Roommates- Laurmani

Chapter 4

The sun shining through the window pulled Lauren from her sleep, she automatically thought back to the previous night with Zayn and then her mind moved to Normani. Cringing her eyes moved over to the other side of the room but Normani was no where in site. She didn't know if she felt disappointed or relieved. As she sat up she noticed the bottle of water and aspirin on her bedside table, she didn't put that there. It must have been Normani. She groaned to herself this girl would ruin her whole icy persona if she wasn't careful. She took the pills with a mouthful of water before pulling out her phone. She needed a distraction until whatever this was with Normani passes. She sends a quick message to Zayn to ask if he wants to meet for coffee, as soon as he replies with an 'of course gorgeous' with a eye roll she gets up and prepares herself for the day ahead planning to avoid Normani as much as possible. As soon as she feels presentable she quickly makes her bed and moves towards the door, ready to really give it a try with Zayn. As she opened the door to leave the main building she was surprised by the dark hair boy. 'Hi' he says as he kisses her cheek and hands her a single red rose. 'Hi' she tries to smile back as she takes the rose and the hand that's held out to her. She wanted to like the boy she really did, he was nice to her and treated her better than her mother had told her to expect but still something was holding her back.
—

They quickly arrived at the café they met at yesterday morning and Zayn was sure to open the door for her. She thanked him as she stepped passed him but froze in her path causing Zayn to bump into the back of her 'everything okay?' he asked. 'Yes, sorry' she grabbed his hand and pulled him towards a table. She couldn't believe it behind the counter stood Normani talking to a customer, she didn't know she worked here. When they took a seat Zayn placed his hand on her hand 'everything okay? You seem distracted'. 'I'm fine Zayn' she gave his hand a small squeeze reminding herself she had to try. 'Hi guys can I take your order? Oh hey Lauren how are you feeling?' Normani asked. 'Who's this babe?' Zayn asks looking at Lauren . 'Babe' Lauren thought her stomach dropping. 'This is Normani my roommate, and yes Normani I'm fine could we just get two black coffees?' Lauren didn't look up keeping her eyes on the table. 'Ohh' Nick laughed 'the welfare gang member that disturbed us last night'. Lauren looked up at Normani 's face instantly seeing hurt in her eyes. 'Is that all?' Normani replied coldly not even looking at Lauren . 'Yes unless you can deal me some hard drugs' he laughed again as Normani stormed away. 'God I feel sorry for you having to live with someone like that, you're a saint' he smiled. Lauren tried to smile back feeling like the worst person on the planet and it didn't help when it was the blonde hair girl that brought over their order rather than Normani . 'So...' Zayn spoke sipping on his coffee 'there's a party on Saturday if you're up for it? Before we officially start college?'. 'Sounds good' Lauren smiled. 'Great it's a date' Zayn said bringing the girl's hand to his mouth and planting a kiss on the back of it.
—-

Her time with Zayn had come to an end after coffee and a stroll in the park. 'I think I'm going to head home Zayn' Lauren said her hands linked with the boy. 'Oh okay. You want me to come with?'. Lauren knew exactly what he was insinuating but she politely declined and leaned in for a quick peck before mumbling her goodbyes. Wiping her lips when she was out of sight. She hoped Normani would still be at work by the time she got back to the dorm so she could gather herself. She couldn't shake the awful way she felt after the way Zayn had spoke to normani  in the café. She could of spoken up but she didn't. When she arrived home Normani was sat on her bed with her two friends. She didn't know what to say even when they were about to storm out, she had to make this right. 'Wait Normani'. The boy Justin turned to her 'haven't you done enough? Is that what you like to do with your little boyfriend embarrass others in front of a room full of strangers? She doesn't want to speak to you'. Lauren pushed past him to get to Normani. 'Wait please let me explain'. Normani turned around 'explain what?' she spat 'You might be used to treating people however you want but you won't do it to me. Oh and tell your boyfriend to watch his back, you'll see what we're capable of'. She stormed off with the boys pushing past her. 'Fuck' she said to herself as she closed the door, sliding down it and allowing herself to cry.
—-

Lauren felt bad for the rest of the day, she waited up into the night for Normani to return but she didn't. Lauren crawled into her bed before finally falling asleep hoping that when the morning rolled around Normani would be back and she could apologise. She sat and wondered what was happening to her, she was Lauren Jauregui and she certainly didn't apologise to anyone but she felt drawn to Normani. Maybe she should give Normani a chance, maybe they could be friends even though they was complete opposites. She hadn't even officially started college and she was already going back on the promise she had made to herself. She promised she'd stay bitchy and cruel to keep people away but it's as if Normani was already having an effect on her, making her feel even if the feelings were shame and guilt. She wished Chris was here so he could give her advice, she's not sure her brother would be happy about the way she turned out, the way her soul turned black after he died. She knew he'd want her to be happy, have friends and a life where she was content. She fell asleep considering showing people the good side of her, the side of her Chris loved but she also wasn't sure that part of her existed anymore.
—

Normani didn't return that morning nor did she return in the following days. Lauren ignored messages from Zayn and didn't leave the room unless she was answering the door to the food she had ordered. She had a lot of demons to face to become herself again but she was going to try. A small knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts, her stomach dropped she wasn't expecting anyone and she hoped it wasn't Zayn, she didn't want to see him right now. She looked a mess, her hair hadn't been washed and there wasn't a speck of make up on her face. Her mother had always taught her to be presentable at all times and anything less wasn't acceptable. She approached the door 'who is it?'. 'Justin' the voice on the other side of the door answered. She was confused, why was he here. She slowly opened the door 'can I help you?'. 'Normani sent me to grab her a few things'. 'Oh of course' she said opening the door wider to let him in 'how is she?' she asked as she closed the door. 'Why do you care?' he shot back, Lauren understood, he was protecting his friend. 'I need to apologise for what Zayn said the other day. Do you know when she's coming home?'. 'Don't you get it? It's not what your boyfriend said it's that you laughed about her behind her back, how else would he know she's a gang member? And for coming back I don't know she's staying with me and Arin for now'. That's when it hit her, it wasn't Zayn spiteful words that hurt her the most, it was Lauren and the way she had spoken about Normani behind her back. Justin had finished packing what Normani had asked for as he was about to leave she grabbed his arm 'please just tell her I'm sorry'. Justin looked at her wearily before nodding his head and pulling away his arm. She locked the door after him. She needed a drink she thought to herself, that's when she remembered it was Saturday and Zayn had mentioned a party. She grabbed her phone to call Selena , they had messaged a couple of times, Selena asking if she was okay as she had ignored Zayn and Lauren letting her know that she wasn't happy with the way he treated her roommate. Even though Zayn had messaged her multiple times with a sorry excuse of an apology she decided not to reply.