inhibited

2/5

The rest of the weekend goes much slower than anticipated. Camila suspects it's because she actually doesn't mind the thought of her classes on Monday. She doesn't really know why – in her mind, she knows nothing is going to change because of her conversation with Lauren at the party. She definitely won't be the one to make a conversation; there's still something in the back of Camila's mind that Lauren doesn't actually like her, and that whole talking to her thing was just to make her feel included.

It was probably just Lauren being a good host, that's all.

She's been staring at their small text conversation every so often, and is incredibly tempted to say something to Lauren that way, but she doesn't want to be annoying, or to come on too strong. Dinah had assured her that it would be fine, but she really doesn't think anything will come out of what happened. She'll go back to being that nerdy, clumsy, awkward girl who nobody notices.

So, when Monday finally arrives, Camila goes about her usual routine and tries to keep her hopes down to a minimum. She has world literature and contemporary literature today; Lauren's in both of those classes, and Camila's hoping for at least an acknowledgement. Maybe a smile from across the room. That'd be nice. She doesn't expect Lauren to actually talk to her, because she's 99% sure that their conversation was just Lauren being a good host.

When she wakes up on Monday morning, throws on her clothes and heads downstairs, she meets Dinah in the kitchen. Her friend pulls her into a hug, and Camila's a little confused by the sudden affection, but she doesn't question it.

"Someone's in a good mood." She teases as she pulls away. "What's up?"

"I'm just proud of you for talking to your lifelong crush." Dinah laughs when Camila rolls her eyes. "What? You had an actual conversation with her, and you got her number. That's admirable."

"It's not like it matters. She probably won't talk to me today." Dinah rolls her eyes at Camila's pessimism. "It's true, Dinah. She was just being polite. I know she probably thinks I'm weird."

"You need to stop doubting yourself, Mila. You're good enough for her." Dinah says, almost as if she's been reading Camila's mind. "Just ask her out."

Camila snorts. "Yeah, that's not going to happen. Just... let me get over it, Dinah."

Dinah sighs, and sends her a look that reads 'you're being difficult'. But, being the amazing friend she is, she doesn't push the matter. "Fine."

Camila checks the time on her phone and sighs. "I'm going to head to class. I'll meet you for lunch, though. Your first class is at one today, right?"

"Right," Dinah says with a grin, "Don't get too distracted drooling over Jauregui."

Camila snorts, but she knows she probably will, as usual. "Shut up. I'll meet you by the English building at twelve. Don't be late like you always are."

"I am not always late." Dinah scoffs, but squeezes her shoulder and sends her an encouraging smile. "See you later."

Camila pulls her backpack over her shoulders and leaves the house, electing to pick up breakfast on the way. Since they're in on-campus housing, it won't take her long to grab something to eat and head to class. Keeping her head down as usual, she heads towards the little coffee shop close by.

She jumps when she feels someone grab onto her shoulder, but relaxes when she realises it's probably only Dinah. "Dinah, I literally left you two seconds ago. Did you forget to mock me some more before I left?"

She turns around with a goofy smile on her face, but it's soon wiped off completely when she comes face to face with Lauren. She really wasn't expecting that.