Broken Memories

Chapter 7. Lauren

Chapter 7. Lauren

The next few weeks pass in a blur. Liam's birthday passes and mine is coming up soon. School is actually becoming bearable. I don't often talk to strangers but Scarlett fast becomes my best friend and study buddy. She's pretty much my soulmate in a friend way.

Ruby is still a grinning whirlwind of energy and I'm getting closer to Liam daily. It's something that's been playing on my mind. Are siblings meant to be so nice to each other? Aren't they meant to fight? Around six weeks I've been here and there has been nothing but smiles and kind words to each other.

On a different topic, I've completely lost time to look at any more of Mum and Dad's science files. That's another thing teasing my mind. I need to find out more. Mrs Stone has also proved true to her word and has kept in touch, making me very glad she's still here for me.

'Lauren! Scarlett's here!' Nicky calls from down the hall.

I'm braving town today. Such a scary thing really. I haven't been in months. But today's the day with my best friend at my side.

In my favourite jeans, black boots and flowing top that fades from white to ice blue, I leave my room with my honey coloured hair swaying behind me. And I smack into Liam.

'Seriously! You have got to stop doing that!' I say in a fright.

He laughs. 'I'm magnetic. That would be impossible,' he winks, to a tiny smile from me.

'What do you want anyway?'

'I want to give you this,' he says softly, presses his warm, gentle... um... his hands... into mine and leaves something there. My breath is knocked out of me as soon as his hands touch mine, and it immediately leaves me light-headed.

'I can't accept this,' I say quickly, in a voice uncommonly high, after glancing down.

'Yeah, you can. It's not much,' he replies as he presses it back into my hands and folds my fingers over it.

'It's $80. Are you crazy?' I squint at him.

'Nope. Quite sane thank you.'

'Why?' I ask.

'Because, you haven't got any new clothes and you need to have fun. I want you to be happy. So, please, take it.'

'It's too much.'

'I have a part time job. I can afford it.'

His green eyes stare deep into my orange ones. 'Please.'

I feel a wall breaking down inside me.

'Fine!' I groan. 'But you're too nice to me.'

'There's nothing wrong with that.'

'Lauren?' Nicky calls.

'Coming,' I look back to Liam. 'See you later.'

'Bye Lauren, AKA Rin,' he winks.

'Rin? Really?' I roll my eyes but for some reason find the nickname familiar and comforting. 'Bye Lee-Lee.'

'See ya,' he brightens his smile and leaves me with one stuck permanently to my face.

*

'Hey, Rin!' Scarlett grins, giving me a big hug.

'Hey, Scar!' I laugh. Laughing and joking is becoming easier every day thanks to my best friend and Liam.

'Let's go!' she says, her eyes sparkling.

'Here, Lauren. Buy yourself something nice,' Nicky smiles, pressing money into my hand.