Hot and Humid (Laurmani)

Chapter 5

A couple of months rolled by with the same routine of Lauren and me going to school, me trying to avoid Lauren, and Lauren trying to get me to fall in love with her. It was Thanksgiving Day, and I was waiting for my parents to come pick me up and drive to my grandmother's house where the whole family was having dinner. Lauren was just sitting on the couch in the living room watching t.v.

"How come you didn't go home for Thanksgiving?" I asked.

She responded, "My parents just separated, and they're fighting over who I should spend Thanksgiving with."

"I'm sorry to hear that. Couldn't you have spent part of your day with your mom and the rest with your dad?"

"That's what I said, but they're looking for any reason to fight. I don't want to deal with the drama," she sighed.

Something in me felt sad at the thought of Lauren sitting at home doing nothing on Thanksgiving. Even though she annoyed the hell out of me, I didn't want her to be alone on a family holiday, especially with what was going on with her parents.

"How about you come eat at my grandmother's house?"

"That's so nice of you Mani," she stated. "But, I wouldn't want to intrude."

"No. It's no big deal. There will be so many people and so much food, one more person wouldn't be a bother," I informed her.

"Oh, thank you Mani. I knew there was a warm heart within that cold outer shell." I rolled my eyes as she jumped up and hugged me.

I texted my mother to let her know I was bringing my roommate. My parents came by, picked us up, and drove to my grandmother's house. When went inside the house, I introduced Lauren to my million family members.

When the food was ready, we sat down at a series of tables put together to make one long table. Lauren kept putting her arm around me and playing with my hair. Do you see what happens when I try to be nice to her?

"Where did you two meet?" my cousin Jordan asked.

"Uh. We met at a club during SXSW," I answered.

"It was a gay club," Lauren interjected. I elbowed her in her side. "Ow! You're so abusive."

Jordan questioned, "Why were you at a gay club?"

I'm going to kill Lauren. "Brandee really wanted to go. She said it would be fun. Lauren was singing for some extra cash and just struck up a conversation with me."

"How did you two end up living together?" my aunt asked.

I answered, "It was pure coincidence...I think." I gave Lauren the side eye because I wouldn't put it past her to set up something like that. "My apartment's roommate matching service matched us."

My grandmother broke in, "Well, baby, your special friend is welcomed to come by any time." What does she mean by "special friend?"

After everyone was finished eating, we split off into a bunch of little groups talking, playing music, and just having fun. I was talking to my cousins who were close to my age while Lauren was playing with my little cousins. She even picked up a guitar and sang a song for them. It makes sense that she's good with little kids because she acts like one.

"Mani, Mani, Mani!" shouted one of my little cousins running up to me.

"What is it sweetie?"

She jumped around excitedly. "Your special friend is so cool. You should bring her over all the time." Why is everyone calling her my special friend?

"Normani, can I talk to you?" my mother asked.

"Sure." I followed her outside, and we sat on the swing bench on the front porch.

My mother began, "You know you can tell me anything, right?"

"Yeeesss." I didn't know where she was going here.

"Are you and Lauren really just roommates?"

I told her, "Mom, I'm straight."

She reassured me, "Your dad and I will love you no matter what."

"Mom! Oh, my god! Why does everyone think I'm dating her?"

She put her hand on top of mine. "It's so easy to spot two young people in love. You don't have to be in a rush to come out to everyone. Come out when you're ready."

I denied, "Mama, please. There is nothing for me to come out of. I am not in the closet."

"I just wanted to let you know that I approve of Lauren. She seems like a very nice girl who treats you well."

My blood was boiling when we walked back into the house, and the scene I came to didn't make it any better. I came in to everyone saying "aw" in unison.

My aunt spotted me walking into the living room where everyone was. "Normani. Lauren was just telling us how you two cuddle after watching a scary movie." I gave the death stare to Lauren, and she gave me a sheepish smile. I'm going to cut this bitch.

I sat on the couch next to Lauren so I could whisper in her ear. "What are you telling everyone? You better not be telling them we're dating."

"I'm not," she assured me. "You might be able to deny it, but everyone sees the connection between us."

I warned her, "The only connection that will be between us is my fist connecting to your face."

"I used to be offended by your insults and threats, but now I know you don't mean them. You're just having a hard time accepting your love for me." She placed her hand on my lap. "I'm a patient person. I'm not going to give up on you."

All I did was stare at her for a good minute with so much hate. What was the point in arguing with her? She was delusional.

A couple of hours passed before my dad told us he was going to drive us home. Everyone seemed so sad to see Lauren go and gave her a hug. My grandmother grabbed Lauren's hand when she was about to walk out the door. "Lauren, it was so nice meeting you. You're more than welcomed to come over for Christmas."

"Thank you, grandma," Lauren beamed. She's calling her grandma now?

I interrupted, "I'm sure Lauren is going to want to spend time with her friends and family back in Miami during winter break."

Lauren agreed, "She's right. I plan on going home to Florida for Christmas, but I will be back on New Year's Eve."

My grandmother smiled at her, "We would love to have you over to watch the fireworks. In the meantime, take care of my grandbaby."

"I will grandma." The two hugged each other.

Boy, was I heated. They were already acting like in-laws. When we arrived at our apartment complex, my dad, who was driving, turned to say something to us in the back seat. "I didn't get to talk to you much today, Lauren, because you were so popular with the family. But, I just want to tell you welcome to the family!" No! Not him, too. Is this a nightmare?

"Thanks dad," said Lauren. "Bye mom." I can't with this chick.

"Bye, baby," my mom smiled at Lauren. "Bye, Normani." My mom tried to whisper to me, but I knew Lauren heard her, "She's a keeper." Is this some kind of sick joke?

It took me a couple of hours to fall asleep that night because I was so steaming mad. The next morning, I woke up to an empty apartment aside from our dogs. I just stayed inside because I hate being out during the Black Friday madness. In the late afternoon, Lauren came through the door with a bunch of bags.

"I see you took advantage of the sales," I observed.

She responded, "Yeah. Your mom texted me last night and asked me to go shopping with her this morning. We helped each other pick out gifts for you. She's known you much longer than I have, obviously. But, I know more about what you're into now. It was a good day. Your mom is the best."

Lauren has officially invaded every part of my life.