The Substitute// Camren

Chapter 35

Lauren and Camila's breathe hitched. Neither one of them knew what to do or how to react. Camila regained control and put up a front. "You're in the way." She said to Lauren. "Common theme today." Lauren muttered under her breathe before moving out of the way. She turned her head to see William flailing his arms around angrily mouthing at her to 'talk to her'.

Lauren took a deep breathe before addressing Camila. "Camila, I need to talk to you, can we talk?" Lauren semi-begged. "About what Lauren? I said all I needed to, I have nothing more to say to you." Camila said pushing past Lauren. "Can you just please, give me five minutes?" Lauren said holding Camila's arm gently to stop her.

Camila huffed in annoyance before turning to Lauren. "Five minutes." Camila said sitting in the farthest table from everyone and looking up at Lauren expectantly. "I fucked up, I don't expect you to forgive me. I was caught up in you and all my dreams of what the future could be that I blinded myself with my stubbornness and insecurity that you didn't feel the same way.I'm sorry Camila. I realize now that I should have never acted that way. Or put you in that position to begin with. I admire you, and I love you. I'll always love you. I just needed to get this out." Lauren said looking at Camila with teary eyes.

Camila cracked a small smile before addressing Lauren. "I forgive you Lauren. That was very mature of you." She said and Lauren slowly smiled. "I'm just relieved you don't hate me." Lauren said scratching her neck nervously. Camila placed her hand over Lauren's gently. "I could never hate you." She said honestly and Lauren nodded. A moment of comfortable silence passed before Camila spoke up. "So where does this leave us?" She asked.

"I don't know. All I know is I can't keep putting you on the line." Lauren said with a sad smile and Camila glumly nodded. "I'm sorry about what I said." She said. "Don't be. I deserved it and needed to hear it." Lauren responded giving her hand a gently squeeze. "Well...i'll play the long game. You live your life, i'll live mine. I know you're out there..and i'm out there too." Camila said taking a moment to examine Lauren's beautiful face.

"I just want you to be happy and enjoy your last year. Not to be caught up in drama. And talk to your friends, they only want the best for you. Just like me." Camila said looking down at Lauren's lips briefly. "I will, I owe them an apology too." Lauren said meeting Camila's eyes. "You know where to call. Just say the word." Camila said standing up. "C-can I kiss you goodbye?" Lauren said standing up quickly too.

Camila pressed a soft lingering kiss on Lauren's lips before giving her a sad smile and a short hug. "Goodbye Lauren." She said running her hand down Lauren's arm, giving Lauren's hand a small squeeze. "Goodbye Camila.." Lauren whispered as Camila let go of her hand and walked towards the exit, Lauren's eyes trailing after her.

"How'd it go?" William asked. "Better than expected." Lauren said. "Back together?" He asked and Lauren shook her head. "It's okay though. We'll see what happens in time." Lauren said turning around and taking William's vodka.

"Are you good to drive? You've drank quite a bit." William said and Lauren waved him off. "I'm serious, i'll take you home." He said. "What about my car?" Lauren asked. "Hm, I supposed I could get my buddy to pick me up in my car afterwards." He said. "Thank you." Lauren said genuinely and William shrugged. "No biggie." He said taking Laurens' keys.

"LETS GOO" He hollered and Lauren let out a laugh as they made their way to her house. "Wow, this is a nice house." He said with a small smile. "Eh I guess so." Lauren said. "My friend's on his way so i'll just wait outside." William said. "Don't be silly, at least come eat something inside." Lauren said pointing to her house. "I don't want to intrude, i'm good here." William said.

"Don't be a baby." Lauren teased. "Lauren, it's 3:45am, I don't think it's a reasonable hour for me to go into your house for the first time. I'm sure your parents would throw me out." He said with a knowing look. "Its 3:45am?!" Lauren whisper-yelled. "Indeed." William said. "Alright then i'll wait with you out here." She said determined. "Whatever you say." William replied with a chuckle.