Fate's Identity

Chapter 67

"I will see the three of you guys in a couple months," Camila says as she hugs Dinah, Lauren, and me individually.

I had to bring two guests, and Dinah was the only one available besides Lauren, who was coming to see Louis. Selena couldn't go because of her new job. Normani and Niall have to take care of Baby Noah Jay Hamilton-Horan. And just the mention of Bradford makes it hard enough for Camila bear her sadness, but fortunately, she's moving on with Shawn. They are officially a thing as of last night when we played truth or dare. It was a party before the three of us left. Shawn came over and so did Ricky, but nothing happened between me and him. There was more awkward silence between us than anything else.

Dinah was the perfect candidate to choose because she loves to explore new things. And she can help us along the way. Plus, it's more fun with more people. However, I was surprise Simon allowed Lauren and Dinah to go. I've heard he's been quiet and distant lately. I hope he is okay.

Normani, Niall, Camila, Dinah, Lauren, Selena, and I are all gathered in Selena's kitchen, saying our farewell.

"You guys have a safe trip," Niall says.

"I'm going to miss you guys," Normani whimpers.

I awe and wrap my arms around her. She hugs back, pressing her cheek and my forehead together.

"Same here too," I said. "I love all of you guys so much." Normani gives me one tight squeeze before releasing me in her arms.

My eyes shift to the clock above the sink. "We have to start going," I announce.

Everyone frowns. I grab onto my suitcase. Shortly, Camila stands in front of me, nervous. She bit her bottom lip, trailing off to the space around her and trying to piece a sentence together. I was sure I knew what she wanted to say. "Camila, if I meet him, I will tell him that you miss him," I said.

Camila shakes her head. "No, actually," she rebuttals softly. "Um...if you meet Z-Zayn...I have questions for him, and it's been haunting me. Please ask him w-why. Why he left me? Why he lied? I mean, who-who does he think he is. I hate him. I hate him so much." Her voice shakes, and I quickly pull her into an embrace.

"Camila, it's okay," I said. "Life will balance things out. I believe so."

"I just want to know," she says.

"So do I," I reply, seeing his image in my mind, but I quickly shake it off like an etch-a-sketch.

I pull back and brush some hair off of Camila's face. We quickly chuckle afterwards. I turn my eyes to Selena in the living room, giving her a farewell look. She returns it and smiles warmly.

Camila, Dinah, Normani, Niall, Lauren, and I exit the apartment, ride the elevator down to the lobby, and walk to the minivan Niall bought. Lauren, Dinah, and I toss our luggages in the back trunk and sit down in the car. I sat in the very back with Camila while Lauren and Dinah sit in the middle row with Baby Noah.

As Niall drives, Dinah plays with Noah, gently touching the tips of his mouth. Noah softly yelps after Dinah removes her finger.

Lauren nudges Dinah on the arm and whispers, "Dinah, you're going to make him cry." Dinah shushes Lauren and proceeds to play with Noah. Camila and I exchange smirks.

Suddenly, Noah cries out adorably. His face begins to redden as Dinah tries to quiet him. She gently pats his stomach and bites her lower lip. Normani turns around and chuckles.

Lauren snickers and remarks, "See, you should have listened."

Dinah sticks her tongue out at Lauren, and Lauren gasps. Dinah looks at Noah and coos, "Noah, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to make you cry. Please stop crying." Noah continues to cry, and Dinah covers her face, not knowing what else to do.