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The uni's library had the nauseating smell of old books, dust and paper. It was usually just a nuisance, but considering Camelia's situation at the moment, it felt so much worse.
For each book she picked up, there was the need to shake it at arm's length to get rid of the dust before placing it in the pile she was carrying. Also couldn't pick as many books as she wanted because of that goddamn bump.
“Do you need help?” Someone asked near her, she turned her head to find molding metal eyes, burning brighter than gold.
“Hepheastus.” The name left her lips as she recalled the project fair they met the first time, she handed half of the books to him. “Thank you.”
He limped next to her. “Haven't seen you in a bit. How's your project?”
“I did some blueprints, if you want to check it out.” She placed her things on the table bathed by the afternoon sun. “Also, I wanted to talk to you, but I couldn't find a way.”
He sat in front of her, separating her things from his. Camelia put her bag on the table taking out the folder with her project and the picture she'd been carrying in case they bumped into each other.
“Here.” She slid the black and white picture face up, Hephaestus frowned. “It's yours.”
He adjusted his glasses, and brought the photo closer, reading and analyzing it. “How far along?”
“Twelve weeks.” Camelia grabbed a book and began looking for the table of contents. “I won't give it to adoption.”
Hephaestus handed back the ultrasound. “Keeping it?”
“Having it.” She opened to page 150. “My mother is keeping.”
“Humph.” He shook his head, opening the folder. “What a year.” Camelia raised an eyebrow. “My wife is also pregnant.”
“Hum.”
“Not mine.”
---
Camelia found herself observing Angelica sing to the baby again. Her mother was with those doting eyes and melted expression, absolutely lovestruck by the damn thing that could barely move by itself.
“You never looked to me like that.” She spilled with envy.
Angelica placed the baby back on the bassinet and stared at her. “And you won't to her. Will you?” The woman got up, walking towards Camelia with a hurt expression, she opened her mouth to say something but was interrupted.
“I'm leaving.” Camelia pulled her suitcase to Angelica's field of view. “Staying at the dorms. I already have a job so you don't have to worry.”
Angelica paled and her voice faltered with the betrayal. “So you're abandoning us.”
“I carried, now it's all yours.” Camelia walked towards the entrance, leaving her keys on the bowl, she held tightly at the door handle and looked one last time over her shoulder. “You can raise your daughter without me.” Camelia finished and shut the door.
That wasn't her home anymore.
---
Camelia pressed the familiar doorbell, ringing it constantly until she heard someone moving towards her.
The door opened a creak, still closed by the chain. Camelia rolled her eyes, that tick of hers would never die, would it?
“Who are you?” The question was asked cautiously by a young voice, who she could only assume was the kid.
“Is Angelica home?” Camelia asked, next impatient seconds passed in silence. “Your grandmother.” She added.
“I asked first.” The small voice retorted.
“Humf. Camelia.”
“Wait.” The door closed and the next time it opened was Angelica, looking sour, as always.
“You could have said something, instead of showing up unannounced.”
“I need to grab some things.” Camelia walked into her childhood home, nothing had changed in the past decade. “I hope you didn't throw my things awa-” She froze, staring down at the kid, hidden on the doorframe.
She had the same melted golden eyes and fiery hair, falling on tight curls around her face. But the pointed brows and the frown were almost a copy paste from her grandmother.
Camelia smirked, stretching her hand to mess with the girl's hair. “Oh, hello, Diane. You've grown a bit.” The child dodged, her expression getting angrier.
“ Don't touch me. ” Dwyn snarled.
“You shouldn't talk to your mom like this.” Camelia said, taking her hand back and continued her way.
That girl was nothing but a burning flower.