Miss Cabello

You Look Lovely

Camila woke with a start, nails digging into the mattress as she bolted upright from her sleep. Shaking her head, she tried to clear her mind of the memories, focusing on something else. Her child. 14 weeks, she is 14 weeks in and another 4 more, she'll learn of the baby's gender. But for a time all she could feel was the pain on her left shoulder, an illussional pain but it felt that it was happening all over again. Then she thought of him. When she thought she loved him so much they would drop anything for each other. But of course, that was only the delusional Camila speaking.

Eventually her mind cleared itself from such thoughts, and she could see the faint light of dawn. Camila frowned when she looked at her watch, it was 6 am, she needed more sleep.

But her body had other plans when her feet brought her to the kitchen.

Ever since they bought the dresses a month ago, Lauren had become less talkative. Instead, she would catch Lauren looking at her whenever she would wear one. Her eyes would travel from her chest all the way down to her thighs, but they would linger the most at her belly. Lauren's face showed indifference, but her eyes showed undeniable pain. Lauren was longing for something, Camila just couldn't pinpoint what.

Grace wasn't awake yet, so Camila decided to cook breakfast. Since she lived alone for most of her years, she had to learn how to create something edible for herself. Well, omelette and bacon doesn't sound so destructive.

Camila turned up the fire, feeling the burn on her palms from afar so that it was just right. Shortly after getting the pan on the stove, she brewed coffee for Lauren, the way Grace taught her. Lauren liked her coffee with a simple syrup and milk, but not too sweet that it overpowered its bitterness.

It wasn't long before she had her eggs heated and bacons fried, Lauren's coffee waiting on the table. She still has not asked for forgiveness for her sin, but this could be a start, although it may not be much.

"Grace...." A voice said from down the hall. "Is breakfast ready? I'm starving."

Camila cringed. Lauren doesn't wake up until 8 am, while Grace at 7 am. It was weird for the two to have such body clocks, but they do. She was not sure how Lauren would take the breakfast she prepared, considering the woman's unique taste for food.

Camila's feet felt like a thousand pounds, she could not get her body away from the dining area. And when Lauren came into view, both of them only able to look at each other, processing the scene before each other's eyes.

Lauren's hair was disheveled, with some strands poking out of her head. Her eyes were droopy, craving for more sleep, and lips slightly parted. She was wearing her The Lion King pajamas, and Camila had to double check if her eyes weren't playing on her. It was the first time she ever saw Lauren wearing such childish clothing, totally in contrast to her matured look in the office or the streets.

Lauren saw breakfast ready, and she was about to leap out of joy to satisfy her hunger when the person standing by the table wasn't the person she expected to be. It was Camila. She was standing behind one of the chairs, wearing an apron.

"G-good morning." Camila greeted Lauren, bowing respectfully.

Lauren only acknowledged such act with the slightest of nods, an insult. "You cooked." She said coldly.

It didn't seem like a statement, it was to be taken still as an insult.

Camila tried her best to take no offense at Lauren's tone. "Yes, I did. I made coffee for you, too."

Lauren smiled to herself and made her way to the table. She looked toward Camila and took the plate and coffee in her hands. She made her way to the kitchen.

Camila followed her. "Lauren, where are you going?"

"To get rid of the trash."

Lauren went to the sink and poured all of the coffee's content, leaving no drop behind. She chuckled. Camila stood motionless. It was a helpless battle, and all she could do now was grab onto the apron, afraid that if she will let go, it would destroy her. But Lauren wasn't done, of course. She went to the garbage bin, plate in hand. Lauren opened it, but before anything, her eyes went to Camila. She wore a mocking grin on her face.

She dropped the plate, intentionally missing the bin, so it fell on the floor. The pieces mirrored Camila's heart. The plate now shattered, and the food wasted. "Oops..."

"Clean up your mess." Lauren dusted off her pajamas and started to walk away. "Should I rip your heart out myself and watch you bleed? I must admit...." Lauren stopped in her tracks, turning all the way back to face Camila. A smile.

"You look lovely when you're hurt."

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What are your thoughts about the story?

- Yang