The Hero Without The Cape

Chapter 5

Lauren's POV

It was almost noon when I finally decided I should shower and get dressed. The shower was short due to the fact that I had only 2 hours before I had to leave and get Harry. Letting my natural curls fall right above my bum, I created a side-part in my hair and covered it with mousse. Testing my ninja skills, I ran from my bathroom and dove over my king-sized bed landing perfectly on my frontside on the floor. The loud bump made me laugh but also made my stepdad come running. I heard him as he ran up the stairs and I decided to play hurt. He bust the through the door without even knocking. Panic covered his face.

"Lauren! Are you okay? What happened?"

Groaning I said, "I was getting out of bed and I fell over."

My stepdad looked at the perfectly made bed, he wrinkled his forehead and asked, "Well are you hurt?"

"Yeah. I think my leg is broken."

"Really? We've got to get you to the hospital." He reached for trying to help me up.

"Hey, James! I was kidding. I'm fine, I'm fine!"

"Don't do that you idiot!" He looked like he wanted to laugh but held a 'concerned parent' look.

"Alright. Now scoot so I can get my groove on."

"Your what?"

"James, I have to get dressed." I said with a sigh. He threw his hands up and walked out of my room without another word.

Being that standing up would require a lot of work, I simply crawled to the walk-in closet and sat on the floor until I found an outfit. It was a typical autumn day and the temperature was a bit on the cold side so I decided on black leggings with a cream oversized sweater and tan boots. I applied light mascara since my eyelashes were already of good length. It was 1:58 when I finished getting ready so I grabbed my glasses and headed downstairs.

"James? Momma?" They both looked at me and waited for me to continue so I did. "I'm going to pick up Harry from school. Do you guys want me to bring anything back?"

'Of course mom needed something.' I thought.

"Babygirl, could you run by the mall. I need a new pair of shoes to wear tonight."

"What's tonight?" James and I asked at the same time.

"Just.. Something." She never made eye contact with either of us.

Leaving them be, I quickly walked out of the house. I went to my car and decided to head to the mall. My mom had sent me a picture of the shoes she wanted and what store to get them from so I assumed it wouldn't take that long and I would be back to get Harry in time. Maybe 10 minutes late at the most.

Harry's POV

It was 3 o'clock and there was still no sign of Lauren. She stood me up. I decided to just walk home. I text Lauren to let her know.

Don't worry about picking me up. I'll walk.

I put my phone away and started walking. I had just gotten off of school property when my phone started vibrating. I had an incoming call.... From Lauren.

I didn't answer.

She called again.

I didn't answer.

She called 7 more times and, again, I didn't answer. Then I received several texts from her.

LoBug: Hey Harry why won't you pick up?

LoBug: Sorry I'm a bit late.

LoBug: Harry? Where are you?

LoBug: Harry!

LoBug: I'll drive around all night if I have to.

LoBug: Will you just stay put. Please?

Moments later, without another text from Lauren, I decided to 'stay put'. Besides, I had things I wanted to say to her. Not mean things, just things. She found me almost 20 minutes later. She climbed out of the car. Her eyes were red and her hands shaky. Something was wrong with her.

"You know, you could've text me back." She shouted. I didn't say a word.

"What's wrong with you? I know I was late and I'm sorry about that. But scaring me half to death was just mean."

"You don't think what you did was mean?" I asked. I stayed at a calm tone not wanting to creat a scene considering the fact that we were standing outside next to a highway. Yes, Lauren stopped her car in the middle of the highway.

"Harry! I'm sorry. Mom wanted me to run to the mall for her. I thought I had time. She needed shoes."

I looked at her car that had a backseat full of shopping bags. "I didn't realize it took so many bags for one pair of shoes Lauren."

"Okay, yeah, I bought things for myself but I bought stuff for you as w-" I cut her off.

"Take it back. I don't want it. I'm sorry for scaring you but you have other priorities obviously. I'll walk home from now on. You don't have to pretend for me anymore. I'll be fine."

"What are you trying to say, Harry?" I could hear the hurt in her voice which only made things harder for me.

"I'm saying, you can go on and live your fabulous life. You don't have to pretend for me. These last 2 days were great. Thanks." I turned away from her a kept walking toward my house. I had about a ten minute walk ahead of me. That should be enough time for me to cry and get it together again before I get home. As I was walking, I could hear Lauren calling me but I ignored her and kept walking. It was probably best that I not be a burden for her anymore. So I wouldn't be one. And this was the end of our "friendship".