It's A Long Ride Home, I'm Afraid. {Camren} ✔️

~{19}~

"Showtime is in ten minutes, Camila."

My heart was racing. My head, pounding. Never had I ever been so nervous in my entire life.

I could only walk out on stage grasping onto my guitar and the little faith I had in myself. I could only hope that these people would like me and my music. I could only pray that I don't fall on my face in the process.

Faith, hope, and praying. Maybe they'd get me through this.

"You're gonna do so good out there, Camz." Lauren reassured me. She was already dressed in her concert attire, which was a dazzling one piece that made her look hot enough to—

Focus. I told myself. Think music, not Lauren right now.

Shit. How can I do that if I'm also singing about her?!

"Thanks." I replied, letting out a deep and shaky breath.

She leaned in with a playful smirk, and began to whisper something in my ear.

"I'd kiss you, but there's a lot of people watching that don't know about us. And besides, can't ruin this flawless makeup just yet."

I laughed at this. "Dork."

"Five minutes, Camila." another member of the management team told me.

"You'd better get going." Lauren told me. She then pulled me into a hug. "Good luck."

"Mhm." I said. "Same to you, in case I don't see you before you start heading out for the main performance."

With that, I waited behind the curtain backstage. I'd be heading out on stage through the left side.

Once I was given the signal, I walked out with a bit of pep in my step. It was awkward to walk for too long on stage with all those people staring.

As soon as I was no longer shielded from view by the curtain, my heart was racing even more profusely than before.

People were staring. Lots of them.

I walked up to the mic that was already setup for me, shrinking back a bit from the many pairs of eyes that were on me in that moment.

"Uh.. hey." I said with uncertain enthusiasm. "First of all, I'm really bad when it comes to introducing myself. Anyone else in here socially awkward?" I asked, raising my hand. "It's okay to admit it. Lemme see a show of hands."

Some people laughed, and I watched as a large amount raised their hands.

"That's totally okay. At least I know I'm not alone." I smiled. "Well, anyway, my name is Camila Cabello. Now, I know a lot of you are probably wondering, 'where the hell did this chick come from?'. Hopefully, I don't have to explain myself too much."

"The truth is, I'm just another person with a crazy dream who was somehow fated to end up here in front of you all. I hope you all enjoy the music you're about to hear. It means so much to me that I get to share it with you here today."

I took a deep breath before continuing.

"Well, here goes. Let me show you what 'socially awkward' can do."

To my surprise, the crowd cheered me on.

I proceeded to run through each of my songs.

Halfway through "Havana," I really felt at ease. My worries were gone, and it was just my guitar and I, and the crowd.

My first three songs seemed pretty well received, as they all got big applause as I finished out each one.

I realized I kind of didn't want to stop singing, but then it hit me I would have to do this a bajillion more times so I would be okay.