Gravity

Chapter 24

*May 18th 2017*

*Thursday 3.40pm*

*NYU*

Camila's POV:

I gather up my stationary with a small feeling of relief in my stomach. One exam down, still three more to go but after getting the first one out of the way I am feeling slightly more confident.

"That wasn't too bad was it?" My friend Aaron appears by my side and I shake my head in agreement.

"I thought the third question was pretty tough but apart from that I think I did okay."

"Yeah that one sucked." Aaron agrees while I swing my bag over my shoulder. "So I think some of us are going to head over to The Skull bar for a few drinks to unwind if you want to come?"

"Sure, sounds good." I reply with a smile as I pick up my jacket and throw it over my arm, noting the weather is heating up outside. "I probably should go study for the next test but I think my brain has melted." I laugh but God does it feel true.

Aaron chuckles in agreement as we both start to head out. "Hey, I know this is probably old news now but I heard about your breakup with Liam."

I smile slightly. "Yeah," I press my eyebrows together. "That feels like a long time ago now actually."

"Well, if you ever want to talk or anything you know that I'm here for you."

I laugh and shake my head. "I think I'll be okay."

"Oh?" He raises his eyebrow at me, looking a little amused. "You don't seem too bummed about it."

I shrug, hoping my honesty doesn't come off into making me look like a cold hearted bitch. "Honestly? I'm not." I smile slightly as I think about those planet green eyes that keep following me in my dreams. "Liam's a nice guy but he's just not the one for me."

"Do you have someone in mind?" We step outside, my smile widening in surprise as I see a familiar face stood at the bottom of the steps.

"Maybe." I grin before turning to face Aaron. "Um...actually change of plan. Text me where you guys end up and I'll meet you later?"

Aaron looks surprised by my sudden change of plan but I don't give him time to question me before I go skipping down the steps.

"What are you doing here?" My stomach is fluttering with butterflies as Lauren leans against a lamppost at the bottom of the steps leading up to the building I've just left.

She smiles back, removing her sunglasses as I approach her. I give her a quick friendly hug, forcing myself to pull back and remove all contact as I look at her questioningly.

"I was in the neighborhood." she shrugs with a smile, "and a little birdy told me that you would be here. How was your test?"

"Good. Better now that it's over." I grin. "You didn't tell me you were coming up here this week?"

"Hm," she shrugs with a smile. "It was a last minute thing. I have the night off and I don't have to be back until tomorrow night for my shift so I figured why not? Besides, I'm still a little pissed at Zayn for hitting Harry so..."

"Ah." I cringe, remembering an angry phone call at the weekend from Lauren to say she found her little brother all bruised up when she got back to her apartment. The culprit? Zayn. Apparently Harry decided he should be the one to tell him about the pregnancy. Zayn didn't exactly take it very well. "So you're staying with Harry?"

"Yup." she nods before smirking at me. "Unless I get a better offer?"

My breath hitches in my throat. My heart starts pounding almost painfully against my chest and I can feel my cheeks heating up.