NOTE: I changed the "-" for "" like most people wanted. I'll only fix the other chapters when I have the time, but from this one forward I'll use "" for dialogue.

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Lauren Jauregui's Point Of View

I didn't have enough words that could describe exactly what I felt when I saw that woman step on the long Victoria Secret's Fashion Show catwalk. Camila Cabello metaphorically lit that place on fire; the whole audience went euphoric at the sight of the model walking down the runway to the sound of Selena Gomez's music. The young Latina was simply magnificent, and totally lived up to the status of best model in the last few years. There was not even one being in this whole world that didn't admire the way how she could be spectacular on the runways. Camila was incredibly beautiful; her long, wavy hair molded her so significant and unique delicate face traits, now very different from what I used to see years ago. She was the owner of a millimetrically perfect body, with modeled curves that left her with a sexy and youthful posture. The Latina also exuded confidence, power and charisma. It was as if she had been born for that, as if God with all his kindness had let that sweet angel come down to earth to bless our lives with her beauty.

I closed my eyes for brief seconds, when she crossed the middle of the runway. I was a few meters away from the woman who once was all I ever wanted. My throat was dry, and I felt my hands sweating. The nervousness that took over my body was devastating, as if everything there could suddenly go wrong.

"Is everything alright, Lauren?" Mrs. Owen asked with a curious look.

I just nodded quickly with a smile on my lips. No, I wasn't fine at all. I brought one of my hands to my forehead, where I slid slowly, I was sweating. I closed my eyes again, and pulled as much air as possible into my lungs, when the flashes of the spotlights and the people around began to murmur excitedly. I lifted my head and looked towards the center of the runway, and it was when my eyes met hers.

God...

The wide and charismatic smile that was stamped on the Latina's face faded. And in a matter of minimal seconds I could see the shock clear on her face. That moment seemed to happen in slow motion; my eyes fixed on the woman's intense brown ones, throwing me abruptly into another dimension:

* I huffed for the third time in less than two minutes while I packed my books inside my backpack. Changing high school always made me incredibly angry. After having stayed almost four years in California, without the coming and going of a gypsy life, my father was transferred once again from his company, now to Miami. And since he couldn't live alone, our family had to move to this place. Even against my will, I had to join the rest of the family, losing everything that I was accustomed to in California, from friends, acquaintances, habits and my favorite places. My parents were totally against the idea of me living with Chris, my older brother, claiming that he was not fully responsible to take care of a seventeen year old girl.

The bell had already rung, and the rest of the students of the general history class had already almost completely left the classroom. From what I heard from a group of girls talking next to me, today there would be held a beauty contest in the high school, in which the only person I know in this whole place would participate. I met Veronica Iglesias last summer, during a company party in which our parents work, she was on a family trip in California, and with the same circle of acquaintances, we had the great opportunity to become great friends, even only having a little time for it. I pulled the zipper of the backpack, and put it on my back before leaving the classroom. I walked down the long corridors of the high school in the middle of the cluster of people who talked animatedly as they headed towards what I thought was the main gym.

"Hey!" A guy exclaimed as he walked beside me. "You are new here, right?"

He was much taller than I; his hair had a light brown tone, and a kind of tousled look, which contrasted with his relatively tanned skin from the Miami sun. His light green eyes were as flashy as his physique, which I thought was strong.

"Yes, it's my first day here." I let out with a smile.

"I noticed, I've never seen you here before. Pleasure to meet you, my name is Ethan." He spoke as he extended his hand towards me with a smile.

"I'm Lauren Jauregui, nice to meet you." I spoke politely as I greeted him.

"Are you going to the gym too? Today is the high school's beauty contest. If you studied here longer I'm sure you'd be participating."

"Oh, no." I let out awkwardly. "I wasn't born to draw so much attention. I'd rather stay in the more common area."

He expanded his lips into a broad smile. Ethan possessed a stunning beauty, which left me incredibly amazed. He was as beautiful as the boys from California, but with a totally different look from my old boyfriend, that idiot.

"Why? You're so beautiful." He spoke with his eyes fixed on me.

"It's not my thing."

"I understand, even though I think you'd win them all."

He was being more than nice in that moment, and I was thanking God for that. Being alone on the first day of high school wasn't one of the best things in the world. We walked side by side towards the gym that was packed. That place seemed to contain all the students of Dalton Academy, with their black uniforms with red details.

"Ethan! We're here!"

Another guy, who was wearing the same jacket as Ethan, shouted ahead. He raised one of his hands in a wave signaling his place very close to the stage.

"Want to seat with us? We got a place very close to the stage." He asked as he stared at me.

"I don't want to bother you."

"You don't, Lauren. Come with me, I'll introduce you to some friends."

I just nodded and walked beside the brown-haired boy. We walked between the rows of students who were already accommodated in their respective places. I felt the evaluative gazes on me as I walked to the place where the rest of Ethan's friends were.

"Finally, dude." A very handsome guy with dark skin spoke as he smiled at the guy next to me.

"I was helping her, she's new here. Josh, this is Lauren."

Josh looked at me with a broad smile, and extended his hand to me in greeting.

"Hi, Lauren. I'm Joshua, but you can call me Josh."

"Nice to meet you, Josh."

I was introduced to a few more people in that group, who received me kindly, except some girls who looked at me with disdainfully. From what I could gather, Ethan was one of the main players of the Dalton Academy's football team, rather, he was the captain. Therefore all those eyes on me during the whole way, I was the new girl who had caught the attention of the most beloved guy in the whole school.

"Do you think it will take long to start?" Ethan asked.

"The director said it would start in a few minutes." Joshua answered as he played with the rugby ball.

"Amber is participating. I hope she wins!" One of the girls, whose name I still hadn't registered commented.

Ethan didn't seem to pay much attention, just stared at the stage absently.

"I don't know if she can win. There are a lot of beautiful girls in this contest." Joshua commented. "I heard Camila Cabello is in it."

"She won't beat Amber." The same girl commented again.

"I think she's very strong to win! There's also Veronica, she's beautiful, too."

I frowned for a few seconds at the mention of the familiar name.

"Veronica Iglesias?" I entered the conversation warily, drawing the attention of the group of friends.

"Yes, that's right. Do you know her?" Ethan asked as he looked at me.

I flashed a smile at him and nodded.

"She's my friend."

"That's wonderful! Vero didn't tell me she had such a beautiful friend." The boy said with a smile that made me blush. "She's a great friend of mine too."

I nodded my head, and was immensely happy to learn that Vero was also Ethan's friend. I stared at him surreptitiously for a few seconds, which were interrupted by the loud throat clearing coming from the speakers. A man who I thought was in his late forties stood behind the microphone on the center of the stage.

"Good Morning, students!"

The murmurs that until a few minutes ago were loud, were gradually ceasing. Making room for the man to start speaking. Joshua along with the other guys made jokes about the man, who was actually the director of the high school. Ethan just laughed and agreed with the pejorative nicknames given to the man who was speaking to the cluster of students. I just stayed silent, and observed everyone around me as the director finished talking. Soon a woman with red hair took the stage, receiving applause from everyone present there.

"Hello, my dears, for those who don't know, my name is Stacy Morgan. I'm the school's drama teacher. Today we will once again enjoy our beauty contest." The woman looked incredibly excited. "I want to thank the presence of our jurors who are on the bench here in front of the stage. A round of applause, please."

The students quickly obeyed, receiving waves and smiles from the jurors in the reserved bench ahead.

"I want you to enjoy the fashion show, and cheer a lot for your favorite candidates. Let's start."

All the students there seemed eager with the beginning of the show. The speakers released the first beats of the lively song that seemed to hit the young people present there.

"Our first candidate is the beautiful Ashley Philips." The teacher said as soon as a girl with black hair entered the stage.

The girl was very beautiful, she had short hair, shoulder-length. She was wearing short shorts and a beige and blue blouse. She walked graciously to the center of the stage and then turned and walked back again, stopping on the back of the stage. Then, a blonde with long hair entered the runway, receiving applause and euphoric screams.

"Our second candidate is Amber Miller."

Ethan's friends shouted and applauded the girl who strutted confidently down the runway. Amber was wearing a well-cut red jumpsuit, contrasting perfectly well with her light hair and skin tone. She stopped in the center, and smiled at us before turning and going back, stopping next to the first candidate. The guy next to me, Ethan, looked at me and smiled kindly, and I just did the same.

"Thank you, Amber." The redhead said excitedly. "Now another candidate who's also incredibly beautiful, you can come in Veronica Iglesias."

My friend walked down that runway with her dazzling smile and her typical cynical expression. Vero received applause and excited screams from the guys as she crossed the runway. And when she stopped in the center of it, the young girl casted me an excited and happy look, accompanied by a broad smile that I reciprocated in the same way. Vero, just like the others, headed towards the back of the stage, stopping next to Amber. The show was really good, but didn't completely catch my attention; after Vero, 3 other girls entered the stage, walking down the runway and attracting a lot of applause. I was no longer paying much attention, in fact, I just wanted that show to end once and for all to be able to have a word with my friend.

"This is wonderful." The drama teacher said. "Now to finish. Our last candidate, who's also a strong contender for the prize," Stacy said in suspense. "With you, our magnificent, Camila Cabello."

The volume of the music increased as soon as the name of the candidate was announced; the entire gym received the young girl as warmly as Amber had been received. For the first time after a few good minutes, I looked at the stage again, now having the image of the beautiful girl on the runway. Camila Cabello was totally different from the others.

"Camila! Camila!" A group ahead started screaming as the girl crossed the runway.

I didn't know how to explain, but the last candidate took that fashion show to another level. Camila was simply beautiful. She had brown and long hair, waist-length; her body was thin, but her hips were somewhat larger. She had curves in the right places. Her face was thin with well-drawn features. If I wasn't mistaken, the young girl had Latin traits. She was incredibly confident on the runway, she maintained a fix gaze, which time or another landed on the audience. She reached the front of the stage, stopping in a dignified pose of famous models.

"She's really a good model." Ethan whispered next to me.

I stared at the girl a few meters in front of me, when at last her gaze crossed mine. She stared at me curiously for a few instants, as if somehow I had also drawn her attention. Camila, as she was called, curiously awoke my attention, and even my admiration. Something about that so beautiful girl had drawn me in; I don't know if it was her seemingly Latin beauty, or her so engaging charisma. But there was something different about that girl, who now broke our eye contact as she spun on her heels and moved toward the back of the stage. *

"Lauren? Is everything okay?"

I heard Dinah's voice in the background, pulling me from that time bubble. I stared at the blonde next to me, who carried a scared and curious expression. I shook my head for a few instants, but then nodded.

"Yes, I just..."

"Try to relax, and leave the past in its place." My best friend whispered.

"A little hard when your past is exuberantly walking down a runway."

"You'll have to learn to deal with it, Lauren."

The show continued, and a sequence of models walked down the runway with the outfits of our brand, attracting the attention of all the audience that was there. I remained firm, despite being incredibly shaken inside. I never thought that seeing Camila that night would affect me so much. It was as if she brought a piece of the old Lauren to the surface, and I wasn't sure if I was prepared to deal with that. My greatest desire in that moment was to leave the place and isolate myself somewhere, or rather, in the comfort of my apartment. But as Dinah had said, and repeated several times, that was my night, and I couldn't let anything get in the way.

"I heard that the audience is high on television." Dinah whispered to me and to Mrs. Owen beside me.

"Are you sure?" The older and elegant woman asked.

"Yes! It's in all the social networks! God, I'm about to explode with happiness."

The blonde had a gaping smile on her face, and I smiled the same way and hugged her.

"I can't believe we're doing the best Victoria Secret's Fashion Show." She exclaimed as she clapped her hands.

"Same, I feel like I'm going to die at any moment." I let out a nervous laugh.

"Don't do that today, hon. The only news we are going to give is that Laurinah did the best fashion show that this brand has ever seen! With the help of that Goddess over there, of course." She said referring to Camila.

I let out a laugh at my best friend, soon noticing Mrs. Owen approaching again.

"I'm very happy with your work, girls." She had a smile that conveyed that feeling. "We're in the middle of the fashion show and I already feel that it was worth all the investment made here."

"I'm immensely glad that you're liking it. It's a great pleasure." I spoke as I stared at her.

"The pleasure is mine to work with two very talented young women."

I hugged her for a few instants, feeling really happy. It was the fulfillment of a dream to be there, showing my work and all that I'm capable of doing. I worked hard for many years, to only now be able to receive the opportunity offered by that woman. And both Dinah and I wouldn't dare disappoint.

"Thank you, Eliza."

"Thank YOU, Jauregui. Tonight is the first of many in your success. And yours, too, my dear." The woman approached Dinah and wrapped her with her arms.

The fashion show continued lively, we were already near the end of the great worldwide spectacle. With the programming made by Dinah and I, now would happen the most awaited moment of that event. The so expected Fantasy Bra would be worn by the main Angel, none other than her. Camila Cabello.

"It's now." Dinah whispered as she held my hand.

I squeezed her hand and sighed.

The lights turned off, leaving only the small spots of light that came out of the rotary spotlights on the runway. The murmurs were loud and eager; the photographers were properly prepared with the lenses of their cameras turned towards the center. One of the spotlights aimed at Selena Gomez's body on the right corner of the stage as soon as the woman started singing. Then, all the other spotlights landed on the powerful Angel, Karla Cabello.

She had a serious, thought-provoking and superior expression that made my whole body shiver. Unlike minutes ago, the Latina now carried in her body Victoria Secret's' most valuable asset. Camila was wearing the lingerie set that cost exactly 16 million dollars.

"Oh my God..." Those were the only words that left my lips when I watched her take the first step on that runway.

The whole audience went into euphoria. Camila seemed to shine on that stage, the red and blue shade jewels stood out on her so perfect body; as if that two piece set had been made especially for the model. Her wings further magnified the moment, they were made entirely of light and bluish metals, containing in several extremities red diamond stones. My eyes landed on the body of that woman who seemed to make the fashion show of her life.

"She looks more incredible than I thought she would." Dinah whispered amazed.

I couldn't even form a sentence that could answer her. I was simply mesmerized by the woman who walked down the runway in that moment. Karla had an intense and provocative look, and in her lips a cynical smile that could leave anyone at her feet. The model stopped at the limit point of the catwalk, with her hands on her waist. She turned to one side and then the other, without removing the victorious expression from her face. That woman was very different from the young girl from years ago. Karla Cabello didn't have insecurities, her gaze unwavering. She was luxury, confidence and above all power.

The brunette turned on her heels and walked back in the same way to the end of the catwalk; Camila stopped at the center point, and only returned to walk again when the group of models entered the stage. Now the supermodel walked beside the others, as if guiding them through the extensive catwalk. Everyone who was in the audience stood up and applauded with praise our models, who carried confident and excited smiles on their lips. We stood just like the others, and applauded the success that the event was being. Camila stopped in the middle again, between the row of Angels that surrounded her, and only now laid eyes on me again. And different from the first time, she didn't seem to care, on the contrary, she even smiled.

I couldn't reciprocate because I was still in shock with all that, but my eyes never left her, not even for a second.

-----

Once the show came to an end, Dinah and I headed along Mrs. Owen and the rest of the present shareholders to the backstage. Although I was incredibly excited about the success that the event had been, I still felt insecure in relation to Camila. The models were visibly euphoric, all of them congratulating us for the success as soon as we entered the dressing room.

"This was really divine!" Selena Gomez commented as she approached.

"You were sensational, as always."

"It was an enormous pleasure for me. I'm super excited." The brunette said.

"My dear, the pleasure was ours. You look beautiful." Mrs. Owen said as she approached Selena.

Dinah talked excitedly with some of the models, who took photos and more photos to share on their social networks. I was in an entertaining conversation with the shareholders, who talked about the highest moments of the fashion show, when I heard that familiar voice in the same environment.

"Our main star has arrived." Mrs. Owen exclaimed happily.

I took my eyes off the group of people in front of me, and looked at the Latina who entered that room. Camila had a broad smile on her lips, which overflowed all her happiness for that night.

"You were incredible." Dinah approached her, and hugged her.

"We have to celebrate this great day." It was Normani's turn to speak.

"And we will. The fashion show after-party is already ready in the main hall of VS." Eliza joined in. Despite her age, she blended perfectly well. "Oh, we still haven't introduced you to our general director."

Dammit, dammit.

My heart raced for knowing that that moment had finally come, and now I'd have to actually face Camila again.

"Lauren, come here."

I received an attentive look from Dinah, who instantly stopped talking to the models just to witness that moment. I took a deep breath, and graciously walked towards Mrs. Owen, who promptly stood next to Camila. My eyes only fixed on her brown ones in the exact moment when we stood face to face. It was as if the whole world had stopped around us. The Latina's intense and deep eyes stared at me as if through mine she could see all the confusion that was going on in me.

"Karla, this is the great mentor of our project. Lauren Jauregui. She was responsible for the initial creation of everything." The older woman commented as she introduced me.

I don't know if everything was happening in slow motion in my head, but I had the feeling that Camila took some seconds, to then extend her hand towards me.

"Pleasure to meet you, Lauren. You did a sensational job." She said with a smile on her lips.

I swallowed hard and lifted one of my hands to hers; feeling the soft touch of her so soft skin. Did she no longer remember me? Or would she just pretend that we never even met before? Certainly the latter was much more evident, she wouldn't have how to forget everything that we lived together in the past, would she?

"You were also simply..." The words escaped my mouth, even though I knew all the adjectives that I could give her. "Incredible."

Camila pulled her hand subtly, breaking our contact. It was like receiving an electric current in my body, bringing back everything that I thought I had forgotten:

* The entire gym was euphoric, the results of the beauty contest would come out in a few minutes. That was really an event that animated the day in that place; from what I heard it happened every year, and according to Ethan's friends, Amber would be the winner that year as well. Amber was a cheerleader, therefore the many followers around her.

"I think this year we'll have another winner." Ethan murmured.

"Stop saying that, you don't need to stop supporting her just because you broke up." Nathalie exclaimed, making the young man roll his eyes.

"Nathalie!"

"Attention, my dears! We'll now announce the winners of our contest. Recalling that it will mean a place to compete in the municipal competition, and if you pass that you'll win a place in the state competition!"

"Oh my God, it's the best prize they've ever given." A girl commented with her friend behind us.

"In third place, but not less important. One of our most beautiful and charismatic candidates. Veronica Iglesias."

Vero let out an amused laugh and walked to the teacher, receiving a band and flowers. Everyone there knew that Iglesias entered such events just for fun, and with that purpose, to win third place was already better than what she had planned.

"We'll know announce the second place." Stacy was holding a red envelope with one hand, and the microphone with the other. "Wow! Our beautiful candidate in second place is wonderful, a round of applause for Amber Miller."

The young blonde widened her eyes in surprise, but not in such an excited way as I expected. My eyes landed on the brunette on the left corner; Camila. She was as surprised as the candidate in second place. For a split second I was really excited about the fashion show, I felt that the beautiful brunette would win in first place. Camila had a light of her own, which lit up the entire place. She was like the sun.

The unsatisfied murmurs from the group of people beside me, made me laugh inwardly. I knew very well that type of people, the ones who considered themselves owners of the whole school, those who loved to be followed by the rest of the students who admired them, even without having right reasons for it.

"And in first place. A true beginner to be a great model, I'm sure she'll have a bright future," Stacy exclaimed happily. "With you, our dear Latina, Camila Cabello."

The entire audience celebrated, as if that was a unanimous result. Camila was really surprised by the announcement, because only after a few seconds did she take care of approaching the redhead with the prize in her hands. It wasn't as if she was expecting victory, even if she craved it inwardly. I didn't know how to explain, but she had something different.

[...]

"Lauren!"

I interrupted my conversation with Ethan at the sound of Iglesias' voice. I received a tight hug from my friend, which I reciprocated in the same intensity.

"God, I didn't know that you'd arrive on the first day! I'm so happy that you're here."

"And I'm really happy to see you here."

"And you? Already hitting on my friend? Ethan, leave the girl alone, okay?"

The blond let out an amused laugh and hugged Vero sideways.

"I didn't do anything, right Lauren? I'm just keeping her company."

"Is that right?" She asked with mock irritation.

"Yes, Vero. He's being very kind."

"See?!"

Vero alternated her gaze between Ethan and I, to then nod.

"I can't let you fall for these players bullshit in this school. But don't worry, Laur. I'll show you the ropes here." Vero inched closer, hugging me sideways.

"There will be a party tonight at Joshua's house, for the beginning of classes. You can go, and bring Lauren." Ethan let out somewhat sheepishly.

"Parties, I love them." My friend said excitedly. "Wanna go, Laur?"

"I don't know, I have so many things to do. We got here two days ago and everything is kind of messy at home."

Ethan could even think that that was an excuse, but in fact it wasn't. The change was in full, and we were still working to leave everything organized in our new home.

"You can try really hard, please, it will be so much fun to have you there." The boy spoke gently, making me blush.

"I don't know..."

We stared at each other for a few seconds, and that was the first moment in which I really felt a different look from the boy towards me. We were interrupted by the hysterical screams of Vero as she hugged another girl, it was her, the winner.

"Oh my God, you slayed everything, Mila!"

"I swear I didn't imagine I'd win!"

"Well, I was here rooting for you."

"How so? You were running against me." The brunette spoke as she let out a contagious laugh.

I allowed myself to analyze her subtly, even in the midst of a conversation with Ethan. Camila was as charismatic as I imagined, she had a mesmerizing smile, and a sweet voice that matched her perfectly well.

"You know that I only participate in these things for fun. I'm very happy that you won, especially in our last year!"

Camila laughed and pulled Vero for a hug.

"I hope to win in the municipal contest!"

"You'll win, I'm sure." Iglesias let out confidently. "Now come, let me introduce you to a friend."

I felt certain nervousness in that instant, I wasn't as good at meeting new people, especially when they were as incredibly charismatic as the brunette in front of me.

"Mila, this is my friend Lauren. She came from California to spend this last year with us."

Camila stopped right in front of me, with a friendly smile. I stared at her so beautiful face, and flashed a somewhat shy smile. The young woman greeted Ethan briefly before turning again towards me.

"Pleasure to meet you, Lauren. Welcome to Dalton Academy."

She held my hand in a gentle greeting before depositing two small kisses on each side of my face.

"The pleasure is mine. And thank you so much."

"She's somewhat shy right now, but I assure you that she's as cool as me." Iglesias let out smugly.

"God, you're a pain in the ass. Is she always like this with you as well, Lauren?"

"Always."

"Then you'll have to help me put up with your friend here." Camila hugged Vero sideways and deposited a kiss on her cheek.

"Are you going to the party tonight, Camila?" Ethan asked as he joined the conversation.

Camila looked at him frowning, perhaps trying to remember something.

"Joshua's." He completed.

She raised her eyebrows and nodded.

"Yes, I'm going with Ally."

"And with me." Vero said in a smug tone.

"Are you going, Lauren?" The Latina asked.

I stared at her for a few seconds, still analyzing her so delicate features.

"Oh, yes, I'm going."

"Great! It will be fun." *

I lost contact with Camila's eyes, the woman now looked at her agent who looked as tense as me. Did Camila comment something with her? I shook my head and subtly tried to move away.

"Girls, I'm going to head to the party at VS. I'll wait for you there." Elizabeth Owen commented as she said goodbye.

"You are going, right Camila?" Dinah asked the model who nodded excitedly.

"Of course! I need to celebrate tonight in the best possible way."

"Then we can all go together, what do you think?" Normani suggested.

A silence settled between us, and I didn't dare speak. Even if Camila had been totally polite to me, I still didn't feel at ease to have so many moments in her presence. Which sooner or later I'd have to get used to, since from that day, her name would be the main in my annual collection.

"You two can go with us in our car, right Lauren?"

Before I could answer, Camila spoke first.

"I think it's a wonderful idea." She exclaimed to my surprise. "We have to enjoy this night together."

She casted me an intense look, however totally indecipherable. I didn't know absolutely anything about what was going through that woman's mind, but I asked the Gods that everything went the best possible way.

Get ready, Lauren. This evening promises to be long. – My subconscious practically shouted.