CAMILA’S HOME
Camila sat on the kitchen table, looking at baby pictures of Chrystal. She didn’t even realize she’s crying until a tear fell on the last picture she held. She sniffed, cleaning her face. She really regrets leaving her baby girl.
She has no excuse at all and deserves all she’s getting from Chrystal now. It’s been days and nothing has changed. Chrystal still threats her like a stranger and that’s never going to change as far as she’s concerned.
She thought going to court would make things easier since she knew that Brian would never even allow her see Chrystal without the court orders.
She sighed, covering her face with her palms.
“I don’t deserve to be called a mother.” She cried.
Chrystal passed by the kitchen but stopped when she heard sobs. She moved back and saw Camila crying like a baby.
She frowned wondering what’s wrong.
“Why am i even bothered, I don’t care if she’s hurting or not. She did this to herself.” She said within and passed by the kitchen.
She went into the living room, falling on the couch. She brought out her phone, dialing Brianna’s line as she knew she wouldn’t reach her dad by this time.
She called the second time when Brianna didn’t pick but still no response so she just dropped it and got off the couch.
For some reason she was feeling uncomfortable Knowing that Camila is probably crying because of her. She got to the kitchen and the woman is still crying.
“I didn’t know you’re such a cry baby.” She said and Camila stopped immediately, wiping her eyes.
“I wasn’t crying, I had something in my eyes.” Camila sniffed.
Chrystal rolled her eyes, entering the kitchen. She spotted the pictures on the counter and frowned.
“Is there any step sibling or siblings I should know of?” She asked folding her arms across her chest.
Camila didn’t look at her so she didn’t know she’s referring to the pictures on the counter.
“Look Chrystal, it’s obvious you h@të me-”
“Finally, you’re coming to an understanding with me.” Chrystal cut her off.
“I only wanted to make things up by bringing you here-”
“Which is obviously not working.” Chrystal cut her off again.
Camila got off the seat angrily.
“Look here! I f*cked up! I f*cking messed up okay! And nothing I do or say will ever change that so there’s no need keeping you here. You can go! You’re free to go back to your father and stay with him. I’m done!” Camila yelled not minding if the tears were coming out or not. She’s had enough already. The guilt is just eating her up.
Chrystal paused, looking at Camila to be sure she heard right.
“You’re saying I can go back home?” She asked again with widened eyes.
“Yes, go on. You didn’t come with anything so you can just leave. I can’t take this anymore.” Camila said ruffling her hair.
Chrystal frowned, biting her buttom lip.
“That was fast. I actually thought I would have to torment you for years before you let me go. Too bad.” She sighed looking at Camila’s face again.
She’s still crying.
“This is what you want right, go already.” Camila said wiping her face even though the tears won’t stop coming out.
Chrystal sighed walking out of the kitchen. Camila sat back on the seat, crying harder. She stopped the moment Chrystal came back inside.
“On a second thought, I’m not going yet. I think I’m not done making you pay for abandoning me.” Chrystal smirked. She was actually starting to enjoy tormenting her that she just felt I’d be boring to return home.
“What?” Camila asked feeling perplexed.
“I said I’m not going. You wanted me here, you’ve got me.” She replied looking at the pictures again.
Camila followed her line of sight and smiled sadly.
“Those are your baby pictures.” She said picking up one of Chrystal in a pink fairly dress. It’s her third birthday party.
“Your dad had sent me photos of you for three years until he finally stopped. He thought it would make me change my mind and come back-”
“But it didn’t.” Chrystal cut her off.
“Chrystal I’m really sorry. No amount of apology can justify a mother abandoning her child and it’s okay if you h@të me.” Camila said and the tears started falling again.
Chrystal didn’t understand why this woman’s tears had an effect on her. She doesn’t love her or anything since she’s typically a stranger to her but that doesn’t change the fact that she gave birth to her.
“No need wasting your tears now. I’ve not even started making you regret it yet so save your tears for later.” Chrystal said dryly, picking up the pictures.
Camila smiled sadly.
“So this is what I looked like as a kid? Dad doesn’t show me these pictures often.” She said, looking at them one after the other.
“I also have your one month pictures in my room if you like to see them.” Camila said smiling slightly.
“Dont think I’m going to be nice to you just because I decided to stay.” Chrystal frowned, dropping the pictures and walking out of the room.
Camila smiled, picking up the pictures. This is the first time she’s actually had a conversation without argument with Chrystal. Things might actually change.
Chrystal got back to the living room to pick her phone. She smiled knowing that Camila isn’t crying again.
Nothing can ever make a child h@të her mother no matter how angry they may seem.
She turned her phone on and saw missed calls from Brianna. She called back immediately.
†
NEXT DAY
SALVATORE ACADEMY
Fabiola poked her head out watching the hallway. She’s been stalking Shaun to get a perfect time to talk to him. Seb had threatened not to speak to her if she doesn’t apologize.
She saw him closing his locker and immediately rushed to him.
“Hi!” She said smiling excitedly and that startled Shaun a bit.
“What the heck Fabiola!” Shaun yelled, picking up his fallen books.
“Sorry. So how are you doing today Shaun?” She asked smiling sheepishly.
Shaun frowned at her.
“If this is because of your phone then here.” He said opening his locker again. He brought out a brown bag, handing it to her.
Fabiola opened the bag and saw a phone pack. She looked up and saw Shaun had already walked off.
“Hey!” She yelled running after him.
She grabbed his shirt and he waved his hand back with force in an attempt to free himself from her hold but it ended up hitting her face and she fell.
Shaun immediately rushed to her, feeling so sorry.
“I.. I’m sorry I didn’t mean to.” He said dropping his book on the floor and trying to help her up.
Fabiola held her burning cheek, trying to hold back the tears that were threatening to come out.
“I’m so sorry Fabiola, I didn’t mean it I swear.” Shaun said, removing her hand from her cheek. The place had already turned red and he knew if Sebastian should see this, he would definitely come for him.
“I only wanted to apologize for pouring my juice on you.” Fabiola said sniffing. She’s a cry baby and any small thing can make her cry.
“Sh|t your boyfriend is gonna kill me.” Shaun said helping her stand up.
“Boyfriend? I don’t have a boyfriend.” Fabiola frowned.
“Seb isn’t your boyfriend?” Shaun tilted his head.
“Baby? He’s my brother. Are you always this rude to people?” Fabiola frowned.
Shaun chuckled rubbing the back of his neck. Now that she’s mentioned it, they do look alike a bit.
“I’m sorry I hit you and no I’m not rude. I’m just going through a lot right now.” Shaun said picking up his books.
“Hmm, well can I help. As a thank you for the phone?” Fabiola smiled. Now she has two new phones all to herself…wait?
“I don’t have to return the old one to you right?” She raised a brow.
“Its all yours.” Shaun smiled walking away.
“Hey wait up.” Fabiola called walking to him.
“I’m a good therapist you know. I give good advice.” She said raising her chin high.
“Really? How do you advise a person that’s in love with his best friend?” Shaun chuckled but Fabiola stopped walking, making him turn back.
“Natasha! I knew there was something the first day you introduced me to her. You’re in love with her!” Fabiola grinned.
Shaun rolled his eyes, walking away. That was only supposed to be a joke question.
“So, have you told her how you feel?” Fabiola asked, following him.
“She doesn’t feel the same. She’s in love..more like obsessed with someone else.” Shaun rolled his eyes. Telling her that someone is her brother is of no use.
“I think Natasha cares about you. She just needs to figure it out for herself.” Fabiola smiled.
Shaun halted facing her.
“And when will that happen, after I grow old and die of heart attack?” He frowned.
“Yes and no.” Fabiola smiled.
“Stop smiling and just talk already if you have something important that can help me.” Shaun begged.
“I think you need to make her miss your presence. Show her that you’re better still without her and she’ll come crawling to you. It’s a tested and trusted idea.”
“I can’t do that. Natasha doesn’t have much friends. I can’t possibly start avoiding her as well.” Shaun sighed running a finger through his hair.
Fabiola bit her lips slightly noticing how cute he is.
“That is not what I mean. I’m saying you should give other girls more attention too or just get a fake girlfriend.”
“And who would agree to be my fake girlfriend. It won’t work.” Shaun said turning around to leave but then paused. He smiled, turning back at Fabiola.
“Unless…” He dragged.
“Unless what?” Fabiola frowned.
“Will you be my fake girlfriend?”
.
TBC
