Through Different Eyes (WLW) (COMPLETE ✔️)

14 | Lauren's Leave

It's a beautiful, sunny and warm afternoon so Lauren has decided to bring her dorm out to the garden for some berry picking. She makes her way up the hill with a bit of a struggle, feeling a little breathless. As she gets further into her pregnancy, she finds it harder and harder to do basic things.

She gets over the hill and across the wooden bridge, and she makes sure everyone gets over it safely. After a bit more travel, she arrives at the basket-holding area and turns her attention to her girls.

"You all know the drill. I, um... am going to sit at the bench for a second. I'll join you in a few minutes."

Alice furrows her brow, "Are you okay?"

Lauren smiles weakly, "I'm doing alright."

"Okay..."

Alice makes her way to the blueberries, knowing that they're Lauren's favorite. She kneels down and picks a few, wanting to surprise Lauren with them later.

Chelsea sighs shakily, and she seems to be in a bad mood. Alice tilts her head, confused because she had been fine a few minutes prior as they walked up the hill.

"What's up?" Alice asks.

"Nothing. I just miss Kat..." Chelsea frowns.

"...I'm sorry."

"It's bullshit. I haven't seen her in forever!"

"I know it," Alice sighs. "Everybody misses her. I just hope she's okay. She probably feels awful now that that fog has cleared up."

Chelsea sighs, "How do you know it's clear?"

"I know Kat. She's strong."

"Mhm."

From the bench, Lauren watches her girls picking different fruits and vegetables. She smiles for a moment, taking in the nice, peaceful moment. She wishes she could participate in the activity but she feels a bit weak.

She shuts her eyes and leans her face on the table, sighing shakily as her hands begin to sweat. She breathes deeply, because her back has begun to hurt. Strange.

Over the next fifteen minutes, her pain gradually increases, and by the time the girls' baskets are almost full, she can't take it anymore.

Lauren groans and stands, deciding it's a good idea to head back a few minutes early. She holds her hands on her hips and calls out to the girls.

"Ladies, it's time to head back now," She says with a weak voice.

Apparently, her tone is obvious, because every one of the girls has a concerned expression. Lauren clears her throat and tries to distract them.

"Let's go get ready for dinner. Let's go."

The dorm thirty-eight girls approach Lauren, and though all of them notice something off about her, none of them have the courage to say anything.

Lauren begins to lead them out of the garden area, and as she approaches the wooden bridge, she feels a spike in her heart rate as her back pain moves into her stomach and pelvis. She moans softly under her breath and takes a deep breath before beginning to slowly walk over the bridge, gripping the rail as tightly as she can with both hands until her knuckles are totally white.

When she gets across the bridge, she shuts her eyes and pants while waiting for the girls to cross. Once they do, she swallows and exhales.

"Give... give me a minute," Lauren sighs, crossing her arms.

"Are you okay?" Bella's eyes widen.

"Yes, honey... Just... a lot of walking."

"..."