Stand by me

Chapter nineteen

Side note: Hey peeps there's an authors note at the end of this chapter that I'd like for you to read. Thank you :)
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They sat in the van with Big Rob driving since no one was up for the task. The van was filled to the brim maybe more, if that was possible, with tension. No one dared to ask Lauren anything about her brother. They didn't know how to broach the subject carefully. Lauren knew this seeing as she sat in the middle of the van in between Normani and Ally.

Ally's small hand was placed on Lauren's to try and console the brooding teen. " I don't know how to begin a conversation like the one we're about to have but I just wanted to say that I'm sorry. I've lost important people in my life before but nothing as close to me as a sibling."

"Lauren we may have known each other for a short amount of time but we love you regardless. And if you need anything we're all here to talk to you. Or to not talk. Whichever you choose." Ally said looking into the younger girls cloudy steel grey eyes. She could see the storm in her eyes. The one stopping her from feeling anything. Ally knew just like the other girls did that they'd have to wait out the storm. Just like Lauren had too. Ally just hoped she was strong enough to do so. They all did.

Lauren didn't know what to say. What is there to say? She's heard all types of condolences there are. But nothing made her feel the way Ally's did. She seemed to have meant what she said. And Lauren was forever great full for that. Not many people under any circumstances, mean what they say while they are saying it. That's society for you. But Lauren was grateful for having people in her life like Ally who actually mean what comes out of their mouths. "Thanks Ally. I'm not ready right now. But thank you for the invitation." Answers Lauren her voice catching over the lump in her throat.

It's been so long since she's had people in her life that genuinely care about her and her feelings. It's truly a feeling worth fighting for. Clearing her throats Lauren looked else where, turning to look out the window she caught Demi's eye. She could tell that she wanted to say something but she didn't. All she could do was stare. Lauren broke eye contact first. Sure she wanted the comfort from her mother. But she's hurt. And once she's been hurt she's stubborn. Building her walls back up. Stronger than ever.

Demi could see the walls in her daughters sad eyes, the betrayal of lasting pain brought up at an interview. But Demi was a coward. Afraid to address the issue with her daughters band present. So Demi did what she does best. Fakes a smile and turns around like nothing is bother the young mother.

Arriving at the hotel, everyone exited the van in a haste. Anything to get rid of the awful tension. They had to stop at the hotel for Lauren to grab her favorite guitar she had. The hotel called them thirty minutes ago saying they found a guitar in their old room. Thankful that they had called they said they'd be right over.

Once Lauren had her guitar they set off again to grab some lunch at a local diner Called Clara and Angie's buffet. "We're gonna order and eat that's it ok guys? We really need to get moving." Said Big Rob holding onto Camila who was animatedly talking his ear off about god knows what this time. Agreeing in various ways they walked into the diner with hungry stomachs and tired hearts.

"Welcome to Clara and Angie's buffet, my names Angie. How many people are in your party?" Said the tall blonde lady with dark brown eyes, who seemed to be faker than Barbie but did a good job hiding it.

"Seven people ma'am." Said Normani politely. Though Normani could tell this lady wasn't As true as she seemed thought it was best to just be nice. Normani snickered when Angie saw who it was exactly she was serving. Of course, Normani thought, she's gonna be extra get more money. They were all aware of this kind of treatment.

"Ok follow me."

The diner was old fashioned, vintage like. They say at a large booth with Lauren at the front with Demi beside her. Angie left them to get situated, running to grab Clara the other owner. She couldn't believe what was happening. "Lauren I'm sorry." Whispered Demi who had taken ahold of her daughters tiny hands.