Cant't help falling in love (CAMREN)

CHAPTER 7

Camila didn't know at what point she drifted back to sleep, but the next time she opened her eyes Lauren was at the edge of the bed, putting her boots on. Camila blinked blearily at her and put her hand out to touch her back, Lauren leaning back to kiss her quickly.

"Go back to sleep," she whispered, the sun just beginning to creep in through the window. Camila groaned tiredly and Lauren chuckled, kissing her bare shoulder when she rolled towards her, hand still playing absently with the edge of Lauren's shirt.

"Have a good day," Camila mumbled and Lauren tucked another kiss into her hairline. She stamped her boot lightly, situating her heel in it.

"I'll come back on Saturday," she hushed and Camila nodded against her pillow, exhaling.

"Work hard," Camila said softly and Lauren stroked her hair and the side of her face, watching her fall back asleep.

"I love you," she murmured, and Camila nodded again, already floating back into a dream.

"You too," she yawned, turning her face into the mattress, pulling the sheets and blankets up around her.

It was around five o'clock that it happened, when Camila was forced to remember that Lauren's love didn't really make her invincible. The world beyond Camila's bed was treacherous and scared of them; the most Camila could have done was anticipate it, but she was blinded by adoration.

Camila was surprised to see Donnie when he knocked on the door. He smiled nervously at her and Camila had to suppress her initial questions.

What are you doing here, mainly. She hadn't really ever had Donnie over. It never seemed right making him come to her apartment when he was so hopelessly under the impression they could be something.

"Donnie?" she smiled, opening the door wider and letting him in. His shoes made a dull sound on the floor. Camila saw him look around, worrying her lip with her teeth, eyes flickering over the second hand furniture and sparse kitchen counters. Camila clicked the latch on the door and turned to him, catching his attention.

"Can I get you anything?" she insisted, watching him with concern.

He laughed forcedly, a hand coming up to cover his mouth like he was embarrassed. He shook his head, his face retaining a grave quality. Camila's stomach clenched in uncertainty. She took a step closer and he stiffened.

"Donnie, what are you doing here?" she tried to smile, but he wouldn't meet her eyes for long; his gaze kept darting around, or to the floor.

"Must be cramped," he said softly, after a moment, and Camila stared at him. "With Lauren here."

"Lauren?" Camila replied, too quickly, her voice breathy, the word flat and shapeless. Not like he had said it. He'd said it like it was something awful dead under a sink, like he'd stained her clothes just by saying it. Donnie's face hardened into something painful and frightened.

"You can't lie about it, you know!" He cried, face flushing with emotion, and Camila was astounded at how handsome he looked with passion staining his cheeks red. It was all she had the sense to think as he drew his shoulders up, the same way cats seem to bristle when vexed. Camila didn't know what to say in a way of response. What was there to say?

"Donnie, what have you done?" She found the words tumbling out of her, found her fists balling at her sides, her whole body puffed up in a sudden flood of fear. "Tell me!" she demanded, voice not rising beyond a sharp hiss. He recoiled, like she had struck him, wobbling on her feet.

"The right thing!" He sobbed, the tears pouring out without any kind of warning, and Camila didn't shake. She didn't tremble. He faced her, mind blank, covering his mouth again. "I saw you!" His voice slithered against her, dangerous and low. The word tilted on its axis, Camila's mouth unbearably dry.