only || Camila/You

twelve

The icy breeze that swept through the diner had me pulling my coat closer to my body while my ears felt most of the draft. The tips of my ears frozen cold as I tried to nuzzle my head as best as I could into my coat to get it to go away. My frigid hands grabbing the warm mug of coffee in front of me and letting it consume me. I heard soft footsteps come up the aisle of the booth I was seated at and I peeked up slightly to catch a glimpse of the person. I gave them a small smile and didn't necessarily know how to greet them fully. Did I get up and give them a hug? Do I just stay seated?

But I overthought it and the person ended up sitting down in front of me with a happy smile. Their leather jacket slipping off of their shoulders and then being laid down right next to them. Those sea green eyes as bright as ever and I breathed in deep to get used to the sudden feeling of not being so alone anymore.

"Long time no see, huh?" Her pearly whites shined underneath the lighting of our table.

"Certainly a long time, I suppose." I brought the coffee mug to my lips once more and took a small sip.

Her lips twitched very lightly indicating that she didn't want to keep it up, I looked around once more before looking directly at her again, "How's life? How are you holding up, Lauren?" I asked which only had her start to get more comfortable at the table.

We were best of friends in college along with our mutual friends Normani and Ally. Seeing them the other night in that bar had brought back so much memories and emotions that I knew I was making the right decision calling her. I wasn't ready to fully go into detail with Dinah but Lauren, she was there. She was there most of the time and she had somewhat gone through the ups and downs of my lover's treatment. It was tough and I was hoping she couldn't be alone tonight either.

"Well, I started selling my art." Lauren informed me as she leaned against the table.

The sudden excitement coursed through my veins and I softly hit the table, "No way! That's so good, Lauren, I'm so happy for you." I smiled despite the ache in my chest and she looked down at her hands with her own smile against her lips.

"It's not really the same though." She mentioned and I didn't realize she'd bring anything up so quickly.

I felt the smile slowly subside and she shrugged to herself, "I don't have her intellectual opinion." She leaned up with a smile and I couldn't help but match it.

It hurt, it really hurt.

"Do... do you still have any of her work?" She questioned me lowly and I didn't know exactly how to feel.

It had been quite a long while since we've met up with one another and I didn't wanna just bring everything up. I surely was more upset than she was at this moment and I stammered over my words.

"I think so." I fumbled nervously with the coffee mug and I shrugged, "I'll have to look, uh yeah-"

I stopped the nervous stammer when she laid her hand on top of fine, the thick cold rings wrapped around her fingers heavy on my own. I felt my chest feel more of a weight against it and she gave me a tight, apologetic smile.

"I'm sorry, Camz." Her voice right above a whisper and I didn't dare to ask why.

I felt intimidated and overwhelmed almost immediately from this small conversation we had. I felt stuck in my place and I had no idea how to move forward with anything.

"How are you though?" She switched the subject and again I couldn't answer honestly.

"I'm doing good." I nodded feeling a lot warmer than I did five minutes ago which had her leaning back against the seat.