You Live And Learn

30 | rides and reflections

Camille POV

I wonder what Alonzo is up to right now. It's been a few hours since I last saw him at the library. That conversation was lovely. He hasn't smiled at me like that in decades. I miss him and our time apart is evident of that fact.

Sure, we only dated for a month, but that month was terrific. I never knew I could feel something like that. Yet, why did it take me so long to realize I had feelings for him? And why didn't I approach him sooner? Things would be much better if I had just talked to him instead of Mitchell.

Alas, I shouldn't be thinking of what-ifs right now. It's meaningless. The future is what's important. I have issues that I got to take care of. Especially within myself. So, I need to stop refreshing his Instagram to see if he posted anything on his story. I lie down on my bed and turn off my phone screen.

Sighing, I remember that December is a week away. This is the time when most seniors retake their SATs so they can improve their scores. Mine is pretty good for the college I want to attend, so I'm okay. I'm worried about Lonzo, though. While we were dating, on top of his usual studies, I would help him with studying for that exam. I close my eyes, remembering the memory,

"I wish we met sooner, Cami," he says to me while completing a math problem. I look up from texting Sophia to look at my man. He's not looking at me as he's absorbed in his work. One thing I noticed about him is that it's hard to break that state of mind whenever he's focused.

"What do you mean, Zo?"

"I mean," he drops his pen and gazes into my eyes, "I'm sure my grades would have been better if I had such an amazing girl to motivate me all the time."

But babe, I'm not perfect. Not by a long shot. So many things I haven't told you yet.

"Aww, thanks, but I don't deserve the credit. You did it on your own, love."

He laughs, "Okay, I guess you're right. Who knows, we might end up at the same university."

A girl can only dream.

My phone rings, snapping me from the bliss of that memory. I look at the caller ID, and it's Sophia. I sit up and answer the call.

"Hey Soph, what's up?"

"Nothing much. What are you doing right now?"

"I'm just sitting down on my bed, reflecting."

"I hope you weren't thinking about him," she teases.

"Hmph, I would like you to know I wasn't." There's silence on the other side.

"Why are you lying to me?" I let out a low chuckle, and she laughs after hearing it. "You would think I'm not your best friend."

"Yeah, you're right. I was thinking about him, just a bit."

"Was it a good or bad memory?"

"It was a good one. They're all good ones, Soph," I whisper, trying not to get emotional. A day doesn't pass when I don't think about the huge mess I created.

"I hope you're still not beating yourself over what happened, Camille."

"Of course, I am. It's completely my fault. I should have listened to you."

"Well, duh. I'm always right." I can envision that she's rolling her eyes right now. "Anyway, I was calling to see if you wanted to go somewhere with me. It's Friday evening, and you're at home thinking about your lover boy. "

"Okay, I guess. Where are we going?"

"Don't worry about that. Just get ready, and I'll come get you in 30 minutes." Sophia hangs up.

It's like I don't have a say in the manner. So, I started to get ready. I'm not dressing to impress anyone right now. That got me into this mess because it attracted Mitchell into my life.

That's a different story for another day.

I put on a red top, some jeans, and sandals. It's honestly a 'something light' fix. Alonzo would always use that term to describe some of my outfits. And there I go, thinking about him. I need to stop, really.

After a few minutes, Sophia honks from the driveway. I get my handbag and tell my mom I'll be back shortly. She stops reading, smiles, and tells me to have fun. This would be the first time I've willingly left the house since that party.

I open the front door to see Sophia bobbing her head to some music in her car. Knowing her, it's probably a Taylor Swift song. Her car is a 2018 black Audi A3 sedan. Her parents are wealthy enough that they can afford that car for her. It must be nice, but I shouldn't complain. I have a car myself, and not many people my age can say that.

As I make my way to the car, she notices me and gives me a friendly smile. She unlocks the car doors, and I get inside. Soph hugs me as she lets out a squeal.

"Oh my gosh, it's been so long since we hung out."

"Soph, we hung out yesterday."

"That doesn't count. We were at school."

"So?"

"So, it's been a while since we did something outside school."

"You know why, though," I respond, implying that night at the party. She looks at me and sighs,

"Yes, I know. It hasn't been a good time since. But you're both doing better now, right?"

"Yeah, when I saw him today, he looked like his former self. Even better, to be honest."

"I saw the man with his curls in full force when I saw him in the hallway. He got cuter. I'm sure that'll make you want him even more." Sophia winks at me after saying that. I roll my eyes.

"Not really. It doesn't matter to me."

"You love being in denial, don't you?"

"Shut up, and drive," I answer curtly. She laughs and pulls out of the driveway. We make our way onto the highway and our destination, and I still don't know what it is. I have no idea what is in store for us tonight.

A/N: Just a short chapter, in Camille's POV. Tell me what you think about it and what's gonna happen next. I hope you enjoyed it, and Happy 4th of July if you celebrate it!

~Antor