Thunderstorms (Camren)

Chapter 22

February rolled in pretty quickly.

Camila found herself standing around on a particularly sunny day, early on in that month. Rays of heat beat down on her, harsh enough that her grey jacket had to be tied around her waist. The SnapBack perched atop her head was futile in keeping sunlight away, though, due to being positioned backwards. Instead, sunglasses resided on her nose to reflect heavy glares coming from the burning orb in the sky.

Leaning back against a rock, Camila observed the copious amounts of college students strolling by leisurely, coming and going to and from classes and lectures. Her cocoa orbs intermittently returned to the entrance of the university's art department, merely waiting for Lauren's class to come to an end.

She glanced down at her phone, clicking into her photo gallery to confirm she was stood outside of the correct building. Selecting the image of the timetable that Lauren had supplied her with, Camila got that confirmation.

Around ten minutes later, finally the noirette emerged and Camila immediately found herself smiling. That is, until she realised next to Lauren stood a boy with a shock of blonde hair. Camila's brows furrowed.

Despite the sudden wave of protectiveness that overcame her, Camila stood back and spectated the two. She watched as Lauren continued to walk with the guy, the strap of her art folder resting across her left shoulder. Camila took in the way the boy smiled, listening well to Lauren's words but remained rooted to her spot.

It wasn't until the guy hugged Lauren a little too tightly and left a kiss a bit too close to Lauren's lips, did Camila make a move.

With renewed vigour and determination, Camila marched towards Lauren and her clingy classmate. It was obvious in the way that Lauren's emerald orbs brightened, that she had spotted Camila; certainly not an unwanted surprise.

"Baby," Lauren cheered, racing over to her girlfriend who easily pulled her in for a tight embrace and a brief kiss. "I didn't know you were coming."

Shrugging, Camila let a hand settle on Lauren's waist, tugging her close. "I had a day off," she explained, "I thought I could pick you up from class and maybe grab a bite to eat. How does that sound?" Her eyes flickered to the blonde boy who didn't seem pissed or fazed by Camila's presence.

"Sounds perfect." Lauren beamed, looking over at her friend as well. "Are you fine walking by yourself, Troye?" She wondered, feeling slightly bad about ditching him.

Bobbing his head, Troye replied, "Yeah. No worries, Lo. I have to meet up with Jacob, anyways." Smiling over at the Latina who continued to eye him suspiciously, he introduced himself. "I'm Troye Sivan." He greeted, extending a hand towards Camila.

Slowly, Camila reached out and shook the boy's hand. "Camila Cabello." She murmured, staying guarded. Lauren laughed to herself, watching the encounter between the duo and how her girlfriend resembled a dog protecting its owner. "How did you and Lauren meet?" Camila enquired.

"Just because of art. I took a gap year and then ended up in classes with this one." Troye shrugged, his tone very matter-of-fact. He readjusted the strap of his book bag. "I've been waiting to meet her girlfriend." He added on, turning to face Lauren as he spoke, wiggling his eyebrows playfully.

"Shut up." Lauren replied, "You could've met her earlier than this. You're the one that's always busy taking gay pictures of your model boyfriend." She teased back, noticing out of the corner of her eye that Camila's shoulders relaxed at the revelation that Troye did in fact only play on the men's team.

Chuckling, Troye surrendered, deciding against firing back. Instead, he fiddled again with the strap of his bag and rocked on his heels. "I'm surprised Camila's not been one of your muses yet." He pondered, "You're certainly pretty enough to be a painting of Lauren's." He informed Camila who smiled genuinely at his compliment.