Chapter 6

"WAKE UP LOSER!!"

Lauren jolted awake as she fell off the bed and landed on the floor with a loud thud. She groaned in pain as Dinah, Normani and Ally burst out laughing.

"Rude!" Lauren exclaimed as she threw a pillow at Dinah. The tall Polynesian girl caught the pillow as Lauren sat up and rubbed her sleepy eyes.

"What time is it?"

"It's noon," Dinah said as she threw back the pillow, "Get yo ass up, Jauregui! We haven't gotten all day," she said. Lauren let out a loud whine as she pouted slightly.

The door opened and Camila walked in wearing a crop top and a pair of faded jean shorts and black combat boots. She was eating cereal and she almost spit out her Fruit Loops when she saw Lauren pouting on the floor.

"What happened?" Camila asked, chuckling.

"Her highness doesn't want to get up," Dinah said as she crossed her arms and gave Lauren a look. The older girl scrunched up her nose and stuck out her tongue at the taller girl. Dinah's jaw dropped as she gasped. Camila giggled as she set her bowl on Lauren's desk before she sat on the floor in front of Lauren.

"C'mon, Lolo," Camila said, "I think it's time to get up."

Lauren gave her a pout.

"Don't give me that look," Camila said as she shook her head, smiling.

Lauren looked away, still pouting. Camila rolled her eyes as she took Lauren's hands and pulled her up. Lauren frowned at her. Camila just smiled as she gave her a slight push towards the bathroom.

After Lauren showered and got dressed, she met up with the rest at their kitchen as the others were finishing up their breakfast.

"You guys ate without me?"

"Sorry, Laur. We love you but we got hungry," Ally said with a sheepish smile.

Camila giggled as she got up and gave Lauren a bowl of Fruit Loops. She poured the milk and gave her a smile before she sat back down.

"I'll stay with you until you finish," Camila said.

"Thanks, Camz," Lauren said with a smile as she ate her cereal.

Meanwhile in the living room, Dinah, Normani and Ally were watching tv when Normani noticed the exchange and smiled.

"Is there something going on between them that we don't know about?" Dinah asked.

"Oh honey," Normani said as she held Dinah's hand, "There's a lot you don't know."

Ally burst out laughing as Dinah gave her a look, "The nerve," she said as Normani laughed.

"Don't worry, Dinah. I still love you," Normani added.

"Hmm, you better."

Lauren was just about done with breakfast. She got up and walked over to the sink to wash the bowl when she felt a pair of arms around her waist and a soft kiss on her shoulder. Lauren smiled as she finished off and wiped her hands dry. She turned and her eyes met familiar chocolate brown ones.

"Hey there," Lauren greeted.

"Hi," she said as she wrapped her arms around Lauren's neck.

"What's up?" Lauren asked as she wrapped her arms around Camila's waist.

Camila shook her head as she smiled, "Nothing. I just wanted to look at you and hold you."

Lauren smiled widely as she planted a soft kiss on Camila's forehead, just between her eyebrows.

"I wouldn't stop you but I think it's time to talk to Junior," Lauren said.

Camila nodded as she covered the gap and buried her face in Lauren's neck, "I know," she said mumbling.

~

Lauren drove Camila back to house and frowned when she saw who was waiting by her front door. She was still slightly pissed that he punched her. She saw Camila tense up as they pulled up in front of the house. Lauren gave Camila a concern look and the latter gave her a small smile before she got out of the car. Lauren watched as Camila approached her porch to greet Carter Wesley Jr. Lauren got out of the car as she leaned against the vehicle. The two were arguing and the moment Carter raised his hand, Lauren rushed towards them and caught his wrist before it reached Camila's face.

"You got to be kidding me," Carter said as he yanked back his arm.

"Of all people.. Her?"

"Carter-"

"Shut your mouth, Karla," he snapped, "You don't get to call me that."

"It's Camila and you don't get to talk to her like that," Lauren spoke up as she got in between them.

"Get out of my way, Jauregui."

"Or what? You'll hit me? Then what? You'll hit her?" Lauren asked, "What kind of a man are you if you go around hitting girls? Physically."

Carter gritted his teeth before he backed off, "Y'know what? I don't need any of this. I'm glad that we're done," he spat as he stormed off.

"That went well," Lauren commented as she looked at Camila. The brunette rolled her eyes as she shook her head.

"Come on," Camila said as she took Lauren's hand and lead her in the house.

"Mom? Dad? Sofi? I'm home!" Camila called out and not long after, Camila's 8 year old sister ran down and hugged her sister.

"Kaki! I missed you!"

"I missed you too, Butterfly Queen," Camila said as she pulled Sofi away and bent down to hug her properly.

"Hi Lauren," Sofi greeted with a smile.

"Hey Sofi," Lauren said as she kissed the young girl's cheeks. Sofi giggled.

"Where's mom and dad?"

"Mom's in the living room and dad's at work," Sofi said.

"If mom asks, I'll be in my room, okay?"

"Okay," Sofi said with a smile. Camila smiled warmly at her sister as she kissed the top of her head before making her way to her room. When they walked in, Lauren noticed that the room was strangely bigger since the last time she was there and there were a few big boxes here and there.

"You moving or something?" Lauren asked as she opened on of the boxes to find it filled with books.

"Something like that," Camila said as she opened up the window to let some air in before approaching the dark haired girl, "It's for college."

"You're gonna bring all of this?" Lauren said with raised eyebrows, gesturing to the books. There was probably two dozen books in there.

"Well... Yeah," Camila said. Lauren shook her head as she smiled, "You're such a dork."

"Have you decided where to go yet?" Camila asked.

Lauren let out a sigh, "No."

"I don't want to," she said.

"Lauren-"

"No, I know, Camila," she said, cutting her off, "But I don't want to choose because then it'll be real and then I won't be able to see you."

Camila gave her a sad smile as she walked over and interlace her fingers with Lauren's as she held her hand.

"No one said that this was going to be easy," Camila pointed out, "But it'll be okay. We'll be okay," she said.

"How can you be sure?"

"I'm not," she said, "But I have faith."

Lauren took Camila's other hand and interlock their fingers together as she let out a sigh, "I really hope you're right cause I don't want to lose you," she said.

"I just got you and I intend to keep you," Lauren said softly.

Camila smiled, "You're not getting rid of me that easily, Jauregui," she said with a wink, which made Lauren's heart flutter.

"You know, I can't help but notice the girls looking over at us this morning. What are we gonna tell 'em?"

"That you're my girlfriend and I'm yours?"

Lauren gave her a toothy grin, "I like the sound of that, girlfriend."

"Me too."

"Hey um... I uh.. I got you something," Lauren said.

"What is it?"

"Well, it's a going away present for when you go to college and I sort of got it before senior year started and I kinda wanted to give it to you during prom but then we didn't go and-"

"Lauren!" Camila giggled at the rambling girl. Lauren gave a sheepish laugh as she reached into her jacket and pulled out a beautiful silver, steel chained necklace with a ring in between it. Camila recognized the ring immediately. It was Lauren's favorite ring.

"Something to remember me by," Lauren said, "I thought that maybe if you look at it, you'll think of me."

Camila looked at her with tear filled eyes, "It's beautiful," she said.

"Help me put it on?"

"Yeah."

Lauren opened the necklace as Camila turned around and held up her hair. Lauren gently put the necklace around Camila's neck and smiled to herself. Camila turned and gave Lauren a kiss on the cheek.

"Thank you," she said.

"We'll make it work," Lauren said and Camila nodded in agreement before the two hugged each other.

~

The girls only have a few more days. Between packing and getting ready for the move, there wasn't much time left. Camila was set on going to NYU but Lauren still had no idea where she wanted to go. She didn't even know what she wanted to do with her life.

One day, Camila walked into Lauren's room to find the older girl painting. Camila walked over and rested her chin on Lauren's shoulder as she looked at the canvas before them.

"You're really good," Camila spoke up as she looked at the painting.

"Thanks, Camz."

"Have you ever thought about applying for an arts school?" Camila asked.

"I have and I did. At NYU," Lauren said.

"And?"

"I'm on a very long waiting list and I don't think they're gonna let me in anytime soon," Lauren said.

"But-"

"It's too late, Camila," Lauren said, "But I'll think of something," she said.

Camila bit her lip as she looked at her girlfriend.

"What?"

"Let's go somewhere," Camila said shyly.

"Where?"

The brunette shrugged, "I don't know. Anywhere. Let's just get out of here."

"Now?" Lauren asked with a surprised smile.

"Yeah," Camila said as she wrapped her arms around Lauren's neck and smiled, "Let's just do it."

"Looks like we're going on a trip," Lauren said.

"Lauren if you dare sing that Little Einstein song, I'm gonna slap you," Camila warned as she pulled away and Lauren chuckled as she cupped Camila's face before planting a soft kiss on her lips.

"I love you," she said.

"I know," Camila said as she wrapped her arms around Lauren's waist, "And in case you don't know, I love you too."

~

Lauren Jauregui drove the car as she held her girlfriend's hand. Camila smiled as Jason Mraz's Lucky featuring Colbie Caillat came on the radio. Lauren knew by that smile that Camila wanted her to sing. Her wish was Lauren's command.

Do you hear me, I'm talking to youAcross the water across the deep blue oceanUnder the open sky, oh my, baby I'm trying

Camila smiled as she sang Colbie's part.

Boy, I hear you in my dreamsI feel your whisper across the seaI keep you with me in my heartYou make it easier when life gets hard

Lauren kissed the back of Camila's hand as she joined in.

Lucky I'm in love with my best friendLucky to have been where I have beenLucky to be coming home againOoohh ooooh oooh oooh ooh ooh ooh ooh

True to those words, Lauren was hopelessly in love with her best friend and for a long time, she was happy. She was genuinely happy. Camila makes her happy. She had loved the brunette since she first saw her on the first day of Freshmen year. As time went by, her feelings grew and Lauren was over the moon when Camila returned the feeling.

"What are you smiling about?" Camila giggled.

"I'm so lucky to have you," Lauren said.

"You're such a cheeseball," Camila said as she looked away, blushing.

"But I'm yours," Lauren said.

Camila smiled shyly before she looked up and met her gaze, "Yeah," she said as she brought their hands up and kissed the back of it.

The two girls ended up in some random motel but they wouldn't have it any other way. It was just the two of them and that was all that mattered.

Lauren was lying on her stomach as she switched the channels on the tv, and apparently there was nothing on tv. She saw Camila walk out of the bathroom wearing only a bathrobe. Lauren's jaw dropped as she stared at her girlfriend.

"What did I do to be so lucky to have you?" Lauren asked as Camila slowly climbed onto the bed and spun Lauren around so that she was on her back before straddling her. Lauren tried to sit up but Camila pushed her back down by her shoulder. The brunette smirked as she leaned in and started kissing Lauren's jawline.

"Camila," Lauren breathed, "Are you-"

Camila cut her off by capturing her lips with her own in a hungry kiss. When she pulled away, Lauren knew her answer. She sat up slowly as she ran her hands on Camila's thighs. The brunette smiled as she brushed her thumb across Lauren's bottom lip before leaning in and giving her a long kiss. Lauren pulled her in closer as she deepened the kiss. Lauren pulled away and began kissing Camila's jawline before making her way to her neck. Camila closed her eyes as breathed out. She ran her fingers through Lauren's hair and let out a small moan as Lauren began sucking on her skin. The younger girl gasped when Lauren hit her sensitive spot. Lauren began trailing kisses down to Camila's chest. Camila pulled away and looked at her girlfriend and saw the desire in her eyes.

Camila and Lauren repositioned so that Camila was lying on her back and Lauren was on top of her and they were holding each other's gaze as they did that. Lauren smiled as she leaned down and kissed Camila's lips.

~

Lauren and Camila were lying on the bed, Camila was lying on Lauren's chest, listening to her heartbeat as Lauren wrapped her arm around her and pulled her in closer. They were on cloud nine after what just happened. Both of them has never been more in love with the other and they both know it. Lauren was glad that Camila suggested to get away. After all, there was only three days left of summer. Lauren wished that time would stop or just slow down because she didn't want things to change just when it was perfect.

The two girls drove back the next morning and decided that the second last day of summer should be spent with family and friends. So on the drive back, Camila made a few calls and planned an impromptu barbecue at her place.

~

"WHAT?!" Lauren and Camila backed away as Dinah exclaimed at them.

"YOU TWO ARE TOGETHER AND YOU DIDN'T TELL US TIL NOW?!?"

"Sorry?" Lauren said sheepishly.

"AND YOU TWO KNEW ABOUT IT?!" Dinah asked Normani and Ally.

"We didn't know, I swear," Ally said.

"But we had a hunch and it was pretty obvious that they had something. I'm just surprised that it took them this long," Normani said.

"You should've told me, dumbass!" Dinah said as she slapped Lauren's arm.

"Ow!" Lauren exclaimed while giggling.

"You too, Walz," Dinah said as she slapped Camila's arm.

"I'm Captain of the Camren ship! And I should've been the first to know," Dinah said.

"Well, I'm sorry! I didn't want you to feel bad for being single," Lauren said and she immediately regretted it.

"Shit!" she exclaimed as she started running. Dinah chased after her around the house, screaming her name while Camila, Ally and Normani laughed as they watched them. Dinah never fails to bring out people's inner child.

After a while, the two girls grew tired from running and decided to call it a truce. Lauren chuckled tiredly as Dinah pulled her into a hug. After they pulled away, Lauren walked back to her girlfriend. Camila sat on an armchair and she smiled when she saw Lauren approach her.

"Hi," Camila said.

"Hi baby," Lauren greeted as she gave her a kiss on the lips before sitting on one of the arm rest.

Lauren saw her family had arrived and smiled. She waved at them before she turned her attention to Camila.

"Is this what you've always wanted?"

"Yeah," Camila said, "And more," she added as she held Lauren's hands.

"Lauren."

The green eyed girl to see her father, Mike Jauregui approaching her with two red cups of soda. The two girls thanked him with a warm smile before he left to mend the grill. Lauren watched as her family and her friends talked among each other. Everyone was having a great time, laughing, joking about and telling stories. Lauren had a proud smile on her face. When she turned to her girlfriend, her smile widened when she saw a similar smile on the brown eyed brunette's face. Camila looked at Lauren and raised her eyebrows. Lauren leaned in and whispered in Camila's ear. The brunette smiled as she blushed.

"Dinner's served!" Camila's father, Alejandro Cabello said as he placed the food on the table. Everyone gathered around the table happily. Lauren and Camila stood up and smiled at their loved ones.

"To family," Lauren said and everyone raised their cups and bottles of beverages. There wasn't much that was said but then again, not much was needed to be said.

After dinner, Lauren sat around the bonfire with her girlfriend and three friends. Everyone else had moved the 'party' to the living room.

"Things are gonna change," Lauren spoke up after a while.

"Yeah."

"It's kinda crazy to think that this is probably the last time we'll ever be together," Lauren said.

Everyone just nodded silently as they listened on.

"4 years flew by so fast and I still remember when I first met you dorks," Lauren said as she teared up.

~

Lauren looked at the building in front of her and took a deep breath before she made her way to the double door entrance of the school. The moment she walked in, she was momentarily frozen when she saw the hallways packed with students. Lauren took a deep breath before she headed for orientation.

Lauren was walking at the back alone when she noticed a brunette with her head down, walking shyly just beside her. Lauren tapped her shoulder and she almost laughed when the girl jumped.

"I didn't mean to scare you," Lauren said.

"It's okay."

"I'm Lauren," she said with a friendly smile. The brunette gave her a shy smile and Lauren felt her heart flutter. She was probably the cutest thing she's ever seen.

"I'm Camila."

~

"LAUREN!!"

The green eyed girl turned and smiled when she saw her new friend running towards her.

"What's up?"

"I want you to meet someone!" Camila said excitedly as she held Lauren's hand and lead her to the other side of the room.

"Lauren, this is Dinah Jane Hansen. Dinah, this is Lauren Jauregui."

"Hi," Lauren said with a smile and a nod.

"It's nice to meet you," Dinah said, "I'm Dinah. People call me Dmac."

Lauren gave her a look as she raised her eyebrows, "No, they don't."

"Can't a girl dream?"

Lauren chuckled. Lauren liked her already.

~

"Psst."

Lauren turned to her left and saw a dark haired girl with medium length hair leaning towards her.

"Do you have a pencil?"

Lauren smiled as she handed the girl her extra pencil. The girl thanked her and smiled.

"I'm Normani."

"Lauren."

"I can tell we'll be fast friends," Normani said. Lauren nodded in agreement before she looked back to focus on the lesson.

~

Lauren, Camila, Normani and Dinah sat at a table in the cafeteria and saw a petite girl approach them and sat down next to Dinah.

"Guys, this is short stack Ally," Dinah introduced them with a mouthful of food. Lauren chuckled.

"I'm Lauren," she said.

"Ally," the girl said with a bright smile.

Lauren couldn't help but smile back. The girl radiated positivity and it was hard to not smile around her.

~

"High school was... Hell," Lauren said and the other chuckled lightly.

"But you guys made it better. Without you guys... I don't know where I'd be," Lauren said as her tears escaped her eyes. Camila reached out and held Lauren's hand and gave it a light squeeze.

"I love you guys," Lauren said, "And no matter what happens... I'll always remember you.. And I'll always remember this moment."

"You girls easily became my family since day 1," Dinah spoke.

"I know I joke around a lot but I really love you girls. You guys are my sisters and you've been there for me and I'll always be grateful for that."

"Oh god, I'm gonna cry," Ally said as she wiped the tears from her eyes. The girls laughed sadly.

"I've never had this before," Camila spoke, "I've never had friends before you guys. These past few years... Have been the best years of my life and it's thanks to you guys," she said.

Lauren raised her cup, "Here's to us."

The girls raised their cups and for a long time, no one said anything. Camila suddenly stood up and left. Everyone grew confused but then Camila came back with a guitar in hand.

"One last song," Camila said before she started playing the familiar chords. The girls smiled at each other as Normani started to sing.

I remember years ago Someone told me I should take Caution when it comes to love I did, I did

And you were strong and I was notMy illusion, my mistakeI was careless, I forgotI did

Lauren stared at the fire as she sang.

And now when all is doneThere is nothing to sayYou have gone and so effortlesslyYou have wonYou can go ahead tell them

Tell them all I know nowShout it from the roof topsWrite it on the sky lineAll we had is gone now

Ally took over.

Tell them I was happyAnd my heart is brokenAll my scars are openTell them what I hoped would beImpossible, impossibleImpossible, impossible

Camila took her turn.

I remember years agoSomeone told me I should takeCaution when it comes to loveI did

Tell them all I know nowShout it from the roof topsWrite it on the sky lineAll we had is gone now

Dinah sang the last part.

Tell them I was happyAnd my heart is brokenAll my scars are openTell them what I hoped would beImpossible, impossibleImpossible, impossibleImpossible, impossibleImpossible, impossible

The girls exchanged looks with each other as the song ended.

"This is forever," Lauren said as the all stood up and gave each other a group hug.

~

HEYO!! So a lot of you wanted me to continue and I did (even though I kinda think the ending for Chapter 5 was pretty beautiful) so anyways, it's like 1 AM here and I just finished writing this chapter. I'm sleepy and I apologize for any mistakes.

It took longer than expected because something happened this morning, it was really sad but I don't want to get into it so anyways, as always tell me what you think! Also, feel free to tell me any suggestions you have in the comments (I read them all) or you can tweet me! (Please tweet me, I love talking to you people)

As always, love yourself, be kind to one another and have a beautiful day.

- Shahirah (LauserCabello on twitter)

P.S A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO SUNSHINE ALLY BROOKE HERNANDEZ!! OMG 22 GUYS!!