Mi amor ~ Camilo Madrigal x oc~

20

It's been two weeks since Abuela left. Sofia has gotten better quickly but still, at times Mami worried if she was going to lose her. If we were all going to lose Sofia's soft laugh and her kind heart. the Madrigals have been bringing things over the whole time she was sick. And when news broke of her being better they decided to throw her a party. Sitting on the front porch steps of our home I waited for Sofia. Mami, Maria, and Ana were already at the Madrigals. We wore our best clothing to show that we were still a unit even after my Abuela's leave. 

The two youngest were matched with long pink dresses with floral patterns streaming down the side. Mami wore her black shirt with lace all along the rim, a black puffy top, and Abuela's shawl. As for Sofia, I have no idea what she is going to wear. She's been cooped up in our room all day planning what she will wear.  I don't much that is super nice. So I just wore the next best thing. My white shirt hangs down to my ankles and flows when I walk. And my bright red crop top has little roses embroidered along the waistline. 

Resting my head in my hands I yelled, "Sofia get your ass down here!" I could hear her tripping down the steps. The sound of her short heals beating against the ground. The way the door swung open. She ran down the steps standing in front of me, "How do I look!?" Beautiful. She always looked beautiful. Her long hair was tied tightly in a low bun. She wore a long white shirt that she had put lace over. And a flowy pink top. I got up smiling, "Perfect."

------------------------------------------------------------

The party was fun at least in some ways. People danced and congratulated Sofia on her recovery. She was the center of everyone's fascination. But even from across the room I could see Camilo staring at me. He hadn't looked her way all night. He didn't come up to me either but I surely caught him staring. I mean what do you say. I'm sorry your Abuela left leaving you the only one in the house who's different. Their isn't much of anything you can say. 

My head was killing me. I walked outside trying to get away from the loud music and the people. I knew someone was following me. Leaning against the wall I closed my eyes. The silence of the village helped my pounding head ache. The footsteps stopped right beside me, "Why are you outside Valentina?" I didn't open my eyes. 

"Why are you just now speaking to me?" I said harshly to Camilo. I knew his voice anywhere. No matter who he pretended to be I could tell whether it was him or not. When he spoke there was a deep sadness in his voice. I felt his hand move slowly over mine, "I didn't know what to say to you. Not in front of everyone."

I laughed a little. I never took Camilo to be the shy type. Every time I've seen him he was always laughing or helping someone. I kept my eyes tightly shut. "Well what is it that you were so scared to say?" He sighed muttering softly, "Are you okay?"

I shrugged. Wrapping my fingers in between his I said, "I will be. I've got you and my sisters. And Mami. That's all I need." My heart skipped a beat when he squeezed my hand. His hand was warm and the way he spoke was comforting. Him and my family were all I needed. Even though I miss Abuela and I probably always will, I don't feel empty. I'm not afraid of what comes next anymore. But I'll always be afraid of hurting people. Some fears we just can't shake.

Not all love is jumped into quickly and harshly. It's not always a kiss that cements your love for someone. It could be holding someone's hand. Or a group of words that are warmer then a hug. And softer then any kiss. I don't know if I love Camilo the way his parents love each other. But I do know that I love him the way a person loves their favorite song. The way a person loves their plants. I love him the way someone who has never really felt something for anyone has heir first love. He rested his head on my shoulder, "Siempre me tendrás, mi amor. (You will always have me, my love)."