The Dragonflies

Chapter 6

Camila's POV

Yesterday turned out to be one of the best days I've had in a long time. Being able to see Bea again, for the first time in years, was crazy. That little girl that used to hang around me was now a teenager. Furthermore, Dinah wasn't exaggerating when she had referred to Bea as a Lauren jr., because aside from their differing physical appearance, Bea is a spitting image of Lauren in how she dresses, how she talks, her mannerisms, all of it.

The five of us, and Bea, hung out all evening. We hung out in one of the lounges, playing board games that had missing pieces, so we made up new rules. We ate dinner in the food court, bantering and throwing pieces of food at the person who made you the butt of their joke. Then we sat around in Laurens room, talking about anything and everything.

It all felt so normal (or as normal as this whole thing can be). Everything about the night was so natural and fun. It wasn't me hanging out with a couple old friend, three strangers who vary on how much they welcome me, all while I am being held captive or whatever this is. It was me hanging out with a group of friends, without a care in the world. I can't remember that last time I got to do that.

Having such a laid back encounter with everyone also allowed me to make some progress in getting to know Normani and Lauren. I had already talked with and gotten to know Ally, and I already knew Bea and Dinah, so we just had to catch up, but I had yet to just hang out with Normani and Lauren in a setting such as this.

The often poised and reserved Normani has a really fun side to her. I learned just how hilarious Normani could be, and she doesn't even need to try. I've experienced the jokes she's made with the other girls, but this side of her was verging on just downright silly. She was also constantly breaking out into dance and song with Dinah. Wow, they really are perfect for each other.

Lauren still remained pretty laid back, choosing to observe rather than participate. Of course, when she did participate in conversation it was with her signature sarcastic, rude comments. I noticed the comments were more on the side of teasing, and were directed at everyone at some point. It wasn't just me that she was saying those things to, which means, she was treating me just like she treated the other girls; I take that as progress.

I did learn one very interesting thing about Lauren though. Lauren carries around a pen with her. I noticed it once we were back in Laurens place, just sitting around instead of actively doing something. While we sat, Lauren pulled a black pen out of her jeans pocket. She then proceeded to grab Dinah's, who was sitting between Lauren and I, hand and doodled. Judging by Dinah's, as well as everyone else's, lack of reaction, it seems like this is a common thing for Lauren to do with them.

It took a while for me to see what Lauren was drawing, because she was hunched over and extremely focused on her work. Once she finished though, a beautiful drawing of a tribal style sea turtle was revealed on the inside of Dinah's forearm. I thought it was absolutely incredible that Lauren was able to not only imagine the intricate turtle in her head, but also then perfectly execute it with ink. I found my eyes being drawn to the turtle throughout the rest of the night.

Eventually, Bea had to go back to her family. Ally excused herself because she had an early shift at medical, and needed to get some sleep. Dinah, Normani, Lauren and I continued hanging around for a few more hours, until we were exhausted and decided to call it a night. Normani and Lauren shared Laurens bed, while Dinah and I shared the futon. Dinah definitely punched and kicked me multiple times throughout the night.

Unfortunately, the fun had to end and the dreaded first day of training had to arrive. After we all had a light breakfast in the food court, Dinah and Normani left to change and get ready back at their families bunks, while Lauren and I went to her place to get ready.