Dawn in Vancouver

Chapter 11: "Childhood"

"We both knew our love was impossible. I knew it from the moment I saw my boss's beautiful daughter get out of her beautiful car while I, a mere servant cleaned the stables. It was the most beautiful sight I had ever seen in my life. I had fallen in love at first sight with her beautiful eyes and her luminous smile. She was simply gorgeous."

- Pierre

"Dawn in Vancouver" written by Camila Cabello.

Lauren continued to hold Camila tightly as the sound of the wind grew louder and louder. Camila trembled in her arms like a frightened child in need of protection, and Lauren simply stroked her hair tenderly and whispered tender words in her ear. Camila had been abused, and not by her idiot husband, but when she was a child. By her stepfather. Lauren closed her eyes in horror as she imagined what terrible things that man could have done to a helpless little girl to make her react that way.

"I'm here with you, Camila," Lauren said with a sweet voice stroking her hair.

"My mother was always there and she never stood up for me," Camila's voice sounded utterly shattered. "Please forgive me," Camila whispered as she pulled away from Lauren, but another loud noise caused her to tremble uncontrollably and retreat back into Lauren's tender arms.

"You have nothing to apologize for beautiful," Lauren said sweetly. "I'm glad you won't be spending this time alone. Does it happen to you often?"

"Only with storms or very loud sounds repeatedly," Camila said tenderly, still hugging her. "They scare the hell out of me and I can't help it." Lauren could tell that she was completely embarrassed when she tried to pull herself out of her arms but she wouldn't let her.

"Stay like this, I don't mind hugging you," she whispered sweetly in her ear and caressed her back, feeling deep tenderness for her. Stay like this for as long as you need.

Camila closed her eyes as she felt Lauren's gentle caresses and took refuge in her arms. Camila felt her eyes fill with tears. Nobody had hugged her while she suffered from her anxiety attacks, nobody had been with her.

"Forgive me for judging you so poorly, Lauren." Lauren shook her head as the sound of the wind against the house grew louder as time went on. Camila's body was shaking but Lauren was there.

"Forgive me for talking about things I shouldn't have without knowing what was really going on," Camila sighed.

"Jason doesn't love me, Lauren," Camila's voice cracked. "I am not worthy of receiving love because I am an idiot."

Lauren closed her eyes listening to her and felt a deep sadness that tore at her soul. Camila felt so helpless, so small in her arms.

"Don't say that, Camila," she caressed her cheek. "We are all worthy of receiving love."

"I don't, no one loves me Lauren, I'm a sham. I write about love because it is a window and an escape from my cruel reality. No one could love me. Who could love me?" Her voice was sad. "Just look at me" she pulled away from Lauren and they looked into each other's eyes.

Lauren's heart broke at the sight of tears sliding down her cheeks. Those beautiful chocolate eyes so full of sadness and desolation. In her entire life, Lauren had never seen sadder eyes. Only, perhaps her own reflection of herself two years ago when she was a broken and finished woman.

"I'm looking at you, Camila," she smiled and wiped her tears tenderly. "I only see a woman who possibly life has not treated her well. But you are here and you are standing."