Love Against The Odds (Laurinah)

9

It's been one week since our date. One week since Dinah asked me to be her girlfriend and one week since I've fallen head over heels in love with her. Being with Dinah made me realize how unhappy I was before she came along. That brown eyed beauty came into my life and took my heart away and refused to give it back. In the short time that we've known each other Dinah made me fall completely in love with her. And even after she found out my secret she never left my side. She didn't judge me the way my ex did. She didn't make me feel ashamed about who I am, she made me feel proud and loved. Something I haven't felt in a while and I'm so grateful she made me feel that way. I'm happy I'm feeling this with her.

Today I'm sitting in my dad's office with Dinah. He wanted to talk to me about something "dad why am I here" I asked as I played with Dinah's fingers "I uh I wanted to know if you wanted to come with me to Tampa" he asked. I looked at him "when do we leave" I asked.

"Tonight."

I nodded and looked at Dinah "can my girlfriend come along?" My dad smiled "of course sweetie." I grinned happily as I hugged Dinah "come on let's go get ready" I said, dragging her out of the room.

After getting ready and kissing we finally made our way down the stairs holding hands. My dad smiled at us, while April looked at me with disgust. I frowned and walked out the door with Dinah right behind me.

-

The drive to Tampa was filled with singing and laughter and joy. We all had a good time together in the car. Unfortunately our fun came to an end when my dad pulled up to a house "dad who's house is this" I asked, stepping out of the car.

"You'll see" was all he said before walking up to the door.

I was confused but followed right behind him. I stood next to him as he knocks on the door. Moments later the door opens and out stepped a lady with brown hair "Mike? What are you doing here" she asked "Clare I wanted you to meet someone." He gently pulled me closer to him so that Clare could see me "this is Lauren. Lauren this Clare...your mother" he says.

Clare had tears running down her cheeks as she looks at me. My whole body felt numb, like I couldn't move. I can't believe I'm face to face with my mother. I never thought that this would happen, but it has "may I hug you" she asked. I couldn't form words so I just nodded. Clare pulls me into her and wrapped me in a loving embrace. I don't know why I was crying but I was. Maybe it was because of Clare. Maybe it was because of the fact that I never experienced a mother's love. But whatever it was it made me cry.

"Oh mija don't cry. I'm here" Clare coos softly.

I didn't say anything I just held her tighter. I was afraid that if I let go I might never see her again and I would hate for that to happen.

"What is going on here!"

My heart fell into my stomach when I heard her voice. Why does she have to be here now? I turned around and was met by April's mean scowl. I gulped as I stoop between Clare and my dad.

"Why do you always have to take away what's mine" April screams "first Michael. Now Lauren. God why can't you just stay in your place" she yells. Her blue eyes turn a darker shade as she glares at my mother "I should have killed you and that little freak when I had the chance!" She pulls out a gun and aims for Clare "we could have been happy Michael! But no you choose that bitch and your freak daughter over me" she cries.

My anger boiled in me and I pulled the roots from the ground and wrapped it around her "I'm so sick and tired of you treating me like I'm so type of burden! I'm sick of you calling me a freak and mistake" I yelled as I squeezed my fist, tighten the roots around her "my whole life you always told me that I was nothing but a mistake. You made me feel like I was worthless, like I didn't deserve to be loved!" Tears spilled from my eyes "you treat me like shit because you're made that my dad will never love you the way he loves her! You're mad because the love of you life is in love with someone else!" She glares at me "for the past eighteen years you've done nothing but treat me badly. And me being the stupid girl that I am did nothing but love you! You know why? Because I thought that one day you might actually love me back but no you only got worse. You hated me because of who I am and were I came from!" Her breathing was ragged "you take my heart and crushed it between your bony little fingers all because you're angry at something that happened before I was born! You took it all out on me and I did nothing!" I cried "I did nothing wrong!"

Lightning was flashing in the sky and thunder could be heard. More roots shot out of the ground and wrapped around her "you've caused me nothing but pain and suffering and I'm sick of it! It's time for you to pay" I yelled as I clutched my fist tighter. Her skin was turning blue and she was having a hard time breathing.

"Lauren babe stop! This isn't you" Dinah yells "you're not a killer." She cupped my face "you're the girl who loves to read and watch lame romantic movies. You're the girl who loves the sun and the moon, even the star" she chuckles "you're the girl who loves to garden and the look of a beautiful flower. You're the girl who takes me out for ice cream or to the beach when I'm feeling down. You're the girl with the beautiful green eyes that I felling in love with when I first laid eyes on you. Lauren, you're the girl that I want to spend the rest of my life with. I love you Lauren" she says.

I removed the roots from around April's body and dropped her to the ground before running into Dinah's arms and kissing her passionately. The kiss wasn't long but it was filled with nothing but love. My dad and Clare came up to us and brought us into a hug "come on let's go home." I looked at April one last time before walking away. Goodbye April.