A Slow Dance With Reality

And Don't Ever Be Afraid Of Saying Hello

Lauren Jauregui walked the halls of McKinley with a true smile on her face. It was nothing special, nothing that seemed particularly out of the ordinary. Except that Lauren Jauregui was smiling. One that held a shine that could rival the sun. Her teeth weren't showing, it wasn't over ­exaggerated but it wasn't hidden either.

She walked past people at their lockers, some gawking others confused. After everything they had found out, why was she smiling? Who could smile after something so tragic? After something so horrible?

Lauren could.

Lauren could smile and there was only one person to thank for that. Only one person she would ever be able to thank. The single one person that was there without question; without hesitation.

Whether they would work out or not didn't seem to matter to Lauren right now, having Camila in any sense was enough today. Knowing that Camila existed in her world, on her radar, and in her heart was well beyond what Lauren could ever imagine. Ever predict. After years of convincing herself the brunette was a low being that deserved the torment handed to her, Lauren finally saw the light. She finally saw Camila. Camila as she was in her best state, her most powerful realm.

"Lauren," The brunette nearly sang, closing her locker door as she hugged the notebooks to her chest. Her feet scuffled slightly, wanting to move forward to hug the Cuban, but wanting to stay put and just look at her. Not because of her beauty but because of her smile.

That wonderful smile that Camila had slowly started to notice peak its way out more and more often. Had she done that?

"You're not wearing your uniform?" She asked suddenly, finally noticing the lack of red and white in Lauren's clothes. Instead it was replaced with an elegant yellow and calming green of a perfectly beautiful dress. It really brought out her eyes. Her eyes that were sparkling with life.

This was the Lauren Camila knew was hidden so deep inside the older girl. This lively being before her that was practically exuding sunshine herself. This was the Lauren that had been stolen away at the beginning of the year.

It had taken time of course, and after the dinner with her mother Camila noticed a sever lack of communication between the two. Which was rather horrible given that she had decided to break things off with Austin a few days after that dinner. If Camila wanted a shot with Lauren, she'd have to put herself out there, and if she got hurt, then she'd learn. Love was about losing and learning and joy. And Lauren Jauregui gave Camila more joy than she thought possible given the circumstances they were almost constantly under.

Surprisingly, while Camila distanced herself from Austin, she noticed a bond grow between Shawn and Lauren. It was good. Shawn was good. Though, that didn't make Camila feel any less jealous when she saw the two linger behind in Glee Club to talk, or sit next to each other at lunch.

"I quit."

"You what?"

"I quit the Cheerios."

Camila's mouth opened and closed multiple times before Lauren let the diva's expressions speak for themselves. It was pretty clear, the confusion, but watching Camila fumble over herself was too...well adorable to pass up.

With a long inhale, Lauren prepared herself to explain, knowing it would take a certain amount of vulnerability. "You taught me that I didn't need them. That I didn't need my armor and shield. You showed me I was strong enough. You proved to myself that I was strong enough." Her words were spoken softly, a light rasp to her explanation. It was as raw as Camila had seen Lauren. Well, as raw she she'd seen Lauren be with her intentionally.

Camila could only grin. And then smile. And then beam as she let out a happy giggle and encompassed Lauren in her arms, struggling to keep her notebooks in her hands. "You're so much more than you know, Lauren. I'm so proud of who you are."