Welcome Home

Camila's POV

Everything seemed to be ready for Lauren's welcome home party. We kept it small. They girls invited their boyfriends. I took the liberty of inviting some of Lauren's close friends and debated whether or not I should invite Luis. I felt like inviting him was the right thing to do. After all him and Lauren were good friends before and after their relationship. But I was being sort of selfish on my part. And that part didn't want to invite him because I didn't want to relive that seen from the Vow when Rachael Mcadams is exposed to her ex and she falls back in love with him. But that's just me being paranoid. I took out my phone and hesitated to send the message.

"Mila? Why are you all thinky?" Dinah asked holding a box with a few more party supplies.

"I... I don't know if I should invite Luis to the party." I told her.

"Why?" She asked.

"Because he's probably still in love with Lauren and she doesn't remember him or us...and I just- I'm afraid that she might fall for him all over again." I told her a bit embarrassed.

"That's ridiculous, he's a good guy. I'm sure if you set your boundaries with him he will understand. And plus he knows Lauren's moved on."

"Yeah I know Dinah but she fell for him once and she can do it again." I reminded her.

"That's true chancho, but your the one she REALLY fell for once and she can do it again." She pointed out.

"Your right. I'm overthinking it." I said shaking my head. I pressed the sent button with no regrets.

"Now help me hang this streamer." She told me handing me a roll.

I grabbed it and began to hang it around the living room. After it was hung, we all stepped back to look at our work. It was nice. There were like a billion balloons hanging in a big net above us. And below the balloons was a sign that read 'Welcome home!' The rest of the living room walls were decorated with streamers, lanterns and pictures of memories we've shared with her. The kitchen was full of tasty snacks that included chips, pizza, Chinese food, soda and cake. The pizza was my idea. We also had a stereo set up with all of Lauren's favorite tracks ready to play. Lastly, also my idea, we organized a short girls flick night with all of Lauren's movie favs. And by short I mean not an all nighter, since Lauren is still probably tired from everything.

"This looks awesome." Mani smiled.

"Yup she's gonna love it." Ally added.

"I can't wait to see the smile on her face." I smiled.

"I know, I hope she gets so happy she stands up and kisses you." Ally said.

I looked at her. "Two problems, one she probably can't stand up. Two she's not gonna want to kiss me, yet."

"Mmmhmm. Yet." Ally giggled.

"What?" I asked confused.

"You know..." Mani winked.

"No. What?" I asked.

"We saw what you did back there at the hospital." Dinah wrapped her arms around herself. "Lauren's arms were wrapped around you as she slept peacefully on your chest."

"You then got up. And chastly kissed her, it was both bitter and sweet." Mani added.

"Lastly, you kissed her right temple letting your lips linger there longer than they should have." Ally finished teasing me.

I crossed my arms and pouted. " I can't believe you guys saw that you guys are such snoopers and eavesdroppers!"

"Hey were not eavesdroppers, we just happen to stumble upon certain situations." Mani defended her self.

"True that." Ally added high fiving Mani.

Dinah laughed. "Hey, I just happen to stumble upon that certain situation. And All the other times, I have eavesdropped." She unashamed fully admitted.

I shook my head. "God you girls."I looked at the time on the wall clock. It was time.

"Guys it's time." I told them.

"Alrightie your the only one coming right Mila?" Ally asked grabbing her keys off the counter.

"Yup." I said popping the p.

"Okay then let's go."

🏥🚗💨🚗💨🚗💨🚗💨🚗💨🚗

When we got to the hospital Lauren was in the front, waiting patiently in a wheel chair. Accompanied by the nurse who was beside her reading a book.Lauren's head bandages were removed, revealing her beautiful wavy hair(She was make up less). The bruises covering her body were still visible and now a deeper shade of purple. Her cuts were also visible, but closed up. She looked all little drained with bags under her eyes and dilated pupils. She smiled faintly when she saw me. I didn't care if she looked dead, I thought she never looked more beautiful. I smiled back at her. We walked up to her and thanked the nurse. She smiled and left us with her.

She smiled timidly at us as if she felt embarrassed. I assumed it was because of her appearance. She looked down, hiding from us. I did what my heart told me to do. I put my index finger on her chin and lifted her head up to look at me."Hey there beautiful, you ready?" I gently smiled.

She smiled in response to my touch and compliment. "Yeah..." She said in a tired raspy voice.

I pushed her to our car and we gently put her in. I sat in the back seat with her just to be cautious. Ally drove the whole way hiding a smile, ever since she noticed that Lauren had laid down and fallen asleep on my lap. I gently stroked her hair throughout the whole car ride.

When we got home, we placed Lauren in her wheel chair. I then pushed her in as Ally opened the front door.

"Oh yeah by the way Lauren," She stopped us." The label bought us this beach house. It's pretty sweet." Ally smiled.

"Cool." Lauren said.

As we entered Dinah pulled the rope to the ballon net. They fell down at a perfect speed over our heads. Then Mani and a few of Lauren's friends pulled confetti crackers to enhance the moment.

"WELCOME HOME!" Everyone yelled.

Lauren wore a huge cheeky smile. She was surprised, happy and excited. Her smile...oh.

I gently stroked her shoulder. I was so happy for her. I loved the look on her face, it was definitely worth it.

"Aww thanks guys!" She said with a huge smile.

"Of course." I told her squeezing her shoulder.

"So let's get this partay started!" Dinah said pushing the play button on the stereo.

Everyone stood in a line to hug Lauren. I of course unnecessarily got in it, just for the the fun of it.I made my way to the end of the line noticing Luis was two people ahead of me. I glared at him as he turned to look at me.

"Hey Camila, thank you for inviting me." He smiled.

"No problem." I lied.

He looked back as the line advanced.

When it came to his turn I watched Lauren's reaction closely. She smiled. "Luis! I haven't seen you in so long! I think..."

"Yeah it's been a few weeks." He shrugged then came into her hug. She smelled him.

Ugh you only smell me!

"Your wearing what I got you for Christmas last year?"She asked.

"Yeah. Actually I've come to grow in your weird sense on smell, it's pretty good." He said smelling his shirt.

Weird sense of smell then what they heck do I smell like to her?

She playfully punched his arm. "Yeah. Yeah." Their eyes met. "So I have to hug someone else now." She said avoiding his eye contact. "But...we can catch up later?"

I felt my blood boil. No Lauren!

"Uh, we'll see Lauren." He said glancing at me." It was nice seeing you again. I actually have to go now." He said looking at his watch. "I'm glad your back and better. See you around?"

I imaginarily fist pumped.

"Yeah..." Lauren smiled sadly.

No!Don't be sad Lauren. I'll take you out somewhere. Wait I can't grr.

The next person went up to hug her. It was a quick "hello, glad your back." Thanks." Then it was my turn.

I smiled and threw my hands out as I jumped in front of her. "Omg Lauren! I haven't seen you in a second!"

She laughed at my weirdness. She then reached out her hand to hold mine. "Oh Camz. Just hug me already."She said pulling me in for a hug. She dug her face into my neck as I rested my head on her shoulder. I felt it, the sparks. My body started to tingle all over. Lauren. Lauren. Lauren. She's hugging me. She smells so good, even considering the fact that she hasn't bathed in a few days. Shit. Camila don't be a creep. May day. abort mission. Back AWAY NOW. I began to depart from the hug, when she pulled me back and hung on a little longer.

Wha-? She's really hugging me right now. Omg this feels so good to be in her arms again...

"Sorry. I don't know why- I " She said starting to depart. I kissed her cheek quickly, uncertain if it was wrong or not. I then put my hand on her shoulder and said. "It's okay." I smiled and stepped aside, out of the way of the future huggers.

I felt my body start to tremble from excitement. The fact that she wanted to hug me for a little while longer made my heart flutter, do back flips, write poetry or pump more blood or whatever the heck hearts do. I wanted to scream like a horny teenager who just got their first kiss. I mean it was just a hug but omg she didn't want to let me go! Keep it cool Camila. Calm down. I took a deep breath. I walked over to the couch and sat down next to the girls. I turned to look at their grinning faces.

"Oh my god guys did you see that!" I whispered as low as I could.

"Yeah. Mila that was cute." Mani said.

"It was as if the real Lauren was back and she didn't want to let me go." I smiled like an idiot.

"Yeah. I feel like subconsciously she might be in there." Ally added.

"Why though? I haven't even tried anything." I said realizing that the only thing I've done was be her friend.

"Maybe just being you is working for now. After all she did fall for the Camila who was oblivious, a dork, weird, awkward,funny and more weird. Wait. Why did she fall for you again?" Dinah joked.

I pouted. "Seriously."

"Yeah seriously Mila, just be yourself, it seems to be working. And your sort of not even trying! Literately." Dinah said.

"I feel like that's not enough. She started to fall for me after the kiss right?" I asked.

"Yeah apparently. but it took her a few days to sort out her feelings. but I think this Lauren doesn't need to do all that sorting." Dinah stated.

"What do you mean?" I asked her.

"You guys already have some sort of connection that draws out the old Lo from this new oblivious one. So what I'm saying is that I think once she starts to feel like she likes you, even if it's jus a little it will light up the whole Christmas tree and bring her emotions back for you." Dinah said.

"When did you become so wise?" Ally asked.

"Girl, try being the oldest sibling of a bunch of kids. You get wise after a while."

I thought about it, perhaps D was right. In some sort of way Lauren feels what I feel every time where around each other. And to her it seems confusing right now and she probably doesn't take it for more than a deeper love for me. But I don't know. I don't just want to kiss her and hope she'll remember her whole life. I want to take it slow, like she did with me. I rather take the less risky option of making her love me again and hoping throughout our journey she remembers. If not I'd Be okay with it, as long as id be included in her new journey. I pondered this topic for about two hours. The girls and I talked about what I thought I should do and we discussed different ways I could come about it. I only did it here in the open because I knew Lauren couldn't hear us. She was too giddy over there with her friends, Laughing and talking the whole time. The music was to my advantage, it was pretty loud and the stereo was closer to them making their hearing more impaired when it came to us who sat on the couch, almost a half a yard away from them. After the food and some cake, her friends went home. Leaving us to clean up the mess. we cleaned up a bit but left most of it for tomorrow because our movie night was yet to come. Ally pushed Lauren to the Couch. I walked beside them to help her sit.Then Ally lost her balance, dropping Lauren. I surprisingly, caught Lauren before she fell. She was wrapped in my arms with her eyes closed. I felt my heart beat hard against my chest as I felt her own against my body. She opened her eyes meeting mine. She blushed and began to breath harder. I felt her heart beat increase. I began to get lost into her green orbs and was literally an inch away from kissing her. I closed my eyes hard and propped her back up.

"Oh my god I'm so sorry Lauren!" Ally said with her hands covering her mouth.

LAUREN WAS PANTING. She shook her head. "It's okay."

I gently set her down on the couch.

I looked at Ally and she gave me a wink. I gave her a glare.

"Guys?" Lauren said.

"So the movies guys..." I totally ignored her. I walked over to the tv and turned it on.

I turned to face them. "What do you want to watch?" I said holding up a few of her favorite movies.

"Hmm..." She said squinting at the choices. "The vow I guess?"

THE VOW!? WHAT THE HECK? THAT WAS AN OPTION? I flipped the movies to look at them. How they fudge did that get in there?

"Sorry Lo I didn't even realize that was an option. " I said feeling slightly embarrassed b/c of her condition.

She lightly chuckled. "It's okay Camz, you don't have to pretend as if it didn't happen. It doesn't bother me. Put it on."

I felt my face flush. I hid my face behind the movies. Then I spun on my heel, approaching the DVD player.

I slipped in the movie regretting it almost after. I turned and walked to a seat as far from her. I didn't want her to see my cry if I did at all during this movie. Then to my sudden surprise Dinah and Mani ran to the only two other open seats. I felt my eye brow twitch in anger. I sighed and sat next to Lauren.

Throughout the first few minutes of the movie , I made sure to not watch. I looked at my phone through a bunch of camren stuff in my twitter feed. I was revisiting our memories through each picture. Then suddenly someone snatched my phone out of my grasp. "Hey-" I began to say but then realized it was Lauren.

I reached for my phone, fearing she'd see any of the posts. My posts to be more specific. She stretched out her arm high so I wouldn't be able to reach. I poted and crossed my arms.

"It's a movie night Camz, No phones allowed." She smirked.

I need it to distract me from the movie!

"LO, please not my phone." I almost pleaded.

She slid it into her pocket. "You'll live."

I grunted."Fine."

She chuckled at me.

I turned my attention to the movie. Bad idea.

It was the scene were Rachael had lost her memory and basically lost the love she had felt for Channing. I bit my lip as I felt tears start to rush down my face. Don't cry Camila. Please not in front of Lauren.

"Camz?" Lauren asked.

I stifled and wiped my tears. "I'm fine."

"Liar" She cooed. "Your such a sucker when it comes to unrequited love stories."

I took a deep breath. Chill camila. "Shut up." I playfully punched her.

I felt it again. The sparks. I met Lauren's stare. She furrowed her brows in confusion. Then suddenly under her blanket covering us she grabbed my hand and held it. Sparks. She looked at our hands over the blanket.

She's holding my hand! Why?!

I recovered quickly from the shock. Then I decided that now would be a good time to start. To Start being more flirtatious or as I call it pull Lauren moves. (It seemed like it was the right thing since it was what she had done to me.) I intwined our fingers, rubbing her hand with the pad of my thumb. She gasped and her cheeks blushed.

Am I doing it wrong? What's going on?!

Suddenly, her confused expression turned into a concerned on. She ignored it, I know this because seconds later I felt her head rest on my shoulder. Throughout her actions her breathing became uneasier by the second. She was confused, nervous and unconsciously in love. I let got of her hand and moved mine over to my lap. I didn't want her to feel uncomfortable any longer.

From the corner of my eye I saw her deep in thought confused expression turn into a frown. I then felt her hand feel for my hand on my lap. Her touch literally caused my back to arch with tingles running through my body. Then it ceased and calmed down to about a 7 when she grabbed my hand again, intwining our fingers."Jesus." I breathed. I heard her chuckle. Ugh, smooth Camila. Smooth.

I couldn't get over the fact that she wanted to hold my hand again? I don't understand. Who is holding my hand right now? subconscious Lauren or contusion Lauren? Errg. I wish I knew. But I had to admit. Whoever it was...no matter how hard I tried to ignore it... I couldn't be happier.