Broken Memories

Chapter 12. Lauren

Chapter 12. Lauren

It has been almost four months since I moved into Nicky, Aiden, Liam and Ruby's home and from when I found out the truth. Since then, Scar turned 16 just a week after me, and Ruby 10. We're also just about to begin the Christmas holidays.

But for now, it's the night a reporter will listen to our story.

Aiden waits anxiously on the couch, jiggling his suited leg in an unsteady rhythm while Nicky prepares drinks.

I race back to my room and take a final glance in the mirror. A one shouldered green dress falls in soft fabric to my knees. It has a plaited green belt woven through the material that tightens lightly around my stomach. It's the dress that I bought on my first outing to town with Scarlett. I've let my blonde hair fall naturally and see my orange ember eyes are looking as bright as fire. With a final touch of sandals, I turn to the door.

'Wow.'

I know he's there and I smile at the floor, feeling the heat rush to my cheeks and immediately cursing myself for it.

'You look stunning!'

I just roll my eyes as I look up to Liam at the doorway. He's looking very handsome himself in tidy trousers and a clean, soft blue shirt.

'Seriously, you look beautiful.' I look to his green eyes and see no mock or lie.

'Thank you,' I smile.

'Okay, so today we have to dazzle the reporter with our planet, that's why we're looking so fancy. We have to impress and show them that we are serious.'

Liam looks at me carefully. 'Are you ready, Lauren?'

'Yeah... I just wish my sister was here. I don't know where she is and it's killing me.'

'It's okay, Lauren. We'll get through this. And then we'll find your sister. I promise.'

He gives me a quick hug and I lean into him but pull away just as fast and we walk out the door and down the hall.

'Lauren!' I hear a familiar voice call from behind me and quickly turn to scoop Ruby up and place her on my hip.

She clings to me like she clings to her teddy at night, as if I'm her only lifeline.

'How are you?' I laugh.

'Awesome! I want to meet everyone!'

'Do you think that's the best idea?' Liam asks.

'Of course! They can't say anything mean while an adorable 10 year old is in the room!' she replies, swinging her left arm out in a duh! shrug.

At that, Liam and I share a glance and laugh with little Ruby.

'That's so true!' I exclaim in delight.

'Dad,' Liam begins as we sit down in the lounge together, 'who will be here?'

'Sarah, Tim Lorrie, Lily and probably Scarlett. And the reporter too. They want to hear our story. To be honest, it's about time our work was recognised, don't you think?'

'We have had a lot of meetings in the past few weeks,' I note as an out loud thought.

Tim Lorrie has apologised at these meetings so many times, I lost count after about 80. The first thing he said to me was, "What I did was a moment of weakness and I was just greedy. The last thing I told them was that your family was leaving on Wednesday. But you were actually leaving on Tuesday. I tried to help but they must have had someone watching you. I know what I did is inexcusable and unforgivable. But I am so deeply and truly sorry. I live with the guilt pressing on me every second of every day and for this I am more sorry than you will ever know. I loved your family, mainly your parents, and I loved Joey. I'm afraid to stop saying sorry because I worry that no number of apologies will ever be enough."