Saved By Steven (finished)

35. I love you you know...

Mick took Lauren outside for a cigarette. She hadn't had one and was craving it. He sat down with her and talked her through the next few months. Not fully realizing what was going on, Lauren nodded. "When will I see you?"

"I'll be coming to Maui for the break. That will be in 6 or 7 weeks."

"Okay."

"Lauren, darling, I'm so sorry this has happened to you. You were always so strong, but ever since your attack you haven't been the same. I miss you, I love you."

"I love you too, Mick. I always had a soft spot for you."

"And I for you."

The couple sat in silence for a few moments when the band arrived outside. While they waited for the cars to pick them up, Steven sat down next to Lauren and smoked a cigarette with her.

"Darling, you really smoke too much."

"Fuck off."

"Okay, I get it you're not in a talking mood."

Feeling agitated by the fact that Steven was sitting close, Lauren got up and walked away, with Mick not far behind.

"Lauren, come on. Don't walk away." He said.

"Don't, Mick. I'm not up for this. Detoxing on a plane? Really?! That is your idea of helping?"

"Baby, what happened? I thought you were okay with going with Steven?"

"I don't know. I don't know anything anymore. Why can't you come? You're the only one who seems to understand me."

"Lauren!, Lauren!" it was Joe. "Darling, talk to me."

"I can't Joe. I can't do this. Fuck I need a drink."

"No, darling, you don't. You need to relax. Everything will be fine. I'm here for you, whatever it is you need. You know that right?"

Lauren could hear Joe talking, but she felt she was crawling out of her skin and driven in a corner. She needed to get out of there, now, or she felt like she was going to die. She kept pacing, walking to the street, back to the wall, to Joey and Tom, back to Joe, not knowing what to do. She felt like screaming, falling down and crying, sleeping, but most off all betrayed by her friends Steven and Mick. She didn't fully understand why, she knew she could trust Joe. She knew he would keep Steven away, she didn't want him right now. He couldn't help it but he made her feel worse than she already felt.

When a few minutes later the cars arrived, Mick said goodbye to Lauren. He would call and text her as often and she could call. Now tears were very close to Laurens eyes. Mick knew it, but he had to go. After Mick left the band and Lauren got in the cars. Brad, Joey and Tom together and Joe, Steven and Lauren. Lauren sat next to Joe while Steven sat in the front.

"You okay?" Joe asked Lauren, who was leaning against the window.

"Not really." Lauren said as tears came streaming down.

"That's okay." Joe took Lauren by the hand. She fell down against his chest and cried softly.

Once the car arrived at the airport, Joe never left Lauren alone. She was on the verge of another breakdown, and he had to make sure she wouldn't go down that road too far. Steven went straight from the car to the plane, not stopping to talk to the others.

"Joe, what's up with him?" Brad asked.

"Lauren. He loves her but she doesn't want him near her right now."

"That sucks."

"Joey, can you take Lauren for a minute? I need to talk to Steven."

Joe handed Lauren, who had stopped crying for now and gone numb, to Joey. Joey just put his arm around her and Lauren lay her head against his shoulder. Joe walked towards the plane. He found Steven sitting in the back and he sat down opposite him.