#oh gosh I’m going to have to email my grandmother photos now

[simplyghosting]

My reaction every time an apple device says photos can’t be delivered to an android device

[5hfanfiction]

A Summer Away - Chapter Five

The sound of the phone ringing on the other side of the receiver met her ear.

“Walz!”

Camila smiled at the sound of Dinah’s voice, but not before tearing the phone away from her ear at the loudness of her best friend’s scream.

“Hey, how is it going?”

“I freaking miss you!” Dinah exclaimed. “Besides that, nothing. I swear, things got a lot more boring here once you left.”

Camila couldn’t help but smile. “Oh, I’m sure that is not the case. You just have to go out more! How’s work?”

“Eh, it’s work. Going out every day, capturing new photos of things here and there for the gallery, publishing works in the magazine. The normal everyday shit.” Dinah explained. “But the question is; how is everything going with you? How is Ohio?”

“It’s great down here. Grandma is doing well, Lauren is wonderful, and there is this new horse. Oh my gosh, Dinah. He is so beautiful!” Camila screamed excitedly into the phone.

“Hmm great. The horse is good looking.” Dinah said with an uninterested tone, which made Camila roll her eyes. Dinah was never one to be with the horses. “Now, what was that before you talked about the horse?”

Camila paused and cursed herself. She thought she would be able to get away with it but Dinah was always catching onto things like that.

“Something about a Lauren?” Dinah questioned. “Who is Lauren?”

“Just someone that works here as a stable hand.” She tried to say nonchalantly.

“Pretty wonderful though, right?” The Polynesian teased. After a moment of silence on both ends of the call, she started laughing. “Oh, how I love messing with you. Here’s the thing, I’m glad that you called because I’m hoping to come and visit you within the next few weeks. I’ll just have to work some things out with my boss before I make any set plans.”

Camila stood up, unable to contain her excitement. “Come here? To Ohio?”

“Well, duh. Where else, stupid?” Dinah teased. “I may even be able to convince them that it could possibly be for work.”

“How are you going to be able to do that?”

“I’ll just tell them it’s an opportunity to go out and see new places, which really isn’t a lie. I haven’t been to Ohio before. All I will have to do is get some good shots for the company and I’ll be golden. I may even be able to convince them to fund me for the trip.”

Camila chuckled, “You sly dog but very smart. Never thought you would have it in you.” She teased.

“Hey, you may be hundreds of miles away but I can still kick your ass!”

“I’d like to see you try.”

“Bet.” Dinah giggled out. “Hey, so how is the record label? Have you heard from management since you’ve been gone?”

“Yeah, Paul emailed me the other day.” Camila sighed. “It’s not going so well though. They are being difficult as always and not allowing me to have creative control on my music. Paul is fighting for it though.”

Dinah hummed into the phone.

“What?”

“Oh, nothing. I just got an idea.”

Camila sat up, “What is it?”

“The magazine can do an interview of you. I’m not a publisher but I can be the photographer while they can send in questions and you can answer them. It can clear up some of this mess you are in and plus you can explain a few things to the fans. It will keep your name talking, inform your fans of what you are planning to do, and plus it will be coverage for my job.” Dinah explained.

“You. Are. The. Best.” Camila pronounced each word clearly. “That is a pretty smart idea. Again, never thought you would have it in you.”

“Oh, that’s it!” Dinah yelled jokingly into the phone.

The two girls shared a laugh before Camila heard her best friend yawn into the receiver.

“Hey, so since you aren’t in a totally different time zone, you are completely aware that you are disrupting my beauty sleep, right?” Dinah said tiredly.

“Yeah, I apologize. You really need that.” Camila teased.

“Okay! I’ve had enough of your games! I’m going to beat-“

“Goodnight, Dinah! Love you!” Camila said quickly, before hanging up the phone. “You crazy asshole.”

*****

The next morning, Camila woke to the sun shining brightly from her window and onto her face. She groaned as she rolled over, turning on her phone that charged on the nightstand next to her bed frame.

7:27 am.

“It should be illegal to wake up to such early hours. It’s practically the middle of the night.” She muttered to herself as she rolled out of bed to get ready for the day.

It wasn’t like she didn’t wake up to such hours when she was touring and promoting her albums. In fact, she woke up some days even earlier. Then, she would have to factor in the jet lag and whichever time zone she was currently in into it. Especially, if she was traveling internationally.

It was just worse now that she’s sort of taking a break and it is like her body senses that and suddenly wants to shut down and catch up on all the hours of sleep she never got over the many years she has been in this industry thus far.

As she got ready, she checked her emails with the slight hope that she heard back from Paul about her label. Her shoulders sunk as she read through spam and some emails from friends and their labels asking to work together sometime in the future. She sighed as she had to turn down the offers, not knowing how things are going to turn out with her label and if she is going to get the opportunity to create her own songs she wishes for.

Walking down the stairs, she smelled the cooking of her favorite breakfast meal.

Pancakes.

She smiled at the thought of Lauren at the stove, wearing the slightly dirty white cooking apron, and cooking her most beloved breakfast dish in the world. Her stomach twisted in ways that were more than just the usual hunger feeling she got in the morning, or anytime for that matter.

As she walked into the kitchen and looked around, her smile faded.

Lauren wasn’t anywhere in sight. Instead, her grandmother was the one at the stove currently pouring some more batter into the pan. Next to her on the counter stood a large pile of pancakes on a massive dish, cooling down and ready to be eaten.

At the sound of her entrance, her grandmother looked up at the doorway and smiled when she saw her granddaughter awake and downstairs.

“Why good morning darling.” She smiled brightly. “I figured I would make breakfast this morning. I was in the cooking mood.”

“That’s wonderful grandma.” She said. “But, where is Lauren?”

The elder woman chuckled, “I figured you would ask that. She is down at the barn checking in on the new stallion real quick before breakfast.” She paused. “Why don’t you go down there and see what she’s up to? Try to hurry her up and get her butt down here before she goes off and starts training. Tell her it’s grandma’s orders to come in and get a good healthy breakfast before going off for the day.”

Camila chuckled, “Of course. I’ll go get her.”

She walked out onto the porch and was immediately met with a white range rover that hasn’t been there before. Her eyebrows furrowed at the new vehicle and wondered who’s it could be. Shrugging it off, for now, she quickened her step to the stables and once she heard voices by one of the barn doors, she smiled.

She was about to enter when she suddenly heard her name.

“I don’t believe it. The Camila Cabello is here? At these stables? Why?”

She stayed behind the barn door, hiding from being caught eavesdropping on a conversation she obviously wasn’t a part of. She became even more confused though as she didn’t recognize the voice that she heard.

“She is going through some things and her grandmother is my boss, so it just fits the picture.”

Lauren.

“And c'mon, have you really not realized that they share the same last name?” She questioned.

“Hey, there could’ve been no relation at all. ‘Cabello’ could be a common name.” She heard the voice again. It was soft and warm, almost calming.

“No.” She heard Lauren flat out say. “That wasn’t believable one bit.”

“Eh, I tried.” They shared a laugh before the calm voice spoke again. “So, when do I get to meet her?”

Camila froze in her spot as she thought about her next plan of action. Should she turn around and go back up towards the house or pop in and say hello? Her body shuddered at that second thought. She was never good with confrontations.

“Aren’t you coming in for breakfast? She should be awake by now and Ms. Cabello is probably almost done cooking. Knowing her, she’s probably wanting my ass in that house eating We can head up there now if you want.” Lauren offered.

Stepping back a few feet, she stood up straight and began walking towards the doors like she wasn’t there just a few seconds ago.

Lauren saw the movement out of the corner of her eye and looked up at the barn door, smiling at who she saw walk in.

“In fact, you can meet her now,” Lauren said, pointing to Camila as she gestured over to the woman standing next to her.

The stranger turned around briskly, making Camila look fully at who Lauren was talking with just moments prior.

The dark-skinned woman in front of her was lean, yet muscled in all the right areas. The jeans she wore were skin-tight, displaying her thick toned thighs and defined calves. On her feet, she wore brown cowboy boots with red designs which matched her red flannel she wore on top. Her dark hair was healthy and hung down the sides of her head which framed her flawless face perfectly. Her teeth dazzled brightly as she smiled at her while her warm chocolate eyes invited her in.

“Hi, I’m Normani.” She stuck out her hand to shake hers, which Camila took.

You can tell a lot about a person just from their handshake. A limp noodle seems to appear weak while an overbearing one makes one wonder why are you trying to overcompensate so much. Over the years of being in the industry, Camila has learned how to read a person’s handshake because of how many important meetings and people she has met, whether it be dealing with the label, a tour, or another representative. She has had her great deal of handshakes and this one was beyond stellar.

Normani kept eye contact as she had a firm, yet not too harsh grip on her hand. They shook for the few seconds all while keeping precise eyes contact. And smiling. Couldn’t forget the dazzling smile in front of her.

“I’m Camila. It’s nice to meet you Normani.”

Normani walked over to Lauren and swung her arm around her shoulders, “Lauren, here, told me all about you and how you are staying here for a few months.” The statement made Lauren’s cheeks turn a slight shade of pink as she tried to deny the fact that she really did tell her best friend all about the gorgeous pop star that was staying here.

“Now, as much as I would like to stay here and watch over my Lauren all the time, I’m working down at Ally’s diner a lot during the summer and don’t have time to make sure this one doesn’t get into any trouble.” Normani teased.

Camila smiled at the two and the type of relationship the two shared reminded her of what she has with Dinah.

“I get what you are trying to say,” Camila intervened, hoping to save some embarrassment for the poor stable hand. “I’ll keep an eye on her.”

“That would be very much appreciated. Can’t have my best friend running into all sorts of trouble while I can’t be here to be in the trouble with her. There’s no fun in that.”

The three girls shared a laugh while Lauren shrugged Normani off playfully.

“Lauren, I did come down here to tell you that Grandma is about finished making breakfast and that she wants you in there pronto eating a healthy delicious meal before starting your hard day’s work.” Camila playfully informed.

Lauren looked over towards Normani, “What did I say? Ms. Cabello always makes sure that I eat a good meal before I start working.”

The three girls left the stables and walked into the house. Normani greeted grandma which the elder woman was happy to see the young woman again and the four of them sat down at the table for breakfast.

“Thank you, Ms. Cabello, for this delicious meal. Your cooking is always on point.” Normani politely thanked.

“Of course. It’s no problem at all. In fact, it’s Camila’s favorite meal.” She pointed to her granddaughter that was sitting next to her. “I’m sure you heard of her staying with us for a few months this summer.”

Norman smiled. “Oh yes, I’ve heard all about it from Lauren right here.” She pointed to her best friend who was sitting next to her, now sporting red blushing cheeks. “She wouldn’t stop talking about her. Camila this. Camila that.”

The pop star giggled to herself as she saw Lauren mumble something underneath her breath at Normani, who laughed.

“You would really like my best friend, Dinah,” Camila spoke up. “I gotta get you to meet her. You and her are the same person.”

“Oh please don’t.” Lauren laughed. “Having Normani around here is enough strain.”

“I’m going to ignore that last comment and talk to someone who actually appreciates me.” Normani turned towards Camila with a big grin. “So, who is Dinah?”

“She’s my best friend and works as a photographer for an upcoming publishing agency in New York. She may be coming here to visit if that is okay with you grandma?” She turned to look at the older woman watching them from the end of the table.

“Of course that is alright with me. The more the merrier. Plus, I would like to meet this best friend of yours.”

“I think I know who you are talking about. I’ve seen her with you in a few news articles. The blonde, right? She’s beautiful.”

Lauren took this time to speak up, “Oh, I know what you are thinking. Don’t start dropping the panties. The girl isn’t even here yet!”

Camila spat out the milk she was drinking and coughed to prevent her from choking.

“Lauren!” Ms. Cabello yelled out surprised. “Let Normani meet her before he even starts thinking about that.”

This time Lauren had to prevent herself from choking as she couldn’t control her laughter. Normani couldn’t help but laugh either but didn’t stop herself from smacking Lauren on the arm.

“You asshole.” She got up from her seat and took her dishes to the sink to wash them. Once she finished, she came back still with a smile on her face and shaking her head. “I have to head into work but thank you, Ms. Cabello, for the delicious meal.”: She turned to look at Camila, “It was a pleasure meeting you and make sure you keep a hold on this one over here.” She pointed to a red-faced Lauren who was still holding in her laughter.

Camila chuckled. “Of course. I’ll try my best.”

Normani grabbed her phone and keys from the front table and with a final goodbye, she left. Shortly after, Lauren and Camila started cleaning up the breakfast mess as Ms. Cabello went to go tend to her garden out back.

Once they were finished, Lauren led to go finish the barn chores for that morning while Camila stayed back and decided to explore the house. Over the past week, she hasn’t been given the chance to and she’s been dying to know what is in this huge house.

She walked past the stairs and found her way into the dining room. Inside housed a larger table with chairs than the kitchen table they usually sit at for meals. On the walls, hung dozens of picture frames. Walking up to one, she looked at it.

It was her.

Years ago in the arms of her father. Her mother was right next to him, holding her stomach which was protruding out significantly. She was pregnant with Sofi at the time. Her grandmother and grandfather, who passed away years ago due to a heart attack stood next to her father.

Behind them, was the big white house she was in right now. They were right in the front yard.

She smiled at the picture before moving onto the next one.

It was her again. This time she was smiling brightly at whoever was taking the picture and holding the same small acoustic guitar she still had upstairs in her room. But in this picture, it looked brand new. It must have been when she first got it and what started her love of singing and writing music.

The next photo was of her and Sofi years ago at the Kids Choice Awards. Camila invited her to be her date and the little girl was thrilled. She held an orange blimp in one hand as she was kneeling down, kissing her little sister on the cheek. This was when she won Best New Artist and it was one of her first awards she ever won.

Her heart clenched at the thought of her sister. That’s it. Once she gets back into the groove of things with her career, she’s going to see a lot more of her. Things have to change and this was definitely one of them.

She went to go look at the other photos when something else caught her eye.

The piano.

Walking up towards it, she ran her hand on top of the wood. It was extremely dusty and looks like it hasn’t been played in years. She sat down on the bench and lifted the wooden fall board that protected the keys.

Sitting up and adjusting her hands, she hesitated. She hasn’t played in what seems like forever. The record label wasn’t too keen on her playing it. She wanted to get to the point of playing it onstage for performances and let the audience feel what she felt in her music but they didn’t like that.

It was the EDM tracks, the dancing, the outfits. All of that sells, according to the label and that is what she had to do. She didn’t have any other option and she hated it.

Her fingers rested on the keys lightly as she started playing a few notes from one of the songs she secretly wrote a long time ago. The piano was out of tune and some keys were broken but she kept playing and playing until a voice brought her back to reality.

“I was wondering when you were going to find it.”

Camila turned around at the voice that startled her.

Lauren.

She was leaning up against the doorway with crossed arms, watching her.

“It’s beautiful. Why didn’t you tell me about it?”

Lauren shrugged as she pushed herself off the wall and walked towards her.

“I wanted you to find it yourself. No one should force you to play. No one should force you to do anything really. If you wanted to play piano, I wanted you to find it and play it yourself. That’s what you should do.”

Camila looked up at her bewilderedly, catching the hints she was giving. “How did you know I was having trouble with my music?”

“Your grandma told me the other day. Yes, I would’ve rather heard it from you of course but it’s still important.”

Camila looked down. “Yeah, I know. It’s a huge mess.”

Lauren sat down next to her on the bench. “Do you want to talk about it?”

The younger girl shook her head, “Not right now.”

Lauren shrugged, “That’s fine. Talk when you want to talk.” She then turned her attention to the piano in front of her. “You may have heard it but it’s broken.”

Camila laughed, “Oh yeah definitely.”

“This old thing needs a little more than just a little TLC to get it playing again,” Lauren mentioned, rubbing the wood with her hand. She took her hand back and looked at the amount of dust that collected on her palm.

“And a nice good cleaning would do it some good too.” Lauren made a funny face which made the pop star giggle. Lauren gave her a charming smile, happy that she was able to make her laugh.

“You know,” Lauren started. “I have never played the piano.”

Camila looked over shocked, “Never?”

Lauren shook her head. “I always wanted to learn ever since a young age but never got around to it.”

Camila smiled, “I learned when I was young but I don’t do it much anymore.” She trailed off but suddenly an idea popped into her head. “Hey, why don’t I teach you?”

“Teach me?” Lauren asked confused. “To play the piano?”

Camila nodded her head excitedly as Lauren’s eyes got wide.

“Oh no, you don’t have to. I was just saying-“

“And I was just saying, that I can teach you! Well, once the piano gets fixed. It will be fun!” Camila interrupted with a smile on her face and a little pep in her step.

Lauren just looked at her. The way she explained it with the smile on her face and the excited demeanor she exhibited, she couldn’t say no.

“I guess so.” Lauren trailed off, making Camila even more excited that she already was. Lauren smiled at how happy she made the small brunette.

Suddenly, she stood up and offered her hand to Camila, to which the pop star looked confusingly at.

Lauren chuckled, “I just want to show you something.”

Camila grabbed onto the gentle hand and followed Lauren through the house and out the front door. As they were walking across the front lawn, Camila felt their fingers interlock which made her stomach erupt in numerous butterflies. She didn’t try to focus on that though as she was more worried about where Lauren was taking her.

“Here,” Lauren said as she stopped them right in front of the paddock holding the wild stallion.

Camila looked at her confused. “You brought me to the paddock?” She asked with a slightly teasing smile.

Lauren looked over, “There’s more. Look.” She pointed to the wild stallion who was peacefully grazing in the middle of the grassy field. “He’s calmed down.”

“Yeah,” Camila said slowly, still confused.

Lauren laughed at her expression, “I want to start training him-“

“That’s great!”

“-and I want you to help.” Lauren finished.

Camila froze. She didn’t know one thing about training a horse.

“But Lauren, I can’t do that. I’ve never trained a horse in my life.”

“So?” Lauren shrugged her shoulders. “Why not start now?”

Camila looked over at the black stallion that continued grazing. “But won’t it be dangerous?” She could’ve sworn she heard her grandmother say once for Lauren to be careful about training this one.

Lauren shrugged once again, “Yeah it could potentially be dangerous but I promise, I won’t let anything happen to you.” Her emerald eyes gazed deeply into her own, making it hard for Camila to look away. She thought about it for a moment and slowly nodded her head.

“I guess so,” Camila said slowly, making Lauren do a fist pump in the air. “When do we start?”

“Now.”

A/N: Chapter five is here! Sorry for the wait. I’m in NY for a family thing and haven’t gotten around to updating. Hope you guys liked it and if you have any comments, suggestions, etc. please let them be heard. Have a good day/night!

This can also be found on my wattpad: beyxnd-the-stars

- Sara