Passion's Pitfalls

Chapter 19

"Oops must have barged into a wrong room."

Aurelia's eyes widened as she looked up from her bed to the intruder. "Who... who are you?" she stammered, taken aback by the unexpected intrusion. The girl was small in stature, with a slender frame and a petite build. She had long black hair, streaked with neon gold highlights. Her clothing was dark and edgy, with ripped jeans and a leather jacket. Tattoos covered her arms and neck, each one more intricate than the last. Her face was pale, with dark eyeliner and smoky eyeshadow. She seemed to be a walking embodiment of alternative fashion, with a cool and aloof air about her. But her nonchalance was belied by the cigarette she held between her lips, betraying her nervousness.

"Camille," the girl said, taking a drag of her cigarette before continuing. "I live in the apartment next door. I was out all night and when I got home, I realized I'd left my keys at the club." She shrugged. "I saw your door was unlocked, so I figured l'd crash here until morning. I hope that's okay with you." Aurelia tried to process everything she was hearing, her brain still a bit foggy from her interrupted sleep.

"Umm...Camille, I'm not sure about that." She declines.

"You're not sure about what, exactly?" Camille asked, her brow furrowed. "Me sleeping here until morning? I promise I won't bother you. I'll just grab some shut-eye and then I'll be out of your hair, I swear." Aurelia bit her lip, she was starting to get annoyed.

"You should leave please."

Camille's expression was unimpressed, as if she had expected Aurelia to say something positive. "I'm not trying to be rude," Aurelia continued, "but you're a complete stranger. I don't even know your last name. How can I just let you stay here?" Camille sighed, as if this was a conversation she had had many times before. "I get it, you're being cautious. That's smart. But I'm just a girl who's locked herself out of her apartment. I don't have any nefarious intentions, I promise."

Aurelia felt torn. She's frustrated already and Camille was still trying to push her to the wall, "I understand your predicament, but I'm not comfortable with you staying here. If you want, you can wait in the lobby until the morning, and then you can get your keys back."

Camille looked taken aback, clearly not expecting this response. "You're seriously not going to let me stay here?" she asked, a hint of indignation in her voice. "Even though I promise I'm not a threat?." Aurelia shook her head. "I'm sorry, but I'm just not comfortable with it. I hope you understand." Camille pursed her lips, but nodded. "I guess I do. Thanks for being honest, at least."

She tossed her cigarette into a nearby trash can, a look of resignation on her face as unclasped her heels. Aurelia couldn't believe what she was seeing. Camille had strolled into her apartment, taken off her heels, and hung up her jacket, as if she was welcomed to settle in for the night.

"Hey, what are you doing?" Aurelia said, her voice rising in panic. "I thought you were leaving." Camille looked at her, a sly grin on her face. "Well, I guess I am likely to be more Rock headed"

"You're ridiculous"

"I know honey."

They laid there in silence for a few minutes, neither one saying a word. The tension in the room was still palpable, and Aurelia could feel her mind synchronizing-Tristan, Pixar and now Camille.

"I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable," Camille finally said, her voice so raspy from the cigar. "I just didn't have anywhere else to go. I hope you can forgive me."

Aurelia let out a long sigh, not uttering a word as she turned off the lamp.