Stand by me

Chapter Seven

Lauren POV:

Leaving the restaurant, was difficult. I barely ate my salad claiming to have a stomach ache. They ate up the lie like it was nothing. Which didn't surprise me, I was getting better at lying. Thats what honestly surprised me. I shouldn't be good at lying. No one should.

Maddie is coming back to the hotel with us and Demi's manager and bodyguard left to go back and fill some paperwork out. Which left big rob to escort us to the hotel we are staying at.

I heard Big rob tell Ally that he'd drive so that meant Dinah is riding shotgun, Ally and Normani have the back seat leaving Maddie, Demi, Camila and I in the way back. I'm currently in the middle with Maddie on one side and Camila on the other. Demi is sitting next to Maddie as well.

Camila is playing on her phone, while listening to music. I could hear it a little but couldn't make out the words. Maddie was talking with Demi leaving me too myself. Which didn't bother me. I was used to being alone though. And I liked it.

I didn't get how they or should I say Demi wanted to adopt someone like me. I'm a nobody she had way better choices at the orphanage, so why pick me? I didn't understand it.

Maybe I didn't want to be adopted. Maybe I wanted be alone forever. Even I couldn't lie to myself like that.

I'm ecstatic that I was adopted I just don't want to ruin it. What if they end up being bad people? Will they hurt me? Everyone does in the end.

We were at a stop light close to the hotel when Camila tried talking to me. "Hey Lauren, is your stomach feeling better?" Camila asked while fiddling with her fingers, not meeting my gaze, almost afraid of my anwser.

I shrugged. I didn't want to talk at all. I just wanted to get out of the stuffy car and head to bed. Hopefully I'd be able to sleep. Not likely though.

Camila nodded, her eyes frantically moving about. I sighed, I didn't wanna hurt or make her uncomfortable I just... I don't know anymore. What's wrong with me? I just want to be normal. But sadly that can't happen.

Demi looked over to me silently asking if I was OK. I nodded and looked down.

I didn't need them to worry about me. I could handle myself. And if I couldn't so be it.

It's not like they'll be missing me. No one would. I accepted that long ago.

"Demi, would you like to go shopping now?" Big Rob asked. Dinah turned down the music so Big Rob could hear Demi's reply.

"No, we'll go tomorrow morning. It's too late right now." I sighed in relief. I didn't need to go shopping that's way too much in one day. I wouldn't be able to handle that much pressure.

I heard a quiet ok and we were moving again. Once we got to the hotel I jumped out already going to the stairs. What little salad I ate I needed to work it off.

"Honey there's a elevator right here." Normani said with a small smile. 'I know that', I wanted to scream but instead I nodded and walked over to it. Ignoring the questioning glare that was sent my way.

I heard the ding signaling that the elevator was open. Sighing I walked in after everyone else got in and stayed next to Dinah.

I saw Camila press the 4 button. It felt like a eternity had passed before the second ding was heard. I just wanted to go to sleep and maybe mope around.

Big rob ushered us out and into the hallway. I hated hallways.

The hallway was dark, and musty. The lights must've gone out. Seriously right now. It couldn't of waited till I got in the room. Ok so maybe I'm afraid of the dark.

Nothing wrong with that.

I could feel the chilling air conditioning causing goosebumps to form on my covered arms. What the actual fuck!

I felt someone grab my arm causing me to hiss in pain. People are so inconsiderate sometimes. I was then yanked into the room along with the others. It was Camila who pulled me into the room.

Once she noticed that she was still holding my arm she let go immediately with a quiet sorry and a blush. The blush highlighted her warm Chestnut eyes. She looked kinda cute.

Everyone separated to their designated sleeping areas. Which were, Big Rob got his own room, Normani is bunking with Dinah, Ally to bunk with Demi, leaving Maddie, Camila, and I to have the largest room since there's more people in it.

I absolutely hated the idea of sleeping with anyone. I don't want anyone in my space. But I really can't complain can I? Yeah I didn't think so.

"Lauren you got the middle and Camila and I can be on either side of you. Is that OK?" Maddie asked while flipping her hair to her other shoulder.

Nodding my head I saw Camila climb on her designated side. Ugh I am not ready for this. I felt someone bring me too their chest causing me to tense up in fear. I smelled coconuts... Demi. I didn't relax but I did calm down a bit. "Goodnight baby, I hope you sleep well. I'm so happy you're in our lives especially mine." and with that Demi left kissing my forehead. Blushing I climbed onto the bed struggling a bit.

Climbing to the middle I relaxed slightly, furling into a little ball. I didn't want to take up that much space. I didn't want to sleep here. But I couldn't complain it was the only place for me to sleep. So I sucked it up. Maddie turned to the closet pulling out a oversized long sleeved T-shirt that had a few holes in it and a pair of sweatpants throwing them at me.

"You can sleep in those for the night. They're Ally's so be sure to thank her." Maddie said while looking through the closet. Nodding I turned to get up off the bed which caused Camila to turn towards me. Her expression was unreadable.

I just sighed and slowly got up. I didn't want to piss anyone off more than I was. I Looked at the clothes that were handed to me, of course it was something stupid, a frilly long sleeved pink Minnie mouser shirt that looked ridiculous, and a pair of baggy gray sweatpants which were much more my speed.

I went into the bathroom noticing the black made me want to scream I love black. The walls were all black with splattered red, the toilet was red as was the shower and sink. There full body mirror beside the wall.

I started to get undress trying to not look at my reflection. I saw my face, it looked sunken in, absolutely no life. My eyes were a misty green that held nothing.. Just empty. My hair was an absolute mess. Looking down I saw my small chest they stomach. IT looked so fat, I had rolls everywhere it was disgusting. Ripping my eyes from the mirror I quickly changed and got out.

I saw that Maddie was no lying down and so was Camila. So I did the same, I laid down.