Memories (Camren)

Chapter 6 (Part 2)

Hey everyone! I hope you enjoyed the last chapter. This is the last part of chapter 6. I've really loved the feedback I've received lately. Y'all are really nice and funny, enjoy! -Alexis

As the weeks went by Lauren and the rest of the girls regularly visited Camila. Today; however, was the first day of school. Lauren was awoken by the sound of her alarm clock. She turned it off and looked over to Dinah, the younger girl having her face buried in her pillow. The two girls were almost inseparable both of them worried about each other, Dinah would stay at Lauren's and vise-versa.

"Hey Dinah-"

"I know." Dinah's voice was muffled by the pillow.

"Alright, don't make me say it again." Said Lauren as she sat up.

She got out of her bed and made her way to the bathroom, she looked exhausted. She examined herself in the mirror taking notice of the bags under her eyes. Lauren sighed and started the bath water. As she washed herself she allowed the warm water to relax her tilting her head slightly to let the water run through her hair. Lauren had always loved showers, it was a place where she felt she could wash away the worry and pain. She got out, dried off and wrapped herself in a towel before running a hairbrush through her dark locks. Lauren was never one to like makeup, but today it felt necessary. She walked into her room after applying the needed amount of concealer and mascara, only to find a sleeping Dinah.

"Get up!" Shouted Lauren as she ripped the sheets off the bed.

"Oh my gosh Lo why are you so rude!" Shot Dinah.

"I tried politely but you didn't listen." Said Lauren as she walked over to her closet to pick an outfit out.

"Fine." Dinah got up and made her way to the bathroom as she mumbled under her breath.

Lauren looked at the clothes in her closet debating what she should wear. She decided on a black crop top and black jeans, along with her combat boots. She ran her hand through her hair before heading downstairs. The two girls had breakfast quietly, Dinah still trying to wakeup and Lauren having her mind occupied with thoughts of Camila.

"Hey Lo?" Dinah spoke up.

"Yeah?" Lauren looked up as she was pulled from her thoughts. Dinah took a second to speak she looked worried.

"Never mind." Said Dinah, turning her attention back to her plate.

"Dinah what is it you know I hate it when-" Lauren stopped herself when she saw the first tear fall from Dinah's cheek. "No, no what's wrong." Lauren moved to sit next to the younger girl, rubbing her back comfortingly. "Dinah you can tell me anything you-"

"It was my fault." Dinah blurted out before Lauren could finish.

"What do you mean?" Said Lauren confused, she moved her hand away.

"I mean it's my fault. The car accident. It's my fault that Mila is in a coma." Dinah sniffed and wiped at her face. Lauren sighed as she lifted Dinah's chin to look at her.

"Look at me. It's not your fault. You can't put the blame on yourself. What happened to Camila is no ones fault but the driver of that truck." Dinah looked down and bit her lip.

"But I-"

"No. You did nothing." Lauren gave her a supportive smile. "Now go clean up we're leaving in ten minutes."
-
As the girls arrived at school there was a comfortable silence between them as they walked through the familiar corridors. Lauren couldn't help but notice the whispers and fingers being pointed in her direction.

"Hey Lo I think everyone-"

"Hey." Dinah was interrupted by a mid sized brunette approaching them.

"Hi." Said Lauren uncertainly.

"Sorry to bother you." Said the girl. "Lauren is it?"

"Uh yes?"

"Could I maybe talk with you?" The brunette offered a small smile.

Lauren was confused, the girl that stood before her was Paige. She knew, from Dinah's knowledge, that Paige was that stereotypical cheerleader, queen bee, popular athlete that everyone loved, except Dinah.

"No she's good Paige." Shot Dinah speaking sternly.

"Oh hi. Dinah is it?" Paige looked her up and down. "I see you're doing well."

"Look Paige why don't-"

"You know what Dinah I'll catch up with you in a sec." Lauren looked between the two before giving Dinah a quick smile. She lead Paige away from her, Dinah rolled her eyes and turned to find the other girls. Lauren had never known Paige, she only knew about her from Dinah. She wasn't one to judge someone before she got to know them personally. So with that Lauren didn't see the harm in giving her a chance.

"What's up Paige." Lauren turned to look at the other girl. There was no denying that she was stunning with her perfectly shaped body, talent and her hazel eyes.

"Well I heard about your girlfriend." Said Paige knowingly.

"Oh.." Lauren's eyes dropped to the floor and her voice trailed off.

"I just wanted to say that I'm sorry or what happened to her. If you need anything then you can always come talk to me. I know you and I don't know each other, and you've probably heard a lot about me. But I promise I'm not as heartless as they say." She let out a laugh as she finished. Lauren could feel a knot form in the pit of her stomach.

"Hey." Paige put a finger under Lauren's chin and lifted her head. "Cheer up. A pretty girl like you shouldn't be sad." She winked at Lauren as her cheeks turned red.

"Thanks." Lauren finally managed to get out.

"Well I'll see you around, okay?" The brunette started to walk away when Lauren called out.

"Paige!" The girl turned back around puzzled. "Thanks.. Really." Said Lauren as she scratched the back of her neck.

"Don't mention it Lauren." She gave her a once-over and grinned before heading down the hallway.
-
The day went by quick Lauren was glad to be back home after having to sit through several class procedures and guidelines.

"What did Paige have to say?" Dinah sat at the kitchen table while Lauren got a glass of water.

"Oh nothing she just told me that she's sorry about what happened to Camz and if I need anything she's there for me." She finished and took a sip from her glass.

"Well I hope you're not considering it cause if anything Paige is bad news."

"Don't you worry." Lauren scrunched her nose and sat next to Dinah. "I know how you feel about her." She set her glass down and looked at the younger girl. "How was your day?" Dinah looked down at her lap.

"I couldn't-" She was then interrupted by a phone ringing on the counter.

"Sorry." Lauren stood up and made her way to the phone. Her eyes lit up with both fear and anxiety as she answered the call. "H-hello?"

Whoa cliffhanger!! Who's on the other end? Hmmm. And what was Dinah talking about, her fault? This chapter was fun to write introducing some more characters. Have a great day everyone! And as always, thanks for reading! -Alexis