Malibu Love

XXXVIII

as always, i did not proofread.

Camila has been quiet the whole time of their trip back to Malibu. She barely said a word or two to her boyfriend who thought it's because he tired her out. Which partly was the truth.

The other reason was, Lauren. Of course. What else would it be?

A part of Camila was finding courage to tell Mark that maybe moving in isn't the best idea, maybe they should wait. That part was connected to the part of her that hoped that maybe somehow she and Lauren can still work it out. Maybe somehow they still have a chance for their happily ever after. And that maybe somehow once they do work out they will tell their grandchildren about how stupid they used to be.

Once Mark parked the car Camila realized this is it. She'll take a nice bath with candles and acoustic indie music playing in the background, she'll think about it over and over again until the water gets cold and she decides she should get out. She'll sit down with Mark and tell him that for crying out loud they are still kids and although she does love him, moving in together is a ton much for her. Then, she'll talk to Lauren to try to figure it all out. Lauren was her biggest mystery.

That's how it went. Kind of.

She did get her bath, not with acoustic music but with classic music instead, which is kind of the same level of relaxing. She did stay in the tub until the water got too cold, and her stomach informed her about being hungry.

With determination in her body Camila made her way downstairs to the kitchen.

"Just in time." Nick smiled at her

"For?"

"Dinner. Obviously. I'm making pasta and chicken in-"

"Count me in. I love pasta." Camila interrupted him

"So I've noticed."

"Have you seen Mark and Lo?"

"They're in the living room Skyping Claire. She's sick so Lauren and I have been talking to her for a few hours by now. Mark decided to take my place when I offered to make something to eat."

"That's sweet of you." Camila smiled as she carefully thought about what she's gonna say next "So, you and Lauren?"

"What exactly about us because there's a lot?" Nick questioned

"Are you back together?"

Nick turned around to look at her. He studied her face to see what kind of emotions she is feeling, debating on telling her the truth. He found nothing, nothing at all.

"We are. She's my best friend." He decided to give her a hint anyway

"Ohhh that's nice. I'm happy for you two."

"I mean..." Nick trailed off "She has been here for me through some really tough times and I will always love her and she'll always hold a special place in my heart. She truly is amazing."

"She is." Camila smiles "You're one lucky guy, I'll tell you that."

"Oh I know-"

"I feel like there's a but coming after this?"

"Not really, well kind of. I just feel like she's different now. She's still the same one but she's different. Does that make sense? Like something happened and she just isn't the same?"

"What do you think it happened?" Camila bites her lip nervously

"How should I know? Her mind is way too much for me to follow it. I love that about her but it can be frustrating sometimes."