Through Different Eyes (WLW) (COMPLETE ✔️)

35 | We Are Family

One month has passed and Lauren has decided to take time off work. It's her final day working at the home and she's decided to take the girls out for ice cream. She leads them to the parking lot and unlocks her van, letting the girls get inside before she does.

"Alrighty," She sighs as she starts the van. "We're on our way... What flavor are you girls wanting to get?"

"Chocolate," Hannah says without hesitating.

"I should have known."

"Vanilla," Alice says.

"Mm. That's my favorite," Lauren smiles as she pulls out of her parking space.

Bella fidgets with her bracelet, "I love cookies and cream ice cream."

"That sounds really good right now. I might get that too, Bells. Good thinking."

The girls are all sad that Lauren is leaving, of course, but this time they have confidence in knowing they will be alright without her. They hope that whoever replaces her is just as loving and kind–as funny and warm. But each and every one of them knows that nobody would ever be able to replace the amazing redhead who is driving them to an ice cream shop right now.

Soon, Lauren pulls into the ice cream shop's parking lot. Everybody gets out of the van and follows her inside, and they look up at the overhead menu while waiting in line.

When it's their turn to order, Lauren smiles at the cashier, "Hi–um... Can I have one cup of chocolate, a cup of vanilla, and two cups of cookies and cream? Thanks so much..."

While Lauren is paying, the girls all sit down, except for Hannah, who stays behind to help Lauren carry the ice cream. The small brunette sets her and Alice's ice cream at the table, and Lauren catches up a few seconds later.

Everyone sits together and eats their ice cream, chatting about what it's going to be like once Lauren is gone. It would be a lie to say that they aren't sad.

"I'll come to visit you girls sometimes," Lauren says, taking a bite of her ice cream. "I promise you that. I'll come see you on the holidays and stuff."

Hannah frowns, "It's really sad knowing you won't be coming back this time."

"I know, honey. But I'll have two kids. This doesn't mean I won't ever see you again. I could never abandon you girls. I'll come visit. I promise."

Bella sighs, "When will you come visit?"

Lauren shrugs, "I'm not sure, sweetheart. But I will come visit."

"...Do you have any ideas for baby names?"

"No, not yet. It still hasn't really set in that I'm pregnant yet. I'm just focusing on staying positive and I'm trying not to think about what happened last time."

"Yeah."

Lauren sighs, "Are you girls nervous about your new dorm leader?"

Hannah nods, "Yes. Do you know who it is?"

"I do."

"Is she nice? Who is it?"

"She's very nice. In fact, you already know her."

All of the girls take a minute to think about what Lauren has said. They run through a list of staff members in their head, and they all come to the same conclusion.

Their excited faces say it all.

"Kimmy!"

Lauren chuckles, "Yes, it's Kimberly. She's going to be with you girls again."