I was back at the care home and was soon greeted by Maddie and Emma.
"How was it?" A wide-eyed Maddy said just as I walked through the door.
"Did he ask you out?" Emma followed by asking.
"Are you together now!?"
"Tell us!" They demanded.
I opened my mouth to tell them the gossip but I was quickly interrupted by Paul.
"Before anyone tells anyone anything, I need to have a quick word with Lauren in my office." He said with a smile.
"Guess you'll have to wait." I winked at Maddy and Emma.
"Hurry back." Maddy told us and left with Emma.
I followed behind Paul into his office and took a seat on one of the swivel chairs.
"So Lauren" he started. "Does the name Charlie ring a bell?" He asked narrowing his eyes.
I thought hard. "Umm nope."
"Well we've looked through all your files and history with the help from your social worker and we've tracked down your brother, Charlie."
"Wait, my brother!" I exclaimed, sitting upright in the chair. "Really!?"
"Yeah, we'll give him a call tomorrow and see if we can sort things out." He rubbed his hands together.
"Wow..I don't know what to say. Thank you!"
"Ok." He gave me a cheery grin. "It's quite late, well talk about this more tomorrow." I gave him a smile back and thanked him again before rushing out the office to go tell Maddy and Emma.
I found them sat in the lounge area on their phones. I threw myself on the sofa next to them. They instantly looked up from their phones and smiles took over their face.
"So, you and Josh?" Maddy started.
I explained the whole night to them.
"Awwww" they both cooed simultaneously.
"She's in loveee!" Maddy exclaimed playing with her tongue piercing.
George and Layla must of heard because they soon came rushing over.
"Spill!" Layla said, flicking her hair off her shoulder.
I again explained the whole night to hear more coos.
"It's so romantic!" George squealed.
I felt myself blush again.
Just then Paul walked in.
"Everyone up to rooms now."
I checked the time on my phone. 9:34pm. I then saw a text from Josh. Quickly I opened it up.
*****Goodnight Lauren. Hope you sleep well. xoxo*****
I felt myself smile and replied back before making my way upstairs. Most people were in their rooms by now. I quickly changed into my pyjamas and brushed my hair and teeth and washed my face. I turned to leave the room but bumped into a tall, built up figure.
"Ow." I murmured before looking up at the person and taking a moment to realise who it was. It was one of the older boys. Dre or Rhys I think his names was. I stepped to the side to get past him but he mirrored me so I couldn't get past. I tried again , stepping to the other side, but once again he copied me, blocking my exit.
"Um, can I help you?" I asked timidly.
"Laura right?"
"It's Lauren, actually." I corrected him.
"Oh." Was the simple reply I got.
"Come to my room." He ordered.
"It's late, I might go to bed instead. Anyway we might get in troub....."
"Just to chill." He interrupted. "It'll be fun."
"Umm." I hesitated. I didn't want to go. He seemed like trouble.
He ignored me and grabbed my hand and pulled me into his room closing the door behind him. The room was cluttered. Magazines shoved under the bed, clothes just chucked to the side. There was a faint smell of weed and tobacco in the air. However there was a slight chill, from the open window. He walked over and pulled out a small box from a drawer in his wardrobe and sat down on his bed. He opened the box and started rolling a cigarette before lighting it and taking a puff. I just stood there awkwardly. He held the cigarette towards me offering my some but I shook my head. He simply shrugged and took another puff.
"You don't smoke?" He asked.
"No"
"Do you drink?" He asked, lifting up his bed sheet to reveal a hidden bottle of blue wkd and a Smirnoff vodka.
I shook my head again. "No."
He sighed and snorted and put out his cigarette. He then started making his way over to me. I took a deep breathe.
"Let me guess. A virgin?" He laughed.
"Umm." I gave a small nervous laugh and hung my head.
"It's cool babe. Don't be so nervous"
His breathe smelt of smoke which made me shiver slightly. I could feel him getting closer to my face. It was like Darius all over again. I felt really subconscious. I tried to hold back my tears that were starting to form from me being frightened. Just then the door creaked open and we both turned to see who it was. It was one of the older girls.
"Oi Dre. What's she doin 'ere" she slurred.
He just laughed and took a step back. I took this as my opportunity to leave. I shot out the door and in to my room, quietly closing the door behind me. I took a deep breath and leaned with my back against the door. My breath was heavy. I couldn't hold it any longer. I slid down the door and held my knees up to my face. I felt alone. No family. No one to kiss me goodnight, or to tell me everything was going to be ok. I ignored the tears running down my cheeks and let my blonde hair fall in front of my face. I felt worthless. I took a deep breath, got up and carefully walked over to the mirror on my desk. I looked at myself in the reflection. The ugly girl. The girl who doesn't talk. I scowled back at myself.
"You're pathetic." I snarled.
I felt anger build up inside me.
"You're nothing! You're alone!" My breathing got heavier. I needed control. I needed to get out all the sadness trapped inside me. Without thinking I grabbed the sharpener from beside me and quickly unscrewed it with a pen. I took out the blade and held it in my fingers. My hands started to shake. I ran my finger gently down the blade and glanced at my wrist.
