Bully in Love

Chapter Seven

A/N: There is no better thing than to finish your school stuff and realize you have free time before work. School might start guys but I am gonna use some of my free time to make sure I update regularly. Happy reading!

The three teenagers walked into the mildly busy ice cream parlour and took a seat at an empty booth. Lauren and Mendes sat side by side, while Camila sat across from them. Mendes's eyes immediately looked over Camila's shoulder towards the front counter. Lauren followed his line of sight and saw he was staring at an attractive girl that looked to be their age helping a customer. She had a bright smile and a warm presence. Lauren could even tell that just from observing her from across the room.

Camila smirked at Mendes as he longingly looked at the girl behind the counter. "So, are you going?"

Mendes tore his eyes away from his dream girl and blew out a breath. "I... I need a minute."

"Times a-wastin' Shawny boy," Camila egged on.

Lauren looked at Mendes and noticed the young man was fidgeting with his hands and taking large breaths through his nose. He was trying to calm himself. "You shouldn't pressure him, Camila," the raven-haired girl lightly scolded.

"I'm not," Camila shrugged, her voice going up an octave.

"No, it's cool, Lauren. I said I'd do this today and I will," Mendes said.

Lauren glanced towards the girl once more and smiled softly, before turning back to Mendes. "She's pretty. What's her name?"

"Hailey," Mendes replied with a goofy grin. "I met her a couple months ago."

"And he's been drooling over her ever since." Camila looked behind her towards the counter before turning back. "Here's your chance. She's not helping a customer. Go for it."

"I... I can't," Mendes stuttered.

"What?"

"Sure you can." Suddenly, an idea came to Lauren. "How about we all go up there together and order something? Would that make you feel a little more comfortable?"

Mendes gave a nod. "Yeah, that sounds good."

"Camila?" Lauren asked.

"Alright..." Camila relented, sliding out of the booth.

They walked up to the counter, Mendes stood in the middle while Camila and Lauren stood on either side of him. Almost instantly, they were greeted by a dazzling smile. "Hello, Camila. Hi Shawn." The girl said with a little friendly flirt.

"What's up, Hailey," Mendes replied with a relaxed smile. Even though Lauren knew he was covering how terrified he truly was.

Hailey grinned at him before, turning her attention to Lauren. "I'm sorry, I don't think we've met."

"No, we haven't. I'm Lauren."

"Oh..." Hailey's smile seemed to falter slightly as she looked between Lauren and Mendes. "It's nice to meet you."

Lauren could tell that Hailey was assuming that she was possibly dating Mendes. "I'm a friend of Shawn's. Only a friend," she reiterated with a grin. "Actually, we only just met four hours ago."

"Way to be settle," Camila mumbled.

However, Lauren's words seemed to please Hailey and her smile returned with full force. "Great! So, can I get you all something?"

"Yeah, I'll just have the chocolate and vanilla swirl," Camila said.

"A small strawberry yoghurt, please," Lauren smiled.