Like I Do - Camren

Chapter 33

Camila's POV
After checking out of the institute, almost two months later, I decided it was probably time to confront the girls, and the world. People needed to know where I was. I was feeling good. Like a new, better version of myself. I needed that. I called Ariana to pick me up from a payphone. I was scaredshe wouldn't answer, after the third ring she picked up and agreed to come get me.

She showed up and hugged me with tears in her eyes. "So this is where you've been?" She asked, wiping her eyes as she pulled away, leading me to her car. "Yeah. I feel way better than I did when I checked in." I shrugged. "Well, the whole world has been worried sick. Everyone thought you were dead. Hell, I thought you were dead. I only picked up the phone when you called because I had hoped it was you." Ariana said as she opened the passenger side door for me, and took my bag to place in the trunk.

"I've got a question though." She said as she got in and started the engine. "Why'd you call me? Why not one of the girls?" She asked, as she began to drive. "Because I want to at least take a shower before I have to confront them."

Ariana dropped me off at my place, after making me promise to call her so we could go out and catch up. Entering my apartment, I realized that it had been cleaned up. Someone had replaced the giant window and all of the broken furniture. The whole place was sparkling clean, besides the slight layer of dust. Someone had cleaned up.

After showering and cleaning up, I put new clothes on and decided to go see Dinah first. I wasn't ready to see Lauren, I had no idea what to expect. My car was still parked in the parking garage, so I climbed in and drove to Dinah's place. Two months were a long time, I hoped she was still there.

I knocked on her door and Normani answered, wearing only an oversized sweater. "Oh my... Camila?" Her eyes went wide and she pulled me into a hug. I could tell she was crying. "We all thought you were dead." She sobbed.

She brought me inside and called both Dinah and Ally's name. They must've spent the night at Dinah's place. I was enveloped in a giant hug by Dinah begore I even knew what was happening. She probably cried the most. When she pulled away, she slapped my shoulder. "Where the fuck have you been?!" She exclaimed as I rubbed my now sore shoulder. "I got help." I say proudly. "Mila! We are so proud of you, that's amazing!" Ally spoke up, tears still streaming down her face.

"It really is. I feel so much better. Like a new, happier version of myself. I'm really sorry I worried you guys, I didn't think of telling you guys before I checked in. How's Lauren?" I ask, and in reply I get silence. After a moment, Ally finally spoke up. "Mila, she was so worried you were gone for good. She fixed up your apartment, y'know?" She said, and the other girls remained silent.

"That doesn't answer my question. Is she okay?" I ask, hoping for a solid answer this time. "Well, we haven't seen her for a while. About a month ago we confronted her about how destructive she was being and she blew up at us. All we really said was that she should stop messing around with Brad, bec-" she was speaking when Dinah slapped her hand over her mouth.

I could feel my blood boiling. "Brad?" I ask, gulping. Ouch. That hurt. "It's nothing really." Dinah said worriedly. "D, I'm not gonna break. I told you I'm better now. Plus, Lauren... broke up with me. She can do whatever she wants." I say, though it still hurts to even think that she would be with someone else. I wouldn't have asked her to wait for me anyways.

"Okay. She's been screwing Brad. Or at least she was last time we spoke to her. She only waited 2 weeks after you left, that's why we got so angry." Dinah said, seeming to get started up before Normani placed a comforting arm around her. "Should I go see her?" I ask, thinking that it might be a bad idea. I just got better, I didn't want anything to trigger me.

"It might help her a lot, but it really is up to you." Ally responded for the three of them. I nodded in response. After a silent moment, Ally offered to make everyone breakfast, and we couldn't decline.

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As I approached Lauren's apartment, I contemplated just turning around and going back to Dinah's place, but I realized I needed to at least get this over with. I watched as Brad stumbled out of the apartment and accidentally bumped shoulders with me on his way down the hall. He stopped and looked me up and down. "Aren't you, like, missing or something?" He slurred. I looked down, not saying anything. Actually seeing him leave Lauren's place was scarring. He hummed a whatever before stumbling off.

I can't do this. I thought. It was too much seeing Brad exit Lauren's apartment in the morning, seeming to be wearing yesterday's clothes. I was standing at her door, about to knock, when it swung open, revealing a very disheveled Lauren with wide eyes. "C-camz?"

"Hi Lauren."

My sister just told me to stop sleeping with her friends because they only want to hang out with her when I'm there now. What can I say? The ladies love me 😂