Red String (CAMREN)

Chapter 1

"That's normal. It's your first day after all. But I know you will pull through like always. All you need is a good boost-up." Said Ally, smiling wide as pushing a glass of milk, a plate full of pancakes, scrambled egg and a bacon towards Camila who was ready; gripping on her knife and fork.

"You're the best, Ally." She said, blowing a kiss to Ally.

She stared at her friend with shining eyes. Times like this where she felt immensely grateful of having someone as wonderful as Ally by her side.

Growing up in an orphanage, Camila had a lot of 'siblings', younger siblings to be exact, and even though she only got a little time to get to know some of them, because that was just orphanage, a child never stayed long not as long as Camila did anyway, but she loved them nonetheless.

She went to college on full scholarship in English and literature in USC. That was when she met Ally Brooke Hernandez, the little bundle of joy who was studying Music. They worked at the same restaurant near campus and started being friends ever since. Until one day they decided to live together in a small apartment only 20 minutes from campus.

Ally was practically a big sister to Camila. She's always been there for Camila, being one of her biggest supporters at that time, besides herhead-mistress of  orphanage in Boston. So, when Ally graduated and moved back to her hometown, Texas, she was very sad and feeling so alone. No matter how many friends she had, they could never replace Ally.

"You eat, I'm gonna get dressed then we can go." Ally's voice was fading, bringing Camila back from her daydream and with that Ally's figure also disappeared behind her bedroom door.

***

It was still pretty vacant outside, though the sun had started ascending. What a bright day, Camila thought.

"Are you gonna come out of car anytime soon?" asked Ally teasingly.

She didn't know how long she had been sitting idly in the car, letting her mind wandered off somewhere unknown until she realized that Ally was already standing outside of the car, waiting for her. She took a very deep breath then stepped out and closed the car's door.

"I thought you'd built a tent in the car by now." Teased Ally again as they walked towards the school building, trying to ease Camila's nerve. She knew her friend was feeling anxious, if her fidgeting fingers were not showing it enough. "It's gonna be okay, Mila. It's just a usual day; you go, goof-around, maybe stumble once or twice 'cause you're such a klutz, but you're gonna have fun." Camila giggled at her friend's attempt in cheering her.

"I don't know about the stumbling part but I'd definitely have fun. Thanks, Al." said Camila, releasing a laugh.

***

Bell rang hinted class was about to start. Students passed behind her, walking fast, searching for their room. Students' chatting sounded faintly on the other side of the door while Camila just stood there, trying to compose herself. She grabbed the door handle, opened it and the students back to their seats, remaining silent as they watched her intently walk in front of the class.

"Hello, everyone! I'm your new English teacher. My name is," she stopped mid-sentence as the door opened abruptly. With a raised eyebrow, Camila watched a student with long brown hair and soft brown widened eyes standing in front of the door, panting, probably after running to class.

"Sorry, I... I'm late." The girl said nervously between pants.

"It's okay. You're only a couple minutes late. Take a seat." Giving her a smile, Camila motioned the girl to an empty chair, returning her attention to the class. "And my name is Camila Roberts. You can call me Ms. Camila. Now I want you all to go around, tell me your name and what do you like to do. Starting from you." She said, pointing to a student up front.