Linger (Camren)

Chapter 29: That's How You Feel Pt 2

{Ally's POV}

I wish I could say this was the first time I watched my best friend lose her mind like this.

To be honest, I didn't think she would ever put herself in a position to be broken hearted again since her last relationship years ago.

Every ounce of pain Lauren's ever felt has always left lingering imprints, not only on her body, but in her mind as well. And believe me, Lauren bruises easily. But she does a good job at making sure others are too distracted by their own problems to ever take a good look at her and realize that she's held together by string.

Mila has known since the get-go though.

It's been an hour since the girl called me on the borderline of hysterics. I came as soon as I could, only to find the younger girl pacing around her apartment, her phone held tightly between her shoulder and ear.

To my surprise, Normani watched the scene unfold from the kitchen counter. She appeared to be at ease, but hadn't muttered a single word until I made my presence known.

"How long has it been?" Hoping the dark eyed girl would understand what I was alluding to.

Taking a glance down at her phone,"About half and hour? I'm not really sure. She called me not too long ago, but when I got in she was already-."

"Answer. Answer. Answer." We turned our attention to the sound of low muttering, watching as green eyes disappeared behind closed lids. Pale hands grabbing fists full of her own hair and tugging a little too harshly.

"She wants me to call. I'm calling!" Her tone coming almost frantic as quickly redials.

"Laur, don't you think that's enough, for now?" Mani spoke up softly, the concern for her friend was evident.

"I think you need some time to cool down, babe." I reached for the still pacing girl, only to have her flinch away from me. I retracted my hand instantly, careful not to stoke the fire.

"Laur, you have to tell me what this is all about." I tried to reason with her, since it seemed like she wasn't going to stop her manic movements anytime soon.

The question seemed to strike a nerve. The Cuban girl swiftly turned around, marching up to me at an alarming rate. I felt a hand grip my shoulder in fear, knowing Mani was most likely extremely alarmed by her actions. I knew she wouldn't do anything to harm me though, so I remained unfazed by our sudden closeness.

She dangled her phone in front of my face. "This stupid piece of plastic. That's what this is about."

With that, she returned back to her previous actions.

I turned to Mani with a look of sheer confusion, only to be met with sad eyes. I knew the two were both going through something right now, but neither was willing to talk about it.

I gently placed a hand over hers, offering the warmest smile I could, earning myself a sad excuse of a smile in return.

With a deep breath, the brown eyed girl spoke up once again. "Lauren, I don't think this is what Mila meant by communicating more."

That stopped the girl in her tracks completely. She slowly turned to the two of us, a blank expression plastered on her face.

"You know this isn't going to help get her back-"

"I'm not trying to get her back, because we didn't break up." Lauren said, though it was obvious she didn't believe the words coming out of her mouth.

"Laur, it's understandable that you feel like that, but it sounds like you two-"

"No!" She shouted, making the chocolate skinned girl and I jump a bit. "No, people break up because of other shit. Like cheating, or long distances, or... I don't fucking know. But not because of a few missed calls and texts! That's bullshit!"