Let's Get Lost (Camila/You) Prequel To This Isn't Love

Chapter Three

With five minutes to spare, Lauren had kept her promise of dropping Y/N off in time for lunch.

"Tell your dad I said I hope we can talk again soon. He's really cool."

Y/N dismissed Lauren's comment, her dad certainly wasn't fun to be around. She didn't know how Lauren could stand him, or even relate to him.

"Bye, babe! See you soon." Camila poked her head through the backseat window, sharing a quick kiss with her girlfriend before their departure.

The drive to her house was filled with awkward silence. Lauren's eyes kept glancing at her through the rear-view mirror. Finally, they'd reached her driveway but just as Camila's fingers skimmed the handle, Lauren locked the car doors.

They sat quietly for a minute. Camila could hear Lauren's unsteady breathing, and the occasional hard swallow she'd make.

"Lauren-"

"I have-"

Their voices overlapped as they tried to relieve the tension. An undertone of blush crept on Lauren's face and Camila signaled her to speak first.

"Um... I got you a present. I was planning on giving it to you when I asked you out but Y/N beat me to it." Lauren shuffled in the middle compartment, revealing a velvet jewelry box.

"I'm sorry Lauren but Y/N and I are in a relationship. I can't accept this from you."

"Please, take it." Lauren placed the necklace into Camila's palm, keeping their hands intertwined, "As a symbol for our friendship."

"Thank you, Lauren." Camila broke her hands free, hesitantly accepting the gift. The noise of the car doors unlocking gave her a sense of relief, and she freed herself from the vehicle, escaping the awkward tension.

——

Lunch with Y/N's family had gone well. Her five brothers and her followed behind their parents on their walk home.

A stranger walked towards them, and they moved aside, sharing the sidewalk for him to pass by.

He flashed his teeth at their mother, tilting his cap as a way to say hello. She politely smiled back, but as he walked past — the grip around her wrist tightened.

Y/N had watched the casual interaction occur, her dad's sudden anger confused her. His fingertips firmly clasped around her mother's wrist as he whispered in her ear.

"Stop attracting attention."

His voice was barely audible but Y/N managed to piece his words together, he continued his whispering as they reached the porch of their house.

"You think it's okay to disrespect me like that?" Her father's temper rose with his voice and Y/N stood back with her brothers, waiting for a fight to begin.

"Answer me!" His fist slammed against the doorway but their mother stayed quiet, not wanting to further escalate the situation.

His hand raised, and she flinched, relaxing when he ran his hand through his hair. He pushed past her, muttering under his breath as he stormed off.

Good. He should be gone for the day. Crisis averted.

"I'm going to go meet up with Camila, then I'll see you at the game."

"Sounds good!" Liam confirmed the plans and Y/N made her way to Camila's house.

Camila sat on her steps, admiring the flowers beside her. Y/N kept her eyes on Camila, letting herself take a mental photograph.