Beautiful Optimism (Camren)

Chapter 11

Lauren's PoV.

"Nice job, Michelle." Dinah says after slapping my back. I smile lightly and climb into the driver's seat.

"That was great," Normani says. "You're great under pressure."

"That was scary as hell." Ally admits as she climbs into the passenger side. Camila sits behind me not saying a word.

I look in the rear view mirror and smile lightly at her. She doesn't notice and leans her head against the window.

Once everyone is in the car I pull out and continue our long journey.

"We're off to California!" I fist pump the air trying to make light of the situation.

"California!" the other girls join and I smile.

"So, Lauren, how does it feel to be a wanted criminal?" Dinah jokes from beside Camila and Normani.

"Really Dinah? That's not appropriate right now." Camila snaps and Dinah looks down embarrassed.

"It's fine. It's quite interesting to be honest, like it's way different than in the movies and junk." I reply.

The car is quiet for a moment but it seems to last a lifetime to me.

I watch Dinah shift around in her seat before moving her hand up to the radio. I slap at her hand before she can change the classic rock station.

"C'mon guys! Please let me listen to something good for a minute." Dinah pleads, she puts her hands together in praying form.

"D, it's never gonna happen just sit back down." Normani giggles from behind Ally.

"Fine," I say gripping the wheel lightly. "but just for a minute."

Dinah cheers and soon she's flipping through the stations. She stops when she hears a Drake song. His voice fills the car as does Dinah's.

"I'm so I'm so I'm so I'm so proud of you..." Dinah sings loudly and Ally giggles before turning it up.

I see Camila start to smile and eventually sing along.

---

"Lo, can we stop?" Camila taps on my shoulder. "I really have to pee." I nod.

"Does anyone else need to use the restroom?" I ask as I turn towards an exit on the freeway. I hear several yeahs and look for a gas station.

I park the car and turn the engine off. The girls pile out quickly and march into the store-literally marching, with Ally leading the way.

Camila laughs lightly and holds her hand out to me. I take it graciously and hold the door for her. We head straight for the restrooms after passing the girls.

"Camz, there's only one restroom.." I trail off when I see Camila's dark eyes peeking up at me.

"That's okay." she smirks and pulls me in with her. She pushes me up against the far wall and kisses me hard.

I moan into her mouth and run my fingers through her hair. She runs her hands along my sides and squeezes hard.

"Lauren! Camila! C'mon we're leaving!" Dinah shouts through the door and I mentally curse her for ruining this moment.

Camz pulls away and kisses my cheek lightly and saunters out the door. I look in the mirror and pat my hair down and straighten my shirt.

Camila's PoV.

I walk out the door and look for Dinah. She's standing beside the front door with Ally.

"Why'd you do that?" I growl.

"Do what?" she calmly asks.

"You ruined my moment with Lauren!" I rush away from her and climb into the back of the car. I lay down while I try to stifle my tears.

I'm not sure why I'm crying, I just know that I miss the feeling of Lauren.

I just want to go home, I silently curse myself for coming along on this 'trip'. This was a stupid idea.

The girls climb in and I catch a glimpse of Lauren. I turn away quickly and bury myself into the seat.

Just as I do I feel a poke on my shoulder, I sniffle then slowly turn around to face my poker.

It's Lauren. I try to hide again but she pulls my shoulder back. I stare up at her and she holds her arms out toward. I sit up and wrap my arms around Lauren's waist.

She runs her fingers through my hair and rubs my back gently. I sniffle as I bury my face in Lauren's chest.

"What's wrong, love?" Lauren asks after a minute of silence. I wipe my nose on the back of my hand.

"I just miss you, and I want to go home." Lauren sighs and kisses the top of my head before leaving the car again.