Chapter 25

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Enjoy this early update!
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Pulling up outside her apartment complex, Lauren stops the car and unbuckles her seatbelt. The entire drive back home had been silent, not one word was spoken by either girl. Lauren had tried getting them to talk by asking them questions, but each time she'd asked she was rejected. I mean, she understands why they were both so hesitant, but that didn't stop her from getting a little frustrated with them both.

She sighs before grabbing her purse and stepping out of the car, closing the door behind her. She walked round to the back and opens Camila's door, reaching in to unbuckle her seatbelt. After lifting her out, she grabs the small girls hand and makes her way round to Normani's side, opening her door too. She waits for her to climb out of the car before closing the door behind her.

"Mama?" Camila tearfully questions, flinching slightly when her mama closes the door slightly harder than necessary. She didn't like her mama being like this, it reminded her of being back at the orphanage where everything was always so loud and scary.

Wait...was her mama mad at her? Had she done something bad?

She glances at Normani only to see the same look on her face.

Fear.

Lauren glances down at Camila and see's tears in her baby's eyes, causing her to immediately feel bad. She glances to her left to look at Normani, and see's that she looks just as scared as Camila does. Sighing heavily, she stops walking and kneels down in front of them, gently grasping their hands. At this height, she ends up eye level with Camila, but at least a head shorter than Normani.

She smiles at this. The height difference between them was adorable.

"I'm not mad at either of you girls, it just upset me a little that you two don't seem to like each other" she explains, "Normani's gonna be with us for a little while, and I don't think her time with us will be any fun if you guys aren't friends" she adds, directing the last part at Camila.

Both girls glance at each other wearily.

Lauren smiles, "I know that this situation isn't exactly ideal for either of you, but don't you think it'll be good if you at least try to be friends? That way while Normani's with us she'll have a good time, and you'll both have someone to play with" she says hopefully.

Tentatively, Camila holds out her free hand for Normani. Lauren knew this was a lot for Camila, and she was so so proud of her. Normani responds by easily taking Camila's small hand in hers, squeezing softly.

"Good girls" Lauren grins, bringing them both into a hug. She holds them there for a second before letting go, "now, we're gonna go home and have something to eat before we go shopping, does that sound good?" She asks, glancing at both girls.

Camila nods and squeezes Normani's softly hand before letting go. She steps a little closer to her mama and looks at her with hopeful, teary eyes.

She just really really wants to be held.

Keeping her one hand in Normani's, Lauren slides her free arm underneath Camila's butt and stands up with ease, shifting the small girl onto her hip. She knew with the girl being mildly sick, that she was gonna be a little more clingy than normal.

And that was perfectly okay with that.

After making them a quick lunch of Mac and cheese with chicken nuggets, all three were once again in the car heading to the mall. Lunch went as well as it could have, both girls still stayed quiet, but with the small smiles and glances they shared, Lauren knew the awkwardness was gone.

Thankfully.

"Right, we just need to make a quick stop before we head to the mall" Lauren explains as she pulls up outside Walmart, stopping her car.

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