Grow Old Without You (A Camren Story)

Together

Grow Old Without You (Chapter 21)

LAUREN

As soon as Kara fell asleep beside Lana, I made my way outside. I couldn't just look at my family like this anymore. I could deal with myself being hurt, but not my kids. Not the two most important people in my life. They're my world, and seeing one in a hospital bed, and another one clinging onto her for dear life is not how I imagined our night would end. I actually pictured my night ending in our hotel room, watching Disney movies with Inigo until we fall asleep. But of course, destiny has ways of turning my world upside down. Just when I thought things were getting good, the world gangs up on me, and make it harder than it already is.

"Calm down." I said to myself as I sat on the hallway. I didn't care if people would stare at me and think I was stupid. I don't actually care if people saw my underwear 'cos I was wearing a dress. I don't care, I don't want to think anymore, or do shit anymore. I just want to make things alright. I just want silence, even just for awhile. I put my head in my hands, squeezing my eyes shut. Breathe, Jauregui, breathe.

I don't know how much time I spent outside the room, but I felt someone touch my shoulder. I looked up and saw a pair of brown eyes, the ones that made me fall inlove when I was 16. The same eyes that caused me pleasure and pain all these years.

"Hey." I whispered as she smiled as sadly at me, sitting beside me. I guess she's still not talking. I sighed.

"C-Ca-can we set everything aside first? J-ju-just until Lana's better?" She stuttered as she looked down at her hands, playing with her fingernails. She does this for one reason. And I know what's next.

"Of course Camz." I whispered as she leaned her head to mine. "Are you okay?" I asked her as she just shook her head and buried her face onto my chest, her body is shaking as I wrapped my arms around her. This is what's next. "She's gonna be fine." I whispered to her, trying to make myself believe that it will be true.
---

I opened my eyes, looked up and saw Ally with Will and Janelle. Fuck.

"Sorry Lo. But we have a small situation." Ally said worried as she was interrupted by Janelle.

"In Harmony has a concert tomorrow night--"

"Our daughter's in critical condition! No, Camila's not doing it." I said angrily as I felt Camila wake up beside me. I stood up, balling my fists on the side, as Camila tried to calm me down.

"Well, I'm sorry to say she doesn't have a choice." Janelle said rolling her eyes.

I can't believe her. This is a family emergency. Our daughter is in the hospital, and Camila can't miss a show? What the fuck.

"Yes she does. She has a choice of not going because Lana's her daughter too." I said as I was starting to get angrier and angrier.

"It's okay. I don't have a choice Lo." Camila said softly as she intertwined our hands together.

"Good girl. Interview's at 3 before the show. Don't be late." Janelle said as she pat Camila's head and walked briskly. Will sighed and kissed both our heads and followed Janelle.

"Sorry Camz. I tried." Ally said sighing.

"It's okay." Camila said softly as she looked down, playing with the hem of her cropped top with her free hand. I squeezed the hand that was entwined to mine as she did the same, acknowledging the act. It was our little gesture of saying, "breathe" or "chill out." We both know it, without words. Actions speak louder than words, all the time.

"Lana's inside. Kara's there too. Do you want to go in and say goodnight?" I asked Ally as she nodded her head at me. I was the first one to approach the room as I heard Kara talking. I stopped Camz and Ally as we all listened to Kara.