The Blindside of Love (Camren) Altern Versión

Chapter Eleven

"Where the hell have you been?" Dinah cried. "I've been worried sick!"

Camila stepped into the apartment after hours of wandering around New York City.

"I took a walk," she responded, throwing her jacket on the couch.

"Well Nathan was going insane," Dinah informed her.

"He called like twenty times. Then he stopped by. Then he went out looking for you. Then he came by again. Then he left. So I'd suggest you call him. And you should probably call your parents too because they called here five times. Carlos is going bizirk."

Camila rolled her eyes and collapsed on the couch. After all of that walking, the last thing she needed was to face the people she'd been running from. All she wanted was peace. Why couldn't she have that? Just some time to herself. No family. No boyfriends. No essays to write. Just her and her art.

"You call them," she said. "As soon as I gather enough energy, I'm going to take a shower. And then I'm going to bed."

Dinah stared at her best friend for a long moment. "Camila , what happened?"

"Nothing," Camila replied. "Dinner was just great. My boyfriend is just great. Sweetheart to the max. I'm beyond in love with him. So much so that I'm transferring to Harvard so that we can be near each other. Then we can commence our life together. I'll stay home with the kids while he goes out and lives out his dreams. Sounds perfect. I can't wait."

Dinah sat down on the coffee table, regarding her friend cautiously. "Are you alright?"

Camila sat up with a start.

"Alright? No. I'm not alright. I don't want to go to Harvard. And I really don't want to have kids right now. Or even get married, for that matter."

"So don't."

"Don't," Camila repeated softly, as if the possibility hadn't occurred to her.

"That's exactly what I'm going to do! I'm going to do none of those things." She stood and headed toward her room.

"So what are you going to do?" Dinah called after her.

"I'm going to take a shower," Camila replied.

"Because that's what I want to do."

"Right," Dinah said, totally confused by her friend's outburst.

A few moments later, Camila returned, wearing her bathrobe. "You know what pisses me off? It's that they didn't ask. Never have they once backed me up on anything. You'd think my mom would want to have some of my artwork hanging around the apartment, but does she? No! And Nathan? Do you think he gives a damn about how I spend my time? No! All he cares about is his car. And his .. his law school. And his .. his ... his car!" She ran back into the room and slammed the door.

Two seconds later, she opened it again.

"And why was he yelling at me for not telling him about Harry? It's my family! Why does he care? And why does everything have to be about him? Just cause he's the man? I don't think so! Fuck him and his penis!"
She stormed into the bathroom.

Dinah  stared at the closed door. "She's finally lost it."

—————-

Later that night, after she'd managed to calm down, Camila sat at the kitchen table with the computer in front of her. Her outburst had made her feel better. The shower had helped as well. She'd called Nathan and assured him that she was fine. She'd called her parents and assured them she was fine. And that, no, she didn't need to see a psychiatrist. And that, no, it had nothing to do with William being gay.

But now, at least she was at peace. Dinah had gone to bed. The apartment was quiet. For the moment, life was relatively good. Relieved, and in better spirits, she signed on to the internet to check her mail.

One message.

Dear Camila (may I call you that?),

I would love to know what led you to create such a fascinating piece of art. The picture was one of a figure standing in a crowd, with her gaze focused on something in the distance. It currently hangs in my bedroom so that I may admire it every night. I believe it's the only picture in my house that I picked out myself. I'm not big on decorating and I fear it's painfully obvious from the moment one steps into my home. But luckily, not that many people do.
It's not very often that I get to cheer up someone's day or even help them procrastinate, so I'm glad that I could give something back to the artistic community. If I can be of service in the future, please let me know. :o)

Take care,

L.J.

Smiling, Camila hit reply.

Dear L.J.,

That was my favorite piece, actually. I was thinking of making it into a collection. Color paintings and maybe clay figurines. They'll decorate my apartment, at least.
I must admit, I'm a bit thrilled by your interest. Sometimes it's very disillusioning to be an artist. You never really know if people appreciate it. Once in a while, they'll pass by and smile in approval. But most of the time they pass by without casting a second glance. That's when I start to doubt if it's really worth it. I start wondering if perhaps my parents are right and I should focus my life on something concrete instead.

But then I receive an email from you and all of my doubts dissipate and my inspiration returns.

I'm sorry if I'm carry on.
About the drawing. I guess the reason I like it is that when I started it, I didn't really know what I was drawing. I usually have a set pattern in mind and then I put it down on paper or canvas. But that one just came to me. I started to draw something and suddenly it took form. Sorry, that's not a very interesting story. :)

Anyway, thank you for once again cheering me up. It hasn't been a good week and your emails have been very much appreciated.

Thanks, Camila

PS: Yes, you may call me that : I )