For The Days We Cannot Retrieve

prologue

Listen while you read: Drive - Halsey

"Sometimes life kicks you in the ass, Camila. It's something you can't avoid, but what you can do is, come to this party with me tonight." Andrea grinned, poking her bestfriend. "Pleeeeease?" She jutted out her lip, clasping her hands together, trying to guilt her friend.

Andrea West was Camila Cabello's bestfriend, everyone knew that. They met in elementary, and got close in the 6th grade. Andrea was the popular type, a stunning student with outstanding grades, volleyball skills for days, and a kind heart. Camila was a good student, she got the grades she wanted, but she never desired to excell in the academic department if it meant 5 hours of homework every night.

"Nope, not happening." Camila shook her head, shrugging at her friend. It wasn't that Camila was anti-social, she was a very outgoing person, it's just she didn't feel up to it, not tonight. "I rather stay in and binge watch The Get Down on Netflix, sorry Dre."

Andrea sighed and dropped her hands, nodding. "Fine. But you know it won't be as fun without you, C. But you bet your ass I'm spamming your snapchat all night."

Camila laughed softly, pushing her friend slightly. "Whatever, loser. Just be careful, okay? I know Dylan can be a bit of an ass when he's drunk. If you need a ride home, call me, or call an uber." She gave Andrea a stern look as the bell rang, declaring the end of lunch, she didn't like that boy.

Andrea smiled a perfect smile, her white teeth shining in the light. "Yes, mother." She laughed, getting up and throwing away her trash. "I love you, Mila." She gave her friend a quick hug as the bell sounded, marking them both late.

Camila smiled and winked at her friend, "What are sisters for, huh?" She started walking, Andrea going on about something she wasn't happy about. Camila zoned out, a recurring feeling in her stomach. She didn't feel right about tonight.

···

Camila sat in her Marine Science class, leg shaking and finger tapping, her eyes glued to the clock. It wasn't like High School Musical 2, where they all stare at the clock waiting for something good. This was different, Camila was nervous, anxious even. She didn't know why she couldn't shake this feeling of fear today. Maybe she ate something bad, God knows what they put in the lunches here. She glanced back at the clock, the seconds ticking like minutes, minutes moving like hours.

3 minutes. The teacher kept writing something about cnidareans or jellyfish on the board. The sounds of scribbling and the nasally voice of Ms. Harkens filling the room. 2 minutes. More notes, more scribbles, more talking. 'C'mon, C'mon, C'mon.' She thought to herself. 1 minute. Scribbles, squealing Expo markers, talking.

Bell.

Camila shot up from her seat, dashing over to the door. "Miss Cabello!" She heard Ms. Harkens exclaim, "Get back in your seat. I dissmiss you, not the bell." She gave Camila a stern look.

The Cuban girl shrugged, sending a smirk the teacher's way before disappearing through the door, into the crowd of students. She speed walked to her car, meeting a waiting Andrea.

"Harkens, again?" Andrea questioned, Camila nodded, turning to weave around the students. "So am I taking you home, or to Dylan's?" She glanced towards the brunette, who grinned a cheesy grin. "What do you think, Cabello? You know Dylan loves pregame."

Camila scoffed and shook her head, accidentally bumping into someone, knocking their things over. She bent down, helping them collect their belongings. She handed the books to the girl. She glanced at the girl to apologize, her eyes connecting with beautiful green ones.