My favourite subject (Camren)

Chapter 5

TRIGGER WARNING.

Camila put her keys down on her table and sunk into a chair, putting her head in her hands. She rubbed her  eyes, glad to be home.

Talking to Lauren  had dredged up a lot of unwanted memories.

In high school Camila had been Miss. Popular but it had all been an act. She remembered trying to cope with her unwanted feelings for other girls and the fear of anyone finding out.

In fact Camila hadn't come out until after high school and a bit after college but that was for another reason entirely.

The latina could still remember meeting Austin in the bookstore in Freshman year. He had been so full of joy and kind. His smile had lifted her out of the dumbs that day they met.

The truth was he was just a really good friend. But since Camila had already been in denial of her feelings she immediately jumped to the conclusion that she had a crush on him.

Camila could also still remember how great it had been in the beginning. No romantic feelings were there, but she really liked him.

They had such fun together and eventually Camila had somehow kidded herself into believing she was in love with Austin.

She could still remember when she asked him to move into her apartment with her in the beginning of Sophomore year. The joy she had felt back then was inexplicable.

They had lived together and it had been more fun. They would do everything together. They would even gossip together about who they hated the most, bringing out Camila's bitchy side.

Camila could still remember when he got down on one knee in that park early junior year.

Tears had streamed down her face and she had been so happy. Somehow she believed she wanted to marry Austin. She had nodded yed and others in the park had clapped.

But what she remembered most of all was that night.

It was the beginning of their junior year still, a couple weeks after Austin's proposal. She had been studying all night for a big exam that was coming up and forgotten to do the dishes like Austin had asked.

He had bursted through the door around midnight and she could smell alcohol on him.He was stumbling, clearly drunk "Why didn't you do the dishesss?"He slurred.

Camila chuckled and stood "I forgot. Sorry  i have that big exam to study for"

Austin's expression had ardened "But you should be aiding me?"

The Latina furrowed. Austin hadn't been doing well in school lately and acting out. This was just a bit intense "Um... But i'm in school too"

"You should drop out"He slurred "Your job is to do what i say!"

Camila scoffed, Karla coming out "Excuse me but i'm getting an education the same as you! I'm only you doing better at it!"

"Bitch!"

The Latina hadn't seen his fist coming. But felt it  slam into her jaw. She had held it and looked up at him fearfully.

Suddenly there were tears in his eyes "I'm so sorry  baby"He sobbed "Please forgive me"

Camila had regained her composure and for some stupid reason she still didn't know, she forgave him. She had provoked him after all. And he'd never do it again, right?

But then he did it again. And again and again. It became a regular thing and Camila found herself living in fear. Her tough exterior had been chipped away by his fists and brutal words and she had become a mess at home.

But in school she still manages to cover the bruises and do her best. She was soon at the her class and graduated early at the end of junior year.

The thing that provoked Austin most was when Camila did well in school or made an accomplishment because he was so poorly.

When he discovered her early-. graduation  he had been livid. That night he put her on life support in the hospital. That's when she left him and scumbag was dragged off to jail.

Finally after two years of therapy at twenty three she had gotten over it and gotten her first teaching job in the same job. Coincidentally that's when Austin got his parole.

And he found her again.

She was in the hospital for longer this time. And he was locked up for longer without parole.

But this time it was different. She wasn't weak and scared. She was livid and wished she could strangle him. She had fought against him with all her might and even landed a few good hits. But he was simply stronger. She hated him so much that she seethes with rage.

This time it was anger management for her. She had to get it after she attacked a nurse if she ever wanted to teach again.

By the time she was done with the therapy a year had passed she was twenty four and ready to teach again. She had applied for a job as far away from L.A. as she could. The only one that wanted her was Miami High school so she moved there and took the job.

By now Camila was crying silently. It still hurt.

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A/N: So here's Camila's past. If anyone of you ever or are experiencing domestic violence tell someone you trust as soon as possible or go to the authorities. Please stay safe.

Anoushka xx