Paper Hearts (Camren)

Chapter 9

Ever since Rosa’s death a few days ago Lauren was still sitting in the same place, by the window in her apartment, in the dark. She had barely spoken a word to the worried Camila, claiming that she needed some time to think. Camila had reluctantly complied and respected her wishes by not disturbing her, although she never failed to bring Lauren food and drinks every hour or so in hopes that Lauren would maintain her health which thankfully, she did. Camila had observed the still woman over the past few days although Lauren never seemed to leave her position except to use the bathroom and to shower. It had gone on for long enough to the point where Camila couldn’t bear to see Lauren like that any longer; she’d decided that Lauren had had enough time to think already.

“Laur?”

Camila approached the silent figure and sat herself down onto the seat opposite Lauren.

Lauren didn’t spare her a second of a glance but instead, continued to stare outside the window.

Camila sighed; she had expected that much from the woman. She desperately wanted to help Lauren in any way that she could or maybe comfort her, even if it were in the slightest, even in the minutest way possible, she wished she could help.

“I know you’re still thinking about things but please…” Camila bit her lip, “Don’t keep it all to yourself; the problem will only continue to eat you up if you don’t let it out.”

Lauren said nothing.

“I’m sorry.” Camila looked down and smiled sadly, “You must think I’m a nuisance, huh?”

Finally, Lauren looked at her.

“If it weren’t for me, all those people wouldn’t have died or gotten injured. This wouldn’t have happened. If it weren’t for the fact that you and everybody else is protecting me and trying to find leads to-“

“Stop.” Lauren spoke to her for the first time in days, her voice was gruff and huskier than Camila had last remembered. “Don’t ever blame yourself for something that isn’t your fault.”

“But it’s true.” Camila looked up, “If I hadn’t-“

“It’s not your fault.” Lauren said firmly, “You don’t need to apologise.”

“Yes I do.” Camila murmured, “I constantly bother you yet you don’t say a thing, I get in the way of your work and I…” Camila stopped when she felt something warm threatening to fall from her eyes. Her hand reached up to wipe away whatever it was before it fell and was surprised to find her own tears.

“Sorry, I don’t know what’s gotten over me.” Camila laughed shakily, she didn’t realise that Lauren had this much of an effect on her.

Lauren looked at her for a few seconds, her hand reached up and hesitantly wiped Camila’s cheeks that were now a little stained from tears.

“Don’t cry. I should be the one apologising, not you. You don’t bother me. Honest. I may get a bit annoyed at times but that’s not because of you but because of the stress taking over. I snap at you because you’re the only one that’s there for me to vent my anger on.”

Camila just looked at the Lauren, her eyebrows rising a little, “Then can you tell me what you’re thinking about right now?”

She noticed Lauren’s jaw clenching as the woman turned away and stared outside the window like before.

“I...” Lauren began in a quiet voice, “There are a lot of things that are running through my mind right now.”

Camila stayed quiet and waited for Lauren to continue.