They pretended the panic attack outside never happened. (At least, Lauren pretended the panic attack and the subsequent embrace never happened. Camila tried once or twice to get her to talk, but when it became clear that Lauren was resolute, she gave up.)
They pretended the panic attack outside never happened, and they were awkward around each other—even more so than normal.
"Are you two okay?" Sinu asked after breakfast the next morning, helping Lauren with the dishes.
"Oh yeah, yes."
"You sure?"
"If Camila and Lauren were a continent, they'd be the Antarctic," Carol interjected, grinning when Lauren merely scowled.
"You know you can always talk to us, right Lauren?" Sinu said, shifting so that she faced Lauren, totally ignoring Carol's comment. "I know your mom must be—"
"It's okay."
"I know. I'm just saying, we're here for you. Carol and me. Even Lizzie. All of us. You're a part of this family."
"I know."
"Yes, Sinu, the girl knows. Leave her be." Sinu nodded, not looking like she wanted to take Carol's advice.
"I just...I just don't want you to think you can't talk to us. Even if it's about Camila. Especially if it's about Camila."
"Camila and I are fine, promise."
"She's happier with you. More like she was before. It's good to see, that's all," Sinu said, shrugging helplessly, ignoring the look Carol sent her. She nodded awkwardly. "I haven't seen her happy in a while."
"Right," Lauren murmured, lowering her gaze. Carol stepped up and placed a comforting hand on Lauren's shoulder.
"Come on, Sinu. Don't you have better things to do?" she asked, raising her eyebrows. With a weak grin, Sinu put down the dishrag in her hand and took several steps back.
"Right. I just. I just wanted to say it, make sure you knew how grateful I am for you." She smiled, and Lauren felt guilt twisting in her belly, in her chest, the searing pain of it nearly taking her breath away (was there anything anymore that she didn't feel guilty for, she wondered. She honestly didn't think so).
"Dr. Cabello—"
"It's Sinu, Lauren. And I know, I know. I'll stop being sappy. I just." She grinned wider, stepping
forward and enveloping Lauren in a tight hug. "You're the best thing that happened to this family in a long time." She kissed Lauren's cheek and left the kitchen, making odd sniffling noises, as if she was holding back tears. After a moment, Carol punched Lauren lightly on the shoulder.
"She'll be heartbroken if she finds out."
"I know."
"Am I a terrible person for wanting to see it?" Lauren turned to the older woman, nodding immediately. Carol sighed. "Fine. Fine. Guess the game is still on."
//
"Where are you going?"
"I have things to do."
"It's Christmas break. What do you have to do?"
"Why are you so nosy, Camila?"
"Why are you being so secretive?"
"If I recall, the only reason I'm here is because you want to keep your secrets."
"That's not the same. I asked for your help. I let you in."
YOU ARE READING
For You ... -Camren
Fanfiction" For you .. i'd blur the lines between the truth and the lies " loving her ... ohh loving her was so easy untill i wanted nothing more than to hate her .
