Don't Forget To Breathe

Chapter 12

I smell bacon, that is my first thought of the day.

My eyes slowly flutter open and a smile tugs at my lips when I see a tired looking Camila, with a messy bun, attempting to tip-toe into my room. She is holding a tray which held scrambled eggs, bacon, tiny pancakes, and orange juice. She's making her way over as quietly as she possibly can, which isn't actually quiet at all.

On her way over she has tripped over two pairs of my shoes and my dresser, so it's safe to say I'm impressed she has yet to spill anything.

Her eyes find mine and I see her shoulders drop when she notices I'm awake.

"Why would you let me struggle like that if you were awake?" she reprimands.

I try my best to fight off a smile but it's useless.

"It was cute to watch" I answer honestly.

She shakes her head and places the tray on my nightstand much more forcefully than necessary.

"Happy birthday or whatever" she grumbles "You jerk"

This makes me laugh like I hadn't laughed in a long time.

"Awwww I'm sorry!" I plead as Camila stomps out of the room but no matter how hard I try to stop laughing my efforts are useless. My sides begin to hurt but as my laughter settles I begin to think of how sweet the gesture was.

She had once mentioned she wasn't much of a cook so I imagine this is why she looks like she hasn't slept much. The brunette must have gotten up much earlier than usual to cook for me. 

I didn't expect Camila to do anything for me on my birthday and I kinda feel guilty for laughing now. So I make the decision to go apologize to the Latina.

After, my breakfast in bed that is.

When I sit up and place the tray on my lap I come across a small piece of paper that looks a lot like the ones I leave for Camila on her door.

I begin to eat and smile when I open the note realizing that the young girl was returning the gesture.

I wanted to write something inspirational or whatever but I'm no Oscar Wilde. So instead I'll say that you've been a blessing in my life in more ways than you could imagine. Even though we haven't known each other for a long time it feels like we were meant to meet. Now, only a few months after our first encounter I can't picture a life without that Jauregui smirk.

So thank you for everything you've done. I hope that today is a day you will always remember (Especially because it's your first birthday with me, duh!)

When you're ready, come into the living room for your present.

And Lauren

Don't Forget To Breathe

My food is only halfway finished but the curiosity was far too great. I placed the tray back on the nightstand and ran into the living room to find Camila looking more refreshed than she did when she walked into my room.

Her hair was let down and she was now in jeans and a tank top, though the thing that stood out most was the guitar in her hand.

"Present!" I exclaim like a child clapping my hands together.

Alycia and I had stopped making birthdays a big deal a while ago. We typically cut a cake, and have a nice dinner, maybe have a few friends over. This is why the surprise party she's throwing me this evening was so out of the blue. However, the effort that Camila is putting into my birthday celebration, even with her limited resources, is far more effort than I've received from Alycia in a while.