Before Midnight (Camila/You) [ON HOLD]

Chapter 8

A look of utter shock and confusion took over my face as I saw the Polynesian standing directly in front of me. I tried to say something but I was tongue tied, unable to make a sound.

Just when I had regained my composure, Lauren had walked into the alley and took over the same expressions I had a few moments ago.

"Uh, hey guys." Dinah laughed nervously, fiddling with her fingers and staring down at her shoes. Lauren walked to my side quickly and spoke up.

"DJ what the fuck are you doing? We saw you steal that expensive ass necklace!" Lauren said. We both looked at her expectantly, standing our ground.

"It's not that I'm not aware of the consequences of doing this...it's just that I can't help it. When I see something I really like but I'm too broke to get it, I steal it. Trust me I don't enjoy doing it but, I don't know, I think I'm sorta like Gollem from Lord of The Rings with jewelry. Whispering 'my precious' to it and stuff." Dinah sighed and pulled the diamond necklace from her pocket, holding it delicately in her hands. "The guilt is much more stronger than the feeling of having this thing, maybe, maybe I can use that to stop me from doing it next time."

I took a breath of air and looked at Dinah sympathetically. "Come on, I can give you a ride home." I told her.

I guided the two girls towards my car but before we got in I turned to look at Dinah. "You're gonna have to return that necklace by the way. I don't want you thinking you're completely off the hook." She nodded and opened the door, pulling back the front seat to get in the back.

During the car ride the atmosphere seemed less tense and more comfortable. An easy going conversation was formed and a couple jokes were told, this just proving that with Dinah around she can always light up the area she's in.

-

Not long after dropping Dinah off, I found myself at Lauren's house. The Latina invited me over and insisted that I had dinner with her family. Of course I couldn't deny and now here I was, laying down on her bed and having simple talk with her.

"So after what happened with Dinah today, I got thinking about something." Lauren said, I nodded for her to continue. "What if you, well, use these gifts you have to help people?"

"How so? Like, do you mean community service?" I questioned. Don't tell me she wants me to be the next superman, please God no.

"Pfft no. I mean like a vigilante, so sorta like superman!" Lauren grinned as she pulled out her sketchbook.

"First off, if I ever were a vigilante there is no way in hell I'm wearing tights. Second of all, I am not having a corny name like Green Lantern or Aqua Man." Lauren ignored my words and took a pencil out, flipped open her book and began to sketch.

"C'mon Y/N the crime rate in Miami, no, America, is one of the highest in the world. You have a gift that people would kill to have, so don't be a whore and put that gift to work." She said, continuing to sketch. She has a point, but, there's always risks. I could lose people I love, it could affect my education, my career and take a toll on relationships.

"I don't know Lauren, just let me think about it okay? This is a serious thing and a huge responsibility. I could get hurt, you and Camila could get hurt, heck everyone I know could get hurt." I told her, she smiled sadly and seemed to be finishing up whatever she was sketching.

"I get it. Just think about it, okay? You could change a lot of things that need changing." Lauren replied, flipping around her sketchbook then to only show me a drawing she must've made. "I was sorta doodling for the past few days but after what happened today I thought why not finish it up and use it as a design! You could wear this with some sorta mask and no one would know who you are."

(AN- picture above)

For a good amount of time I just stared at the drawing, letting my brain process it, until I finally decided to speak up. "Do you always draw bodies of women?" I joked, still analyzing the sketch.

"W-what? Ew no. I only do it when I feel like it!" She tossed back playfully. I slapped her arm and ran my fingers over the drawing, feeling the rough texture on my fingers. I felt like I was at two crossroads, right here and now being the place where I notice their presence. One road could lead to making a difference but having major consequences, the other road leading to a normal life but never filling up the glass, always seeing it half empty knowing that you could do better. I wonder what Dad would do? He always knew how to handle crossroad situations. He was a quick thinker, that's what made the family business successful. I cut out my thoughts, since my heart started to ache at the thought of him. I noticed Lauren staring at me thoughtfully, she probably noticed my daydreaming, so I decided to speak up.

"Give me a couple days, I think I'll have an answer then Laur." I told her sincerely.

"Girls dinner!" A voice from outside Lauren's bedroom yelled.

"Coming!" She yelled back. We stood up together and made our way downstairs.

Once in the kitchen I greeted Lauren's parents politely. "Michael and Clara, it's nice to meet you, I'm Y/N." I told them. They giggled and looked at Lauren.

"Oh we know, our little girl never shuts up about you. I think you already know by now that she l-" Michael was quickly cut off by Lauren.

"Papa!" Her whole face became flustered.

"Oh! Sorry mija." He told her, but I could see a hint of amusement on his face.

The rest of the night consisted of simple conversations. I learned lots of things about Lauren and her parents, her siblings, Taylor and Chris were busy tonight so it was just the four of us. Lauren seems to have a very stable family so I still wonder why she would get into drugs, but that's the past, she's been clean and that's what is important.

When dinner was over, Lauren wanted to take a picture to post on Instagram. So we all huddled together and posed while Lauren held her phone up, snapping the picture. Before posting it, she tagged me and I checked the time. 7:21 pm, I should get going.

Just when I was about to speak up my phone started buzzing. A smile instantly took over my face as I realized  Camila was calling me, I picked up instantly.

Y/N: Hey baby

Camila: Hey! I'm just finishing up work at the bakery, can you pick me up?

Y/N: Of course! I'll start heading over now

Camila: Yass thanks love, see you then

After hanging up, I grabbed my car keys and turned to Lauren. "Camila wants me to pick her up, see you tomorrow at school?" I asked, putting my leather jacket on.

"Yea...I should probably do some homework anyways. I'll see you around." The Latina replied, smiling weakly.

-

Pulling up next to the bakery, I got out of my car and entered the building. Immediately I saw Camila, wiping down a table with a cloth. She hadn't noticed my presence yet so I crouched down, and made my way over to her as quietly as I could. When I was right behind her I stood up fully, and silently whispered into her ear. "Hi."

She screamed in surprise and her whole body jumped, making her fall backwards, right into my arms. Once she saw my face she calmed down, only to furrow her eyebrows. "You jerk! I almost had a heart attack, it's a good thing you were right behind me or else I would've fallen straight on my ass." She said, standing up on her two feet now.

"Awww I'm sorry, but I had to, it was the perfect opportunity." I couldn't help but smile while saying this. She stared at me serious and I did it right back, except with a grin. As I expected she erupted in giggles and I did as well.

"Okay fine, you win." She said once her laughter had died down. I grabbed her hand and led her towards my car, as she tucked the cloth in one of her pockets on her apron and walked with me. I opened the car door for her and to show her gratitude she pecked my lips, causing fireworks to explode within me. I got into my side and ignited the engine, letting it roar to life. I pulled out onto the road and accelerated forward.

Occasionally I would look over at her, admiring her beauty. Eventually she caught my staring and a smile was then plastered on her face. I smiled right back, my heart feeling full in that moment.