Time Goes By [COMPLETED]

chapter 10: part 1

Lauren's POV

I twisted and turned but to no avail; I couldn't fall asleep. Every time I closed my eyes, Nicole's face flashes in my head. How her eyes shows the deep pain and misery she has gone through.

She seemed divergent. Different. I don't know if it's a good thing or a bad thing because I haven't seen enough today to determine exactly how is she.
Not that she's my patient or whatsoever.

People may think that Nicole is overreacting with running away from home and leaving everything behind but you would be surprised with how much bullying and being repudiated can effect you.

I read an article about bullying few years ago. From what I read bullying causes anxiety, self-conscious, depression, constant worrying and a mental destruction.

Specializing in psychology made me realize all my crimes and sins I committed in my teenage days and how I wish that I could turn back time so I can fix it, but that's the thing in life; you commit mistakes and learn from them. The regrets and sorrows are nothing but lessons. It's a way for humans to mentally grow.

I laid on my back and sighed heavily. She's been consuming my mind the whole night. I grabbed my pillow from under my head and brought it upon my face. I muffled my frustrated screams in the pillow. This is gonna be a long night.

---------------------------------------------------

I drove and shifted the gear after every few runs. I drank my hot black coffee every chance I got.

Last night was filled with restless attempts to sleep and with the overnight thinking, I realized that I needed to check on Mrs Erickson. (well she no longer is after the divorce, but you know it's a habit now.) It's been a while.

Even though Jonathan and I no longer dating, she still treats me like her daughter.

I arrived and parked the car in front of the garage. I got out, holding the cup of coffee in one hand while the other holds the car keys. I closed the door and locked it. I threw away the cup in the garbage nearby. I walked down the front yard, passing the swings and knocked on the door.

I heard small feet running towards the door and instantly smiled. The door swing open and I catched the beautiful brown orbs. "Laureeenn." yelled a small 7 year old matthew.

"Hey buddy." I instantly pulled him into a hug. He wrapped his arms around my neck and squeezed tight.

"We missed you. Mommy didn't say you would be coming over." He pulled away and smiled shyly at me. Oh, I forgot to mention, matthew has this crush on me since as long as I can remember. How ironic all the Erickson kids had some sort of affection towards me. Not to brag or anything.

"Well, it's a surprise visit. I missed you both as well. Can I come in?" I asked, politely.

"Yeah yeah yeah, s-sure please come in." I chuckled at the adorable blushing boy in front of me. I kissed his cheek and walked past him.

I looked behind me and saw him stunned. His hand is touching his faint pink cheek and his mouth is hung open. I laughed and shook my head. Kids I swear.

"MATTHEW, how many times should I tell you to not open the d-" Mrs Erickson scolded as she walked in from the kitchen. She was cut off when she saw me.

"Well look who's here." She smiled, warmly. She lifted her arms up. "Come here you." She gestured for me to come closer and hugged me tight. I hugged just as much. It's been a while. She was like an another mother figure to me (sorry mom).

I heard the front door closing behind me. I pulled away. "Did you eat breakfast?" asked Mrs Erickson as matthew stood next to her.

"Yeah. I ate some blueberry pancakes before I got here." I answered, smiling at the pair.