[GL] Black Gold

Chapter 56

The air became very weird between them but Camie had no idea what would happen because she suddenly started hiccuping. Théa laughed before bringing Camie water and the latter did her best to forget about what had happened. She couldn't stop hearing Théa's words in her head and she tried her best to come out of that loop. She continued staring at the drawing for long minutes and slowly felt that she was gaining control back over her body.

Théa was very happy that Camie liked her drawing and when Camie handed it back she shook her head:

"I made it for you.

-It's for me?

-Yes.

-Really? You don't have to.

-Would you be uncomfortable accepting it? You could always come look at it here.

-No!"

Théa froze.

"I mean... I really like it, thank you.

-I am glad to hear that.

-I can't draw so I can't make one for you.

-You don't owe me anything, Camie. I just wanted to draw you. Nothing more, nothing less. But if you did draw me something, it would always make me happy."

Camie thought about it:

"I would love to be able to draw

-I can teach you if you want."

Camie quickly shook her head:

"I am unteachable."

But Théa didn't seem to like that answer:

"No one is unteachable, Camie. I could show you the basics and help you find your own style."

Camie didn't look convinced.

"Could you at least think about it?

-Okay."

Camie grabbed her bag and immediately put the frame inside, scared that Théa would change her mind. As she was trying to find space for the frame, Camie opened the front pocket. There really wasn't enough space in her bag and she took a lot of things out to finally fit the frame.

Among those things was a pretty notebook that Théa picked up:

"May I?

-Yes."

Camie didn't even remember what that notebook was and she continued focusing on the frame, making sure that she wouldn't destroy the painting. She was so focused on her task that she didn't notice Théa going silent. After long minutes she finally fit the frame and looked up:

"Perfect! Thank you again, Théa. I really..."

Camie stopped talking seeing what Théa was reading and it finally hit her.

"Wait!"

She jumped on Théa to prevent her from reading the notebook even though it was already too late. Camie pushed Théa with all her strength and both of them fell backwards. Théa immediately let go of the notebook and surrounded Camie in her arms to protect her during the fall. Théa fell on her back, Camie pressed against her chest.

Camie didn't even notice their position at first, focused on finding the notebook first. Seeing it next to Théa's head, Camie grabbed it and finally relaxed. She looked down and noticed that Théa's flushed face was very close to hers. Théa's face wasn't the only thing close to her. Camie suddenly realized that Théa was only covered of a towel and her whole body froze up:

"I... I... I... I..."

Seeing Camie panic finally woke Théa up and she smiled:

"Are you okay? Are you not hurt?

-I... I..."

Théa rubbed Camie's cheek which felt very weird for some reason:

"I'm glad that you're fine. I will always catch you, Camie.

-I..."

Camie thought that she would have a heart attack and she tried her best to move but couldn't feel her limbs anymore. Théa's smile widened and she pulled Camie even closer:

"Are you sure you're okay? Your face is really red."

Camie finally woke up and she jumped up before retreating into the door.

"I'm sorry! I'm so sorry. Sorry. Sorry."

Théa got up before tilting her head:

"Why are you apologizing?

-I pushed you and... Sorry. I..."

Théa picked up the notebook that Camie had dropped in her panic:

"I'm the one who's sorry. I shouldn't have read this.

-No, I told you that it was okay. I didn't remember what it was, sorry. I'm not weird."

Camie had trouble remembering what was written inside the notebook. All she remembered was that there was a lot of information about Théa. What if she thought that she was a stalker?

"I am not a stalker."

Camie froze:

"I shouldn't have said that. It sounds suspicious. But I really am not.

-More and more suspicious... Maybe I should call the cops.

-I am not a stalker! But if calling the cops makes you more comfortable then you can but I can also just leave."

Camie grabbed her bag and handed Théa back the frame:

"I don't think I deserve this anymore."

Hearing Théa laugh made Camie frown.

"I was just teasing you, Camie. If you say you aren't then you aren't."

Seeing Camie's face made Théa laugh even more:

"Or do you want to be one?

-No!"

Théa seemed in a really good mood for some reason:

"Don't worry, Camie. I am just kidding. And there was nothing weird in that notebook. On the contrary. I found it very sweet.

-Sweet?

-Yes.

-You don't have to lie.

-I am not. It was full of little things that I told you. It made me feel very listened to."

Camie pinched her lips:

"I didn't want to forget anything you told me so I started writing it down. But I stopped weeks ago because I realized that my memory wasn't that bad."

Théa stared at Camie's face for long seconds and Camie couldn't help dancing in place:

"Théa? What is it?

-You are really amazing, Camie. I just told you that I didn't need anything for that drawing but you just gave me the best gift I ever received."

Camie's head jerked up:

"Really?

-You always give me so much, Camie. For once I thought that I would be the one giving you something but it seems I have to do better."

Camie felt sad suddenly:

"Don't say that. You don't have to give me anything."

It was Théa's turn looking a bit sad:

"I know. You don't like receiving gifts. But you seemed to like the drawing. Would it be okay if I drew you more?"

Camie didn't have time to accept that Théa added:

"It would help me a lot for my portfolio as well.

-Okay.

-Really?

-I would like that."

Théa started beaming and Camie had to look away, remembering what had happened minutes before despite wanting to.