XYXX (Camren)

Chapter 1

A sigh escaped Lauren’s lips as she finished her eyeliner and stepped back from the mirror. Her head had been killing her all day and the backstage meet and greet that was scheduled to happen in a few minutes wasn’t going to help matters. She loved her fans to death, but she could do without the screaming and the picture flashes, especially now that her head felt like it was ready to split into a million pieces. She practiced her camera smile in the mirror before gathering her thoughts and heading out the door.

As soon as she opened the door, she was face to face with Camila. The girl was smiling widely, grabbing her arm and pulling her towards the backstage room.  Lauren laughed as she was pulled forward by the other girl. Although her head still felt like there was a jackhammer pounding away at it, her best friend never failed to raise her spirits. Suddenly, Camila stopped, turning around and shooting Lauren a worried look.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. I just have a killer headache.

“Aw, I’m sorry to hear that. Oh, wait! I’ve got Advil in my room. I’ll bring some after the meet and greet.”

“Ugh, you’re a lifesaver.”

The two girls finally made it to the meet and greet room, where the other girls were already waiting by the backdrop. Taking note of the long line, Lauren hurried over to the others, an apologetic smile on her face.

“Sorry guys.”

“Don’t worry.  You’re like, literally just on time.” Dinah said, throwing an arm around Camila’s shoulder.

As the fans stepped up and took their picture with the girls, Lauren remained distracted. Her brain felt scrambled, especially since headaches seemed to be a reoccurring thing lately. She wasn’t sure if it was the stress of being in the spotlight or something else, but she had a feeling she wasn’t ready to think too hard into it. The line finally dwindled until there were only a few people left.

“My little sister is such a huge fan.”

An older fan, looking in her late twenties, stepped up to the backdrop. She was dressed smartly, with a long lab coat over a blouse and slacks. Glasses rested on her nose and a briefcase underneath her arm.

“You’re dressed for the occasion.” Normani commented with a playful smile.

“Actually, I work at the lab as a scientist next to this venue. My baby sister is nuts about you guys so I figured I’d come at get a picture, at least. Be the cool, hip older sister or whatever.” The woman laughed, standing next to Ally as the photographer took his time.

“That’s really awesome! Tell your sister thank you for being a fan. Are you staying for the concert?” Ally asked.

“I actually have an important job related thing to do and I kind of snuck out to get this picture taken, so no, but I will most definitely see your performances on Youtube later tonight.” The woman grinned.

“She was nice.” Normani commented, before tiredly stretching and stepping away from the backdrop.

There were no more fans allowed to take a picture due to time constraints, so Lauren took that moment to sit down on one of the chairs. She saw Camila rush out of the room but didn’t bother to call out to her, too distracted by the painful throbbing in the sides of her head.  Closing her eyes, she tried to focus on other things. She thought of the stage, of the songs, of the dance routines – anything to clear her mind.

“Hey.”

Lauren opened her eyes to see an out of breath Camila holding a pill bottle out to her.