Disclaimer:

In this chapter, expect strong language, homophobia, and sensitive situations. These elements are presented without romanticization, and it's advised not to repeat or endorse such content.

Reader discretion is advised.

...

Cam hangs her head down, looking disappointed.

"Oh?" Flo lifts Cam's head. "What's wrong?"

"... I wanted to do that." Cam pouts.

"Awwe" Flo Giggles.

"Don't awwe me!" Cam Blushes. "It's like calling me cute."

"You are though!" Flo smiles and holds Cam's cheeks.

"Shut up." Cam giggles and playfully pushes Flo.

The two giggles and have a bit of fun (⁠◠⁠‿⁠・) for the rest of the night.

About two weeks past. The two grow closer. Much closer. 

It's the day before the orientation at the Uni. The two are excited and decide to celebrate the special moment by going for a stroll in the park and then a picnic. It may not sound like much, but for them, it's perfect. The two walk and talk for a while.

Flo: I've missed this. Hanging out with you all the time.

Cam: I know, right? 

Cam:...

Cam looks to her feet while walking. She looks quite melancholy.

Flo: What's wrong?

Cam: It-... It's just-...

Cam struggles with her words. She takes a deep breath.

Cam: When you left; no warning, calls, really any sign of your existence, it really hurt me. Broke me. I missed you.

Flo: I-... I'm sorry.

Cam: I- um... I don't want an apology.... I just want to know why. Why you left without saying a word for a whole year.

Cam's eyes start to water. Her voice is shaky.

Flo: Sigh. I get that. I'll tell you. But, it's dumb.

Cam: As long as I have answers. 

Cam tries to smile softly, but fails. A tear falls from her eye.

Flo wipes it away and then grabs Cam's hand. Flo takes her to a big tree in a more secluded part of the park. The two set up the picnic blanket in silence, glancing over at each other from time to time. They finally sit down and Flo looks at Cam. 

Flo:...

Flo: So, why I left...

Flo looks around nervously. Cam holds her hand.

Cam: If you can't tell me now, it's okay. I get it. You don't have to tell me

Cam: But I'd like to know. Whenever you can tell me. Just so we can have healthy communication.

Cam smiles softly. And slightly squeezes Flo's hand.

Flo looks into Cam's eyes and then looks back down. She starts to cry.

Cam: Shit.

Cam: Flo? Are you okay? 

Flo keeps her head down, embarrassed to bring it back up. She tries to smile, but fails.

Cam holds Flo's head up.

Flo: I'm fine. It's just-... I'm so luck to have someone like you by my side. I've always felt that way and I'll never stop thinking that way.

Flo: You're Amazing, Cam.

Cam: Smiles softly. I'm not so amazing to the point where you should cry. Giggles

Flo: But you are... Everytime I fall, you've always been there to catch me-

Flo: Hell, I left for a year, no contact with you or anyone for that matter and when I got back you let me move in with you.

Cam: Hehe. Yea. I guess I'm kinda crazy.

Flo: Very crazy. 

...

Flo: But, I hurt you. I left you; The person I love the most. For such A stupid reason too. I hate myself for that.

Flo starts to cry a bit more now.

Cam moves closer to her and hugs hugs her, holding her.

Cam: Never hate yourself, Flo. It did hurt when you left, but you're here now. You found me.

Flo is silent. She's embarrassed to speak with such a shaky voice. She hugs Cam, tightly, as she is too emotional to speak.

Cam: And, The person you love the most? I'm the person you love the most?

Flo blushes heavily. 

Flo:... Yes...

Cam: Really? Smiles

Flo: Definitely. Without a doubt, you are the best thing that's ever happened to me.

The two stop holding eachother. They look into each other's eyes.

Cam:...

Cam: So, does that mean you Love me?

Flo: Blushes. Sorry?

Cam: Well, you said that I'm the person you Love the most. So, technically-

Flo kisses Cam, holding her face.

Cam freezes. Then, she kisses Flo back. 

...

Cam: So, Is that a yes?

Flo: (-.-)

Cam: Because, if so, um- I love you too. Very much. 

Flo: Smiles. Yes, Cam. I love you very much.

The two laugh, holding hands. They start to eat.

Flo: Okay. So, why I left.

Cam: Are you comfortable with telling me?

Flo: Yes! Yes I am.

Cam: Alright. 

...

Flo: So about a week after the end of our senior year, I finally got the courage to-... Well...

Flo: Ask you out.

Cam: Blushes 

Flo: So, I decided to write you a love letter. Cheesy, I know.

Cam: Not at all! That's Adorable!

Flo: Giggles. So, as I was finishing it, I decided to take a break and left it on my desk in my room. When I came back,-... My-... My mother was there, note in her hand.

Flo: She looked at me with eyes so-... So scary. I couldn't say a word. 

From this point, Refer to the disclaimer.

Zarani- Flo's mother

~Flashback~

"What's this?" Zarani asks.

Flo is silent. She looks to her feet.

"A love letter, is it?" She looks at the letter with disgust and then looks back at Flo.

"You are a Girl, Flora. Girls like boys." Zarani crumples the paper.

Flo watches as she crumples it. She almost drops to her knees. 

"This is a warning. I'm tired of you acting like this."

Flo is now enraged. 

"Acting like what? Myself?"

She immediately holds her mouth; practically swallowing her words.

Zarani stands in shock. She wasn't expecting Flo to say anything back.

"Excuse me?"

Flo looks at the crumpled paper in Zarani's hand.

Zarani's eyes widen.

"Who the F*ck do you thing you're talking to?"

Flo's eyes start to water. 

"I wish I was talking to a mother that supports her child, Unconditionally; Loving them no matter what."

Zarani looks at the crumpled paper and then proceeds to throw it at Flo's head.

"You aren't my child. You are a useless f*gg*t; undeserving of everything that has been given to you."

Flo freezes. She starts to cry.

Zarani walks towards her.

"But, If you stop perpetuating this Idiocracy and never see or talk to that stupid 'Friend' of yours, all will change."

Flo quietly sobs. "Yes, mother."

Zarani face is painted with false pity. "Oh, my dear. Don't cry." She smiles. " I feel this place has tainted you. Now that your school is finished, let us leave this horrible town. We can go live with grandmother back at home."

Flo's eyes widen. "But, mother. I like it here! This is my home."

"Nonsense. Your home is with your Real family. Now pack your things." 

~Flashback finished~

Cam looks at Flo, absolutely shocked.

Flo: And, yea. That's the story of Flo's Disappearance.

Flo: The End.

...

Cam: I-... I-...

Flo: Sorry. I ruined the mood.

....

Cam: That b*tch...

Cam: I always knew she was off, but not like this.

Flo: Yea...

Cam: How did you get away?

Flo: I just left, I guess.

Flo: Back then, I was still young. No money or way to support myself.

Flo: She could take advantage of that back then, but now she couldn't.

Cam: Right! Now you're a Strong Independent Woman!

Cam and Flo giggle and chat for the rest of the night. It seems they have grown close again; Like when they were young.