More Than Your Manager (Fifth Harmony)

Chapter 7

I still felt hurt and disappointed in the way Lauren had spoken to me a few minutes ago. Yet, I knew it shouldn't get to me. I went through the same anger and hate that she went through at one stage. So much that I pushed people away. I told myself and everyone around me that I was fine. Except I was far from fine. My teenage years were filled with self-hatred and losing those that I loved.

So I was happy that Lauren was sitting next to me on the the 14 hour flight to Sydney, Australia. It would give me a chance to talk to her. I was first and foremost her Manager, but I aslo felt the need to be her friend and comfort her.

-

An hour into the flight and Lauren hadn't even so much as looked at me. She seems guilty more than anything and I catch her twiddling her thumbs nervously, as if she wants to say something.

"Lauren, are you okay?" I ask after the hostess gives us our breakfast.

"Not really." Lauren admits sheepishly. "I feel horrible for snapping at you. I shouldn't have jumped to the conclusion that you were homphobic or something." Tears were threatening to roll down Lauren's cheeks.

I stopped eating and grab Lauren's hand. "No please don't cry. I know what you're going through okay? I'll admit I was hurt by what you said. But not for the reasons you think. You see...the first person I came out to was my mother. She was so supportive of me and my choices that I forgot all about what anyone else would think. Until my father found out and slapped me across the face in front of my younger sister and mum. I was hurt because I am not a homophobe. I'm not my dad." Tears were freely running down my face.

"I'm so sorry. Your mum sounds amazing. I haven't come out to my family yet. Just the girls." Lauren doesn't allow herself to cry, needing to keep her tough exterior.

"My mother was a beautiful lady. She passed away from breast cancer when I was 16."

Lauren's face falls. "Fuck I'm so stupid. I'm so sorry Bela."

"It's fine. Honestly you wouldn't have known. As for your family, they will support you. I've met your mum and dad and they love you." Lauren smiles at me in hope. "Now give me a hug you goofball."

-

For the rest of the flight, Lauren and I talk, listen to music and sleep. No tension was left between us as we arrived in Sydney. It is 9am by the time we get off the plane and the airport is packed with Australian Harmonizers wanting to get photos and give the girls gifts.

I let Big Rob and a few of the airports security guards shift through the crowd while I collect luggage and order a coffee for everyone.

An hour later and everyone is finally in the taxi van.

"I got so many packets of tim tams I'm in freakin heaven." Dinah holds up a bag full of things given to her already.

"I got a stuffed Koala and I'm the happiest human on Earth." Camila joins in.

"Omg I can't believe we're actually here." Ally does her cute little jump, eye's wide in amazement.

Despite the jetlag, all five girls were pumped with so much adrenalin and excitement, that they simply couldn't sit still.

Anything could happen in Australia this week. Nevertheless, I'm excited.