Imperfectly perfect

Chapter 22

By the time we left the beach, it was almost sunset. We decided to head home, shower, get dressed and go to dinner. I don't think she understands how much today means. From having an unpredictable schedule... I'm happy today was about us and didn't end up turning into a business meeting or book signing or conference. Today's about us. Not business and words couldn't explain how thankful I am for that.

The restaurant was full. I looked around at the busy tables. An old couple eating side by side, one glass of wine each, studiously bent over their meals. A group of young women in their thirties collapsing with helpless giggles as a stern woman dining alone nearby looked on and frowned. Feeling of loneliness washed upon her face. A family and their teenage children. The noise level was high but it didn't bother me much. We followed the waitress to an empty booth by the window. From her seat, she had a video of the entrance and I, had the view of her beautiful freckles face under the dimmed lights.

Just a glass of vodka soda's for now, thank you. Her laced olive dress complimented her eyes perfectly. They sparkled. Glistened. With nothing else to do, I perused the menu, regardless of what was there I'd be ordering the shrimp scampi with breadsticks. She let herself soak in the ambient music for a few moments, singing along to perfect by ed sheeran.

"I got you something." I said as I reached down, placed the wrapped box in front of her. She stared at it then back at me. " Open it."

She nervously took the lid off, and I watched as her mouth fell open as she took out the white Polaroid camera. She traced her fingers along the edges, admiring it. Remembering she mentioned that her walls at her parents house was covered in Polaroid pictures. Polaroids of anything and everything. As her career takes off, I want her to cherish and remember every bit of the places she travels too.

Camz, you didn't have too. I honestly wasn't expecting anything nor did I want you to get me anything. She put the camera back into the box, closing it and resting it next to her. You've done more for me than anyone else has. Your parents pitched in to pay for the house. Everyday, you shower me in love- rose petal baths. Late night back and foot massages. Your love for me never goes unnoticed and I appreciate every little thing that you do for me. Accepting anything else would be... I can't find the words.

" I don't mind showering you in love, Lo. You got me this moon necklace because it means a lot to me. All of the times I go on and on about how I can't describe why I love the moon so much, I always thought you were pretending to listen to me." I said smiling as I toyed with the necklace around my neck, " But you weren't pretending. You actually listened. Just how I listened when you mentioned that taking pictures was something you loved to do. I want you to have something that showed I was paying attention."

She wiped the tears that fell from her cheeks. But you love Camila... your love is enough. It'll always be-"

" Shh. You're welcome Lauren."

We ordered for our food, talking, shedding more tears as the night goes on. Enjoying each other's company. It's crazy to think that there's someone out there who completes us. Who makes us feel whole. Someone who'll understand us better than the people we've known since kindergarten. You don't even have to say anything, they just know when we need a minute for ourselves. They know what to say and when to say it.

Lauren was that person. There's always a mysterious sensation that leaves me speechless, whenever she smiled I would find myself doing just the same. I used to always sit and admire her in class. Back then, she was just a stranger that turned to a friend to a best friend to the girl I was happy being with. I didn't know what love was made of, but I imagined it being the colour of her eyes. She completed me. Showed and taught me so much. We were a starburst of light amongst the darkening dusk. We were all the stars in the sky condensed into a single point. Together, we were a beautiful dream and at times... a nightmare.

But no one can say we weren't in love.

Dinah sent me an audio of a song you're working on. I knew you were talented but... finding out you hadn't written the lyrics and just sang whatever came to you, that's a talent that's hard to find. When she texted me, I was backstage. I plugged in my earphones, put them on and lost myself into your voice. Everything was just... breathtaking. Truly breathtaking.

" We used to play a game where we'd have to come up with a song based off of a topic, or word." I said smiling as flashbacks of those times came back to me. " When my words fail, she'll always try to get me to sing my problems. Ever since then, coming up a song without lyrics didn't seem too hard."

You amaze me every single day, Camz. She placed the money on the table and we headed out the restaurant. As I put my purse into the back seat, I got in the drivers seat waiting for her to get in. When I looked out the window, she stood there, frozen. I'm sorry but I have to go.

" At eleven at night. Really Lauren? We can't even end this night together?"

I know and I'm so sorry. Tonight was amazing. It was. I have no control over these things Camila. Please, understand that. I-

I drove off, tears streaming down my face. The further I got, the further she disappeared from the rear view mirror. How could she? How could she do this to me. How could she pretend that this wouldn't have happened. I believed everything she said. I believed her words but... I was stupid. Stupid for thinking we'd have one night together. One night for ourselves.

Soft splashes of water droplets hit the car windows as I drove onwards. The skies are a dark blue. The stars twinkling. Despite car rides feeling tedious, the rain commonly calms me - I watch raindrops race down to the windows. The occasional wave of a puddle can be exciting. I stopped the car and slowly made my way out of it. I walked towards a house, softly knocking when I reached to the door.

Camila? She whispered. Her eyes, wide. Come in come in. I'll go get you towel.

I took off my heels and walked over to her couch. She handed me a towel and I wrapped it around my hair.

" I don't know what to do anymore Dinah."

She pulled me into a tight embrace, hugging me tightly. I let the tears fall, not crying about possibly wetting her shirt.