Catching Feelings

Chapter 1

Catching Feelings

~7 years ago~

“Hey, Lauren! Last one in is a rotten egg!” Camila shouted as she started sprinting towards the door that lead to my backyard.

“That’s not fair! My ankle is broken,” I whined but was met with no response because my best friend was already well ahead of me. She’s relentless, I thought to myself as I limped my way to follow her. My ankle wasn’t in a good enough condition to play around with but today was a special day for Camila and I wanted to do whatever made her happy. As I went through the doorway, I looked up and saw her perched on the edge of our treehouse. 

I leaned against the wall and tried to catch my breath. Camila got up and shimmied down the rope ladder, jumping to the ground instead of using the last few rungs. She jogged over to me, concern etched into her face. “I’m sorry, Lo. I forgot about your ankle. Is it hurting?”

I put on a brave smile to hide the fact that my ankle was in fact hurting. “It’s fine, Camz. I just needed to take a breather. I’ll head over to the treehouse now, go ahead,” I said as I pushed myself off the wall. I started to move but winced when my searing pain shot up my leg. Camila hurriedly slipped her arm around my waist to help ease the weight off of my ankle. 

“No, Lauren, it’s not fine at all.” Camila looked at me, her eyes glistening as she tried to hold back her tears. “Maybe we should go back to your room instead and watch a movie. I was being selfish and wanted you to play with me, I’m really sorry.”

I lifted up her chin with my hand and made her look at me. I flashed her a genuine smile and said “It’s your birthday, Camzi. Even if my legs were cut off, I’d still drag myself across the lawn and up the treehouse just so I can play with you.” 

She giggled and I sighed in relief as I saw the worry seep out of her. “You’re so silly! Now let’s go, I’ll help you.”

We slowly made our way, me limping heavily and her trying her best to support my weight. Climbing up the ladder was a struggle but after some time, I made it safely to the top. Now we were on our backs, lying atop the blanket we haphazardly spread across the wooden floor. 

“Hey, Camz?” I called out, trying to get her attention. She turned her head to face me and I continued. “Am I still your best friend?”

She frowned and scooted over until we were lying face to face, our noses only centimetres apart. “Why would you think that?”

I sighed and tried to swallow the lump that formed in my throat. “Because I haven’t played with you in a week, and I thought that maybe you found another best friend.” I pouted and felt a single tear run down my cheek. She immediately wiped it away and looked into my eyes. “No, Lauren, you’re the only best friend I want, okay? Stop thinking that. You’re stuck with me forever.” 

I chuckled. “You’re just saying that because you need me to make you peanut butter and jelly sandwiches!” She slapped my arm, the corners of her eyes crinkling due to the face-eating grin that was plastered on her face. “Yes, that’s true, but you know what I mean, right?” I nodded and gave her a smile in return. I moved my hand and rested it above hers, and she immediately grabbed it and intertwined our fingers.