The Housekeeper (Camren)

Chapter 5

After Lauren and I had enjoyed a hot, fresh pizza from Pizza Hut, we continued to drive along the long road to New Mexico. Our destination was only a couple hours away, but it seemed like days. I was so excited to see what laid beyond Arizona's borders, but I was anxious at the same time to meet the company that was going to sign me on to Lauren's act. 

Many questions pelted my brain at once about the meeting. Would they like me? Would they think that I have a good voice? Would they send me back if they didn't care for me? Or would they love me and just put me right in her act? I just hoped that things went smoothly.

The thoughts all left my mind once we passed by the "Entering New Mexico" sign. This moment was iconic for me, since I had never been out of state before. Every breath I've ever taken was from the air particles in Arizona. Sure, I've been to other towns in my home state, but not once did I leave the state. I didn't know what the atmosphere was like outside of the desert area, and I was going to find out one of these days. I'm pretty sure there wasn't much of a change from Arizona to New Mexico though, since they were both mostly sandy flatland.

"So how does it feel?" Lauren asked me, referring to me being out of Arizona for the first time in my life.

I replied, "It's amazing. I mean, the atmosphere of New Mexico isn't really that different, but it still feels cool to say that I've been to more than one state."

"I'll make sure that you'll say that forty-eight more times." Lauren smiled. "You're going to see all fifty states one day, plus many different countries."

"Countries?! I'll see more?" I asked, excitedly.

Lauren giggled and said, "Of course! We are going on a world tour after all. We'll see France, Spain, Brazil, and tons more."

My jaw dropped at the sound of traveling the world. I knew I'd be leaving my home state, but my country? That was incredible. I just wished that I could bring my family and Normani. That probably wasn't possible yet, but maybe one day it would be. The idea of getting on a plane and flying out of the United States scared me a little, and I shivered at the thought of all of this happening so quickly.

The girl who was to be my band mate placed her hand on my shoulder, causing me to shiver in a more pleasant way, and said, "Don't worry, Camila. I'll be there to guide you every step of the way. I had to do it all on my own, and it was terrifying. It won't be as bad for you though, since you have me. Being away from and traveling without your friends and family is scary, but we'll find fun things to do that'll distract us from those sad feelings."

I smiled at her, then dropped it immediately when I remembered the thoughts that I was having earlier. "That's the thing though, Lauren. What if the record company doesn't like me? What if they tell you to find someone new? What if I'm not good enough for them?"

"Don't you worry, Camila. The company trusts my judgement, and they won't disagree with me on this one. You're cute, you're unique, and you've got crazy pipes, girl." Lauren told me, causing me to giggle at her compliments. "But again, don't spend another second worrying about that. It'll all turn out perfectly fine."

I nodded and replied, "Thanks, Lauren. You really helped me a lot. I think I'll be okay now."

"Good! A talented cutie like you shouldn't waste a single second of her life on worry about something that will turn out a-okay."

Lauren made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside with her kind words. But she kept referring to me as a cutie, which was such a tease. She told me not to think of her romantically, which is nearly impossible when she referred to me with such terms. As much as I wanted to think of Lauren that way, I held my insane feelings back in order to maintain this new friendship that we had recently formed in the past twenty-four hours. I shook the thought of liking Lauren out of my mind for now, only to revisit it later most likely.