Paper Cuts | Luke Hemmings ✔

16. home

The drive to Lauren's was silent with the occasional 'turn left' and 'turn right'. Lauren sat in the back with Owen. Corrine watched as Owen intertwined his hand with Lauren's and kissed her forehead. She smiled. "It's this one right here." Lauren said, pointing to a two story house. Corrine pulled up front.

"Here you go." Corrine said. Lauren didn't move for a moment.

"Will you guys come in? I don't want to go in there by myself." she asked them.

"Yeah, come on." Corrine said

"Thanks you."

Lauren led Corrine and Owen up the front steps of the house and opened the door. She reached for Owen's hand, and he gave it a reassuring squeeze. They could hear talking coming from the living room. Lauren breathed in. "You can do this." Corrine said. Lauren nodded. She stepped into the living room. Ashton was there talking to an older woman, and a younger boy. Lauren cleared her throat.

"LAUREN!" the older woman - whom Corrine could only assume was her mother - came forward and embraced her in a hug. "THANKS GOD YOU'RE OKAY!"

"I'm fine mom."

"Where on earth did you go?" Ashton asked angrily. "DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT YOU JUST PUT US THROUGH? WHAT THE HECK LAUREN!" Lauren backed up a little, and bumped into Corrine.

"You just don't quit, do you?" Corrine asked.

"Who's this?" Lauren's mother asked.

"Hi, I'm Corrine. I promise I did not kidnap your daughter." Corrine said.

"That's my mum. You've already met Ashton." Lauren said firmly. "That's Harry." she pointed to the younger boy.

"Hi!" he said.

"Hi." Corrine replied.

"What are you doing here?" Ashton asked.

"I'm bringing Lauren home because you were being an ass to her. Honestly Ashton, she's your sister. You're supposed to be the person she looks up to. Not the person she runs away from. And you can't just boss her around because you don't approve of her boyfriend." Corrine said.

"Ashton!" their mother scolded. Ashton sighed.

"Lauren, come here." he said. Lauren stepped forward cautiously. Ashton placed a hand on her shoulder, and she flinched. Corrine saw the sadness flicker in his eyes.

"You're afraid of me." he said in disbelief. Lauren shook her head, and embraced him in a hug.

"I hate you." Lauren said. Ashton wrapped his arms around her.

"I'm really sorry Lauren. I just don't want to see you get hurt. Ever. You're my baby sister, and I love you."

"I know Ashton, I know." Lauren said. "So . . . about my boyfriend?" Lauren said hopefully. Ashton smiled.

"I guess you can date." he said. Lauren smiled, and turned back to Corrine.

"Thanks."

"No problem. We should get going." Corrine said.

"We?" Ashton asked. Lauren laughed, and untangled herself from her brother. She walked back to were Corrine was, and Owen stepped out from the hall. Lauren tackled him in a hug.

"I better see you in school tomorrow." she joked.

"Maybe." Owen smiled.

"Hey Owen." Ashton said. Owen looked up at him.

"Yeah?"

"Just don't hurt her."

"Wouldn't dream of it."