2020 (40)

                                    

                                          
My mom takes Camila inside the house and completely forgets about me. I unload the car with my bags and carry them inside to find my dad in awe of the girl that's in front of him now. 
                          
"This can't be real", he says and goes to hug her. She looks so small next to him.
                          
"Hi, Mr. Mendes", Camila muffles against his shoulder, overwhelmed with the welcome.
                          
"Call me Manny now", my dad says letting go and smiling at her like she was some kind of miracle.
                          
"Why didn't you tell me?", my mom asks me in shock, looking between me and Camila.
                          
"It was a suprise", I shrug and smile.
                          
"My parents don't know I'm here", Camila turns around to face us and tells her. "Please don't tell them yet. Just wanted to say hi to you guys first".
                          
"My God, they're going to go crazy", my mom chuckles. "But, how? I mean, when- why-?", she struggles with her words, still pretty confused why Camila is here with us now.
                          
"We both live in L.A. now and we work literally in front of each other".
                          
"Yeah, we ran into each other a couple of months ago", Camila adds. "And I asked him to give me a ride for the holidays this year".
                          
"That's crazy", my mom giggles. "So you were traveling with a girl", she points out.
                          
"Yeah", I admit blushing. "But I couldn't ruin the surprise".
                          
"That's fine. And where did you sleep last night? Was the storm too heavy there? It was crazy here".
                          
"Uhm, we stayed in a motel", Camila says looking at me like we were sharing a secret, which we were kinda.
                          
"Good. That's better", my dad whispers and I know he was worried. I glance at him and we lock eyes. I just want to let him now that I am here now, we both are, and we are ok.
                          
"I'm so happy to see you, Camila", my mom distracts us.
                          
"I'm so happy too, it's been forever", Camila sighs with emotion engraved in her tone.
                          
"I know... You look about the same, though. Beautiful as always", my mom says. "Doesn't she, Shawn?"
                          
"Yeah. I mean... That's right", I agree at last because how can't I? She looks gorgeous.
                          
"Thank you", Camila blushes looking at both of us. "I think I should go and see my parents now".
                          
"I'll take you", I announce and she hugs my parents again to say goodbye.
                          
"Please come visit us again and bring your family, we haven't seen them in a while".
                          
"Ok, I will", she smiles.
                          
"How was that?", I ask her when we are back in the car and driving away to her house.
                          
"Uh... Warm", she smiles trying to find the perfect words.
                          
"Good", I smile back to her. 
                          
I want to put my hand over her thigh tenderly but I don't know if it is too soon or of it is something that will bother her so I don't, for now.
                          
I had driven to her house with her by my side many times before, always with a sweet rush going through my veins, and this time is the same feeling but for a completely different reason. I'm excited about this and I can't hide it. I don't know how I got so lucky but I can't afford to mess it up, not this time.
                          
"Ok", I sigh when I park outside her home. "Here you are".
                          
"Come with me", she says slowly.
                          
"Are you sure?", I look at her. I don't know if she's nervous or just wants me there for no apparent reason.