Amnesia (Camren)

Chapter Thirty-Two: Consequences

Camila

I couldn't handle it. I couldn't bear to hear those three special words said out loud. She had slipped up and said them, but she didn't mean them. She couldn't. At least that is what I kept telling myself the past two nights.

If she said the words out loud, then I wouldn't have a choice. I would fall right back into that dark place with her. I would stay. That would be the only reason to stay. To hear Lauren say, 'I love you', it would be the ultimate. I could die in peace. Not that I had plans on dying any time soon. Just knew that when the time came, hearing those words would give me peace.

They were my beginning and my end.

My ultimate dream and my worst nightmare. Total and utter chaos to my departure as well.

A kiss was all I could come up with in the moment without ruining her realization.

Bittersweet.

Tender.

Heartbreaking.

Perfect.

It was all that and more. I wish it could be that easy. That I could just fall back into it but Vero was right about one thing: I tried everything and now it was best that I walk out of here.

Lauren didn't know of my departure just yet. If she was in the loop, she didn't show it. If she wasn't, it was for the best. Things with Dinah were--well, they were something alright. Bare minimum in words, actions--you name it-- Dinah found a way to make as minimal of an interaction as possible.

Being away from each other for about a month would do us both some good. I was hoping it would resolve a lot of the troubles we were having and that we could all part happy.

"Mija!" My mom's voice carried up the stairs and into my room, where I was currently doing nothing. "There's someone here to see you!"

"I'll be right there!" I yelled from the top of my lungs. I really didn't want to get out of bed and go see who it was. Though I was intrigued on who it was. I didn't think it could be Lauren. The last time we had spoken, she said she was going to a family thing that she had to attend but she hoped we could maybe meet up during the time off. I told her we would talk about it when she had more time. I was hesitant to get attached and vice versa. No point in putting in the effort when next year I wouldn't be near her. It was better if she wasn't close to me. It was for the better.

At least that's what I kept telling myself.

Throwing my arms with exaggeration onto my bed, I got up and made my way downstairs to see who my visitor was. Halfway down the stairs I nearly missed a step when I saw who was here to see me.

Dinah stood at the door, her face neutral. Her stance showed she was relaxed and not one bit hostile. This was a very significant change from the last time I had seen her.

"I see you finally got your lazy ass out of bed, Chanch." She remarked...playfully?

Wait, she was talking to me? She was here to talk and see me? What was going on.

"I wasn't laying down." I denied the statement.

She raised an eyebrow.

"Okay, so I was. I'm on break. I can be lazy all day. Lord knows I could use a break after all the craziness we've had this year."

And the craziness that was sure to follow once it was made public that I was leaving the group. Yeah, best not to bring that up with her here. I didn't want for us to fight in front of my mom. She had great hearing when she wanted to be nosy. I'm sure she was listening in on the conversation.