Should've Been Us (Camren)

II

*Flashback*

Lauren's POV
2 Years Ago

I strolled into The Book Palace in search of an inevitable get away. Books have always helped me escape the harsh reality in which we live in. Glancing over to the right, my eyes caught glimpse of a familiar sight. A beautiful, slender brown eyed brunette with her nose stuck in Plato's The Republic. Camila.

"Wow, she's still quite the intellectual I see." I mumbled to myself. Quickly deciding not to bother her, I made my way up and down the aisles, not really looking for anything in particular.

I was lost in my thoughts about the brown eyed girl. She was still as gorgeous as I remembered from high school. Although we weren't friends, or even talked for that matter, it still didn't stop me from admiring her from afar. I was hypnotized by her wavy tresses. Addicted to her bright smile, well when she did smile. I must admit seeing it was rare.

I snapped out of my thoughts as I felt my body collide with something and heard books thudding to the carpeted floor. "Oh! I am so sorry! I totally wasn't watching where I was going. Sorry." I apologized profusely. I looked up and locked eyes with brown ones I hadn't got the chance to admire in a couple of years. Wow, they were simply amazing.

"Wait. You're Lauren? Lauren Jauregui, right?" Oh my gosh she actually remembered me. "Y-yeah I a-am." I stammered foolishly. I managed to pull myself together in a matter of seconds. "How are you, Camila?" I must admit, I hadn't really looked at someone since the woman who tore my heart to pieces. But looking into her eyes suddenly made me forget the pain I'd been feeling recently.

"I'm okay Lauren. How are you?" She said snapping me out of my thoughts once again. "I've been better." I replied solemnly. Noticing we've been crouched down for several minutes, I scrambled to help her collect the books that I made her drop. "This may sound weird and random, but we should hang out some time." Camila stated breaking the awkward silence between us.

"Yeah that would be great! Here, put your number in." Handing her my phone, so she could enter in her contact information. She handed me hers so I could do the same. "Great I'll give you a call or shoot you a text. Good seeing you Lauren." "Yeah you too Camz!" I watched her walk away, casually checking out her ass as she sauntered towards the cash register. "Okay that was strange." I thought out loud. Where did that nickname come from?

Shrugging it off, I left the book store. I didn't buy anything because I was too lost in my thoughts, but I also didn't care. I had more important things on my mind than books. The connection I felt with her threw me off. I'd never felt that before with anyone. Not even with Nadia. Ugh, Nadia. Why did I even have to think about her right now?

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Camila's POV

I can't believe I just saw Lauren Jauregui. I hadn't seen her since high school, and I definitely didn't think she'd remember me. All throughout high school I was a nobody, while Lauren was one of the most popular girls in school. For her to agree to hang out with me was awfully shocking. She'll probably think I'm lame and not want to hang out with me again.

Must I always be so harsh on myself? I suppose old habits die hard. It's been two years since things ended between Sasha and I, you'd think that I'd be over it by now. The problem with me is, I tend to dwell on things entirely too long. Everything seems to be all my fault, when in reality, it's something that I have no control over.

Growing up in a harsh environment never helped my case. My mother was an emotionally abusive drug addict. You name it, she was addicted to it. My father was an inattentive drug dealer. Supplying her with whatever she was addicted to at the moment, as long as she supplied him with what he needed. Normally I confined myself to my room to escape the constant tormenting. I'd drown myself in school work and books to keep myself somewhat sane.