The Only Cure

Episode 20

Lexi: Babe are you okay? Something wrong?
Christina: Laur normally you'd be done eating Katherine's mac and cheese by now, are you okay?
Lauren: No, I'm not okay. I used to smoke before dinner and it would make me feel really good before I put all the food down my throat. I CAN'T ENJOY FOOD LIKE I USED TO, I yell starting to cry.
Lexi: Awww babe, I know it's hard.
Lauren: NO, NOBODY UNDERSTANDS WHAT IT'S LIKE TO WANT SOMETHING SO BADLY THAT YOU CRAVE IT 24/7. I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE I yell slamming and locking my room door.
Christina: Lexi, do you want to try talking to her or do you want me to try and break the ice with her?
Katherine: Should we give Lauren sometime to calm down?
Amy: No, Lauren needs us!
Lexi: I will go and try and talk to her. Christina you stand behind me that way I have someone else as backup.
Lexi: Babe, can you please open the door, we can talk about this. Christina, I smell something, I think she might be smoking.
Christina: Oh Laur, come on, you were doing amazing. Lexi, I think she's on the roof. Come on we're going up there.
Lexi: Babe, please put the cigarette out or at least talk to us. We aren't mad, we just want to try and understand what's going on. If it makes you feel better we will let you smoke while talking to us as long as you keep your back to us.
Lauren: Okay I say taking a drag from the cigarette, I had a ritual of smoking before every meal or first thing when I woke up or before I went to bed. I take another long drag. Hold on, I need to relight this real quick.
Lexi: Babe, I understand how bad you are struggling, I completely get it. I don't like it when you smoke my love, it might give you a good feeling through your throat and lungs but it's not doing anything beneficial for you. If anything it's hurting you. You have a beautiful voice, do you really want to risk not being able to sing? You have the most amazing voice and it's one of the many things I love about you.
Lauren: I breathe a sigh of relief exhaling all the smoke crushing the cigarette. That cigarette was just what I needed, I feel better already. Baby I know, I'm really sorry, sometimes I can't resist, I know I have to quit, I just need something to minimize the cravings when I start feeling signs of withdrawal.
Christina: Awww Lo, you poor thing. Why didn't you tell us you needed something to minimize the cravings, we could of got you nicotine gum or patches to help you through the quitting process. Lo, I'm not mad at you at all, I just wish you would have said something earlier.
Lexi: I agree 100% with Christina. Why don't we go inside, it's getting chilly. Babe perhaps you can shower and freshen up and then we can have a family meeting on the couch. No kisses and hugs until you freshen up!
Lauren: Ok baby, I love you.
Lexi: I love you more!
Christina: awww so cute!!
Lauren: Baby guess what!!
Lexi: What??
Lauren: I'm all ready for your cuddles!
Lexi: Mmm babe, you smell amazing and your lips taste great, I know you wanted to kiss me so you really showed me you care.
Lauren: Baby, I've always cared. I know you can't stomach the odor of cigarettes and would never let me kiss you until I was all showered and cleaned up. But between vaping and cigarettes I would probably choose cigarettes as they give me the biggest buzz.
Lexi: Alright babe, calm down. Let's cuddle! I pull Lauren in for a long passionate kiss
Lauren: Mmmmm this is so worth it baby, I love all these kisses. Keep the kisses coming.
Katherine: Okay lovebirds, are y'all ready to have the family meeting now?
Lauren: I am now I say smiling
Christina: Lo, you also mentioned that their was another reason as to why you smoke. Would you mind sharing that with us?
Lauren: Yeah, I also smoked because it would help me manage my weight, I really try to be slender as sometimes I feel insecure about myself.
Lexi: Babe, weight and size doesn't matter, you are beautiful just as you are. Your weight does not define you I say passionately kissing her lips.
Lauren: Thanks baby, I've always strived to be perfect for you and I know y'all hate it when I smoke but every now and then I need a cigarette to calm my nerves, it's just something that I need.
Katherine: Laur, we don't hate it when you smoke, we just wish you could relieve your stress in healthier ways.
Christina: Katherine's right, you need to cope with your stress in a healthy way.
Lexi: I couldn't agree with you more Katherine and Christina. Babe, what do you think?
Lauren: All I'm thinking about is my next cigarette which I could use right about now.
Christina: Laur, I forgot to tell you, I bought you herbal cigarettes that have no nicotine, it comes in many different flavors, would you like to try one? They are odor free. So you can even smoke them inside if you want but not when the children are here, alright? Do you want one?
Lauren: Yes, yes, yes! Baby can you light it for me?
Lexi: Sure babe!

* LAUREN'S POV *
mmmm this feels so good. I take a long drag feeling an amazing sensation throughout my lungs. mmmm, ugh this feels so amazing. I take one last drag and put it out
* END OF POV *
Christina: Well Lo, did you like it?
Lauren: I LOVED IT!! Thank you Chris