Talk Me Down (Camren)

Chapter Eighteen

"Come over, please."

"Is that your version of hello?" Camila frowns at Lauren's words. "If so, not a very warm welcome, Lo. I'll come over when I get a decent greeting."

"Hi, Camila," Lauren says, "come over, please. I'm alone and- and I-"

"And you what?" Camila sits up, already reaching for a sweater and a pair of jeans. "What's wrong?"

"Never mind," Lauren murmurs, and for the first time, Camila picks up on the crack in her voice. "I'm being stupid. Stay where you are, I don't- I don't want to be a bother."

"You definitely are being stupid, yes. Because you're not a bother." Camila tugs on her jeans and puts Lauren on speaker, repeating her question from before. "What's wrong?"

"Don't worry about it. I shouldn't have called." Lauren continues on, and Camila knows she's lying in a second. "I'm fine. Nothing's wrong."

"Usually I'd let you hang up, because your family are generally there, so you'd have someone to talk to." Camila says, "But you just said you're alone. And you tend to make impulsive decisions when you're upset. Therefore, I'll see you in twenty minutes."

"Don't," Lauren interrupts her, "don't- I- I'm okay. Don't worry about me."

"Too late, idiot," Camila says, pulling on her shoes and grabbing her mom's car keys. After calling out to her parents to let them know she's going to Lauren's, she puts the phone back to her ear. "I'm on my way, alright? Stay on the phone to me, though. The Bluetooth thing in my mom's car connects automatically so you don't need to worry about possible car crashes."

"It's fine," Lauren says, but from her shaky voice, Camila knows that's another lie, "I'm alright. It's not- it isn't a big deal. I'm just... overthinking."

"Which is generally a big deal." Camila finishes for her. "I overthink too much too, Lo. I know how bad it is. I'm coming and you can't stop me. Are you crying right now?"

"I- I, um, a... a little," Lauren admits, which roughly translates to yes, but I'm too proud to admit it. Camila knows her a little too well. "Not over anything huge. I just- I don't feel good."

"Physically or mentally?" Camila asks, already pretty sure she knows the answer. "Or both?"

"Um... mentally?" Lauren answers. "I was overthinking. Like I said. And- and there's nobody- it happens a lot when I'm alone and it's not- not been a good month. Not really."

"Do you feel..." Camila bites down on her lip, wanting to be careful with her words in case Lauren shouts at her or something, "depressed? Or... is it- is it anxiousness?"

"The former," Lauren quietly replies, "Camz, I can't- I've just been so unhappy the past month. And it's so much energy to pretend that everything's fine because I don't want people to worry, and you're the last person I should be telling about this because you have it bad enough without having to deal with me."

"Lauren, babe," Camila quickly responds, the term of endearment slipping out, "I told you that it worries me more when you keep things from me. I'm glad you called. That way I can fulfil my girlfriend duties and comfort you."

"I'm sorry," Lauren mumbles, "I'm sorry I'm so-"

"Don't finish that sentence if the end is going to be self-deprecating." Camila says, scowling when she hits a red light, because she wants to get to Lauren as soon as she can. "Stop doubting your worth, weirdo. I love you."