NOT OUR AGE

Chapter 14: Friends?!

Camila's POV

After having lunch at Mrs. Wilson's house, Lauren and I went downtown to have a walk enjoying the Christmassy that the city offered. As we got home, we had our afternoon tea before we went outside to play with Thunder and Leo in the snow. In the late afternoon, we made our dinner together. Lauren was indeed a good cook. She did most of the cooking while I was just there helping her. After dinner, we settled in the family living room, relaxing, watching movies, and sharing kisses before we ended the night.

The next morning, I woke up early so I did not miss Thunder and Leo's walking time. I took them out for a walk while Lauren was downstairs in the gym. We were back in the house after having an hour walk. Checking my phone while drinking my hot tea on the kitchen island, I read a message from Nicholas. He told me that he was here to change shifts with one of the security team today. I stood up to get the door when the doorbell rang. It was Nicholas.

"Hi, Nick! Merry Christmas!" I greeted him.

"Hi, Camila! Merry Christmas, too! Did you enjoy your Christmas?" He asked standing in front of the door.

"Yes, I did!" I answered. "How about you? How are you?"

"It was good. I'm good. I got this for you!" He handed me a paper bag. "The cookies that I've promised you."

"Ah, thank you!!" I received it. He had told me that his mother was good at baking. During the Christmas lunch last week, he told me that he would bring some over a day after Christmas so that I could try them. I told him he did not have to, but he insisted. Since it was about food, I accepted him further.

"I hope you would like them!" He said.

"I'm sure I will," I said, and he smiled which soon slowly faded when I felt a hand on my waist.

"Good morning, Ms.J!" He greeted Lauren who showed up behind me.

I looked at Lauren who just finished her workout and was still in her workout outfit, she was sweating despite it being cold.

"Good morning, Nicholas!" She greeted Nicholas back. "Today is your shift?"

"Yes, Ms.J!" Nicholas was suddenly being awkward. I never saw them interact before. He looked a little bit scared. Then, I recalled what Mrs. Wilson warned Nicholas about. "I am just stopping by to pass the cookies from my mother."

"I see. How is she doing?" Lauren seemed to know Nicholas' mother.

"She's doing pretty good, Ms. J!" Nicholas answered.

"Great! Can I try?" Lauren asked me, referring to the cookies.

"Can we try it now?" I asked Nicholas.

"Of course!" He said, still being awkward.

I took a jar out of the bag. I opened the lit and offered them to Lauren.

"My hand is dirty!" Lauren said, looking at me. She still had her hand wraps on. "Help me!" She winked at me.

I chuckled, feeling a little bit awkward because we were not alone. Nicholas was here with us. I looked at Nicholas slightly before I took one of the cookies out of the jar and put it in Lauren's mouth. She smiled. I smiled back at her. Still feeling awkward, I took one of the cookies and tried it myself.