Chapter Five

After the last student was finished managing the kitchen, Lauren instructs the team to go through the doors that would lead them to the next activity.

Just as she was about to follow them, you tug on her wrist before dragging her into privacy. "What the hell are you doing here!?" You whisper yell, looking around to see if anyone could see you.

"What? Cuba isn't the only place I have a hotel." Lauren shrugs, acting as if it was normal to be where she was.

"Oh and you just happen to own a hotel in New Zealand?" You ask sarcastically. "Why are you really here?"

Lauren sighs in defeat as she takes your hand before dragging you somewhere more private.

"I heard from your school that you were planning to major in Hotel Management. I took this as an opportunity to not only see you again but give you experience so you could get a decent job at a hotel." Lauren explains.

After what happened two weeks ago, you never thought you'd see her again. You couldn't help but feel angered that she turned up out of no where and especially to your own country without even telling you. It only made you wonder what her motives were.

"Yeah well I don't need your help." You huff, walking away from the Cuban.

"Wait!" Lauren calls, turning you around. "Please, I just want to talk to you- to explain everything."

"You already told me everything I needed to know. Just, leave me alone." You sigh, resuming the course.

Although you didn't want to speak with the pale skinned woman, it didn't mean you were going to drop out of the course just yet.

You needed an excuse to stay, a reason for your dad to let you stay. This course may be the only leverage you have.

If this course stopped you from going to Australia and having Camila out of your life forever, you were willing to go through it. Just until you figured out a plan to stop your mother from having any contact with you.

-

After you had completed all activities, you make your way back into the large room.

As you take a seat, you realise you had forgotten all about Camila and Normani. "Fuck." You groan before pulling out your phone.

When you saw multiple missed calls from not only Camila but your dad too, you attempt to call back. A voice coming for the speakers stops you from doing so.

"I hope you all enjoyed your activities. I've received a few names back from your leaders and I must say, it was a hard decision." Rolling your eyes, you excuse yourself from the room before dialling Camila's number.

"Where are you?" You ask into your phone when you hear Camila pick up.

"I took Normani home and went home myself. I tried calling you multiple times but you wouldn't answer." Camila replies. You could tell by the tone of her voice that she was irritated.

"I'm sorry, this whole course distracted me. Is Normani okay?"

"Yes," The Cuban sighs. "but she wants an explanation for why you didn't turn up."

"I'll give one to her soon. Can you come get me please? It's almost over." You ask politely, peeking into the large room as you see a small group of people lining up at the front.

"Sure. I'll be there in a few minutes."

Thanking Camila, you end the call before making your way back into the area. As you did, you hear your name being called. "and lastly, Y/n Apa." Mark says before the students start clapping.

Frowning, you slowly make your way towards the front. You didn't have a clue what was going on.

"Congratulations, you 6 have been selected to proceed with the rest of the course. Thank you all for participating." Mark said before leaving the platform.

Shrugging your shoulders, you attempt to go find Camila but you're stopped by someone wrapping their hand around your wrist.

"Wait, Y/n." You hear Lauren says as she pulls you towards her. "Can we talk?"

"Not really. I have to get home." You reply, yanking your wrist back.

"Please, 5 minutes. That's all I'm asking for." Lauren pleads desperately.

Sighing in defeat, you nod quickly.

"Well....I was thinking, you should work alongside me after this course. I want to be business partners with you, show you the reigns and everything?" Scoffing, you shake your head as back away from Latina.

"No. I will not work with you. I don't even want to talk to you. Two weeks and you never even tried to contact me. Now you just except me to run back into your arms? No. That's not how it works." You growl. "I'm not taking this course for you."

Lauren frowns as her posture stiffens. "Well then who are you taking it for?"

"None-"

"Y/n?" You hear Camila call from behind you.

Your eyes widen before you find yourself facing the brunette. "Mila." You reply.

"Hey, I've been long for you-" Camila stops mid sentence when her eyes catch sight of Lauren. "What the hell are you doing here." She huffs, taking your hand in hers.

Ignoring Camila's question, Lauren looks towards you with pleading eyes. "Consider it." Was all she said before leaving the both of you alone.

"Consider what?" Camila asks confused and pissed off. "What does she want you considering, Y/n?" Camila growls lowly.

"Nothing. Can we just go? I want to go home and explain everything to my dad."

Camila sighs in defeat before nodding. The both of you then make your way back home, expecting to be met with a chill Keneti.

"Dad," You call, entering the house. "I'm home."

Not even a second later, your dad comes out of the living room with a furious expression.

"What do you think you're doing!" He exclaims, glancing to your suitcase that you had brought in.

"Look," You sigh. "I can't go to Australia. Not now."

"Do you know what you will cause if you stay here? You'll have to see your mother whether you like it or not. You do realise that don't you?" Your dad huffs angrily.

You knew he only wanted what was best for you. He wanted you to be safe and away from your mother but Camila and her son were more important to you.

"I do realise, dad. I don't care what happens. I can't leave Camila and Alejandro." You confess, glancing towards Camila who flashes you a weak smile.

"What? Yes you can-"

"No I can't. You just have to be on my side with this. Instead of arguing, stick by me. Please?" You urge.

Throwing his hands in the air metaphorically, you had sighs before nodding. "Fine. I just hope you know what you're doing."

"Trust me. I got this. Now you should be getting ready for that meeting," placing your hands on your dad's shoulders from behind him, you guide him towards the stairs. "put on a nice button up shirt, some dress pants and meet me back down here when you're ready. Okay, big guy?"

"Alright." Your dad replies before jogging upstairs.

"You handled that well." Camila comments as she leads you into the kitchen.

"Surprisingly." You chuckle, noticing Alejandro hadn't noticed your presences yet. "Where's my little chicken?" You ask, looking over Camila's shoulder.

"Napping. You were gone a long time." Camila points out as she sits on the kitchen counter. She then wraps her arms around you neck as you stand in between her legs.

"I'm sorry about that. I totally forgot." You reply honestly, hoping Camila wouldn't bring up Lauren.

"I bet you were. Especially with Lauren being there." Camila mumbles through her pout which made you giggle.

"Are you jealous?" You tease, poking Camila's tummy.

"No!" She squeals, slapping your hand away. "I just don't like her around you. I know she's my cousin but doesn't mean I have to like her."

"You have nothing to worry about." You reassure, resting your hands on Camila's hips.

"I won't worry if you just be my girlfriend already." Camila jokes, elbowing your stomach.

Your smile fades as you look down, refusing to meet Camila's eyes. "I told you, Mila. I'm not ready to-"

"Commit." Camila finishes as she pulls away from you. "Yeah, you made that very clear." Was all she said before leaving you in the kitchen alone.

Sighing, you lean on the counter as you thought.

You knew that things were going to change now that Lauren was back in the picture. Things were either going to end good or bad.

You just hoped that at the end of the day, Alejandro was still in your life. One the time that you've known him, you've gotten pretty attached.