Linger (Camren)

Chapter 4: A Flame to Ice

{Lauren's POV}

As much as I wanted to continuing speaking to the girl, I knew I needed to get up early the next morning. It's not like I usually get enough sleep anyway, but being on my phone most likely won't help.

I let her know that I'm about to enter the train station, and that I enjoyed her company, but I needed to turn in for the night as soon as I got home. I tried my best to not sound too eager or too excited to be speaking to her. I'm sure she had other friends and people she'd rather be talking to since I took up pretty most of her night.

Not a minute before my train arrives do I get a text back.

My square 💟: I'm glad to hear you say that. I was really, really hoping that I didn't bore you lol. I will text you in the morning, if that's ok? Have a good night, beautiful.

I couldn't fight off the smile that spread across my face. I don't understand how she got me to stay there with her for so long without even thinking to check the time once.

Does she eat pasta and converse with all the customers that come into her job like that?

Either way, a part of me was actually wanted to just let this play out. I know we're strangers, and I know I don't mean anything to her, but the way she made me feel like I was actually someone worth speaking to for a while... well it felt nice.

Don't get your hopes up. You know how this goes. She's just like everyone else that you've met before.... Right?

The sound of another notification breaks me from my thoughts.

My square 💟: Oh and let me know when you get home safely, please 😊

She was making this really hard for me.

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I arrive at my studio apartment about a quarter before one.

I groan loudly, knowing damn well that I won't be getting much sleep tonight. I try to ease my anxieties on days like this, but the reality of everything going on in my life always decides to hit me at the worst times.

I sit on the edge of my bed, looking around my place. I really hate being here alone at night.

I decide to take a shower before I attempt to head off to bed. Right before I do, I send Camila a quick text letting her know I got here safe.

As I put down my phone, I begin to think back on the events of tonight.

I went into that restaurant for the first time in search of a decent meal but instead, I got a great meal and even better company.

I honestly didn't think she would come over to me like that. I know that I'm not the most approachable person, so the fact that she still went for it anyway made me feel... special in a way.

Cause c'mon, the girl is a knock out. She's so small but at the same time she has this huge presence and light that emanates off every inch of her. Her voice can be a little raspy and gentle at times, or it could be clear and loud. Those flowing brown wavy locks, her sun kissed skin, those radiant, warm brown eyes, and let's be real, it would take a blind person not to notice those hips... along with other things. Not that I was looking at any point.

On top of that, how fucking sweet is she? She's so chivalrous.

It was like every move she made and everything she said was solely to make sure I was completely at ease at all times.

I have to admit, she's a little eccentric, if that's even the right word to describe her, but I like it. It's refreshing to meet someone who doesn't give a shit about what others may think about them. It's even more refreshing to meet someone who actually has a thought in their mind besides which celebrity's baby is cuter, or what their problematic fav just said.

It feels like she very sure of who she is, something I would never be able to say.

I've only had one conversation with the girl, and as much as I wanted to deny it, I couldn't help but get the feeling that she was different from anyone I've ever met. I can't tell what that exactly means though.

I let out another groan to stop myself from allowing her to consume my thoughts as I drag my tired body under the freezing cold water.

---

{Camila's POV}

My triangle🍕 : Home safe and sound. Hope you are as well. G'night.

I click off my phone and decide to fight the urge to continue talking with her. By the looks of that text, I'm sure she's getting ready to wind down for the night.

I lay on my bed, looking up at my ceiling, and begin to think back on the events of tonight.

Wow.

I didn't think things like that really happened to real people. You meet a random stranger at your job, unintentionally have dinner with them and then talk until the moon rises? NO.

Things like that don't really happen! That's so cliche, and I hate cliches with a burning passion of a thousand condensed suns!

And yet... here we are.

I really don't know what came over me when I decided go up to her and just straight up bombard her peaceful evening. OK, maybe I do know.

Maybe it was her flawless pale skin, or maybe it was her long, thick jet black hair and even blacker clothing. Maybe it was her cute little heart shaped hairline that she tried to hide by flipping her hair to one side. Maybe it was that husky, soothing voice that gave me goosebumps at the most random of moments.

I think above all, it was her presence. She was a mystery from the second I laid eyes on her, and even while we were speaking, I couldn't help but feel like there was this big story that I was missing out on.

As we continued to speak, and as I got the privilege of watching her grow more comfortable with me, I could safely say that her mind was just as amazing as she seems to be. Just from the one trivial conversation, I could tell that she held a plethora of well thought out and captivating ideas and opinions.

She made me feel warm and safe. It was all in those emerald eyes. She was enchanting, even if she didn't think so.

And I knew she that didn't.

I couldn't help but want to shower her with compliments right off the bat, but every time I would try to slip one in, I could physically feel her tense up. It was like trying to feed a baby deer without frightening it.

I couldn't shake the feeling that I was coming off too strong. I didn't want to scare her away, but I didn't want to hold back from her either. That's just not my style.

I roll off my bed and walk to the line closet in the hallway, grabbing a fresh towel. Showers always help me clear my head and there was no better time than the wee hours of the night.

I watch as the room quickly fogs up with steam as I step under the nearly boiling hot water.

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A/N:

Short chapter ...

Meh. Not really feeling this.

Let me know what you guys think, can you see this story going anywhere. I do have back stories for each of the characters, but I feel like i'm just kinda writing without getting anywhere... which was kind of my point, to get into the minds of the characters and focus on that more so, but ... I dunno.

Let me know if you guys are feeling how this going, or if I should try and change this up a bit.

-Lulu