The Payphone (Camren)

Chapter 5: Lauren, Lauren, Lauren

Look at what a cutie Lauren is!!! That snap made me squeal. Literally.

<~><~><~>

I sighed when I left the bathroom; just like the rest of the place, the bathroom was rustic and hipster. I'm definitely going to spend a lot of time here in Veiled Bliss from now on. Speaking of which, when I was walking back from the bathroom, Lauren was still bent over the table I was occupying. I tapped her on the shoulder and she jumped in shock and jerked her head around. Her face grew progressively redder when she saw me. I peeked over her shoulder to see what she was doing. Her hand was on my notebook but it was closed, the other reaching for the plate and cups.

"Sorry," she mumbled sheepishly and she looked slightly embarrassed too. "It was just open and I closed it - I didn't read it I swear - the notebook sort of looked familiar so I was just looking at the cover and-"

"It's fine." I said, believing her. Lauren seemed to breathe out a sigh of relief but maybe that was my imagination.

"I used to have a notebook like this, in fact I had two. I gave the other one to my best friend." She smiled sadly at me, her eyes seemed to be searching mine.

"Oh, you have good taste then." I grinned.

"Is that an indirect compliment towards yourself?" Lauren raised an eyebrow and smirked. I blushed and grabbed my notebook. I tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear and followed Lauren to the counter. I had to leave now if I wanted to catch the Payphone girl. "Let me put this away, I'll be right back." She promised.

While waiting I ran my hand along the countertop and then pulled my phone out to text my parents that I might be a little late coming home, I needed to stock up on more pens.

"Hey, what's your name?" I jerked my head up and faced a grinning Lauren.

"Um, I'm Camila."

"I'm Lauren. Nice to meet you, Camila."

"Nice to meet you too Lauren." I giggled slightly nervously.

"Well, today is your lucky day Camila, it seems everything is free of charge today for you, and here is a loyalty card. You get one stamp every time you spend $10 or more here on one occasion and on the fifth stamp you get 10% off your bill. I have a feeling I'll see more of you around here." She winked. She fucking winked. At me. Oh my god. I felt slightly faint to be honest.

"Thanks." I blushed, deciding not to question the act. As I left Veiled Bliss I turned around and waved at Lauren. She waved back with seemingly sad eyes, the green of her eyes darker and murkier with a hint of stormy grey.

During the walk to the Payphone all I could think of was the sadness in her eyes. It made my heart clench for some reason. However, my thoughts were completely erased of her sad eyes when I reached the Payphone. I was so excited; there was so much I wanted to talk about. As if it (or she) was expecting me, it rang as soon as I opened the door.

"Right on time." I said when I picked it up on the first ring. I closed the door behind me and leaned into the side of the Payphone. I could hear her raspy chuckle. My heart fluttered at the sound; somehow, it just really hit me. It was so cute but sexy at the same time and made me envious. I wish I was that cute - or sexy.

"Why so eager?" She questioned, amused.

"Um, I-I just-"