Lost & Found

Lauren

Lauren's POV

    It had just been another boring day at school. I mean, we had an annoying substitute in my psychology class. He had absolutely no idea what was going on so we were kind of just messing around the entire time. But I am so unbelievably glad to be home.

    While I was working on some math homework, my phone vibrated next to me. Upon checking it, I saw a message from my former best friend, Chloe.

Wanna talk?
3:57 PM

    At first, I was confused. After almost five months, she wants to talk? Hesitantly, I tapped out a reply.

Sure   
4:00 PM   

Meet me at Starbucks in half an hour
4:02 PM

    Knowing it would take a good amount of time to walk there since I don't have a car yet, I got up and grabbed a jacket.

    "Hey, where are you going?" my brother, Tristen, asked. He paused the videogame he and his twin, Devon, had been playing to look at me.

    "Out," I replied simply, still going to the door.

    "Does Dad know?" Devon asked.

    I reached the front door and sighed, pausing. "No."

    "But Dad said that we're not allowed to go out before he gets home," Tristen pointed out.

    "I know." I put my hand on the doorknob. "And you guys won't tell, right?"

    The boys looked at each other, then mimed zipping their mouths shut. I grinned and slipped out the door.

~ * ~

    I got to the Starbucks a few minutes early. There was no sign of Chloe yet so I just sat down at a table in the middle. I waited five minutes and she still hadn't shown up. Five minutes turned into ten, then thirty. I knew if I didn't leave soon, I wouldn't be able to get home before my dad. Just then, Chloe walked in.

    She looked different than what I had gotten used to seeing her as only months ago. She was more... preppy. She looked like one of those girls who went to a private school but was out for a shopping spree on the weekend.

    "Hey, Laur!" she said, smiling. She stopped next to my table but didn't sit down.

    I smiled back in greeting. Something didn't feel right.

    "I'm so happy you decided to meet me here."

    "Can we make this quick? I need to get home."

    "Oh, sure. Real quick. This'll be over in a second."

    I waited for her to say something else but she just stood next to the table, smiling that weird smile.

    SPLASH!!!

    And, all of a sudden, I was doused with somebody's drink. The bitter smell of coffee assaulted my senses as it began to drip in front of my eyes. Ice cubes pelted the back of my head right before clattering against the tile. I puckered my lips as it soaked into my shirt.

    A tall guy approached Chloe from behind me, an empty, dripping cup in his hand. I instantly tensed. He gave Chloe a quick kiss on the cheek then turned to me, wrapping a strong arm around her waist.

    "Nice look, loser. Are you using a new shampoo?"

    Chloe stifled a giggle and pretended to examine me closely. "I don't know, Gio. She looks like the same old freak to me."

    Gio gave me his signature I-won-you-lost smirk and began leading Chloe out the door. Before disappearing, she threw me one last look. "That was a nice chat, Lauren. I'll see you at school!"

    It took a bit of effort to fight back the burning urge to cry. I grabbed my bag and rushed into the bathroom. I'm pretty sure I used an entire roll of paper towels, either to wipe off my tears or to try and get rid of the coffee stains.

    Upon leaving, I could only reflect on my stupidity. How could I not have seen it? Five months and she's suddenly now nice? I was so sure she'd never want to talk to me again and then she shows up out of nowhere. Pfft. It was a stupid daydream anyway. My phone buzzed in my pocket.

    As soon as I averted my eyes to check it, I ran right into somebody and was yet again assaulted with their drink. Both our phones dropped to the ground.

    "Oops! I am so, so, so sorry," the guy blabbered. I sputtered and wiped more coffee from my eyes while he bent down to pick up his phone.

    "Yeah, so am I," I answered, pressing my palms into my eyes as a prickly feeling returned. He handed me my phone. After muttering my thanks, I bowed my head and tried to push past him but he stopped me.

    "Do you need help getting those out?" he asked, motioning to my shirt.

    I pressed my lips into a thin line. "Sure."

    Once in the bathroom, I sat on the sink while the strange boy dabbed at my face with paper towel. When he was done, he took a step back to admire his work and grinned.

    "You know, you're actually really cute when you don't have coffee all over you."

    I was stunned at the odd compliment. I got down from the counter and started collecting my jacket and bag.

    "Uh, thanks. I guess," I replied, ready to leave and forget this ever happened.

    "Now that I think about it, you look kinda familiar, too." He paused and stared at me, deep in thought. "Does the name Lauren Cimorelli ring a bell?"

    A scene flashed in my mind at that name. Five other girls. Laughing in front of a camera. There was a strange pressure in the back of my head and I braced myself on the sink.

    "Whoa, are you alright?" he asked, reaching to try to help.

    "I'm fine," I responded, batting away his hand. I glanced at him and he still looked concerned. "I'm fine, don't worry. And sorry, but I'm not familiar with that name."

    He looked at me, embarrassed. "I guess I can't expect you to be. She was kidnapped, like, three years ago."

    Kidnapped?! "Oh, that's too bad. Well, see you later then."

    The guy smiled and said, "Yeah. I'll see you around."

    I smiled back and left, the strange feeling still present. I took out my phone and searched 'Lauren Cimorelli'. Dozens of results popped up. Most of them were news reports about some band called Cimorelli. Apparently, they were a pop band on YouTube made up of six sisters. Wait, five other girls laughing in front of a camera. No, it can't be. I clicked on a picture and my eyes widened. That girl looked exactly like I did when I was fourteen.

    After that, I swear I blacked out for a bit.