Disguised In Lavender

Part 25

Winchester Manor was years old, no one really knew how old but the ivy growing up the cracking stone walls weren't exactly modern. The abandoned lakes and mostly torn apart cabins littering the outside of the property was also telling. JK's cabin, as it was well known by any daring Sophomore, was one of the only still standing within ten miles or so. Lauren spun her pen between her fingers and sightlessly gazed at the blackboard, lost in thought. She could almost feel the glare of the students behind her through her daze but she tried to go numb to it. If only it were so easy to accept the reality of her new reputation, and each of her friend's for that matter. Mostly, Lauren was concerned about Ann, she may have been able to turn her into a mess like no one else but she was still younger. Not only that, the trainer was new to Winchester Manor and already standing up to Dalla and being seen with Lauren. Popularity rivalries always sparked interest and of course, Ann was wrapped in the middle of one now.

A cling of bells broke Lauren from her daze and she grabbed her bag, slipping it over her shoulder and dashing out. She'd never been in such a hurry to get back to her dorms where she knew she'd be alone until Zack stumbled back later. In her rush, Tae was able to fall into stride with her and swing his arm around her shoulder with a friendly grin. "Meet at the gates when dinner's ready? JK and I are packing the picnic." He shot a quick pair of finger guns before slipping back into the crowd with a familiar figure taking his place. Lauren didn't look up and her smile instantly faded when the harsh scent of rich perfume wafter to her. "You think you can just get away with this but you're wrong, Blaine, mark my words." Biting her tongue to keep from answering or reacting, the rider glanced up at Dalla and if glares could kill, hers would. It hardly seemed to faze her rival though as she blew a kiss and was carried away in a sea of giggling girls. Lauren scoffed and threw her weight into her shoulder, pulling the straps of her bag closer around her in a vain attempt to block out the cold. Only one reminder that the winter shows were getting nearer was the dropping weather, the other was everyone's anticipation.

Mr. Terence was in the ring with an older boy, trotting Gravity on a long rein as Lauren neared with a renewed smile. She slid her bag down one shoulder and then let it drag on the gravel, leaning her elbows on the top rail and resting her chin in the crook of both arms. The teacher didn't notice her but she caught the boy's eyes a few times, ignoring him to focus on her mare. "Ah, Laur, how was school?" The teacher finally acknowledged her and shot her a kind smile over his shoulder, dark eyes glinting. "Fine." She answered shortly, it was a slight relief that her instructor didn't know about Dalla's rumors but not much. Mr. Terence didn't push and only shortened the rein and gave another click as Gravity arched her speckled neck.

Shifting the weight on her sore legs, Lauren gave a content nod and strode away from the ring to her dorm. As expected, it was abandoned and even the secretary didn't bother to ask for her pass, Lauren let out a long sigh as she slung her bag onto her bed. Fighting the urge to lie down for hours and stare at the ceiling and pretend nothing had gone wrong, she turned away. Examining the dorm with hands on her hips, Lauren bit her tongue and got to work packing a small satchel bag. It was worn and smelled of rotten leaves but at very least was functional every time. Halfway through putting the usual necessities into the old bag, a soft knock drew Lauren's attention. She glanced out the window at the still setting sun before going to the dorm, hoping it wasn't her roommate.

Shoved backwards and stumbling to keep her balance, Lauren giggled as Ann flung into her arms and pressed their foreheads together. A blue duffle bag lay on the ground, holding the door open as the trainer gently let her lips collide with Lauren's. Responding with a small smile, it felt like nothing could ever go wrong, she was shoved further onto her bed. Ann gently pulled on her girlfriend's lower lip and stepped back, leaving Lauren panting on the bed with her back arched. "Where'd you learn that, freshman?" She asked, propping herself up on her elbows and gazing at Ann as she shut the door behind her, setting her bag inside.

"Let's not get into small talk, don't take this slow, Laren. I only get to fall in love once." Smiling, Lauren closed her eyes as the trainer bent back over her, tracing her jawline and laying her lips on her neck. The pressure was light but the older girl felt herself pushed back against the bed and obeyed wordlessly. "I'm so glad you transferred here." Lauren whispered as Ann bounced on the bed beside her and set her chin on her palm, playing with the rider's short hair. "Even if it meant outing you?" A pause met her question but it didn't hurt like it should have, she understood why Lauren hesitated. "Yeah, it was worth it." She decided finally, opening one eye and then the other as Ann pulled her hand away and let out a thankful breath.

Peaceful atmospheres don't last very long when your best friend has your dorm keys though. Ann glanced over as the door swung open with a crash as it hit the edge of the desk, Lauren hardly flinched but she did crane her neck up to see who it was. "Are we interrupting something?" Tae bit his lip sheepishly and more gently stopped the door with his foot, JK stood beside him and smacked his shoulder reprimandingly. "Not really, are we going?" Lauren pulled herself up all the way and let her hand fall on Ann's inner thigh, feeling an arm wrap around her waistline. Tae looked between them and then at their hands, trying hard to suppress a smile as he nodded and shoved his boyfriend back.

It was obvious that he was beyond happy for his friend who had always let her past stop her from talking to any crush. "One second." Ann lifted a finger and got up with a groan as her jean pocket vibrated and walked into the bathroom. Tae went full teasing mode as he leapt over to Lauren and punched the air by her arm, his face scrunched. The older girl shoved him onto the ground where he fell with a thump, glaring back up at her with an instant mood change. Ann slowly walked back out, her face a ghostly pale and her eyes glued to the number on her screen. She fell onto the bed beside Lauren and took a slow breath, the room suddenly felt eerily cold.

Shock settled among the friends as Ann pressed the speaker and the high pitch of another girl echoed through the silent dorm. Lauren covered her mouth and felt as if her soul had been ripped from her body, suddenly lifeless in her own body. The voice was Dalla's, she could have recognized it anywhere, but it was the background that terrified her. A boy was with her, backing up everything she spat into the microphone, like a parrot that Lauren knew too well. "Oh my god." Tae clambered up the side of the bed and stared at Lauren, the words dripping between her lips without her noticing.

Silence met the click of Dalla hanging up but no one moved, Ann looked up at Lauren and swallowed. "He's your dad isn't he?" She asked gently, lifting Lauren's chin to examine her eyes and running her thumb along her jaw. The rider nodded and blinked hard to keep the tears out of her eyes, breaking her trance to Ann's eyes. "She promised." It was a stupid thing to believe, even as Lauren whispered the words and felt herself pulled against her girlfriend she knew it was stupid. "She promised you ten years ago, that Dalla isn't here anymore." JK weighed in quietly, his arms around Tae securing him in place as a wave of emotions crossed his features.