CAMP SILAS - Chapter 10: Talk It Out
A/N: Again, I'm so sorry for the late update! Hope you like this! Also, thank you to everyone who takes the time to review. I see you and I wanna give y'all a hug. Thank you~ On with the story, shall we?
The weekend goes by without so much of a problem. Laura spent most of her time inside the cabins to minimize the chances of bumping into Danny. Carmilla lent her a book on philosophy which she tried to read for at least two and a half hours until she decided to put it back on Carmilla's bed because, wow, those are deep and she doesn't really want to think about how one makes rational decisions within an irrational universe.
That was one of the easiest to understand though.
Carmilla, on the other hand, decided that she should be asleep 50% of the day. She'd be awake by noon. She and Laura talked during those times. Nothing personal on Carmilla's part, just casual discussions about the camp, the kids, their co-workers. Laura did tell her about her work back then and maybe shared a bit about her dad.
There was still that brief moment they had after their last duty - before Danny came to find Laura - that they haven't really talked about yet. Yes, they have established that they're comfortable around each other but Laura really wants to ask what Carmilla meant when she said there's something about her. Not that she's stressing over it.
Totally not stressing over it.
But it really wouldn't hurt to know.
When they did go out of the cabins to go to the mess hall though, Laura stuck close to her friends, doing her best to avoid Danny who seemed to have gotten her own set of friends now. The tall woman had always been a social butterfly so, she's not surprised.
Speaking of which, Laura realized that she only has one more duty with Danny for the rest of the summer. While Carmilla actually brought up the topic of changing schedules, Laura decided against it and says that she can handle it.
And again, she and Carmilla would go back to their cabin after wandering around. Laura suggested that the two of them should do the rounds together next week; to which Carmilla replied with: "I like that plan, cutie."
Before she knew it, it's Monday once again and Laura's up even before the bugle call wakes everyone from their sleep.
She did sleep at 9 PM sharp last night so she guesses waking up at 5:30 in the morning is just fine. Laura sits up from her bed, deciding that she should probably get dressed for duties today. After a full packed schedule last week, Laura's glad that she and Carmilla only have attendance sheet collecting and night round duties this week.
Laura stands up then heads straight to the bathroom to get ready.
The shower drain isn't full of hair for once. Looks like Carmilla cleaned it out without her knowing. She takes off her clothes and steps in the shower.
To say that she's not extremely glad that she can spend time with Carmilla a lot this week would be a huge lie. While Perry and LaFontaine are her best friends, she longs to connect with someone the way the two connect with each other. For some reason, she feels like she can have that with Carmilla…
… which really scares her because how can she have this much attachment to someone she knew for just nearly three weeks now? Laura, I swear you're an idiot at times. What baffles Laura the most is that she was sure Carmilla's the roommate from hell during their first few days in camp. How did it end up like this?
In her defense though, Carmilla is making it hard for Laura to not like her so much and she hates how Carmilla makes her feel like she reciprocates the feeling.
"You deserve the special treatment."
"There's something about you."
What does that even mean? She has pondered about this way too much but she haven't got a clue what her roommate meant by it. It doesn't help that the brunette speaks 80% sarcasm (okay, maybe 50% when it comes to her, Laura tells herself).
This isn't meant to happen but here she is, crushing hard on her roommate that she barely even knew while her ex-girlfriend is still chasing her around.
Maybe LaFontaine was right. It is highly possible that the only reason she believed that she was still in love with Danny the whole time before their breakup was because of normalcy. Truth be told, she was sick of how controlling Danny was and how she tends to decide for Laura; but the mindset that the tall redhead had always been like that had sunk in. Laura knew her that much that even though they argue about it a lot, she continued to forgive Danny at the end of the day.
Falling out of love is a sad thing, Laura tells herself. Everything that she had been doing out of the want and need to be together with the one she loves, loved, just became a routine - something she'd do because she got used to doing it. She'd say 'I love you' without even realizing that the meaning behind it has changed and; kiss her because she knew it's something couples do.
She really needs to sort this out with Danny. Like, seriously.
As soon as Laura gets out of the shower and gets dressed, she leaves the bathroom only to find Carmilla still sleeping. She decides not to wake her roommate up and heads out of the cabin. It's still a bit dark and she figures she'd go for a nice morning stroll.
A few minutes into her walk, she reaches the path to the lakeside where she stops when she realizes that she's not the only one awake for a morning walk.
"Danny,"
The tall woman is in her jacket, shorts and jogging pants. Laura has forgotten how Danny usually jogs every morning if she's free from work. She thinks this may be fate presenting the opportunity to her.
"Good morning, Laura," Danny reluctantly greets.
The blonde takes in a deep breath then nods her head at Danny. "Listen," Laura starts, tucking her hands in her camp hoodie. "We need to talk."
Carmilla wakes up with a jolt after hearing the god forsaken trumpets. On her third week, she thought she should be used to it by now but no, she still gets startled by the annoying sound that is the wake up bugle.
The first thing she notices is that Laura isn't just up already but is nowhere to be seen. She is obviously not in the bathroom because the bathroom door is slightly ajar. The fact that the first thing she does after waking up is to look for Laura is highly concerning, in her opinion.
Speaking of Laura, Carmilla can't help the small smile that makes its way on her lips as she remembers the events that had happened yesterday with her roommate. Last night, specifically. The two of them were having a small chat while lying on their beds, just passing time until one of them falls asleep. She did not miss the way Laura sleepily mumbles "I'm glad you're here Carmilla" before dozing off. Laura was so sleepy, she doubts Laura even remembers telling her that. Still, Carmilla is sure that her roommate said it and the way her heart pounds so hard on her chest after remembering Laura's words - like it did last night before she fell asleep - is really saying something.
Count on Carmilla to get a stupid crush on her roommate, the brunette mocks herself as she stands up, shaking her head and going to the bathroom.
She looks back at the day Mattie told her that their mother asked her to go here. She absolutely loathed the idea. Carmilla Karnstein does not babysit. Plus, why on earth does she have to do this? Usually, she obeys her mother's orders without question because questioning it always ends terribly but to apply as a counselor in a summer camp? That's a bit suspicious. But when Mattie mentioned that 'Mother wishes to know that camp's condition because she thinks it will be beneficial for the company to support the owners.' Carmilla figured it isone of her mother's pretentious charity thing again. Still, she absolutely had no plans of going until Mattie said that after this, their mother will finally allow her to practice what she studied for - art and philosophy.
Carmilla was sure she was going to hate every minute of this but one Laura Hollis comes into the picture and she finds herself actually enjoying.
And wow, can she be any more disgusting? Just the thought of Laura makes her smile? This is bad. Really bad. She does not do crushes, attachment or feelings.
Not anymore at least.
But then again, for once maybe she can loosen up. Maybe - a hopeful maybe - Laura really is worth a shot.
After taking a bath, Carmilla gets dressed and heads out to the mess hall. She is greeted by a few campers on the way and she greets them back with a nod (and if that kid has been good to her, a small smile).
Entering the mess hall, she sees Perry talking to some kids, probably asking them how they are. The curly-haired woman does that everyday, always making sure that the kids slept well and that they are alright. She really likes this job.
LaFontaine on the other hand, was busy handing out food as usual, being in charge of the kitchen and all. Volunteer campers are helping them out.
Meanwhile on their seats, Kirsch's head is resting on the wooden table while JP is looking at the wall with a tired look on his face.
"Morning," Carmilla greets them.
"Good morning Carmilla," JP nods his head at her. Kirsch barely moves, only raises his hand to wave at her. Carmilla raises an eyebrow at that. "Sorry about him." JP straightens up from his seat. "We haven't gotten much sleep after a kid from the boys cabin reported that there's been rustling outside their cabins at 2AM. Kirsch and I didn't wish to wake anyone up so we went on patrol."
Hearing this, Carmilla nods and sits down opposite of JP. "And did you discover what the rustling was?"
JP sighs then shakes his head. "Not exactly, but we've found animal tracks so we think it's just a dog," he replies, clasping his hands together on top of the table. "We've reported to Perry so she asked us to go on watch again tonight with the other counselors assigned for night duty to see what that might be and to find how it got in so she excused us from our duties today, said she'd handle it."
"Huh," Carmilla hums, nodding her head. "Laura and I are in charge tonight."
Kirsch's head shoots up. Carmilla pictures an excited puppy in her head. "Dude, that's cool!" He raises his hand, expecting a high-five from Carmilla but she only stares at him, frowning. Kirsch pats her head instead which makes Carmilla growl at him.
"Anyway, speaking of Laura, have you seen her?" Both men shake their heads.
Carmilla sighs, resting her chin on her palm. LaFontaine has already started serving the food and still no signs of Laura around. She is about to go find her when the door to the mess hall opens and in comes Laura… and Danny.
The first thing that Carmilla notices is that they nod and smile at each other, Laura patting Danny by the arm and the giantess waving at her before separating. They don't seem to have that awkward atmosphere around them as well.
Is this a sign that she shouldn't have raised her hopes up?
Maybe.
Or, another maybe - maybe she shouldn't assume about things?
Either way, she doesn't like the hard pounding of her heart in her chest.
"You okay, lady bro?" Kirsch asks, taking Carmilla's attention off of Laura who is now making her way towards them. "Why the frown?"
"I'm not frowning," Carmilla grunts.
"Good morning!" Laura greets them, sitting down next to Carmilla. Both JP and Kirsch nods at her with a smile, their mouth too full to talk. It is only then that Carmilla notices that they've got food on their table.
The brunette gives her a small nod before taking a bite of her toast. "What? Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed?" Laura nudges her side.
"Hmm," Carmilla replies.
"You okay, Carm?" Laura looks over to her, tilting her head.
There is this unsettling feeling in Carmilla that really is making her not okay but she nods at Laura anyway. "Yeah, just need coffee or something." Carmilla stands up. "I'm going to ask for some in the kitchen."
She enters the kitchen, easily spotting LaFontaine. They look at her curiously. "I'm going to make coffee." Carmilla points the coffee maker.
"Yeah sure," LaFontaine shrugs. "The coffee's on the third layer of the shelf on the right."
She spends a few minutes contemplating whether she's acting dumb towards the whole Laura and Danny situation while waiting for the coffee.
It's actually dumb on her part because this is a mess, really. Why even should she feel like this? Like she's jealous?
(You're no fool, Carmilla, you know the reason).
Yes, she does know why she's acting the way she is but should she really act on what she feels? Obviously, there's a lot of problems here; and while she keeps telling herself that it's worth it, a huge part of her brain still contests and makes her have doubts.
Maybe, seeing Laura and Danny earlier is fate's way of sending a message.
Fate is cruel then.
Carmilla shakes her head because this is her, jumping into conclusions. Who knows what really transpired between her roommate and Xena.
A loud thud near her catches her attention. She looks to the ground to see a woman who appears to be a camp staff on the floor a few feet away from her. "Ouch…" The girl with the jet black hair mumbles, rubbing her rear with her hand.
She seems to come in through the backdoor. The girl was trying to drag this box that contains the new ingredients from the garden to the kitchen. Carmilla looks around to see if someone's helping her but no one seems to be around other than her.
She sighs.
"You need help with those?"
Laura doesn't see Carmilla for the rest of the breakfast period.
"I saw her helping Taylor bring in ingredients from the garden." LaFontaine tells her when Laura came by to get the attendance sheet for the outdoor games activity that LaF is in charge of.
Carmilla helping someone. That's new.
Not that Carmilla's rude or not capable of helping someone - Laura tells herself - the girl just isn't used to Carmilla actually being nice to someone else other than her.
Not that Carmilla should only be nice to her.
"You deserve the special treatment.,"
Her roommate's words echo in her head and Laura tries not to be bothered by the question playing in her mind.
Does she deserve the special treatment too?
She groans, slapping her forehead with her hand as she walks back to the main cabin from collecting her part of the attendance sheets. She really tried not to be bothered by it.
She just can't help but feel slightly disappointed that Carmilla didn't even say a word to her besides that she'll get some coffee then didn't come back.
Not that Carmilla had to report every single thing she does to Laura.
Wow, this is so conflicting.
Laura is aware of the fact that she feels jealous; she is also aware that she should not be.
She's getting attached to Carmilla - that's one thing - but actually feeling jealous over a simple gesture that the girl she's crushing on did for someone else is another.
Crush? What am I, twelve?
But there really is no other way to say it. She has a crush. And honestly, once people get to know Carmilla, who wouldn't? She's caring, funny, beautiful, protective- Laura could go on for hours.
Just as Laura's about to enter the main cabin, she sees Carmilla walking out of the door, carrying a small potted plant - a cactus, if Laura's not mistaken. "Hey," Laura calls, raising her hand that's not holding the attendance sheets.
Carmilla nods. "Hey," she replies. Laura takes note that it's been awhile since the two of them felt awkward around each other.
"So, uh, what do you have there?" Laura eyes the cactus.
The brunette shrugs. "A gift from one of the camp staff in charge of the garden. I sort of helped her earlier during breakfast since the other staff ran off complaining about stomach pain. Left her alone carrying boxes from the garden to the kitchen." Carmilla looks down on her shoe. "I'm heading back to our cabin to put this there… somewhere."
"Ah," She mumbles, nodding her head. "Hey, maybe-"
"I'll see you later," Carmilla interrupts her then walks off towards their cabin.
Okay, what was that? Laura continues looking at her direction, wondering what is going on with her. Carmilla feels distant, if she will allow herself to jump into conclusions.
She won't.
Maybe she just needs space because she is still under the weather from waking up on the wrong side of the bed, as Laura said earlier.
She was going to suggest that they walk back together but seeing that Carmilla has left already, Laura proceeds to the main cabin.
Upon entering, Laura sees Hester putting some papers inside a drawer. "Laura," Hester says when she sees her.
"Hey Hester," Laura greets, smiling then walking to the counter, handing the attendance sheets to the older woman.
"Laura, I'm really sorry," Hester starts, placing a hand on Laura's. "Lola told me about Danny. If I had known, I wouldn't have accepted her as a counselor."
She wonders how much Perry has told her mother. "It's alright," Laura tells her. She feels Hester squeeze her hand slightly and she smiles at the gesture. "If anything, I think having her here made me realize some things. I really shouldn't have ran away from my problem back in the city."
Hester smiles at her. "Well, I'm not really a fan of confronting problems head on myself, dear, but I am glad I was able to provide you a place to run to."
Laura looks around the main cabin and nods. "Silas has always provided that safe haven for me." There is a sadness that makes her smile sadly at Hester.
On her third year of going to Silas, when she was eleven years old, her mother wasn't there anymore during drop-off day. Since then, every drop-off day had been painful because she sees all these mothers and fathers hugging their children but she only had her dad with her. She really did not feel like going back to summer camp after her mom died but her dad insisted that she went. She is thankful for it because it turned out that Silas was one of those places that she could call 'home' back then.
Truth be told, she feels really bad now that she didn't visit the place anymore after she went off to university. Not that anyone seems to be holding a grudge against her but still, LaFontaine and Perry stayed. She could have too but she focused more on her studies and career. But sure enough, her best friends understand her so there really no need to feel guilty but she still does anyway.
Even with that said, she is happy that the opportunity to come back to Camp Silas to meet with her old friends came.
"By the way, not to be nosy dear but speaking of Danny." Hester leans on the counter. Laura gives her a questioning look. "Danny was here a few minutes before you arrived. Asked her how she was and she mentioned something about the two of you talking things out and how you both are good now."
Laura nods. "Yeah, I've told her how I really felt and it's great to get that off my chest."
"So you're giving her another chance then?" Hester tilts her head, an eyebrow raised at Laura.
"No!" Laura clarifies, surprised that she reached a much higher pitch of her voice than usual, because when she thought about it, she did make it sound like she had given Danny another chance. "I just told her that if we'd be friends, we need to be on the same page, you know? Like, really just as friends." Hester smiles at her, nodding and giving her the 'I-understand' look.
"I'm glad you worked it out then."
"Yeah…" Laura lets out a sigh when she remembered that yes, she and Danny were okay now and that's good but then there's Carmilla and she's still not going to assume but something really does seem off with Carmilla today.
Laura ponders on it on her way back to their cabin. She knows how dumb it is that she's reacting over this.
It doesn't help that she doesn't see Carmilla for the rest of the morning period because right now, she's 75% convinced that Carmilla is avoiding her. She was not in the cabin when she got back, she didn't see her on the way to the main cabin after collecting the attendance sheets from the her part of the activities and Kirsch, who's lounging outside the mess hall said that 'lady bro's been rushing all over the place just to get her work done and walked off somewhere'.
So naturally, being the worrier she is, Laura has concluded that yes, Carmilla is indeed avoiding her.
Carmilla doesn't drop by the cabin and she only leaves when it's time for lunch. She also doesn't go to the mess hall.
Overreacting. Carmilla's overreacting and she knows this. She shouldn't but she just does and it's so stupid. She's so stupid.
She's been avoiding Laura the whole day like she's got some contagious illness; which to her is simply just delaying the inevitable. She doesn't know how she'll react once Laura tells her that she got back with Danny.
Carmilla doesn't even know if they really did get back together and she's just thinking that the two did but still, she can't help but feel like she needs to ready herself first.
"God I'm an idiot," She mumbles to no one in particular as she walks to the direction of the lake. "Of all the people Carmilla, of course you'd chose the one who's just broken up with an ex-girlfriend and is now probably back together. Good job, you idiot."
"Language."
Carmilla almost jumps after hearing the voice. She turns around to see Julia, holding her DS, while Sherilyn and Shaira were looking at her with bunched up faces, clearly not happy with her language. The three of them were following her. "You three," She breathes, clutching her chest. "What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be eating lunch?"
Julia shrugs and looks down at her feet. "Not hungry," she tells the counselor.
"We finished lunch real quick and now, we're off for an adventure!" Shaira announces but is quickly hushed by Sherilyn who raises a finger to her lips and shushes her best friend.
Julia tilts her head to the side, looking at Carmilla. "Are you okay?"
The brunette shrugs before looking at Julia, wondering what she should say. "I think I just need some air. To clear my mind, you know?" She responds, hoping that the little girl would understand.
Julia seems to do so as she only nods. "Where are you going then?" She asks.
"I was thinking of sitting on the docks by the lake." Carmilla looks at Julia and smiles slightly.
"That sounds fun!"
"I wanna go to the lake!"
Hearing the exclaiming kids, Carmilla can't help but sigh. She'll get in trouble if she allows them to skip lunch without permission. "If you're not hungry then, do you want to come with me?"
She's getting in trouble alright.
And that is how Carmilla finds herself looking at the lake with Julia, Shaira and Sherilyn on the first day of her third week in Camp Silas. Shaira and Sherilyn are too busy running around the dock.
"You two be careful!" She shouts after them, rolling her eyes when all she gets in reply are giggles from the two.
Truth be told, she's been looking forward to this week because she has less duties and more time to spend with Laura but it looks like that would not happen.
She really needs to get over this stupid crush she has on her roommate because this is, like how she described it, stupid. She wonders how many times she called herself that since this morning. A little too much already, probably."
"Can I ask you a question?"
Carmilla looks at Julia who is gazing at the water. "Okay."
"How do you make friends?"
Wow, Carmilla is not prepared for that. She sits at the edge of the dock next to Julia. "I'm not sure if I'm credible enough to answer that."
"What's credible?"
Ah, right, she is speaking to a six year old. "Let's just say that I'm not good at making friends too." Carmilla shrugs.
The little girl looks at her curiously. "But you're really good friends with Laura," Julia does not ask this. It's more of an observation on her part.
"Yeah well," the counselor sighs. "Laura is just really good around people. You've seen her. She's incredible."
Julia nods and looks back at the lake. "I wish I had a best friend."
"You've got Shaira and Sheh though," Carmilla reminds her.
"I know, but sometimes it's just the two of them and I watch." The brunette knows what she means. Even right now, it's as if Julia is like a bystander while the two are wrapped up in their own world. "Like you and Laura."
Julia feels more like she's just an outsider rather than a part of the friendship. Carmilla understands because Sheh and Shaira are two years older than Julia. Plus, they've been friends for who knows how long. It's no wonder why Julia would feel that way. But she truly believes that the two girls want to befriend her. It's just that Julia probably doesn't see it.
Carmilla might know why she doesn't.
"You know I'm your friend, right?" She pats the girl's head which somehow gets a smile out of Julia. Carmilla then remembers Julia's comment about her and Laura and she smiles sadly. "Now, as for what you said about Laura and I, I don't think we're have the same level of friendship like those two have." Carmilla lets her mind wander briefly. "Though if you are asking for advices on how to make friends, Laura is definitely your go-to person."
"Go-to person with what?"
Carmilla turns around to look behind to see Laura approaching them. She stops a few feet away from them though, as if she's afraid to enter the space Carmilla's in. "Hey." She awkwardly raises a hand to greet them before quickly lowering then rubbing it against the side of her pants.
"Hey," Carmilla greets, trying to sound as casual as she can and nodding at Laura before looking at Julia.
There is an awkward pause that hangs in the air. Carmilla sighs and Laura mirrors her. "You're lucky Perry's a bit busy or else she'd be freaked out once she notices three kids and two counselors are not in the mess hall." Laura offers as an explanation as if she really does think she's intruding.
The brunette nods. "We all just bumped into each other, really." Carmilla says gesturing over to Julia. "And she was just asking how to make friends and I thought, it'll be better to ask you since, you know, you're exceptionally good at it." She says, trying to make Laura feel less tense.
It does seem to help relieve some tension off them because Laura smiles and she relaxes a bit. "Oh," she nods. "Well, I don't know what Carmilla told you but I'm not good at it." She side-eyes Carmilla who smirks at her. "You just need to be nice and just be you, I guess?" Laura offers. "To be honest, I don't really know or remember how I became friends with most people because it just happens. It's like, you just have to wait for the right person who will want to be with you as much as you want to be with them."
Carmilla sees Julia nod but she still looks unsure so she pats the little girl's shoulder. "That person will come. Or, maybe they're just around here somewhere." The brunette nods over to Shaira and Sherilyn's direction. At this, the girl smiles slightly at the both of them.
It is by then that Carmilla notices Laura looking at her wristwatch. It looks like it's time for them to go back. "You know, we really should start heading back before Perry notices that you're all gone." Laura tells them.
Julia does not need any more convincing because somehow, it feels like the little girl is feeling much more comfortable, thanks to Laura. That, and that she might be afraid to get scolded by Perry. Carmilla, on the other hand, yawns and stretches her arms upward while still sitting down. "Looks like my plan to sleep the day away has been spoiled." She mumbles to no one in particular.
She hears her roommate giggle at this. "Come on, Carm."
While the walk back to the camp isn't exactly uncomfortable, it's a bit too silent for Laura's liking. Plus, she still has no idea if Carmilla was intentionally avoiding her earlier this morning.
Sure, her roommate seems okay right now but something is really off with her.
Julia's walking in the middle of Shaira and Sherilyn. It may not seem like it now but Laura believes that the two girls might just be the friend Julia needs because the two are clearly interested in letting her in. She just need to open up to them too.
Laura thinks back to what she said to Julia earlier and can't help but wonder about herself and Carmilla. Maybe Carmilla doesn't want to be around her as much as she wants to be with Carmilla? She purses her lips in dismay at the thought.
"She's a pretty deep thinker for a six year old," Carmilla comments out of the blue, causing Laura's attention to shift to the woman walking beside her. "The feeling of separation does that."
Laura raises an eyebrow. "Separation?" Carmilla nods, not really looking at her but at the kids instead.
"She still feels like she doesn't belong. That feeling of being around people yet it's like you're just physically there but you're not making any connections with anyone," The counselor explains. "I feel like she longs for that connection."
Laura watches the three girls interact and remembers her days in the camp with Perry and LaFontaine. It really was awkward at first since they were two people who really knew each other already as opposed to her who barely knew anything about them.
"But Shaira and Sherilyn look like they want to be friends with her," Laura points out.
Carmilla seems to agree because she nods once again. "Yes, but I don't think Julia can feel it." She tucks her hands inside her pockets. "Growing up in a place where you're around other people yet you never feel any belongingness tends to be confusing.
Everyday, you're just stuck there wondering if there's something wrong with you. You ponder on why you can't fit in and why you're ignored. You doubt when people come close to you because you've never actually felt wanted. All you can think about is if they're interacting with you because it's the polite thing to do or if they just need something from you."
Hearing this from her makes Laura's heart feel heavy. She gets it. She gets what Carmilla is saying because she has noticed that there had been something off with Julia's parents from the start but she did not actually see it this way - the way Carmilla is seeing it.
And from what Laura has observed, Carmilla might really be onto something because she's seen how Julia reacts around others. There's a look of genuine fear in her eyes when she thinks she's going to get yelled at; the way she is surprised when she sees that other people are talking to her; the fact that she doubts her friendship with Shaira and Sherilyn.
"She thinks she's unwanted," Laura says this in a whisper, looking at Carmilla who nods.
They don't talk for the rest of the way back. Laura wants to do something for the little girl, just to make sure she feels that she belongs and she is absolutely sure that Carmilla is thinking the same.
Come to think of it, from the very start, Carmilla has a soft spot for the girl. She's a lot more gentle around Julia - as if she is aware of what's going on in Julia's head. It's like - Laura stops on her tracks at the realization.
"We should hurry, cupcake. The activities are about to start." Carmilla reminds her.
"Carmilla," Laura calls her out. Her roommate stops and turns to look at her. "You know I like being with you, right?"
The way Carmilla's face goes through a series of facial expressions - from confusion, to understanding, to appreciation - Laura cannot help but smile. "Thank you," she says in a whisper, her voice gentle and her eyes conveying so much emotion.
Maybe things between them will be alright after all.
Of course Perry realizes they're gone. Laura tries to take the blame but Carmilla takes it instead. She would not let Laura get in trouble for something she is not supposed to be reprimanded for. She takes the blame by saying that Laura just went to the lake to find them. In Carmilla's defense, it is more like she just supervised the kids when they left but she does not say that. She lets Perry say that 'it's irresponsible' and 'the right thing to do is to escort them back' but she makes sure that the Julia, Sherilyn and Shaira are already in their activities so they won't feel guilty.
Carmilla apologizes and says it will not happen again. Perry lets it go and tells her that it is fine as long as she stays true to her word.
The redhead counselor leaves her and Laura together to gather the attendance sheets for the rest of the day.
"Wow," Laura starts, looking at Carmilla with her head tilted to the side. "You took that a lot better than what I imagined. I was worried you were gonna unleash the mistress of snark at Perry."
She smirks at the blonde, crossing her arms. "I see you've been imagining me, huh, creampuff?" Carmilla sees her roommate blush at this. "I wonder what other situations you've been imagining me in."
"Shut up Carm," Laura says, rolling her eyes at her though Carmilla can tell that she is holding back a smile. "So... since you blew me off this morning with you being 'grumpy pants' and all -" Laura looks at her sheepishly. "I thought maybe we should go do our duties together. After all, I've been meaning to tell you something since earlier."
There it is, Carmilla thinks. It will be cruel of her to keep on ignoring Laura, especially after seeing how distressed she was about it when she saw her and the kids by the lake. She might as well just hear this. "Yeah sure. And, I'm sorry about earlier," she apologizes. "Not my proudest moment."
Laura nods. The two of them start walking towards their cabin to get the list of afternoon activities today. "Are you feeling okay now?"
"Yeah," Carmilla says, tucking her hands inside her pocket. "You were saying you had something to tell me?"
The brunette gulps because she might as well just get over it. If Laura's back with Danny, good for her. She will just start to distance herself. It is just a stupid crush after all. She will get over it.
The thought makes her chest tighten.
"I was out for a walk this morning in case you didn't notice."
Of course she noticed.
"And while I was at it, I bumped into Danny."
She knew that too.
"And you know what? I thought it was going to be awkward but I managed to talk to her and I'm really happy that I did."
Here it comes.
"We're okay now -"
She's going to say that they're back together.
"- and we officially broke up now."
"I'm happy for the two of you," Carmilla says quickly without even processing what Laura just said. She has said it over and over in her head to ready her response once Laura has told her the news. She did not even notice that she has been holding her breath while Laura was talking. When she finally processed what Laura just said, Carmilla looks at her in confusion. "You've broken up?"
"Why do you look so surprised?"
This is great and she's just so stupid, Carmilla thinks. How many hours has she been stressing over this?
"Are you that happy that we broke up?" Laura asks and Carmilla realizes that she stopped walking and is smiling.
She fakes a cough and catches up with Laura who has an eyebrow raised at her. "No." A pause. "Wait, I mean, yes, I'm happy -" Carmilla then shakes her head. "- for you." The brunette adds as an afterthought.
Wow, she needs to regain her composure.
"How did the giant take it?"
Laura then explains how she felt that she was being a bit unfair to Danny after all the effort she's gone through just to talk to her. She just had give the redhead the closure they both know they need. Apparently, Danny didn't need much convincing that it was over. Laura does not mention why that is the case though.
"How about you?"
Carmilla raises an eyebrow as they both step into their cabin."What about me?"
"What's with you and that girl from this morning?"
Should she assume that Laura is talking about Taylor then? "What about us?" Carmilla smirks at her.
Laura sits on her bed as she watches Carmilla crouch down by the mini fridge at the corner of the cabin. "I heard you've been incredibly kind to her."
She brings out a pitcher of water and pours water in two glasses. "I'm kind." She smirks at Laura, giving a glass of water to her. Still, the blonde pouts at her and she laughs. "That was an act of boredom rather than kindness."
"We could have hung out if you were so bored." Laura grumbles, her lips still pressed on the glass.
There's a pounding in Carmilla's chest that makes her catch her breath. She sits next to Laura on her bed, leaning forward with her elbows on her knees for support, as she looks at Laura sideways, still with the smirk on her lips. "Could it be that you're jealous, sweetheart?" Laura refuses to look at her and continues to drink her water. "Should I take that as a yes?" She laughs, downing her water before standing up and placing it in their sink.
"Shut up Carm." Laura glares playfully at her.
"I hear no denial there creampuff."
Carmilla turns and sees Laura smiling as she holds the now empty glass of water out to her. She frowns at Laura. "Come on, you help someone carry loads of stuff to the kitchen but you can't help me with this one?" Laura smirks. She groans and rolls her eyes but still takes the glass and places it in the sink beside hers, to Laura's amusement. "Oh, you're so kind."
"Ha ha," Carmilla says in a sarcastic tone. "Come on, creampuff. We've got attendance sheets to collect."
"Lady bro, little nerd."
Laura raises her hand and smiles at Kirsch who exits the mess hall with an apple in hand. Carmilla, on the other hand, nods at him while sat on the rails of the mess hall's veranda. JP follows Kirsch outside shortly, holding what seems to be a map.
"We've covered the grounds near the kids' cabins and the camp grounds and there were no breaches on the fence there-" JP starts placing the map on the railings beside Carmilla. "- so you two," He gestures both Laura and Carmilla. "patrol around there and try to stay away from the fence near the hill and lake. Kirsch and I will be there to look if there are any holes on the fence."
"Okay bro," Kirsch says, biting into his apple. "You two still be careful, okay? We know whatever's been walking around here at night is probably just a dog but we don't know for sure."
Laura wonders how that was possible. If there had been a dog wandering around the camp at night, surely the staff would have seen them by now? They have been patrolling during the night after all so surely, they should have seen it.
"You two beefcakes just scream if you get too scared once you come across a ghost, okay?" Carmilla chuckles, getting down from the railing.
"You wish, dude." Kirsch scoffs at her and she laughs. He holds out a fist at Carmilla who scowls at him.
"I'm not doing it."
"Come on."
"Leave me alone."
"I'm not leaving until you do it."
Carmilla groans at this and bumps her fist with Kirsch's.
"Laura," JP walks over to her and holds out a radio. "Perry suggested we use this to communicate." Laura takes the radio from him and nods. "Let us know if you see anything."
"Will do, JP." Laura hooks the radio to her belt.
"Right," JP bashfully smiles at her. He looks over at Kirsch who is trying to ruffle Carmilla's hair - Carmilla doing her best to keep the gigantic hand from even touching her head. "Oi, Kirsch. Time to go."
"Okay!" He smiles widely then waves at her and Carmilla. He and JP walks towards the foot of the near the lake.
"You two are adorable." Laura comments.
"I'm gonna stop you there because I might start vomiting, cupcake."
She laughs because Carmilla pouting reminds her of that grumpy cat that the internet seems to love so much. "Well, come on then. We better start patrolling the grounds."
Turning their flashlights on, the two of them makes their way towards the cabins.
"You know, the night would be much more fun if we find that dog instead," Carmilla grumbles, looking around the path.
"We're not even sure if it really is a dog," Laura reminds her. "You know, there's a ghost story that was passed around back when we were still campers here."
Her roommate raises an eyebrow at her. "Oh yeah?"
"Yeah. They said that the person who owned this land before was an old man who lived alone in a cabin in the forest. They said he died in his sleep but his spirit never realized he's dead.
When Perry's great grandfather claimed the land, they disturbed the peace of the old man's soul. And so he's been haunting this land ever since," Carmilla chuckles, to Laura's surprise. "Carm! It's not nice to laugh at the dead spirits!"
"I'm not, cupcake." She shakes her head. "It's just that; unless the old man has paws as feet, I'm sure he's not our culprit."
Well, Laura can't really argue with that logic since Kirsch did mention that they saw paw prints. "I'm just, you know, wondering about the possibilities."
"Do you believe in ghosts?"
"I don't know." Laura shrugs then laughs. "When I was a kid, I wished they were real though." She glances at her roommate who is looking at her curiously. "Okay, you see, I grew up mostly with my mom. My dad's a doctor so he's often at the hospital. My mom on the other hand usually stayed at home. She's rather sickly when I was really young. That didn't stop her from baking me cookies and taking really good care of me. She also told me a lot of stories. I looked up to her so much. As I grew up, she eventually got better, thanks to the medications my Dad prescribed her.
But one day, she fell really ill. We had no idea what happened. It was so sudden and my Dad tried and tried to look for something, anything, to cure whatever it was she had. She was taken to the hospital then, after a few days, she just went. I didn't understand why she had to go so sudden. I wanted to talk to her still; ask her if she's alright, wherever she is. My Dad's gone through depression then because he felt worthless, being a doctor and not being able to save her. I wanted her to appear and comfort my Dad. That's why I wanted to believe that ghosts are real. I was hoping she's still here to look out for us."
Laura hasn't told anyone of that story for a long time now and it makes her miss her Mom more than usual. She bites her lip when she realized she's fighting off her tears. Wow, great job Hollis. What a heavy discussion for a night stroll, she tells herself.
The brunette is quiet and Laura understands. What do you say after someone just opened up to you about something that emotional? She would probably need to think about it for minutes.
"She sounds like a lovely woman, your mom," Carmilla says. "I'm sure - ghost or not - she definitely was looking out for you and your dad."
At this, Laura nods, smiling at the thought of her mother. "Thanks, Carm." She looks over to Carmilla and sees her biting her lip, as if she's uneasy about something.
It's then that Laura remembers. Carmilla's reaction during their first day in camp, when they were talking about the parents during drop-off day; then Carmilla's concern towards Julia; Carmilla understanding over the loneliness of isolation. Something has been really bugging Laura though and she's not sure how to ask.
She realizes she has fallen a bit behind and even Carmilla doesn't seem to have noticed it because she is lost in her own thoughts. "Carmilla, wait!" Laura calls out, grabbing her roommate's wrist.
The brunette turns, an eyebrow raised. "I-I'm sorry. I-" she stammers, unsure of what to say. "You d-don't seem to be comfortable t-talking about parents and -"
A loud rustling by the bushes interrupts Laura. She looks around, feeling her heart pound hard against her chest. Even Carmilla seems to have heard it. There's another rustling and Laura's grip tighten on Carmilla's wrist. She lets out a breath that she did not know she was holding in and glances at Carmilla who is also looking warily at her.
Behind Laura's fear is the curiosity. She really wants to see what is making the noise. "Do you think it's a ghost?"
Carmilla looks at her like she's gone mad. "Creampuff," Laura can just see the way Carmilla's eyes shift from her to the bushes that rustles again. "Not that I don't admire your the enthusiasm for ghost adventures and all, but that could either be a ghost or whatever animal is roaming around the grounds at night and we should probably get out of here because I think it's the latter."
"But Carm,"
"You choose your battles, cutie," She says firmly and Laura frowns in return. "We should radio in and distance ourselves from whatever-"
Out of the corner of her eyes, Laura sees something that makes her grasp Carmilla's sleeves. "Carm, Carm!" She grips on to Carmilla's sleeves as she steps behind the brunette. "I-I saw someone pass behind those trees!"
"This is not a time for jokes, creampuff."
"Do I look like I'm joking, Carmilla?"
"Technically, I can't see you ri-"
She stops talking and Laura gulps as they both hear footsteps from behind them. Carmilla turns, protectively placing Laura behind her; the two of them now facing a few trees. The brunette puts one foot forward, placing her weight on her foot in front, taking a defensive stance.
"Carmilla, let's make a run for it," Laura whispers, trying to pull her roommate away from where they're standing but Carmilla doesn't move. "Carmillaaa…"
"Shh," the brunette hisses, placing a hand on Laura's which is still gripping her sleeve.
The pounding in Laura's heart is so hard that she thinks that Carmilla can most definitely feel it since she is pressed behind her. The only sound they're hearing right now is their breathing and the sounds of leaves moving along with the night's breeze.
And then behind her, Laura hears a twig snap. The two of them turn at the same time. She doesn't have enough time to actually think of what she'll do since there's a shadow of a man rushing towards them. She doesn't even have the time to scream. Instinct takes over her and she pulls Carmilla to the side and the man's attempt to tackle them fails, missing them by a few inches. Somehow, Laura loses her footing and nearly falls down but Carmilla's arms are immediately around her to steady her, pulling Laura to her.
Before the man could even fall to the ground, Laura' foot, as if having a mind of its own, manages to kick whoever it was and sending him to ground a lot faster even as she's pressed against Carmilla.
"Ouch! Bro!"
Bro?
"Kirsch!" JP comes out from behind the tree, turning his flashlight on now.
Carmilla groans exasperatedly, letting go of Laura and stomping towards Kirsch. "What the fuck?!"
There are two things Laura is trying to process in her brain as of the moment and that is: one, did Kirsch just really try to attack them; and two, having Carmilla hold her like that felt really nice.
She is very much aware that she has spaced out for a few good seconds at that thought.
"I told you it wasn't a good idea," Laura hears JP say as he helps Kirsch sit up.
"What the hell were you trying to pull, tackling us like that?!" Carmilla asks.
"I wasn't going to try to tackle you two, I swear! I was just going to sneak up on you!" Kirsch raises his hands. "I tripped! I tripped! I didn't realize my shoelaces were untied and it got caught up on some root and I staggered forward!"
"Did you think we were supposed to be fooling around?" Carmilla's growling. Not good.
"I'm sorry, I just wanted to try and scare you! We even just arrived! I swear we didn't plan this until we saw you standing there while looking at the trees behind those bushes!"
"Dumbass! If Laura got hurt-" Carmilla glances at her. "You're not hurt, are you?" Laura shakes her head.
"Got kicked by tiny nerd here."
"You deserved it!"
Turns out, JP and Kirsch managed to find the hole, not on the fence, but under it, and they actually caught the culprit in the act of entering the camp. It was a medium-sized dog that Kirsch suspects to be from the nearby farm.
"We were supposed to tell you by radio but it turns out that the radio I grabbed is out of battery. After we filled the hole that the dog dug up, that's when we thought of finding the two of you since our job's done," JP explains as they are now heading back outside the mess hall where they tied the dog and fed it.
Carmilla nods before turning to Kirsch and glaring at him. "And that's when you thought of the brilliant plan to scare us," she said in an accusing tone.
"I'm sorry, okay? I thought it would be a pretty funny idea in my head."
"Yeah, until you went all clumsy and nearly pinned us to the ground, you manchild."
Laura can still feel how annoyed Carmilla is so she reaches out for her roommate's hand and gives it a squeeze.
"I'm still so sorry for kicking you Kirsch. It's like reflex." Laura says, looking over to the tall man who nods.
"Like lady bro said, I deserved it." He shyly smiles.
A grunt escapes from Carmilla. "Damn right you do," she grumbles softly and Laura giggles, nudging Carmilla on her side gently then letting go of her hand. She takes comfort at the fact that Carmilla still chose to stay close to her as they walk.
JP and Kirsch begin talking about how to find the dog's owner and where to let it stay for the night.
"That kick you did back there was pretty impressive cupcake." Carmilla whispers to her.
"My dad made me take krav maga lessons before because he wanted to make sure I can protect myself," she explains.
The counselor nods at her. "Ah, I do remember you mentioning you know krav maga," she chuckles, glancing at Laura. She doesn't seem to mind their current proximity and honestly, Laura doesn't either.
But then she remembers what Carmilla has said. "When did I ever mention that?"
"You tried to threaten me when I entered the main cabin because you thought I was an intruder," Laura still doesn't remember and Carmilla seems to sense it so she laughs. "You were really drunk back then huh?"
At the mention of the word 'drunk', Laura's hazy memory seem to have cleared up. The blush she feels spreading on her cheeks is unstoppable as she remembers the night when Carmilla carried her on her back because she's too drunk to function. She's thankful that it's dark. "Ah, yeah," she laughs nervously. "I remember now."
Come to think of it, it was a night like this. It's quiet and calm. The stars are out and are shining brightly above them. She looks over to Carmilla who is looking up at the stars again, just like that night.
"I owe the bunch of gasses up in the sky a lot," Laura remembers Carmilla saying.
"That night, you also told me how you owe the stars a lot," She says and Carmilla stiffens next to her.
"It's-" Carmilla says, her gaze falling from the sky to the ground. Laura curses herself because clearly, the brunette beside her is uncomfortable again.
How many times are you going to screw up tonight, Laura?!
JP clears his throat, both their gazes lifting up to him. "Here's our little intruder." He points towards a dog who is now looking at them while wagging his tail. Laura can't help but to squeal at how cute the dog looked. The dog looks like a crossbreed of a golden retriever and german shepherd. "He doesn't have any dog tag or collar so we'll have to ask around if anyone owns him or bring him to the animal shelter in the city."
"I think we should keep him outside our cabin, JP," Kirsch suggests.
JP nods. "Yeah, I was thinking about that too."
The two men continue their discussion as if they have forgotten that Laura and Carmilla are with them. Laura only hears them but she is not quite listening. Her mind is still preoccupied with Carmilla. It is not surprising to her since her roommate has been the one she thinks of the most the past few days.
What surprises her is how when she looks back at Carmilla, she's looking at her again with the very same expression that she had during their first breakfast together on camp when she purposely changed the topic after sensing Carmilla's discomfort. The light from the patio of the mess hall illuminates her features - from her eyes looking more soft rather than their usual guarded and sharp stares; her lips which are slightly parted as if there are words that are ready to come out from them; her eyebrows furrowed, showing a sign of the internal conflict she's trying to solve.
And then suddenly, Laura understands. Carmilla has told her once how she's not very good with words and the way Laura sees it, this is Carmilla, holding back. She doesn't know what her roommate wants to say. All she knows is that there's something that she wants to say.
Laura nods at her with a small smile, wishing that would Carmilla understand that she's not pressuring her to say anything. She's willing to wait.
Seeing the way Carmilla relaxes, Laura knew her message came through.
"Oh, I thought you'd be asleep by now." Carmilla looks up from the book she's reading to the bathroom door where she stood. Laura tilts her head to side to let her hair fall down over her shoulders as she dries it with a towel.
She turns her gaze to Carmilla who is propped up on an elbow on her bed. She puts the book she was previously reading on her stomach and sits up. "I can tell you had a lot of questions about me earlier and I didn't really give you an answer to any of them."
"You don't have to answer. Just because I told you about my Mom, doesn't mean you have t-"
"I don't feel obligated just because of that," Carmilla protests. "I want to tell you." There is something in the brunette's eyes that are so intense that Laura thinks she can bore a hole through her. She can't help but nod at her before sitting down on her own bed.
"I never met my real mother. I lived with my dad alone for a few years before he remarried. Since then, I grew up in an unhappy house. I can't even call it a home. My stepmother thinks of their children as investments. She's a woman all too obsessed with power and her properties. My father, whom she married for business ties, died when his and my stepmother's son was only two years old and I was five.
The one who took care of us was Mother's daughter from her first husband but she only stayed with us for a few years before she was sent to study abroad. Since then, I had to take care of Will on my own," Carmilla pauses, taking a deep breath. She doesn't look a Laura nor anywhere else. Her gaze is only trained on her hands which are clasped together on her lap.
"For years, Will and I lived in this huge, empty house. Mother was rarely home but when she was, she made sure we're living up to her expectations - with our grades, our behaviors. And when we're not..." Laura sees the way Carmilla's hands tighten. Her chest hurts at the thought of a young Carmilla going through that much. "My mother enrolled both Will and I to prestigious schools to meet children of rich families then we'll be fast friends. She forced us into friendships, you know? Used us to widen her connections. I bet it's just the same with the so-called 'friends' I made. In school and at home, I never really felt wanted. I endured that and before I knew it, I was in high school. It was then when I met Ell."
The way the name rolls off of Carmilla's tongue makes Laura's heart pound hard against her chest. For who, she cannot really tell. She does remember Carmilla mention the name once. A small, melancholic smile forms on her roommate's lips, probably at the memory of this person. Laura can tell how much Carmilla cared for this person just by her tone and the expression on her face.
She continues, "The agreement was the same. We became fast friends. Only this time, none of it was forced. I actually liked having Ell around. Eventually, Ell and I entered a relationship. That was the happiest I've felt. Everything was going smoothly until Mother found out.
She didn't want anyone to know how her daughter is a lesbian. Mother thinks it's a blunder to her image. She told me to break up with Ell but I can't just leave her. At my refusal, my mother dropped me out of the school I went to. She cut me off with the outside world and I was stuck inside my room. I was homeschooled. I rarely saw Will but whenever he got the chance, I'd tell him to talk to Ell. One day, Will just came home telling me that Ell was with someone else now. A guy. It turns out my mother told her how I became scared of going to school because I was just confused with my feelings for her and how I knew it was wrong. She also threatened her to not insist on seeing me anymore or else she'll tell her parents about how she corrupted me. Ell must have been mortified, being in that situation. Her parents didn't know about her and I guess, that's enough to scare her off. I don't blame her for replacing me immediately. She needed to cover up for the rumors spreading about after all - that I dropped out because I was dragged into a lesbian relationship that according to my mother, I didn't want. I was never able to talk to Ell since."
Fragile. Laura thinks that she's never seen Carmilla look this fragile before. Her legs are now pressed against her chest as she hugs her knees and she's hiding her face from Laura. "The stars," The brunette mumbles, almost inaudible in the dirty-blonde's ears. "I found comfort in them. Every night I'd look up at them and think how there's something much bigger than the problem I'm going through - at least, that's how I tried to comfort myself. Be it my naivety or just me, trying to hang on to whatever hope I had of leaving that place, the stars made me feel that I'm not alone."
It is then that Carmilla stops. And just like that, Carmilla's falling apart. As soon as Laura heard her first sob, she immediately stands and walks over to her roommate.
Carefully, Laura sits on Carmilla's bed facing her, she doesn't do anything yet in particular - just letting the girl opposite her know that she's currently in her space. Carmilla doesn't seem to mind.
"Carm," Laura says, placing a hand on the brunette's head. "I'm going to hug you now." She feels the small nod from the girl. Laura kneels on the bed in front of Carmilla who raises her head.
Laura doesn't expect the way her roommate looks when she looks up that she's sure that her heart nearly leapt out of her chest at the sight of it. She wraps her arm around Carmilla's neck, being mindful that she should not hug her so tight. She wishes she can keep the girl in her arms from falling apart. Laura knows she cannot change the past but she sure can affect the present. "You're not alone anymore," She whispers.
"I know."
Neither of them move. Laura waits for Carmilla's breathing to even out while Carmilla allows herself to be vulnerable in front of Laura.
When the brunette moves, straightening her back, Laura lets go and sits on the bed. "Hey."
Carmilla gives her a small smile. "Hey." She smiles back. "I'm sorry for being a crying mess."
"Dummy," Laura pokes her on her forehead. "Don't be sorry for that. I'm the one who was asking questions and was curious about you," Laura replies. "If anyone should be sorry, it should be me."
"Laura." Carmilla reaches out for her hand before shaking her head. "I'll admit that it's something I don't just talk about but, somehow I felt like I could tell you."
I trust you, is definitely what Carmilla wants to say, or at least that is what Laura thinks. She knows how her roommate isn't the most vocal person there is but the fact that Carmilla told her about her life gives her a strange feeling of pride.
Of course, even if she's proud of how much her friendship with this girl has improved, she feels a strong feeling of resentment after hearing Carmilla's story.
How can someone's own mother make her children feel so unwanted? So unloved? While she only had her mother for barely eleven years, she has always felt loved by her. It was not like she doesn't know about how abusive some parents are. Of course she had heard stories about it but she now realizes how much of a luxury it is to not know what happens. Luxury in a way, because she has no idea what it's like and what occurs. But the fact that she had no clue makes her feel sorry for those who have. When she hears about things like this, she feels sympathy for the children and anger for the parents.
The people who have been through abuse though, must be different. Laura does not know what it feels to live in a house that does not feel like a home.
But Carmilla does.
She's able to tell how Julia might be in the same situation because she's been there. Being concerned for Julia must remind her of how painful it is to experience the neglect, the loneliness. It must bring back nightmares she sees someone going through the same thing she went through. Now Laura can tell why Carmilla had always had a soft spot for the little girl.
"You know, my mother must have been so tired of me by the time I went to university. She told me to take a business course but I enrolled for arts and philosophy. The look on her face when she found out was funny and she had been really pissed at me for it but she let it slide," Carmilla says. "I should have known she's done something though. As soon as I graduated, I can't get a job anywhere since she basically had me blacklisted in companies."
"Your mother's scary," Laura comments. It dawns on her that being able to do the things she did to Carmilla, she must be scary rich. Come to think of it, Laura has told Carmilla about her life and her previous job during one night of them talking until they fell asleep but Carmilla has never mentioned anything about herself. "If you don't mind me asking, what does your mother do?"
The brunette must realize that she had never mentioned it because she makes a small 'oh' sound. "Ever heard of Lilita Morgan?"
Lilita… Lilita…
Laura deadpans at Carmilla. "Lilita Morgan -" She mumbles. "- as in the owner of Morgan Hotels and Resorts? She's your mom?"
"Yeah, unfortunately."
Back when Laura was working solely as Elsie's assistant, she once accompanied Elsie to an interview with Lilita Morgan for a feature article they were doing on women's month. It was a very unpleasant experience for her since she can't help but feel the woman's cold eyes behind the smile she had plastered on her face. "Well that's… terrifying." Carmilla nods, wiping the trails of tears on her cheek. "So, what brought you to camp?"
Carmilla shrugs as she leans her chin against her knees and lets out a deep breath. "I bet it's another one of my Mother's charity stunts. Either way, after this, she said she's going to stop annoying me about helping out with the hotel. I don't want to be involved in anything that has to do with her."
"I don't blame you. Your mom is kind of a b-" Laura trails off, wondering if Carmilla would take offense if she called her mother what she was about to call her. "- bad person," she finishes.
This makes Carmilla laugh, probably knowing what Laura meant to say. "Agreed." Unintentionally, it is then when Laura feels a yawn coming. She tries to suppress it and fails. "I should let you sleep, cutie." The nickname makes Laura smile because at least that's a sign that she's feeling a bit like herself already.
"Yeah, I guess you should too. It's been such a long day." Laura nods, standing up from Carmilla's bed. To her surprise though, the brunette reaches out for her hand and gives it a gentle, comforting squeeze.
"Earlier," She says. "When you told me that you liked being with me," Carmilla lets out a deep breath, looking down as if she's hesitating but somehow, she strengthens her resolve and looks up at Laura with a smile. "Thank you."
She's so beautiful.
Laura thinks as she catches her breath. She briefly wonders if Carmilla noticed how she just took her breath away but she can't bring herself to care - at least for now. She reassuringly squeezes Carmilla's hand back. "I mean it."
After the two of them realized that they've been holding onto each other's hand for a while now and they've exchanged 'goodnights', Laura goes back to her bed while Carmilla lies down on hers.
It really is a good night -
- until Laura remembers how Kirsch said that he and JP just arrived when they saw her and Carmilla looking at the trees beyond the bushes.
That would mean that whatever was making the noise behind the bushes and whoever Laura saw walk past the trees were neither Kirsch nor JP.
"Carm, are you still awake?"