Help Me, I'm Drowning

#4 - Ignore The Stares

When the alarm pierced through the air, Camila's eyes snapped open, her mind jumping to work in split seconds.

She glanced up sleepily at her ringing phone in surprise. Camila never ever slept all the way till her 8 o'clock alarm rang. She usually woke up around half an hour before and just lay in bed, debating whether to try to go back to sleep or to stay awake.

Forcing her weary limbs out of bed, Camila stumbled into her bathroom to rinse the feeling of grime on her skin. Pregnancy seemed to be taking its toll on her.

Usually a morning person and an early riser, Camila wasn't used to the bleary feeling that made her muscles ache and her body want to drop.

"This sucks," she told herself in the mirror as she towelled her hair dry.

It took her ten minutes to slap on some make-up — concealer was the best invention — and blow-dry her hair. Choosing what to wear took even longer.

Now that she knew she wouldn't be able to wear most of her favourite things in a very short time, Camila longed to wear them more.

She only had her figure for so long.

When she'd pulled on a sweater and jeans, Camila hurried downstairs to grab her usual
breakfast bagel.

She came to a halting stop, her Vans screeching against the floorboards, when she spotted Luke perched by the counter, laughing and talking to her father.

Camila felt like someone had slapped her round the head. Of course, Luke was living with her now. She'd completely forgotten about that.

"Morning," Hallie chirped as she whizzed around the living room trying to pack her school bag.

"I assume you didn't sleep well," Camila's mother asked in concern, eyeing her eye bags.

Camila winced. "Not enough concealer." She slid into the bar chair next to Luke. "How was the couch?"

"Surprisingly comfortable," Luke informed her.

"We'll have the guest room ready tomorrow," her mother promised him as she flipped a pancake.

"Don't worry about it," Luke laughed. "We should get going though. Homeroom starts at 9."

Camila stared at him strangely. "Since when do you care about getting to school on time?"

"Since I found out I'm going to be a father," Luke told her. He grinned. "I'm kidding. Mr Barkley said he was bringing in candy today."

Camila rolled her eyes and she grabbed her sandwich. "You're like a five year-old child."

"A hungry five year-old," Luke corrected her, slinging his bag on his back. "Are we taking the bus?"

"I cycle to school," Camila snorted.

Luke smiled sheepishly. "Sorry, I forgot. I can take the bus and meet you there."

"No, you'll sit on the back of my bike."

"God, no, I'll fall off."

Camila grabbed him and pulled him towards the front lawn. "You'll be fine. I've ridden with both Chloe and Drea on the back before."

"That sounded really dirty."

Camila flushed dark red. "Can you not?"

As she swung one leg over the seat and beckoned Luke to follow, he stared at her bike warily.

"This is a really bad idea," he muttered uncertainly.

"It'll be fine," Camila insisted. "If you fall off, I'm sure I'll realise within ten minutes."