Catmilla

Chapter 1- Love You, Cupcake

When I wake up, no one has their arms around me. At first, I think that Carmilla has already gotten up. I've slept in far too long, I had stayed up late last night. Then I see that it's only 8:00am. I had slept in, but it's way too early for Carm to be up. My heart starts pounding and I try to tell myself that she's in the bathroom or eating her version of a midnight snack, but I can't hear anyone in the bathroom and when I get up to go to the kitchen, it's empty. I start to get seriously worried, and when I look for a sign of where she is, I see a note on the counter.

"Laura," it reads, "I'm sorry, I'm so so so sorry. I'm going to be gone for a while. I don't know for how long, but Laura- if it's more than a couple months, please try to move on. I can't tell you where I'm going or what I'm doing, but whatever you do, don't go looking for me. Please. And know that I love you. I love you so freaking much. I hope I can tell you that in person one day. I just... It's so hard for me to leave, but also so easy when I think about how if I don't, you won't be as safe. Love you, Cupcake.

-Carmilla"

By the time I've finished reading, the paper is wet with my tears. I consider calling someone, but decide to spend some time by myself. I turn on a bath, but the water makes me feel even more sick and I end up throwing up.

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The next day, I decide that everything at home reminds me too much of Carmilla, and I go over to LaFontaine and Perry's house. It's close, so I walk, and the fresh air helps calm me down. When I get there, I realize I never called, so LaF is in their PJ's, hair fluffed up and a smudge of lipstick on their cheek. They see that my eyes are red and pull me inside, engulfed with the smell of Perry's cookies. Perry hands me a couple, one shaped like a heart and another where the mini chocolate chips spell out "L+P" I immediately start crying, and LaF starts patting my shoulder while Perry asks what's wrong. "Carm," I say through sobs, "She's g-gone!" I hand them the note. A loud silence falls over the room as they read. "Oh baby." Perry says, "I don't know what to say. Do you want to stay with us for a while? We have a guest room." I nod, and LaFontaine shows me to a big blue room with a soft bed. I fall asleep to the sounds of Perry making a less sad batch of sweets.