Emerald Sparks

11

It felt like hours have passed and I'm still here, in front of Lauren's house, carrying a container of my homemade cupcakes. I was so nervous that I forgot how to knock on a wooden door. I don't even know what has gotten into me and I am standing like an idiot here.

"Y/n, what are you doing there? Come in!" I heard a familiar voice coming from a distance and I turned to see Clara peeking through a window from the kitchen.

"I uh-uhhh, I was just—"

"Lauren, open the door for y/n!" She added and my pulse was surely going through the roof.

I attempted to reach for the doorknob, but before I could even do it the green eyed girl was already pulling the door in for me. I smiled sheepishly as she laughed.

"What are you waiting for? Come on," she chuckled, using her hands as she invited me inside their house.

I didn't say a word and let myself be led to the dining room. The whole family was already there and Clara gave me a hug while her husband smiled at me, his cheeks usually showing.

I noticed a reddish bunch moving enthusiastically on the floor and I looked down to see Munchkin running around my foot. I knelt down and cooed the puppy for a moment before meeting the warm gazes of the Jauregui's.

"You haven't been bringing Sky for a while now," I heard Mike said as he motioned all of us to sit.

"Uh, yeah," oh fuck, what will I say? "I um, he kind of uhh—"

"Y/n wanted to train Sky," Lauren helped me out. "She also wanted more time with him since he really bought him to ease the loneliness she've been feeling."

I nodded to her direction as thanks and she smiled.

We began eating and of course, they have been constantly asking me some questions that I am more than glad to answer. It's heartwarming to feel that they wanted to know more about me. The lack of attention I have been feeling from my own family was drifting away, and I'm grateful for it.

"Did you bake these cupcakes?" Chris asked as he began opening the container that I brought.

"Yes," I nodded as I beamed at him.

"Do you know how to cook?" Clara chimed in, taking a cupcake for herself.

"Yes. I started learning when my parents left since I have to live on my own," I answered, watching them take a bite from their cupcake.

"I can see you're really independent," Mike smirked at me, which I know is a meaningful one than it should.

"I needed to," I chuckled.

Once we're finished, I offered to wash the dishes but Mike insisted on going up with Lauren to her room and spend the rest of the night.