Her Light

XVI

It's mid-morning and Camila should be rounding up the dirty clothes, left and forgotten around the cabin, for laundry. While lonely, she doesn't mind being in the cabin right now.

Truth be told, she was relieved when Lauren got watch today and Camila didn't. After her realization a few days ago, she's been trying her best not to distance herself from her friend, but it's hard. When Lauren's away, it's easy to pretend she doesn't have feelings for her, and even when she's around, it's easy to fake a friendly smile.

But it's not easy to fake a friendly gaze; how her heart lulls and her fingers quake in her wake, how Camila can no longer sleep with Lauren breathing beside her, fearful they'll touch and she'll have to feel the consequence of Lauren pulling away.

Camila's been starting to understand why Lauren likes littles touches—little touches on her shoulder, little touches upon her hand, down her cheek. She likes to rest her fingers upon Lauren's arm, briefly, momentarily, before pulling away. Although, she's still waiting for the pang in her chest like Lauren described.

All is calm as Camila finally begins to pick up clothes, tossing them into the metal bin. Then—

"Everyone on deck! Everyone on deck!"

Stumbling over herself, Camila sets the tub on the closest bed, bounding through the door. She is immediately met with Lauren, who was obviously looking for her. Lauren clings onto her forearms, twirling them around, and pulling her especially close.

"It's my boat, Camz." Her eyes are full of life—visible, nearly tangible, excitement beaming off of them.

Camila's lips part in shock, relishing in the gleam of Lauren's enthusiasm. Letting go of one arm, Lauren's hand moves down the other, interlocking their fingers as she pulls Camila to the rest of the crew.

Dinah, Normani, and Ally are huddled around each other, opening their circle only to let Lauren and Camila in. Of course, Camila notices Lauren doesn't let go of her hand once they're stopped. Camila glances down at it.

"We are in luck today; their anchor is down, so we can climb up the rope and right into the ship." Ally tells them, her voice low.

Looking up from the group, Camila scours the sea around them for Lauren's ship. Undoubtably, it being one of the biggest things on the horizon, Camila finds it very quickly. It's faint, in the far distance, and completely stopped. Maybe they're boat watching, too.

"What's the plan again? I forgot." Dinah winces, crinkling her nose.

"There were two different versions of the plan because none of us could come to an agreement." Normani reminds her, whacking the upper part of her arm. "I still like Lauren's plan."

Lauren smiles, "thank you, Mani. I still like my plan, too. Two of us should go up to try and defuse the situation before we bring everyone up and knock them out. I don't want to have to hurt them if I don't have to."

"I don't mind your plan, but how will you let us know to come up?" Ally asks. "Will there be some kind of signal?"

"Yes, I will wave to the ship. You guys stay on the left side where the anchor is, and if things get bad, I will wave to you for the rest of you to come ambush." Lauren decides, her free hand talking with her, moving as if describing the scenes.

Everyone in the circle nods, finally agreeing upon a plan for their attack. "Who will you take up with you?" Normani asks, pulling her bandana snug on her head. Her eyes flicker down to their combined hands. "Camila?"

Lauren bites her bottom lip and lets go on Camila hand. Frowning, Camila listens to Lauren speak, "I don't know. I don't want Camila to get hurt."

Camila's heart does several backflips and does not land gracefully.