Opposites Attract

Chapter 9

Lauren walked into the house, still feeling the warmth of Rhea's love and support. She found Normani in the kitchen, sipping a glass of water.

"Normani, we need to talk," Lauren said, her voice firm but calm.

Normani looked up, her expression expectant. "What's up?"

Lauren took a deep breath. "I'm a grown woman, Normani. I can go out whenever I want, and I don't have to answer to you."

Normani's face darkened. "Lauren, you should be home by a certain time. It's not safe out there."

Lauren's voice rose in frustration. "I don't have to be home by a certain time! I'm an adult, Normani. I can take care of myself."

Normani crossed her arms, her expression unyielding. "Fine, Lauren. But you're going to regret this."

Lauren's anger boiled over. "No, Normani, I won't regret this! I'm setting boundaries, and you need to respect them!"

The yelling match woke up Camila, Ally, and Dinah, who walked into the kitchen, bleary-eyed and confused.

"What's going on?" Camila asked, her voice sleepy.

Lauren took a deep breath, trying to calm down. "Normani and I were just having a disagreement."

Ally's eyes narrowed. "About what?"

Lauren stood tall, her voice firm. "About me being a grown woman and able to make my own decisions."

Dinah nodded in support. "Lauren's right, Normani. We're adults now. We can take care of ourselves."

Normani huffed, but eventually backed down, realizing she was outnumbered.

The tension in the kitchen slowly dissipated, but Lauren knew that this was just the beginning of setting boundaries with Normani.

Lauren stormed out of the kitchen, her heart still racing from the argument. She went to her room, slamming the door behind her.

A few moments later, there was a knock at the door. "Lauren, can I come in?" Camila asked.

Lauren opened the door, and Camila walked in, concern etched on her face. "Hey, are you okay?"

Lauren nodded, still trying to calm down. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just frustrated with Normani."

Camila sat down on the bed beside Lauren. "I get it. Normani can be a bit much sometimes."

Lauren sighed. "I know she's just trying to help, but I'm an adult now. I can make my own decisions."

Camila nodded in agreement. "You're right. And it's about time you started asserting yourself. We're all proud of you, Lauren."

Lauren smiled, feeling a surge of gratitude towards Camila. "Thanks, Camila. Just talking to you makes me feel better."

Camila put an arm around Lauren's shoulders. "Anytime, Lauren. That's what friends are for."

As they sat there in comfortable silence, Lauren knew that she was lucky to have friends like Camila, Ally, and Dinah. And she was determined to set boundaries with Normani, no matter how hard it was.