TOGETHER | shawmila

seven.

A/N: hey, there are a few heavy themes of both religion and sex in this chapter. leave your comments on that below? i love discussion!

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Camila gave Shelby something to change into, warm pajamas that Camila could no longer fit. She went into the bathroom, Camila still hearing her sniffling. Shawn made her some of Camila's decaf tea and she sat on Camila's bed wearing sheep-print flannel and sipping from Camila's Cuban souvenir mug.

"I tried to call Robert or Christine but it was thundering really loud when I left and I wasn't sure where I could stop and use a phone."

"It's okay, I can call your brother for you." Camila called Robert as Shelby laid curled up on top of Camila's bedspread, her eyes wide open.

"Do your parents know you came here?" Shawn asked, sounding worried that they might show up.

"No, but they could probably figure it out. There's not many places I could be. I'm sorry, I should have thought of that."

"Don't worry about it." Camila forced a smile, her ringing phone to her ear.

Camila finally got in touch with Shelby's brother, passing her the phone when he picked up. All Shelby had to do was whisper his name, her voice breaking, before he knew something was wrong and said he was on his way. Camila knew his college campus was over half an hour away, and her parents could be home soon. She really didn't want to have to explain to them what was going on.

But somehow, Robert got there before Camila's parents. Camila let him in, noting the way his eyes went from her face to her belly. He used to be one of the most popular guys at their school, but they hadn't really seen each other since Shelby stopped throwing her big parties.

"Uh, she's here?" He seemed to be avoiding looking at her now.

"Rob—they said I couldn't come home until I—broke things off with Christine—they wanna make me go to bible college next year—" Shelby started sniffling again as soon as she saw him. He just sighed, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Hey, calm down, Bee. It's not as bad as all that. Who gives a shit what they think?"

"Wh—What about my car and my phone?"

"Well, I don't know." He sighed. "They paid for that stuff, so I think they can take it."

"Aw—" She sniffled.

"But—you're not leaving empty-handed. What about all your money? Your winnings from the pageants?"

"I—I don't have any of that left." She looked confused. "Daddy said we used it each time we bought me new dresses or lessons—"

"No, you were under eighteen when you earned that money, so legally, they had to save most of it for you to access when you turned eighteen." He said and Shelby blinked. "You should have thousands of dollars that legally yours. If they told you it was gone, they either lied or broke the law—or both."

Shelby looked stunned. Camila felt shocked too, wondering how Shelby never thought to make sure any of that was secured. Camila then knew it had to be because she was never in the pageants for the money. She just loved doing them.

Robert called their parents and Camila could tell they were defensive on the other end. They got out-right hostile when Robert asked about Shelby's money. When he started talking about legalities, things didn't sound good.

"You can't do this to her! What the hell is the matter with you! You can't treat her like this—fuck you, Dad!"

"Robert!" Shelby started crying again. "You can't talk to him like that!"