Counting Stars // Normila

16

Normani adjusted her sunglasses as she stretched back on the picnic blanket. The sun beamed down on her skin but it was enjoyable. She closed her eyes and smiled as lips were pressed against her bare abdominal. She was wearing a black bikini and denim shorts and her hair was in a loose bun. Camila was taking advantage of her exposed skin by pressing light kisses everywhere possible.

They had been by the creek for nearly four hours now. She and Camila had gone for a date at two after completing their work and now they had no interest in returning home. Camila had made a feast of sandwiches, salads and she even made Normani's favourite pie, cherry. (Although she did admit Ms. Hamilton helped with the pie and her Grandma supervised.)

"So you and Zayn really came every week last summer?" Normani asked reaching to run her fingers through Camila's hair. "Mmmhmm." Camila replied lying on her stomach and leaning her chin on her hands. "Tom, his dad, had him working on their farm last summer so it felt like I never saw him. Two weeks into summer we decided we'd have date night every Friday at the creek. It became one of my favourite places."

Normani looked at Camila and smiled. "You two are adorable sometimes. If only you were straight you'd make a great couple. It is really nice here though." Normani noted glancing at the rope swing and the trickling water.

"Yeah it's where Dad brought my mom on their first date." Camila commented springing up and walking over to the picnic basket to grab her ringing phone. "Hello?"

"Hey Mila. You, me, Normani, date night. Drive in theatre. Coyote Ugly is playing tonight. Alejandro said you can come but you have to get your butt back now if we're going to make it." Zayn's voice was so cheerful Camila couldn't help but grin widely.

"Let me ask Normani does she want to go." Camila said snickering at Zayn's sigh. Normani looked up at the mention of her name. "Wanna go with Zayn to watch a movie?" Camila asked hopeful Normani would say yes. She really did love Coyote Ugly.

"Sure. Are we going now?" Normani asked sitting up. Camila nodded and arranged with Zayn to meet at their house. The day was only getting better.

Walking into the house alongside Camila and Zayn, Normani made her way upstairs in order to change her top. Upon entering her room Normani was surprised to find her Grandmother sitting at Camila's desk reading.

"Hi I'm just getting changed then I'm going with Camila and Zayn to the movies." Normani explained opening the wardrobe doors. Her Grandmother closed her book and sat in silence while Normani rummaged.

"Are you okay Grandma?" Normani asked pulling Camila's black Ramone's t-shirt from the pile. She loved this shirt. It was the first thing of Camila's she'd ever worn.

"Normani we need to talk." Grandma said her voice incredibly solemn. "Okay. What's wrong?" Normani asked changing her top in a swift motion.

Just then Camila shouted from downstairs. "Texas are you coming or not?"

"Normani perhaps you would consider staying in now so we could talk instead of going out with your girlfriend."

Her Grandma's voice was monotone which scared Normani.

"Of course I'll stay in if you want me to but...WAIT Camila's not my girlfriend!" Normani only registered her grandmother's request half way through her response. Grandma rolled her eyes. "Baby girl I am old, not blind. Now either inform them you are staying or inform me you are going."

Normani paused for a fraction of a second before walking to the door. "Hey guys I'm going to hang here and spend some time with my Grandma. You go to the movie though!"

"You sure?" Zayn's voice questioned sounding surprised. "Yeah I'm sure. You two have fun though!" Normani attempted to not let her worry shin through. Fortunately both yelled their goodbyes and the door soon shut.

Normani, staring at her feet, moved and sat at the edge of the bed nervous. There was nothing but silence for a full minute.

"Why must you act upon your urge to sin?" Grandma finally sighed. Normani felt tears sting her eyes as she heard the disappointment in her voice.

"Grandma it isn't like that. I can't change who I am." Normani reasoned wringing her hands filled with anxiety.

"Some people are born with these faults. I understand that sweetheart. I don't blame you. You never had good men in your life. It is no wonder you avoid them. But it is not too late to change your path. I love you with all of my heart. You are my entire life. I have never nor will I ever love anything more than I love you. I just want you to be normal. For your own benefit." Grandma spun to face her genuinely concerned.

"I am attracted to girls." Normani's throat was tight as she admitted this and tears threatened to spill from her eyes. "I can't change that. I was born this way. It's not because Dad was a shit parent, it's something I was born with. Why can't you just see that? Camila's family do."

Her grandmother shook her head. "Can you not see why both of you seek women? Neither of you had very good mothers. Sweetie you both are just a mess of hormones who happened to find each other to validate our lack of female figures. You are confused right now and these people, who are all really great, are not helping the situation. You need to be normal. This whole relationship is wrong. How do you not see that." Her grandmother stood up and paced across the room. Normani no longer fought the tears. Her grandmother sat beside her and enclosed her in her arms.

"Grandma I love her." Normani sobbed clutching her grandmother. Grandma stroked her hair. "From the moment I saw you two together I guessed as much. It was the first time I was ever ashamed of you."

Normani pulled back, the hurt and pain etched into her voice as she croaked "What can I do to fix this?" Her grandmother swept a strand of hair behind an ear grimacing.

"I think it is best you come back to the city with me and your Mom."

Camila and Zayn strolled into the house laughing. Night had fallen and the air was heavy. Nothing mattered though but their current state of joy.

They entered the kitchen and were surprised to meet Pops, Alejandro, Sinu and Lauren talking around the table. "Hey." Camila greeted them refusing to let her good mood be spoiled by their mere presence.

"Camila." Alejandro replied frowning at Pops. "I'll just go tell Mani we're home and then we'll make smores." Camila announced to Zayn. "Where is she anyway? Upstairs?" Camila asked the congregation.

Everyone glanced at each other before Alejandro stood up and stepped in front of his daughter. "Princess...Normani went back to the city with her Mom and Grandma."

"What?" Camila questioned in disbelief. "Normani's gone?"