SPLATTER (draft)

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Lauren noticed as the reporter nodded to himself, a grin forming on his face as he expressed his apologies about not introducing himself to her earlier. Flashing a small smile back, Laura hoped that this would give the indication that it was okay, and there was no need to apologise at all - she didn't want the man to feel bad. Perhaps it just slipped his mind and he forgot to mention his name, only saying his occupation as she was aware that reporters rarely went on a last or first name basis unless asked by those they were interviewing, so evidently it could've just slipped his mind. Ah, so his name was Alexander Hastings - finally an introduction. She knew that she had recognised him from somewhere, following their meeting earlier, as she did notice that he did look extremely familiar, and she was correct - it had been established between the two of them that he was a reporter for The Gazette and that he wanted to do a quick interview, and of course she'd comply as she wanted to find out what he knew too. Reporters always knew something, one way or another, and every piece of information could be worthwhile for this investigation.

The female continued to smile, her gaze meeting with Alexander's as she attempted to study his behavioural activity. He seemed charming enough; although as a reporter you did have to be charming in order to find stories and conduct interviews with people, otherwise if you didn't possess these attributes people would think you were rude or annoying and would refuse to talk to you - she knew this first hand. The job descriptions that the two of them had required immense social skills along with appropriate communication with strangers, in order to manage to pry your way into what you wanted to find out from them, otherwise you'd get nothing at all. You needed to be able to know how to talk smoothly, making your points cohesive so that they flowed without pushing too much, otherwise it would make people feel as though they were being forced to talk rather than just letting the conversation go forward naturally - at least they had to think that on their end. Of course, she knew better and gathering by Alexander's persona, he absolutely did as well.

The man was well built with a great sense of fashion; Laura couldn't help but admire his strong jawline along with his choice of clothing. Although she'd never let Benjamin know that she found other men attractive otherwise he'd become far too jealous, thus causing relationship issues between the two of them which the female avoided at all costs. She disliked conflict with people she cared about, as it made her feel uneasy - she never liked it when things ended badly. She was the type of woman to always clear the air, no matter the situation. Fair yet firm, as her father would tell her. Lauren was completely and utterly in love with Benjamin; she would never consider cheating on him, nor could she imagine her life without him despite at times how frustrated he made her. When admiring Alexander, it was not because she wished to peruse anything with the man, however it was simply her own human nature; her natural instinct. She was aware that everybody did this, perhaps not consciously, however more so subconsciously. As long as you remained loyal to the one you loved then admiring and giving a compliment either indirectly or directly was okay, given that the context was correct. In this instance, Laura simply had thought that she ought to commend him for his strong choice of fashion and conduct within her own mind.

Watching as Mr Hastings said that they were to begin, Lauren nodded her head in agreement, seeing his pen ready in one hand, their eyes focused on each other as he asked his first question, however as she was about to answer the female felt her phone vibrate within her pocket. This would have to go on a halt, as the messages she just received could've been important. Diverting her attention, the female mouthed a quick apology, unclasping her hands as she signalled her index finger to the man to indicate that she needed a few moments to check and respond to these texts. Lauren adjusted herself accordingly; her eyes looking downwards onto the touch screen reading the texts from none other than her overly protective boyfriend Benjamin, and Channing Rogers. A small crease appeared on her forehead as she thought about the widow; oh how she must've been grieving, she couldn't even begin nor comprehend the loss that she was going through for John - If Benjamin was ever taken from her in such a brutal manner she would not have the slightest clue what she'd do with herself. Letting out a small exhale, Lauren unlocked her phone and began to respond to both messages, hitting send, finally locking her phone once the texts were completed, placing her phone back in her pocket turning her attention towards Mr Hastings yet again.