Popular|| Camren

Chapter 16

A/n: Ok I have a lot of ideas for this story so I'm probably going to be updating a lot and longer haha

*Lauren's POV*

When Lunch finally arrives, I'm nervous as hell, searching for Camila's small frame in the crowded hallway. This has never been a problem for me. Before I drove, I used to sit at a small corner table by myself and read. I never really cared about being alone. When I was a freshman, I had teachers try to give me their sympathy but I didn't need it. When I got my car, I would drive home for lunch considering I live pretty close to the school.

"Lauren! There you are! Camila says running from her group of loyal cheerleaders and releasing herself from her piece of arm candy, Tate McDonald.

"Hey, we were gonna sit outside" she says pointing to the group who are slowing down with baffled looks on their faces. not the first time I've seen that expression today...

"Guys this is Lauren. She is going to replace Jade as a base"

"hi" I wave, speaking quietly. My social skills are a little rusty considering the fact that I don't really use them.

"So, have you cheered before?" A pitchy voiced blonde with her hair in a tight pony tail asks.

"uh-"

"yep. She was on a cheer squad with me when I was younger" Camila interrupts my confusion and shoots me a discreet wink.

"Yeah. My uh... Knee gave me problems so I had to take a break" I say with an awkward smile.

"that's too bad" A tall guy in a football jersey says. I look up and smile bashfully at him.

"yeah" I say quietly.

"I'm Ansel by the way" He introduces "Are you new or something? I'm sure I would've noticed you if you weren't." he says giving me a cheeky grin. Male attention? You're on a roll, Lauren.

"Uh no. I've been here since I was a freshman, I-"

"Hey! Lauren!" Camila emerges from where I thought was behind me but I guess was farther because I don't think she'd intentionally interrupt me. "We should go get our seats. Table fills up quickly." she says grabbing my arm.

"oh uh nice meeting you" I say to Ansel as Camila and I head toward the exit.

"looks like somebody's got a lil crush on you" Camila says tapping my nose.

"I don't think so. He thought I was new." I laugh.

-

We sit down at the table, I on the very end, Camila next to me, Tate next to Camila with his arm draped over her, Ansel across from me, and cheerleaders and football players scattered around.

"Oh hey Lauren!" Ally says dropping her stuff on the table next to Ansel across from me.

"Hey!" I say louder than my usual voice because the second less intimidating person at this table is her. The first is obviously Camila.

"Babe, where were you Friday?" Tate says to Camila.

"I...I had plans. Really Really sorry, Tate" she says turning towards him.

"Fine." He says turning away and focusing back on the conversation his team mates are having about some football game.

"So Lauren, Since when have you and Camila been so buddy-buddy?" Ansel says leaning towards me.

"umm we've... known each other." Camila's head is turned to me awaiting a full response. I'm really on the spot now. "yeah" I say. I sounded like a complete idiot but it's all i can say right now.

"Oh. I'm pretty sure I'd notice if Camila had another really hot friend" he says grinning at me. I feel Camila staring at me.

She pushes Tate's arm off of her shoulder.

"I'll be right back. I have to go to the bathroom." She says giving me a sort of sad smile. Why though?