Music Is My Medicine

Chapter 9: Missed calls

Lauren spent the night calling Camila and texting off the hook. Meanwhile, Camila had turned her phone on to do not disturb after the first call and several text messages that followed. She needs her peace and quiet away from everything that had been going on.

When morning came, things were different. Well, different was the understatement of the century, especially since Camila's once bubbly personality had left her. Lauren pulled her curtain back, turning to still see Camila's empty bunk beside her, letting out a sigh. She missed her, an empty feeling in her chest, but she was also confused; why was she missing her? She had spent her time pushing her away further, and now it was too late.

"Lauren?" Ally moved her curtain when she heard the girl's curtain move from below.

"Yeah," Lauren replied softly, knowing Normani and Dinah were still asleep.

"You alright? You're up a little early," Ally asked as she slipped out of her bunk and made her way over to Lauren.

"It's just...why didn't I stop, I should have just talked to her instead of pushing her away," Lauren looked at Ally. "Lo, we all didn't know at least at first. She didn't want to come to us anyway,"

"But we're all so close. How could she just toss us to the side like that, and going out with Austin? What does she see in him anyway?"

Ally sighed as she listened to the other girl ramble. "I don't know, but who are we to say who she can and can't be with?"

"She has a point, Lauren," Dinah poked her head out of her bunk. "Have you been listening the whole time?" the Cuban looked up at her. Dinah replied with a shrug. "Mani's been listening too," queuing the girl to join in on the conversation.

"Maybe we should try calling her?" Lauren groaned at the suggestion. "I've already tried all night. I even texted her but she won't answer," she said. "How long until we're in Miami?" she asked impatiently.

"We should be there tonight at 11:00," Normani replied.

"That's too long," Lauren bit her lip. "I just hope she's okay."

>>>

Meanwhile, Camila had woken up, feeling well rested at home. The chemo was still causing her problems, but she felt fine and was just happy to be home. A soft knock sounded at her door, revealing her mom as she poked her head in.

"Morning, Mi Nena," Sinu placed a soft kiss on her daughter's forehead and then takes a seat beside her. "Not that I am mad that you're home early, but I'm wondering why. Were you feeling homesick?"

"I didn't tell the girls," Camila answered instead with a sigh. "And that just caused more problems. And then they wouldn't talk to me, and I don't know if they're my friends anymore," she rambled.

"Why didn't you say anything?"

"I didn't want them to treat me any different-" she was going to continue but was interrupted by her phone ringing her mom grabbed it. "If it's the girls just decline the call." Camila was fed up with the calls.

"It's your doctor, Mija,"

Camila got nervous. "Answer!"

"Hello, Camila's phone," her mom put the device on speaker.

"Hi this is Doctor Golding's office, I'm just passing on a message. You have to see him within the next few days for a follow up on treatment" Camila looked at her mom.

"Okay, can we come tomorrow afternoon maybe?"

"That'd be perfect." Sinuhe ended the call.

Camila dreaded seeing the hospital at this point. "I wish this could be over." she frowned, feeling her mom wrap her arms around her daughter.