Ten (Laurmani)

Three

"About time, Lauren! Tell me what happened. Also, hi. I hope you slept well." Ally greeted dragging me from the library entrance to sit down beside her at a table. I had been wanting to explain what happened with Normani since I got back yesterday but this is the first time I've seen her since before I left. She claimed she was busy "studying" with her friend, Will, all day- and night- but I know what she was really doing.

Not that it made much of a difference now. I keep trying to speak but the only thing coming out is a bunch of words jumbled together. Not very promising for a future lawyer. Taking in a deep breath and ignoring the weirded out looks I was receiving from the surrounding students, I tried again.

"We kissed! Well that's not all I was gonna say but still we did.." I disclosed smiling shyly, she widened her eyes and leaned closer.

"You two kissed??"

"Well..more like she kissed me but I'm not complaining. We both have the same major and she goes here too!" Her excitement faltered for just a second then returned full force.

"Well that's great! You'll be able to hang out whenever you want. You seem excited."

"I am I guess.."

"I'm happy for you, Lo, but are you sure it's not because of what happened between you and you know who?" Somehow, I knew she would try to mention the less than cordial breakup between my ex and I. She had been cheating on me the entire relationship- with not one but two different girls. The only reason I found out was because she told me she couldn't afford 3 Christmas gifts and that one of us had to go- it was me. But that happened over a year ago and I was over it...I think.

"No, Ally of course not. It's not some rebound. Besides she came onto me. She seems like a cool person. Plus her lips are really soft and she's attractive so..."

"Right. Just be careful Lolo. I'm too short to be trying to fight girls for you."

"Thank you but i promise I can handle my own. I'm a big girl. Now help me study for my test." I handed her the flash cards I made the night before and waited for her to begin

Unsurprisingly, studying wasn't going as planned. My mind was focused on whether or not Ally was right instead of the vocabulary that needed memorizing.

I thought I was over what Lucy did, but now I wasn't so sure. Was I even ready for something like this? I know "this" isn't really anything except maybe a friendship with a few blurred boundary lines, but at the off chance that it did in fact become something, would I be okay with it? Normani seemed like a decent human, and I doubt she'd flirt with me then leave me. But then again I barely knew the girl. She could easily-

My drowning thoughts were cut off by the feeling of something sharp hitting my forehead then soft but hysterical laughter.

"Ow! Ally what the hell?" I rubbed over the sore spot glaring at the smaller girl. "You could've just blinded me!"

"Oh lighten up, Jauregui. I aimed for your hair."

"well you missed, bi-"

"Hey. that is no way to treat a friend trying to help. You have a test on this not me." She interrupted with a disapproving glare. I hate it when she's right. "Now, pay attention."

--

Thursday's test is postponed

I smiled at the message on the board, sitting in my seat. I don't know why my guardian angel chose today to start looking out for me, but I'm not complaining. I'll take anything I can get at this point.

"Well well Well, if it isn't Ms. Lauren. How are you?" Normani greeted sliding into the seat beside me. Wow she's on a roll today.

I was surprised to see her here seeing as the new semester started weeks ago and I hadn't seen her in any of the previous classes. Attendance isn't part of the grade but still you'd think she'd show up at least once.

"Oh. Hi, Normani. You're taking this class too?" I questioned, trying to hide my nerves. Part of me was glad we had only been texting these past few weeks, her gaze was so intimidating. I could barely function around it.

"Yup," she replied pulling out a notebook and a pencil. "I had to get transferred. It was fucking with my schedule. I'm glad there's at least one familiar face to talk to."

"Yeah...m-me too. He makes us do a lot of partner work and I always have to work with Adrian." I grimaced at the sound of his name coming from my lips. Everything about him annoyed me. Normani giggled looking around the small room.

"Who's that? Why do you hate him?"

"He's just so-"

"Jauregui! Is today the day?" How'd I know he'd appear. I sighed loudly to exaggerate my annoyance and looked up into his dark eyes.

"What do you want, Adrian?"

"Your number. No I'm kidding!" He laughed loudly but got serious, "unless you want to give it. I'd be happy t-"

"You aren't getting my number." I interrupted cutting his rambling short. He smiled in response and giggled softly.

"Right. I was really just going to ask if you could let me use your notes. I need to copy them down."

Of course he needs my notes. All he does in class is chew obnoxiously loud on gum and complain about not understanding the material. Perhaps if he'd stop chewing like he's eating rocks he'd be able to hear the teacher.

"Uh.. Lauren? Is that a yes orr..?"

"It's a start paying attention in class and leave her alone. Now go away." Normani snapped shooing him away with a swipe of her hand. He opened his mouth a few times to speak but no sound came out. Eventually he just walked away. I didn't even attempt to hide the small blush creeping across my cheeks.

"Wow, um thanks. That's the fastest he's left me alone all semester."

"No problem, he's annoying. I can tell. Plus us girls gotta stick together, right?" She smiled rubbing her hand on mine "Ooh your skin is so soft." okay now I'm almost positive the small blush is firetruck red. My cheeks felt like they were on fire.

"Hey, what do you say to hanging out with me after class? I remember you told me the other day that you like Tim Burton and I recently just bought a bunch of his DVDs. Want to come over and watch some with me?" She asked showing off her perfectly white teeth. Her smile really was amazing. I wonder if she ever considered being on a Colgate commercial. "Lauren?" Oh god I'm staring.

"Yes. Um yeah sure. I'd like that I guess." Way to play it cool, Jauregui. What is this girl doing to me?

A/N: henlo. Happy hall of gays to everyone! An update in a timely manner, shocking I know 😳 I'll probably update again early next week bc I have the majority of this written already lmao ((and I have nothing better to do)) I hope you like it, this wasn't the best but I just needed a filler bc I have big plans for later chapters. 😹

Also! Shoutout to my bestest friend saucedlaurmani  who made this really great playlist for me based on my chapter plans. He's also (supposed to be) working on story now and it's actually v good so, follow him for updates on it