MY BODYGUARD (CAMREN VERSION)

Boo

The sensation of Lauren's lips on hers lingered for the next few hours, all the way till darkness fell. It lasted through dinner, her bath, up to the point where Camila got into bed and snuggled under the sheets. There she lay, comfortable and blissful after a good day out with her girlfriend. But she didn't go to sleep. She was waiting. Waiting for someone to call. And that someone was about to call in three, two, one . . .

"Hello, boo," Camila answered the call even before the first ring ended.

"Hey, baby."

Camila giggled. "Are you going to work now?"

"I'm getting ready."

"I wish you didn't have to go to work at this time."

"Just for this period of time, baby. Till this job is done."

"Who are you protecting this time?"

"You gotta stop asking. I really can't tell you."

Camila pouted.

"And don't pout."

"I'm not pouting."

"Don't lie."

Camila stopped pouting. "I'm not pouting."

"Alright. I gotta go now."

"Stay safe."

"I will. Sweet dreams, baby."

Camila blew a kiss into the phone and grinned when Lauren returned it after a pause. Maybe with this kiss, she wouldn't have a nightmare tonight.

¤¤¤

She still did. But it wasn't as scary and gruesome as the other nightmares had been. No blood, no guns. Just a chase that ended with her being caught. She woke up breathing hard with her heart pumping fast and sat up in bed, looking around in a panic.

"I'm okay. I'm safe," Camila said to herself, remembering what Dr Justin said about these nightmares. After taking a few deep breaths, she felt calmer. Lauren was right. It did get easier with time. She could get over it. It was alright.

She washed up in her bathroom and made her way down to the dining room. Her father was having his breakfast there and the sight of him still triggered unhappiness in her after almost three weeks.

"Good morning, dear."

"Morning, Dad," Camila replied without enthusiasm.

"Did you sleep well last night?"

"No."

"Did you have a nightmare again?"

Camila exhaled through her nose. "It's not like you cared when it mattered, did you."

"Honey, I really—"

Camila stood up in a huff, interrupting her father. Turning to a household staff, she instructed the woman to bring her breakfast up. "I'll eat my breakfast in my room." And with that, she left the table and marched straight back to her room before her father could ask her to stay.

When she got back to her room, she realised that she had a missed call from Lauren. A smile replaced the frown instantly and she quickly made a call to Lauren.

"Good morning, babe," said Lauren, sounding rather subdued.

"Good morning, boo." Camila frowned, not liking how her girlfriend sounded. "Did you get injured or something?"

"No. I'm not hurt. I'm just tired."

"Then you should rest."

"I'm going to. I just wanted to call before that."