Grow Old Without You (A Camren Story)

Welcome to LA, Love.

Grow Old Without You (Chapter 17)

LAUREN

I held on the twins' hands the whole time we were at the exhibit. I have trust issues when it comes to my kids, and this was better than having them at some place unsafe. They also help me calm down. Bug crowds are not my thing. It never was.

"Aunt DJ!" Lana said letting go off my hand as she dashed to DJ, jumping on her.

"Hey Mini. I missed you." Dinah said kissing Lana's head as they approached us.

"Hey guys. How was the event?" I asked hugging Ally and Mani who were behind Dinah. "Kara, kiss your aunts." I pulled Kara to the girls as she shyly hugged my two friends. She's still warming up. She's a shy little flower in big crowds, and her clinging on to me calms both of us at the same time.

"It was good, as always." Ally smiled at me sweetly. "Lauren Jauregui, you are a talented human being. I am so proud of you." Ally said looking around.

"Thanks Mama! This is my bread and butter in Italy. I had to be good in order to feed this little one right here." I said kissing Kara's head.

"You get as much as we do from royalties, you're good for a lifetime." Mani said shaking her head, laughing.

"Well, that's Fifth Harmony money. I don't really touch that part of my financial book." I giggled as Mani just shook her head. She understood that I didn't want to do anything with Fifth Harmony, even after Italy. My parents had the control on that money, and I guess that's what they've been giving me to pay bills and our trips and everything. I don't want to look into it, or know how much is in there.

"Ma- Aunt Mila!" The twins ran to Camila, hugging her tight. Here we go.

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CAMILA

I slowly walked to the exhibit, noticing people I know and remember. I guess it was a bad idea to be intoxicated at an event, seeing my ex-wife, kids and friends. I guess it was also the best idea, 'cos it calms the shit out of me. I held my purse close to me, knowing whatever's in it would cause so much drama if anyone sees it.

"Ma-Aunt Mila!" I heard two voices run to me, as I refocused my eyes to two small bodies who were running to me. They crashed both their bodies to me, hugging me tight as I grasped for air. My feet are wobbly, and I was trying to hold on to them.

"Hey babies." I smiled to them as I could see Lana stare at me sadly, knowing what was wrong with me. Kara, on the other hand was still hugging me tight. "I missed you, both." I said as Lana walked away, glancing at me sadly one last time as she whispered something to Dinah.

"Mama, you seem different." Kara asked as she let go of me, looking at me intently.

"I-I'm th-the s-same." She shook her head, coming closer at she smelled me. Now she knows what I've been doing.

"Mama." She said sadly, looking at me with tears in her eyes.

"Hey I h-have a p-present f-fo-for you." I quickly grabbed the envelope in my purse, accidentally dropping the flask on the floor. "Sh-shit." I quickly grabbed it on the floor as I stood up again, feeling my head start to spin. I felt Kara hold me in place as I felt my surroundings shake. Fuck.

"Mama, please sit down." Kara said softly. I shook my head as I gave her the envelope.

"You wanted to meet Taylor and Ed. You can bring Lana with you." I said giving her the envelope as I walked fast to the bathroom without even looking at my own daughter. I'm starting to regain my feelings. I need a hit.