Closer (Camren)

Chapter 16

Lauren's POV

I run down the stairs and quickly grab something to eat and just leave the house. I can hear my dad calling me back but I just don't have time for it now. My main priority is to get to Camila's house because she sounded drained and ill. Her voice was weak and that's unusual - her tone is always so bubbly and energetic (the kind that makes you want to talk to that person every second of the day).

I decide to walk to Camila's at a faster pace that what I'd normally walk. It's a long walk but I don't mind, I'd walk miles just to see Camila. It sounds mad I know but I would - I can't help it. I want to do anything and everything for her.

I finally reach her house and I text her just so she's aware - there's no reply. So, I knock on the front door and I'm a little out of breath, I should try to get more fit. There's no answer for a minute so I knock again and this time her mum answers.

"Oh, good morning Lauren, is, um, is everything all right?", Sinu politely asks but I just think she's shocked to see me there so early.

"Hi, um yeah yeah, everything is great", I say waving my hand through my hair wondering whether my bed head is the reason she asked if everything was all right, "do you mind if I come in and see Camila?", I ask.

"Well, why not?", she replies gesturing for me to come in and then she leaves to go into the kitchen. I'm here so often that I don't need guidance.

Once I reach Camila's room I get a weird feeling in my stomach, a nervous feeling. I'm unsure of what she's done but it can't be anything good. I stand there for a good minute or two taking in what I'm going to see and hear. Will she be crying? Will she be angry at me? Have I done something? Is it serious?

I knocked. No answer. I knock again. No answer. I knock again but still no answer.

"Fuck sake Camila, can't you just get up and open-", I start before realising that she's spread across the bed on her stomach fast asleep. God she's so adorable. Her phone is just next to her face - she must've fallen asleep after calling me. She can literally fall asleep any time and any place, it's one of the cutest things about her.

Unfortunately waking her up is difficult, once she's out she's out. So, I'm going to be here for a while. I slowly, but gently, turn her over onto her back and scoop her up into my arms. I lay her down in a more comfortable position and so I can lay next to her. My phone starts ringing and I quickly pick it up so she doesn't wake up. It's my dad.

"Hello"

"Lauren... Why did you just walk out this morning? I called you back", my dad shouts down the phone which makes me smile because he can't be strict even if he tries.

"I'm sorry, I had to see Camila... It was an emergency. I didn't hear you calling", I reply.

"Well, okay, that's fine. It's, yeah-", I laugh quietly because he doesn't know what to say next. "If you do that again, you'll be grounded, okay?", he sternly says.

"Yes of course, that's understandable", rolling my eyes.

He must have sensed the sarcasm because he replies with "I'm serious Lauren".

"Okay, bye dad."

-

An hour passes by and Camila starts to stir awake. Finally. She blinks repeatedly as she takes in her surroundings, including me.