it hard to sleep that night. I kept browsing on my phone's gallery to stare at my family portrait. I didn't regret my decision, not fully at least. I would have loved to be cuddling Camila. But I just miss my family. It was the first time I was away from them. I just hope they're safe.

I went to school Monday the following week. The hallways were typically swarmed with students. At the time, there was barely any. I walked towards the familiar line of tangerine colored lockers but stopped when I found Jette's familiar frame standing by Camila's locker. The blonde was resting his hand on the frame where two metallic boxes meet, hovering over somebody slightly shorter.

I had a bad feeling about it.

I took a closer look and found the owner of the said compartment looking quite annoyed instead of scared. I was more than relieved of my discovery. While I heard faint murmurs from the blonde, I never heard my brunette friend respond.

Come on, Camz. I silently begged as I stood behind the last locker, around 15 away from them. I waited for a couple of minutes for my best friend to speak up but she didn't. I begged the world to spit another Dinah Jane Hansen or Normani Kordei up to scare the crap out of the blonde but they were nowhere in sight.

There was somebody though, and that was me. My legs were seemingly glued to the ground and I was starting to feel cowardice that my knees felt like limp objects that would give out any time.I took a deep breath as I mustered up my courage to step in.

The moment I took the sharp turn towards my distressed friend, I saw a boy running towards the scene making Jette pull away hurriedly.

"Did she touch you?" Austin asked Camila through gritted teeth but he looked at her as if she was the most fragile thing in the world.

Camila shook her head as her gaze dropped to the ground. A second ago, she looked aggravated. However, the moment the brunette boy stood next to her, she felt embarrassed almost. What was there to be embarrassed about?

He stared at the blonde with eyes that could kill. His hazel orbs were encased in furrowed brows and narrowed eyelids. His jaw was clenched while he balled his fists up. "Go away, Janette." He commanded. "You and I both know the truth. If I see you near her again, consider your secret revealed."

Jette frantically scampered away without looking back. It had been the only time I had seen her startled.

Truth. What truth? I wondered in silence as I watched Austin engulf his and my best friend in a much needed hug. He rubbed her back soothingly while whispering things I could not decipher. He really is a good friend to her.

The pair stood there for a really long time while the ache in my chest significantly grew and spread thought out my body like a pest eating its way in. I was mostly disappointed at myself for not acting fast. Camila had been there for me through everything I've been through and I could not even go straight to her aid when she needed me.

I reluctantly walked to my first class while both still stood there, embracing each other. It was a great start to a terrible week.

I couldn't, for the life of me, focus on my classes. I would constantly muse about my homecoming muse and they never end well considering Austin's chivalry continually popping in my head. I had practically missed my chance at consoling Camila who barely showed other emotions except happiness.

During lunch, I looked for the brunette with brown eyes and found her in our usual spot, drowning herself in the small book that was between her hands. I practically bolted to her side and pulled her up to wrap my arms around her tightly. I felt guilty for not being able to do that earlier and my yearning for redemption was intensified ridiculously.

After the momentary shock, Camila chuckled and hugged me back. Her signature lavender scent grazed my nostrils, making me calmer. It was as if her fragrance was my tranquilizer and I was not going to complain. I was happy and calm in her arms and the constant rhythm of her heart provided me a steady pace for my labored breathing.

"Oh. Hi, Lauren. Didn't see you there." She jested, talking against my shoulder. Her mood was always so bright it was intoxicating. I wouldn't mind drinking her essence up until I drop.

"Hello, best friend of mine." I responded in her arms, taking deeper breaths as the wonderful scent lingered on. I rested my head on the side of hers. My lips were behind her ear, close to her hairline. Her shampoo smelled wonderful, too.

I felt Camila grin against my clothed skin and it was enough to send me to inundated bliss; swimming in euphoria.

"How are you settling in?" She asked casually while I refused to let go. The vibration from her speaking made shivers descend upon my spine; raising my minute hair up in the process. "How's your family?"

"In your arms? Couldn't be better." I deliberately answered her like that, pulling her closer to me as I balled the back of her shirt. It was the truth though. I was in cloud nine and I savored that precious time with her. "They're good. They're getting used to the new place again."

Camila cackled under her breath. Apparently, my answer was funny to her.

"At Jette's, my best friend." She clarified despite my knowledge. "How's the Spanish house?"

I hummed thoughtfully, pretending to be deep in thought. However, I did it for dramatic effect.

"Spanish house; good." I began; continually nodding. "Jette; eh." I scoffed making my friend chuckle as she shook her head in amusement.

I was beyond relieved I was able to make her laugh. The music that filled my ears with the uncoordinated yet blissful harmony from her vocal chords was just divine.

I tried speaking again but when I took a sharp breath to let words out, I heard somebody clear their throat. With a sigh, I reluctantly let go of Camila who smiled warmly at me. I felt out of breath, like I could pass out any minute.

"Did someone prank you guys and glued you two together?" I heard Normani's voice right before giggling with two other voices.

Camila and I looked at our three friends, unimpressed by their teasing. I raised my brows while my best friend narrowed her eyes at them; pointing to each girl one by one.

"What?" Dinah feigned insult and crossed her arms across her chest. "Chick, we need some Cuban lovin, too."

Ally only managed to giggle her way to me before pulling me to her. We exchanged momentary hugs. I was contented considering my best friend made sure she hugged me everytime a chance presents itself. I, on the other hand, always clutched onto her longer and tighter than the others.

That week had been interesting. Coming home to Jette drinking vodka every single day had been quite traumatizing yet I tried to ignore it. Her alcohol tolerance had skyrocketed but her words had become more slurred and flirtier. She'd sit in the same bean bag as me, breathing me in while she expelled the awful smell of her burning stomach. She would put her arm over my shoulders and pull me closer to her while only wearing an underwear and a tight tank top.

Ivy had always been out with her boyfriend who already attends college, leaving Jette and I alone most of the time. It was such a treat...not.

Over the seven days, I had practically woken up pretty damn early to just shower and eat by myself, in peace. I love my privacy and I was almost relieved to know that in the days I spent there, the blonde had not barged into my room; except that Saturday afternoon while I was drowning in my homework. I thought too far ahead.

"Laurie! Let's go out!" She slurred excitedly underneath my doorframe, in her usual drunken state. Her eyes were their usual droopy, groggy look. "Brad and the boys are coming!"

Sometimes, I wonder where she even gets the booze but knowing Jette and her posse, I shouldn't at all. I did contemplate about what had happened to her over the four years though. What could have happened to her that was so drastic she had chosen to drown herself with alcohol?

"I don't think that's a good idea." I shook my head upon the recollection of the Brits. I internally cringed as I remembered his grin which not haunts me after what Ally had told me. "I'd rather stay home. I have a huge test to study for, not to mention the amount of homework I have." I motioned for the piles of papers and the opened books in front of me.

Camila had dropped off the shelf she was talking about. It was made of repurposed wood and was big enough to store all my books, including the ones I have for school. She had dropped off a bedside table and a lamp as well. I had attempted to make her stay but Jette had managed to gross her out again after seeing her in her natural state, drinking half naked. It was quite uncomfortable.

"You have time." The blonde insisted, stepping in my supposed refuge.

"I really don't want to go. I don't want to upset my boyfriend." I reasoned as I brushed my hair back. It was the truth. Gavin had still been upset about our current situation, especially because my family lives a few houses down his.

Lately, my boyfriend had been going on and on about s*x and such. It's quite disappointing considering I had thought he was different.

Jette rolled her eyes and folded her arms, clearly annoyed by my answers. "You avoid guys so much, it's almost as if you're lesbian."

That aggravated me. It was as if she was implying that being lesbian or bisexual, in my case, was a terrible thing. I stood up with furrowed brows and lips pressed together. I took an intimidating step closer to her. "Are you going to bully me, too?" I muttered under my breath.

I could feel my heart race at my sudden burst of courage. Adrenaline pumped my veins and I was immediately feeling all worked up just by looking at the judgmental look on her face.

Jette's eyes widened in shock. I had always just been passive but she was getting out of hand. It was just not funny anymore. My anger was fueled even further by the thought of her hovering over my best friend, making her already small figure smaller.

"I saw you, Janette." I slurred through gritted teeth; my eyes never left her wandering blue ones. She looked extremely uncomfortable in my presence when it never seemed to bother her before.

"Whatever Cabello told you, that's not the truth." She reasoned weakly, taking a step back. Her drunkenness seemingly left her as sweat trickled down her forehead.

I scoffed, shaking my head. "Camila didn't say anything. I saw you." I c****d my head slightly to one side, scrutinizing her. "What's so special about Camz, Jette? Because to me, she's too kind. She's too giving and selfless. But then again, she's beautiful, gorgeous even. Hot." I raised an eyebrow, waiting for her to speak.

I suddenly felt a little insecure knowing that I spoke from the heart despite my angered tone. I was hoping nothing made my fondness for Camila obvious. I was not prepared for that, not with Gavin around and not without knowing how my best friend really feels about me. I didn't want to risk losing her.

Jette was completely stunned. She just stood there with her mouth hanging open. She swiftly strutted towards the door.

It was my turn to cross my arms and I was determined to end the conversation with the upper hand. "If I didn't know any better, I'd think you secretly like the girls you bully."

After that rather heated, one sided, argument, I heard somebody knock on my door around five in the afternoon. I wasn't expecting anybody and I dreaded the thought of Jette coming to talk to me again. To my surprise, my door revealed Ivy with a little more confidence and an oddly friendlier smile than I remember.

I forced a smile at her, just to be courteous.

"Hey Laur!" She greeted coolly. She took a deep breath and put her hands behind her. "I was wondering if you wanted to go to dinner with us. We're going to this Japanese restaurant downtown."

I raised my brows, not entirely knowing what to say. The thought of Japanese cuisine was enticing but with a crowd like them, sushi was not worth it. I was close to declining yet I hated saying "no" to people; I hated disappointing anyone. Sensing the tension, Ivy attempted to ease the situation.

"It's a smaller crowd, I promise." She reassured me which didn't really do much considering I knew their ties with Bradley.

I pursed my lips and reluctantly nodded.

"Great!" She grinned from ear to ear as she clapped her hands together. "We're doing each other's make up in the dining room."

I followed the slightly shorted girl out to the specific place where Jette had been sitting, looking at a small vanity mirror, doing her eye shadow. I was wondering why we needed that much make up but shrugged it off.

As if nothing happened, Jette looked up at me with that stupid smirk. She pulled me by the wrist and put me on the seat she was previously occupying, making me face my reflection. I looked apprehended yet casual nonetheless.

The blonde put sanitizer on her hand and rubbed it against her other vigorously. She then started prepping my face with some moisturizer from a small jar I have not necessarily seen before.

I felt a slight itch start to surface from, I don't know, everywhere and they were worse against her fingers. I was wondering if it was just psychological considering my caution with the older girl.

I thought it was just a slight irritation due to the foreign touch but the itching had started to worsen and I had the absolute need to scratch my face off. I sat there trying not to think about it too much and pretending to be fine. However, when I looked at the mirror, I found that my face had been significantly redder and slightly inflated.

The worst part, my nasal passage had become constricted somehow and I was starting to panic. I started to choke as I struggled to heave an obligatory need for survival. It didn't help that my chest had begun to play an inundated, overwhelming beat that furthered my distress.

"What did you put on my face?" I urgently asked as soon as I mustered the breath to speak. My chest rose and fell in quick succession. "Brand."

"Bath and Body Works?" Jette unsurely answered, holding up the small jar, pointing to the brand. Her eyes were bulging out of their sockets as she eyed my puffy face. "I put some sanitizer before I touched you. It was of the same...brand." She muttered, unsure of herself.

"Oh god, I'm allergic to that." I grumbled in a huff.

I fanned my painfully itchy face that dug deeper into my flesh. My face may have been significantly warmer, but my limbs had gone numb and chilly, not to mention clammy. The allergic reaction had seeped through and I had no anti-histamine with me.

"I'll get you something." Ivy frantically scampered to her room in search for something while I fished for my cellphone in my pockets.

I would normally call my family but they weren't around. I knew who I needed then. I needed Camila. I don't know why but I felt like she could magically make the allergic reaction disappear. How she would do it? I had no idea. I just knew I needed her.

My best friend had picked up only a few rings in. I skipped the pleasantries and told her about my predicament which made her drop the call immediately to come to my aid.

Ivy had returned with an ointment tube. She made me wash my face first before she dabbed some generous amount on my most affected area which didn't alleviate my partially constricted airways. I still struggled to breathe and it made me feel lightheaded from the deprived oxygen.

Soon after, my best friend barged in through the door without bothering to knock. She urgently called for my name. I retorted, telling her we were in the dining room. She was panting and when she strutted to stand by my side, replacing Ivy's place.

She took a clean cotton swab and spread the creamy ointment evenly that my Mexican roommate initially applied while her other hand delicately held my chin, keeping me in place.

"What happened to you?" She took my appearance in; cringing at my disheveled look. But her eyes were of empathy. However, when she looked at the two girls awkwardly standing in front of us, her eyes had significantly darkened, furrowing her brows. She had scared my roommates out of the room which made me chuckle a bit.

Camila is a feisty little thing and I was incredibly turned on by her dominant side. I was hoping she wouldn't look at my irises considering they had probably been dilated in desire.

"How'd you get here so fast?" I queried in between breaths; averting the topic.

"I may have beat a couple red lights but that doesn't matter." She shrugged as she pursed her lips. She then glared at me, giving me an unimpressed look. "What happened, Jauregui?"

"Allergies." I awkwardly retorted, avoiding her intense gaze.

Camila's face while she was concentrating on her task was incredibly adorable. I stared at her features knowing I had an excuse, my head was tilted so as to look at her. Her stitched up brows and tightly pressed lips made my heart go insane.

"You look so adorable right now, I just want to squish you." I hid my complement in a joke, raising my hands close to her cheeks; opening and closing them, as if pinching the air repeatedly.

She shook her head lightly and this time, a small smile appeared on her lips. "I would have kissed a bruise or two but these just look ridiculous."

"Why don't you try?" I dared her with a playful tone despite not really playing at all. I raised my brows, challenging her. Internally, I was deathly nervous. I was scared of her running away from me.

"I'd rather not. I filled your face with ointment." She playfully shook her head, curling her lips in disgust.

She huffed in annoyance and I knew where this was going. I was beginning to cringe despite the absence of words and my anxiety intensified when she spoke.

"I leave you one day, Lauren; one day and then you call me struggling to breathe." She rambled, exaggerating certain details. "When I get here your face is all red and puffy, and then your friends looked like they've seen a ghost with guilt written all over their evil faces. What exactly did they do?"

"Camz, it's been a week." I calmly stated, suppressing a laugh. "They were making me look beautiful." I smirked.

"Yeah, whatever. You're beautiful already but I like you with less irritated face and an unrestrained airway." She dismissed my attempt at lightening the mood and held me by the wrist, pulling me up to my feet. "Let's go."

I stood in place, furrowing my brows, stunned at how she down played her compliment. Although, I was curious as to where she was taking me. "Where?"

She swiveled to look at me with the same serious expression. "I'm going to take your butt to the hospital before you get an anaphylactic shock."

"But the bills!" I complained, stomping my foot like a child. I didn't want to take advantage of her generosity. It was too much to ask.

"I got it." She resumed pulling me, dragging me towards the door.

"But Camz!" I whined, frowning.

"Don't but me!" She scolded making me grimace. I was actually beginning to fear my aggravated best friend but I knew she was only protective of me. Since day one, she had displayed such an unwavering loyalty and security for me.

Sighing, I let her take the lead out of the apartment. She never let go my wrist, even while she was opening the passenger door for me.

"Camz?" I cautiously probed as I remembered something lacking.

She let out a breath before gritting her teeth. She was frustrated now. "What now, Lauren?"

I grinned at her sheepishly, and then looked down on the paved ground, kicking imaginary rocks. "Where's my hug?"

Defeated, she let out a sigh and opened her arms for me.

Pay attention. That was what stood out to me in her latest note. I did pay attention. Some friends are like family. They hold you close to their hearts. They make you feel loved and accepted despite all your flukes and oddities. They would drop everything to be with you and make sure you are safe. People like that are rare; friends like that are rare and I am beyond lucky to have met a gem like Camila.