Reflection: Adopted by Fifth Harmony

Saving You

“I’ll be home as soon as possible, okay, Ally?” I say, kissing her forehead.

She nods, “Just make sure she’s okay, please, find her.”

“I will, I have to. I will call as soon as I land. Thank you, Ally.” I hug her one last time and board the plane.

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I land in Miami three hours later, and pray that her phone isn’t off, or that she isn’t passed out somewhere as I race to the exit and call her number.

“Hmm?” I hear her sleepily ask, “Um, Lauren, don’t fall asleep. Tell me where you are?”

“I don’t know… I tried to go to Vero’s house… but I don’t know where I am.”

“Okay, babe, stay on the line. No sleeping, okay? Promise me.” My words are rushed as I dial Camila.

“Mila?”

“Paige! Have you heard from her?” Mila sounds panicked, like she’s been crying, “Shh.. Mila, she’s okay, I don’t know where she is exactly, but call Vero. And tell her to look around. Does Lauren still have that tracker app on her phone?”

There’s silence, “Um, yeah, I think. Where are you? Ally said you’re coming?”

“I’m in Miami as we speak. Right outside the airport.”

“I’m telling her mom to go get you.” She says, hanging up quickly.

I reconnect the line back to Lauren, “LoLo? You still there?”

I hear a giggle, “You’re really pretty.”

“Thank you, Lauren, but I need you to tell me, what’s one plus one?”

“Two silly. I can’t believe Camila dropped…. dropped me for Austin. He’s a stupid state.”

“I know, Lauren. And Austin, Texas is a town, but don’t worry about it. Can you describe to me where you are right now?”

“I’m in my car. On the side of the road. Near a beach I think. Are you coming to get me?”

“I’m on my way, closer than you think right now. Lauren, I have to ask you something.”

“Anything, Paigey,” She giggles.

I gulp, adjusting my shorts, “Do you… like me?”

“You’re my friend… but I love you.”

“I know.”

“Not like that. I love you like Camren…. but I’m really sleepy. So I need you to hurry up.”

I chuckle, “Okay, Lauren. I’m waiting for your mom to get me.” As soon as I say that, a Nissan pulls up and the woman I recognize from pictures as Clara waves me over. I rush over and get into the car, “Hi, I’m Paige. And Lauren is somewhere between Vero’s house and a beach.”

“I know exactly where she is.” The older Latina says, putting the car into drive and taking off.

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We pull up to Lauren’s car twenty minutes later and I rush out the car to find the green eyed girl passed out over her steering wheel.

“Holy crap.” I open the door and pull her out, “Lauren, wake up, honey. Lauren!” I say a bit louder.

“...Hey, you’re... here… thought you weren’t coming.” She smiles sleepily.

“Madre de dios, Lauren, what did you take?” Clara asks, helping me help her to her feet.

“Idunno mommy. I’m sorry.” She sighs, leaning onto me.

“It’s okay.” Clara clucks, shaking her head and helping Lauren into the Nissan, “Paige, can you drive Lauren’s car home?”

I nod, accepting the keys. Thank god for my impromptu driving lessons with Big Rob. I take one more look at Lauren, who looks exhausted before turning to start up her car.

We arrive at the Jauregui house a few minutes later, and there’s a huge crowd gathered on the lawn. I spot a police officer talking to Lauren’s dad and the Cabellos, Sofie standing in her pajamas and Camila with tear stained cheeks, being comforted by Lauren’s little sister.

“They’re here.” I hear someone say, and a man rushes up to the Nissan.

I get out so that I can be by Lauren’s side. “Is she going to be okay? She didn’t like, OD did she?” I ask concerned, leaning over Lauren and helping her out the car. She wobbles on her feet so I steady her.

“No, she’ll be alright.” Mike says, “Why don’t you get her to bed, and you get some rest as well?”

I nod, “Thank you, Mister Jauregui.”

He smiles warmly, “You helped us find Lauren, you can call me Papa J, or Mike.”

“Thank you, Mike.”

I take Lauren past the people and into the house, up the stairs, and to the bedroom that looks most like hers as she mumbles and giggles incoherently. I help her into the bed and kiss her forehead, turning out the light.

I listen to the sounds of people die out, and the police car roll off the street, the Jaureguis returning to their respective bedrooms before I say what I’ve been holding in all night.

“I love you too, Lauren.”