XYXX (Camren)

Chapter 6

Getting ready for a party was a lot easier as a boy.

Usually, it took Lauren a good hour to get the right makeup and outfit on, but all he had to do now was take a long shower (which wasn’t any more than ten minutes to be honest) and throw on black jeans and a white t-shirt. He chose one with a black and gray picture of Paris as the design, and over that, he wore a sleeveless leather jacket. He waxed up his hair and slicked it back and made sure his watch was on tight. He made his way down to the lobby where he would meet up with the girls, but by the time he got there, he had to sit around for a good half hour.

First to come down was Ally and Normani, both dressed in nice, black party dresses. Dinah came down right after, in her pants and bold sweater combo she rocked so well. A few minutes after her, Camila stepped off the elevator.

Lauren was glad he was sitting because Camila would’ve caused him to trip. It wasn’t that she was dressed provocatively – she was wearing a black skirt and a white top – but her hair was down and her makeup was simple but elegantly done, and Lauren was sure she looked like an angel.

“You look amazing.” Lauren complimented, trying his best not to look as obsessed as he was with this look.

“Thank you! You look great too.” Camila smiled, looping an arm around Lauren’s.

“Aw, we look like a couple.” Lauren joked as Camila laughed.

"A little bit."

Lauren flagged over a taxi as Normani, Ally, and Dinah got in one together. Their taxi followed close behind to Ally’s, but Lauren was busy trying not to pay too much attention to the girl next to her, although she was failing.

“So, uhm, how does Ari know you?” Camila finally asked, breaking the silence in their taxi.

“We’ve all met her so many times at shows and all.”

“I meant you-Laurence, not you-Lauren. She asked about Laurence. How did she know you?”

“Oh. I ran into her outside and we talked a little, that’s all.” Lauren explained.

“I see, okay. I was just confused and I wasn’t sure if she knew or not.”

“Yeah, she doesn’t know. Don’t worry. I’m not totally fucking this up for all of us.” Lauren laughed, throwing an arm around Camila’s shoulder.

“No, I know. I’m just worried for Ari, I was hoping you might’ve had more information on her break up.” Camila sighed.

“Break up?”

“Yeah, she was dumped by Sean, but she wouldn’t tell me anything else. I’m just worried for her is all.” Camila said, looking incredibly concerned for her friend.

“Look, don’t worry about that stuff. Let’s have fun tonight. We deserve it.”

“You’re right.” Camila smiled, looking over at her best friend and leaning into his arm.

As soon as the taxi pulled in to the front of beautiful mansion, the girls left their respective cabs and met up at the gates. There were already people walking up the long path to the doors of the mansion, and although a bit nervous, the girls walked on through the gates. There was a steadily growing line at the door, and a bouncer out front with a clipboard. As soon as he noticed them, he motioned them over.

“You’re on the list. Fifth Harmony, right?” The man asked.

“Yes. And Laurence Jauregui.” Ally added, pointing at him.

“Right. You’re on the list too. Have fun.”

The bouncer moved aside and allowed them access. The inside of the mansion was beautiful, with glass chandeliers coming down from the ceiling and ornately designed mirrors covering the walls. Loud music was thumping from deeper within the mansion, and the girls wiggled past partygoers drinking along the hallways, until they reached the kitchen. Camila seemed to know her way around the place, and Lauren did recall Camila going over Ariana’s a few times before.