Thunderstorms (Camren)

Chapter 14

Camila was pissed. And panicky.

She'd planned to venture over to the Jauregui's today and just enjoy a couple hours of Lauren's presence. Maybe she'd talk to Chris a little, possibly meet Taylor.

But, of course, she'd woken up this morning and wandered downstairs to get breakfast when her mom sprung some information on her: she'd taken extra hours at the pharmacy she worked at.

It wasn't all that surprising to Camila, around December her mom tended to work more hours. It was her way of getting extra money to help support the family because the winter months were usually when Alejandro would stay away from the house more often. She wasn't sure why, she'd learned years ago to not worry about it.

The only problem was that that meant Camila had to look after Sofi. She usually wouldn't mind, she adores the ten-year old, after all. However, she'd already altered her routine so she could hang out with Lauren. And now she had to alter that just to accommodate for babysitting Sofi.

The thought was enough to make her skin crawl with anxiety. That's why she was panicky.

Camila wouldn't admit it, not aloud at least, but she craves control and familiarity. That's why her routine was so important to her, why change scared her so much, why she was so indecisive about the future. Her anxiety had been bad for years, ever since she moved to Mexico actually. She'd learned to live with it, taking pills for it to prevent the eminent daily anxiety attacks that would target her if she didn't have the medicine.

Her anxiety was what had led Sinu to work at the pharmacy, she'd gotten Camila's prescription once (usually Alejandro would get it after work or during lunch) and she'd been intrigued. The next time she'd stopped by, there were applications and Sinu promptly quit her job at the laundrette upon getting the position. She hadn't looked back since.

Anyhow, with the predicament Camila was currently faced with, she could feel her anxiety kicking in even with the pill she had taken at breakfast. The familiar dizziness was kicking in, a sick feeling settling in the pit of stomach as her control was ripped away from her. What was she gonna do?

As soon as her breathing started to quicken, Camila rushed to the living room and promptly sat herself down. Her eyes fell shut, drowning out the dull room around her, with the faulty TV in the corner and the cracks hidden by picture frames. She forced herself to breathe in, then out, finding a steady (albeit shaky) rhythm.

Next, she formed a plan. Camila knew there was no way to get out of looking after Sofi, even if she'd been anticipating lounging around Lauren's house. All she could do was cancel with her plans, Lauren would understand, Camila was sure of that.

So, with that comforting thought in mind, Camila stood up slowly as to avoid another dizzy spell and marched up to her room. Sofi was still sleeping, Camila registered due to the closed bedroom door. She had a habit of picking up on insignificant details, usually she didn't mind -deciding it was just her mind helping her assess everything so she keeps control- it was a reassuring thought.

Not this time, not when Camila's plans had been disrupted.

She swung her door upon and retrieved her phone from its usual place on her nightstand. No new messages, a couple tagged pictures -one from Ariana, she noticed- Camila expected it. She'd answered any texts two hours prior.

Pulling up her messages after unlocking her phone, she quickly texted Lauren, a smile reaching her lips despite the panic clawing at her chest.

[9:37am] Camzi 💖: hey Lo. i'm really really sorry but i have to cancel on you today

[9:37am] Camzi 💖: i'm being left with babysitting duties