Out Of The Shadows And Into The Spotlight

Chapter 16

Camila POV

Once we made it to my parents house I let out a sigh of contentment. After a long day of shopping, movies, and walking around, it was nice just to relax with my family.

And of course it my dads food.

Thats when I noticed the air smelled of coal and grilled meat, meaning it was perfect. I heard talking coming from my backyard as the girls and I walked in from the side gate. My parents house wasn't the biggest our fanciest, but they were content with a simple two story with a wrap-around porch so I never questioned them.

"Mila, I love your dads grilling. It reminds me of home." Ally said, giving me and smile and opening the gate quickly. She held it open for Dinah, Mani, and I but she immediately stopped when she saw what my dad was cooking.

I had no clue what it was, all I knew was that it would be good.

"Ally is turning into you, Mila." Dinah said, causing us four to erupt in laugher.

Our laughter was cut short when a certain green eyed girl turned around to face us. She had stitches along her eyebrow, a black eye, and her lip was busted and swollen.

Who the hell hurt my baby?

"Lauren? What are you doing here?" I asked, quite surprised I could speak.

She looked like she did a month ago. Her eyes were wide and she wouldn't make eye contact with me, or anyone. But that's when I noticed that she took a quick glance at my mom, her eyes begging for something.

"And what happened to your face?" Mani chimed in, raising her eyebrow.

"You're, uh, mom invited Chris, Taylor, and I." She answered, scratching the back of her neck. "And uh, I just got into fight." She answered, turning towards Mani.

Lauren looked down at her feet before turning to Sofi, who was sitting next to her with a confused look in her face.

"Lolo? Is Kaki not your princess anymore?"

Wait what?!

But when I took a closer look I saw the sadness in Sofi's eyes, most likely remembering the times the three of us shared.

Lauren gave Sofi a soft smile before casting a glance at me.

"Camila with always be my princess." Lauren muttered, turning back to her and ruffling her hair. I couldn't help the smile that made it's way onto my lips.

I moved my head to look at the girls and Ally smiled.

"That's so sweet, Mila." Ally cooed, pinching my cheek before walking over to my dad. She threw a smile over her shoulder as she started talking to him about the food.

My eyes drifted to Mani and Dinah who were staring at Lauren with a emotionless look. She seemed to notice them and turned her attention fully into Sofi.

But it didn't matter to me. Lauren said what I wanted to hear.

You will always be her princess.

It was a sweet thought, but it was broken when my dad announced the food was ready.

...

During our meal, I couldn't help but notice the looks Dinah and Mani would send Lauren. Yet, Lauren didn't seem fazed. She made her usual comments and would laugh at my jokes even when no one else did.

It felt normal. Like I didn't leave to become a famous pop star.

But that quickly ended when Sofi pulled Lauren by the pool and started talking to her. It was nice to see them interact like that, knowing when Monday came Lauren would be back to ignoring me.

"Mila! Come here!" Mani motioned for me to join her and Dinah in the middle of the yard.

"What's up?" I asked, looking at both of them.

"What's with Sofi calling you Lauren's princess?" Dinah asked, grabbing my arm and pulling me towards the house, Mani following us.

Well, straight to the point I guess.

"It was just something from when we were kids." I answered, looking down at my feet and messing with my fingers.

"Camila, why do you still think she is who she was? That was years ago." Mani stated, raising her eyebrows at me.

I sighed and sat down on the porch, motioning for them to follow me. Once they sat down I gave them a smile.

"We made a promise. It was when we still young but we promised each other that no matter what we'd still be there for each other. We'd still fight for each other. I know Lauren, she would never break a promise." I let out. When I looked up I saw Dinah and Mani giving me death glares.

"Then get off your ass and get your girl! I'm tired of you moping around and watching her from a distance!" Mani said, smacking the back of my head.

I thought she hated Lauren..?

"But don't you hate her?" I asked and she shook her head.

"I hate how she acts like she doesn't know you. But your judgement is truly amazing, you know a good person from a bad person. And if you say Lauren is good, then she must be." She explained, putting her hand on my shoulder and giving me a reassuring smile.

"What about you Dinah?" I asked. Dinah inhaled, before wrapping her arms around me and pulling me into a bear hug.

"I love you, Mila. Don't get hurt." She whispered in my ear.

Finally!

I smiled and pulled away from her before standing up. As I made my way over to Lauren her phone started to ring.

"I'll be right back, Sof." She said as she answered her phone. She stood up and turned my way, which made her freeze on the spot.

I was already in front of her, looking up at her with a soft smile on my lips.

But that was before I heard screaming on her phone.

"LAUR...JAUREGUI...BETTER...YOUR...HOME...OTHERWISE...REGRET..."

It sounded like a mans voice and Lauren's eyes widen. She looked toward Taylor and Chris who were now talking to Ally and Mani while Dinah occupied Sofi.

"I'm sorry. I'll be there soon." She said into the phone before hanging up. She looked at me and gave me a forced smile. "I need to go, Camz. Can you watch Taylor and Chris for me?" She asked, her eyes pleading.

She called me Camz.

Before my thoughts could go anywhere else I nodded.

"Yeah, no problem." I smiled at her.

"Thank you so much." She said quickly before rushing out of the backyard. "Taylor! Chris! Stay here! I need to go home real quick!" She called over her shoulder as the gate shut behind her.

I wonder what's got her in such a rush.

"What was that?" Ally asked Taylor, who shrugged her shoulders, but she was hiding something. Her and Chris would share a glance before acting as if nothing happened.

"She does that, it's kind of normal for her to disappear at random times." Chris said, giving us a casual smile.

I still wasn't convinced.

Lauren was never a big fan of change, and I know she never disappeared from anything.

Why would she start now?

"Alright, well I'm gonna use the bathroom. I'll be right back." I told them, giving them a small wave before rushing inside.

Once I made it inside I grabbed my keys from the key ring by the door and went to my car. Just as I got outside I saw Lauren speed down the road, headed to her house.

"Where the hell are you going?" I asked aloud as I got into my car. She must've still lived in the house from when we were kids.

Let's see what you're hiding, Jauregui.

A/N: This chapter has been bugging me forever. I've made so many changes and this still makes me nervous it might not be good. Comment what you think and vote if you like it. And sorry for the wait. Later.