Camila stayed under observation at the hospital for an entire week before being released. Lauren had remained by Camila's side every day and night keeping her company. It was going to be nice to finally sleep in their bed again.
As Lauren's driver pulled up to the back entrance of the large house, Alfred was at the door waiting for them. The basketball player climbed out of the car and rushed around to the other side. The driver had already opened Camila's door and Lauren said she would take it from there.
"I can carry you in, baby."
"Laur, I'm fine, really."
"You look a little woozy to me." The green eyed reasoned.
"It's probably just some of the after effects from the pain medicine they gave me. But I can walk just fine." The doctor shifted her body to get out of the SUV.
Camila had noticed how overprotective her girlfriend had become of her over the past week. Lauren would be so gentle and speak to her in soft whispers like she was a fragile kitten. It was sweet, of course, but lately had become a bit overwhelming.
Lauren placed a firm hand on Camila's knee, sopping her. "Please, let me...just in case."
Camila saw the worry in those emerald eyes and relented.
"Okay."
Finally, making it to their bedroom, Lauren gently laid her precious cargo on the bed. Leaning over the brunette, Lauren brushed back the doctor's bangs and smiled gently.
"Do you need anything? Water? Tea? I'll just bring you both." She said quickly.
"Baby..."
"Is this pillow okay behind your head? I want you to be comfortable."
"Laur..." Camila tried again.
"How is your head? Are you in any pain? I could..."
"Lauren!" The brunette yelled.
Lauren stopped her rambling and stared at Camila. She smiled affectionately and grasped the collar of Lauren's shirt, pulling her down for a soft kiss. She gently caressed Lauren's cheek.
"Baby, it's okay. I know you feel like you have to do all this stuff for me, but you don't. I'm not blaming you for what happened." The doctor whispered. "Don't think for one second that this is your fault."
Green eyes quickly became misty and Lauren's bottom lip began to quiver. She buried her face in the Camila's stomach as her body began to shiver with tears.
"I'm so sorry." A muffled voice cried.
Camila caressed her head. "Oh, sweetie, no. Don't cry."
Lauren sniffled and lifted her eyes, tears running non–stop.
"But you left early that morning to avoid me. I know you did."
Camila looked into those sadden green eyes and then lowered her gaze.
That was actually true.
She just wanted to bury herself in work and possibly talk things over with Lauren later. She just wasn't ready to face her and she was still hurt by her girlfriend's words.
Judging by the brunette's reaction, Lauren knew she was right.
"I don't know why I got so angry. When you started asking all those questions I..."
"Laur, it's alright. I already forgive you for losing your temper. Just don't blame yourself for what happened to me. Okay?"
"I've already thrown out all of my prescription pills. I don't know what happened to me, baby. I couldn't stop. But I promise you. It will never happen again. No more. I'm through with the pain killers."
"I believe you." Camila ran a hand through dark hair. "That wasn't you the other night. I know you wouldn't intentionally hurt me." Camila cupped Lauren's face and smiled. "I love you."
The basketball player gave a soft smile in return. She was grateful that Camila was forgiving her, even after all of the horrible things she said to her.
"I love you so much. I always will." Lauren leaned in and they shared a teary, loving kiss.
* * *
A few nights later, Lauren was awakened by a kick to her left shin. A bit startled, she opened her eyes to the darkened room and looked over at Camila. Her girlfriend's brows were furrowed and she had a troubled expression, turning her head left and right.
Lauren scooted closer and placed a gentle hand on Camila's shoulder, shaking it lightly.
"Camz...baby, wake up."
The brunette whimpered in fear then suddenly screamed.
"No! No! Lauren!"
"Baby!" The green eyed spoke louder.
"Please! Help me!" Camila sat up suddenly in the bed, sweat covering her forehead and neck.
"Camz, are you okay?" Lauren whispered, placing an arm around her.
Camila turned her head quickly towards the dark haired, fear swimming in those brown chocolate eyes. Relieved to see her girlfriend, a comfort washed over her and she leaned into her.
Lauren embraced Camila in a warm hug.
"Oh, Lauren...I was so scared."
"What happened, honey?" The basketball player whispered, stroking Camila's slightly sweaty hair.
"I...I remember what happened. Before the accident."
"Here, lean back on me."
They scooted their bodied down in the bed. Camila was lying her head back in the nook of Lauren's shoulder and arm. Laur leaned her cheek against the top of the brunette's head. Her left hand found an open space under Camila's casted arm and rubbed her hip comfortingly.
"Tell me what you remember."
Camila took a breath, trying to calm herself. She slowly wiped a tear from her eye, then placed Lauren's right hand over her belly and covered it with her own.
"I remember, coming out of the gates and...the brakes were acting kind of...loose."
"Loose?"
"Yeah, but I thought it wasn't such a big deal. But then when I..." Camila received a horrifying flash from her nightmare and couldn't stop the fresh tears from stinging her eyes.
Lauren kissed Camila's forehead.
"Hey, it's okay...I'm here, you're safe now. Talk to me, baby."
Camila gripped the larger hand under hers and continued.
"I was coming up to a red light...and when I hit the brakes...I couldn't stop. I was hitting the break over and over, but I couldn't stop." The doctor's voice trembled and more tears fell.
"Shh..." Lauren kissed the top of Camila's head.
"I can't remember what happened next. But before I crashed...all I could think about was my family, and if I'd ever see you again. I was so afraid..."
A tear escaped one of Lauren's eyes and she closed them tightly.
"I didn't want to leave you, Lauren. I wasn't ready to go..." the blonde cried.
"I know, baby." Lauren shifted her body to look down into misty brown eyes. She tenderly stroked Camila's bangs back from her forehead. "You're safe now." She whispered, inches from Camila's's lips. "You're here with me...and I'm beyond grateful that you're in my arms right now. You're my world, Camz."
In response, Lauren received a soft smile.
"And you're mine." Camila whispered back.
Lauren gazed into those chocolate eyes and smiled in return. She brushed the tip of her nose against the brunette's and Camila closed her eyes, loving the affectionate display. Lauren kissed her softly and then a second time. She wanted to reassure Camila that she was safe and loved.
After a moment, both turned their bodies to face each other and fell into a comfortable sleep.
* * *
Curious as to why the Camila's breaks failed, Lauren had her friend Dean Winchester, one of the best mechanics in town, to examine the vehicle.
The basketball player stood in the auto-mechanic's garage with her arms crossed as Dean, was under the car examining.
"So, what's the verdict?" Lauren asked.
"Huh..." The mechanic hummed, discovering something odd.
"What is it?"
Dean rolled himself from under the damaged car and looked up at her.
"The brake line was cut."
"Cut?" Lauren questioned with a frown.
"Yep." Dean replied, standing up. He rubbed his greasy hands on his frequently used towel that hung from his waist. "Professional, too."
Lauren shook her head, confused as hell.
"Wait a minute. What do you mean professional?"
"I mean someone did this on purpose and they knew what they were doing. It's a clean precise cut."
Lauren's heart jumped in fear.
"I don't understand. I mean who...who would do this on purpose? And to Camz of all people!"
Her fear soon turned to anger and her natural instinct to protect Camila kicked in.
"I think you should call the police, Jauregui. Something is very weird about this."
Lauren smiled weakly and patted Dean on his arm.
"Thanks for your help, Dean. I'll see you around."
As the green eyed climbed into her car to leave, her mind kept reeling over who Camila could possibly be enemies with.
* * *
Over the next two months, Camila seemed to be recovering quickly. The stitches in her head came out a month ago and all that remained was a thin horizontal red line that ran from the middle of her forehead to the end of her eyebrow. Her arm cast had been removed just two days ago and she was happy to finally be rid of it.
Lauren insisted that she go see a physical therapist, but Camila said she could handle it herself. She was an athletic physician after all.
Sometimes Lauren would drive her over to the athletic center where the doctor worked so she could use the equipment. Lately, she had just been using the gym in the house to work on her arm.
The green eyed was happy to see her recovering so quickly with Christmas just a week away. The brunette's only complaint was an occasional headache, which was what she was experiencing right now.
"Laur! Can you hand give me my pain pills, baby!" Camila called from the bed.
"Okay, I'll be right there!" Lauren answered from the bathroom. She had just gotten out of the shower and was toweling off her hair. She decided to keep the mysterious news about the cut break line to herself and told her girlfriend that the brakes just simply went out. Lauren didn't want her worrying about anything in her condition.
The basketball player threw on her white house coat and then opened the medicine cabinet. She opened up the brunette's prescription pills and poured out four, two in which she placed in the pocket of her robe.
"Just a sec, babe!" She called.
As Lauren closed the medicine cabinet she caught her reflection in the mirror.
She was guilty. She was guilty as hell and she knew it.
She tried to kick her habit of pain killers, but couldn't. Every once and a while she would sneak a pill or two and occasionally take some of Camila's, which she discovered were stronger than her own.
She was a walking lie and Camila had no idea.
Lauren shook off her culpability and walked out of the bathroom.
* * * * *