Tennessee - Camren

Chapter 9

I wake up and reach over in search of Camila's warmth. The sheets are cold at the touch, telling me that she has been out of bed for awhile. I lazily get out of bed and pull on some sweatpants and a hoodie. I walk downstairs to the living room to find it empty as well. I frown and turn to go into the kitchen. "Camz?" I start to panic and run through the entire house calling her name. "Camila!" I go back into my bedroom and notice something that I missed when I awoke. Camila's belongings are gone. "Oh my god." I then notice a piece of paper laying on the bedside table. I practically lunge towards it and pick it up in my hand. I instantly recognize the messy handwriting.

Lauren,

I'm sorry I left without saying goodbye. I just couldn't bring myself to wake you. I know this is a very cowardly thing to do but I just couldn't face you. I don't want you to worry about me. I'll be fine. I promise. Thank you for everything you've done for me and my daughters. It means the world to me Lauren, and I don't know how I will ever make it up to you. I don't know if you remember last night or not but I do, and Lo, I don't regret one thing. I want you to know that. I hope you can go back to living your life happily. Remember what told you. You'll find someone and they will love you unconditionally no matter what. I don't know if we will ever cross paths again, but between me and you, I hope that we do. 

Love,

Your Camz

I feel the tears sliding down my face as a sob racks through my body. I crawl back into my bed with the letter clutched tightly to my chest. I don't understand why she left. My chest physically hurts from the pain of losing her. I reach over and grab my phone immediately dialing Dinah's number.

"Hey Lo!"

"Dinah."

"Oh no. What's wrong?"

"She left me. Camila left me."

"Camila? Lauren, what are you talking about?"

"She was here and now she's gone!"

"Okay, calm down. Everything's going to be okay. I'm catching the first flight out there. I'll be there soon okay?"

"Okay. I love you."

"I love you too.

I throw my phone off my bed and crawl back under the warm covers falling asleep quickly.

I'm awaken by the doorbell ringing and make my way downstairs knowing that it's Dinah. As soon as I open the door I'm wrapped up in her arms and I start sobbing uncontrollably.

One Year Later

I hear my phone ringing and rush into my living room to answer it. "Hello?"

"Miss Jauregui?"

"Yes, this is she."

"Hi, this is Dr. Riggins. I'm happy to inform you that we have found a surrogate mother for you."

"Oh my gosh! That was so fast."

"It usually takes longer but we were lucky enough to find her this quickly. She informed us that she was free today if you would like to set up an appointment to come in and meet her."

"Yes, that would be great!"

"How does 1:00 sound?"

"That sounds great. Thank you, Dr."

"You're welcome, Miss Jauregui. I'll see you soon."

I hangup my phone and see that I have just under an hour until I have to be at the doctor's office. I walk upstairs to my bathroom and freshen up before leaving. I drive in silence with the radio turned off just thinking about how I'm finally going to be a mother. I arrive quickly and pull into an empty parking space. I turn off the ignition and take a deep breath before going inside the building. I approach the front desk as the secretary smiles at me.

"What's your name, sweetie?"

"Lauren Jauregui."

"Let's see here, if you'd like to make your way to room 14 Dr. Riggins will be with you shortly."

"Thank you."

I turn to the right and head to the room. I take a seat and start biting my nails nervously. I really hope this woman is nice and takes care of herself. I can't have someone who is irresponsible carrying my child. There's a faint knock on the door and Dr. Riggins comes in.

"Good afternoon."

"Hi! How are you, Dr. Riggins?"

"I'm doing good. What about yourself?"

"I'm a bit nervous."

She smiles at me. "That's to be expected. Miss Cabello should be here any minute now."

My heart jumps at the name. "I'm sorry, who did you say?"

"Miss Cabello." Suddenly there's another light knock on the door. "That must be her." Dr. Riggins opens the door and the woman walks in and I see those brown eyes that I've longed to see again widen when they catch sight of me.