brilliant discovery • zauren

26

Lauren didn't care that she was washing all her make-up off. She didn't care that bits of her dress were getting wet. She getting didn't care that she was in a public restroom, pathetically staring at her red eyes in the mirror. Beside her, not a single soul was lingering around. There wasn't a need to hide and pretend everything was alright.

Sooner or later, she would have to wear that mask, though.

Her hands gripped the ends of the counter, threatening to break her polished nails if she exuded anymore strength.

She just felt so stupid. Beyond idiotic. Fucking foolish for thinking Zayn saw any potential in her.

Lauren sneered. Potential. That was a promise waiting to be broken.

Why did she get in over her head to think something could blossom from her affair with Zayn. Silly her to actually think his surprise visits and dates actually meant something else than him getting some at the end of the day.

"Stupid asshole," she cursed, banging her fist on the counter. Not only was she pertaining to Zayn, but she was also referring to herself for being so naive.

To fall for his sweet nothings. Because, surprise surprise, they actually meant nothing.

Lauren buried her face in her hands, tears streaming out. The discovery hit her hard. Her guard was down. She wasn't expecting the pain.

She liked him more than she thought. But could you blame her? Zayn was a brilliant fake boyfriend.

And now Lauren knows. A fake boyfriend was all he will ever be to her.

"Lauren?"

The deep, feminine voice rattled her thoughts. Lauren looked up from her palms, breath stuck in her throat when she saw Gigi's reflection staring at her.

Immediately, she regained her posture, standing upright. She knew her attempt would be futile, but she wiped her eyes free of moisture, anyway.

"Gigi." Her voice betrayed her, though. The older girl's name sound shaky sliding off her tongue.

Lauren mentally cussed herself. The series of unfortunate events rolling in one after the other was highly irritating. She didn't know how to deal with anything anymore.

Her chest tightened, a recognizable sign of an anxiety attack.

"Are you okay?" Gigi asked, voice soft. Her brows were cinched in worry.

She stepped closer to the younger girl, but she noticed Lauren seemed uncomfortable. Whether it had something to do with her presence or not.

Lauren lied, nodding her head. "Mhm! I'm just fine." She tried her best to sound decent, but the lump in her throat made it hard for her to speak.

Not to mention the pain in her heart.

Gigi didn't want to meddle, but she knew she just couldn't stand around. She didn't want to leave, either.

"You look gorgeous, by the way," she remarked, gesturing at Lauren from head to toe. Her smile was sincere, but beneath the red lipstick was pity.

Lauren didn't want any pity. Nonetheless, she welcomed the compliment. "Thank you. You're as striking as ever."

Gigi wore a short fitted off-white lace dress with a plunging neckline and gladiator heels. Her shiny blonde hair was tied into a sleek ponytail, that swayed when she strutted.

An awkward silence fell over them. Lauren knew she should go, but her feet wouldn't budge an inch. She still wasn't ready to head out and face the world, yet. But she didn't know how much longer she can act strong in front of somebody else.