Not Weak, Just Stronger

Chapter 35: What A Wicked Game You Play

A/N: So. To make up for lack of smut, this chapter is literally mostly smut and Camren filled only before we resume our regularly scheduled drama and adults not knowing how to fucking chill sometimes. Wicked Game by James Vincent McMorrow is the song for one sweet scene. Enjoy, sinners.

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9:23pm

It was late and getting chilly, the air was sticky with the sound of crickets in the bushes by the parking lot, a quarter moon with few specks of stars was painted across the blue/grey sky, and the palm trees swayed with ease in the wind. Lauren and Cruz were the last to leave the marina with the exception of María lingering behind, talking with Camila as she waited for Ruby to pick her up. They may have broken up but they were still rooming together and working on rebuilding a friendship, since it wasn't worth not talking anymore forever—plus rent was expensive and María couldn't afford to live alone just yet.

While they were catching up, Lauren opened the back car door to her Maserati for Cruz but stopped him before he could get in. She got low and so did her voice.

"Remember what I told you, right? No talking about the house I bought for Camila, it's supposed to be a secret until she graduates and comes home for good. You're staying with me at my dad's house and you have your own room which is right next to Chris' room, and you're happy there."

"Sure, Lo. I remember," he smiled faintly. "I want it to be a surprise too. I won't tell."

"Good. And great job today," Lauren high fived him. "You lasted an entire day outside and had a lot of fun. I know it can be hard with people you're just getting to know and when you're depressed, but I'm super proud of you for doing your best."

Cruz hid away his face and swayed, strongly affected by those words and unsure of how to even react to them since they were unfamiliar to him. But his smile grew wider and he ended up covering his mouth as he mumbled, "Thank you."

"Of course," Lauren ruffled his shaggy light brown hair and ran her fingers through them. "We gotta get you a haircut. Start fresh and get rid of the bad energy from your past."

"Does that really work?"

"Yep. Are you kidding? Your hair can carry so much unwanted negative energy that if you never cut a bunch or it all off, it'll stay. Believe me, I've cut my hair plenty of times and felt like a lot of weight has been lifted off me right after."

"I think that's just what happens when you're manic," he said and Lauren gave him a funny look.

"Where'd you learn that?"

"Camila. She talked to me about it a lot when she was my school social worker," he shrugged casually and got in the car, leaving Lauren to scoff with her tongue poking at her teeth.

Speak of the devil, Camila waved goodbye to María when she got into Ruby's car, then walked over to the car with her heels scraping against the concrete. Her hair blew with the wind and she crossed her arms over her silk bronze dress, Lauren could tell she was a little cold. She was also tipsy and giggling to herself because—unlike Lauren—Camila didn't stop drinking before it was time to leave. She's only had very few glasses of champagne but she was a lightweight.

"You ready?" Lauren asked as she opened Camila's side door and reached out her hand to safely escort her inside the car.

Camila smiled at her and nodded. She pecked Lauren's lips and nearly tripped but made it inside the car all right with Cruz laughing in the back seat. She glanced over her shoulder and reached back to hold his hand. "Hello, my sweet little angel. Have fun today?"

"Yeah. Did you or do I even need to ask?" he held onto her hand as Lauren buckled her in.

"Mhm. So much," Camila's gaze was tender. "I'm so happy that you're feeling happy. I wish I didn't have to leave tomorrow."