Restart

Chapter 2

Lauren nodded understandingly, turning to watch as Ally walked away, assumingly to greet another parent.

She felt her heart stop as she recognized who that parent was.

"Camila?" Lauren said under her breath, completely taken over by a state of shock. She couldn't believe her eyes as they were met with the presence of the familiar brunette.

Maybe this wouldn't be just another day after all.
--
"Thanks again, Dinah," Camila said as she stepped out from the passenger door, closing it before opening the rear one to help her daughter out.

"It's no problem," Dinah promised her. "Are you sure you don't want me to wait around for a bit?" She questioned.

"No, that's okay. I'm not sure how long this is going to take," Camila replied, looking at the nervous little girl she now held in her arms. "I don't want to make you late for your class."

"Okay," the taller girl smiled. "I'll see you two later then," she finished with a small wave, driving away after Camila closed the door.

Camila took a deep breath as she turned to make her way up the path and into the school. She knew this was going to be hard for Avery. Ever since everything had happened she hated being away from Camila for even a few minutes; there were times where she wouldn't even let her mom leave her alone with Dinah.

"You're going to have such a good day," Camila whispered, stroking the girl's back gently. "There are going to be so many other little boys and girls to play with, you won't even notice I'm gone," she finished. When the tiny girl tightened her grip on Camila's neck, she swore she felt tears welling in her own eyes. Suddenly, she wasn't sure which one of them she was trying to convince.

Camila finally found herself in front of the classroom door and stepped through the threshold, her anxiety growing as she looked around the mostly empty room. Was she early? Had she gone to the wrong class? Before she could think any further she saw a short woman rushing over with a smile on her face.

"Hi Ally," Camila said softly, a small sense of relief washing over her body as her eyes met the familiar friendly face.

"Camila, it's so good to see you," Ally smiled, bringing her hand to squeeze the taller girl's arm gently. "And it's really nice to meet you, Avery," she added, moving slightly to meet the eyes of the small head that rested on Camila's shoulder.

"She's a little shy," Camila replied, shifting the girl in her arms. "Can you say hi, Avery?" She asked, sighing softly as the girl simply buried her head into Camila's neck in response.

"That's okay," Ally reassured them both. "The first day is always a little nerve racking for some of the students. I'm sure she'll warm up to the idea. Feel free to stay as long as you need to Camila," she continued. "There's actually another parent walking in right now, so I'll be right back. But, please, have a look around and get comfortable," she finished with a smile before moving behind her to another parent who was coming through the door.

As Camila moved further into the classroom, she felt all of the air escape her lungs as she saw a familiar pair of green eyes watching her intently.

"Lauren?" She choked in complete disbelief. "What are you doing here?"

"The same thing you are, I would presume," Lauren replied smoothly with an unwavering confidence. "It's my daughter's first day of school, she's in Ally's class as well," she added, turning her eyes to where a small dark-haired girl sat on the carpet, flipping through the pages of a picture book. "Laney, can you come here for a minute?"

The small girl got up quickly and scurried over to where her mom now was squatting in order to meet her eye level. Camila bent down as well, pulling Avery gently from her arms and setting her feet on the floor so that the two little girls were now face to face.