The Search

Part 6

Outside the Retro Bistro, Tyler caught up with Lauren. He grabs Lauren’s arm. Lauren flinches.

“Sorry. I just wanted to see how you’re doing. Are you okay?” Tyler asked.

“I’m fine. You can go back in there if you want. I’m going home. You don’t have to worry about me.” Lauren replied.

“Want me to walk you home?” Tyler offered.

“No thank you.” Lauren responded.

“Why? ‘Cause you think I’ll try to kiss you or something? Trust me, I won’t.” Tyler said.

Lauren’s eyes narrowed. “Is that an insult?” she thought.

“I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just that I have a girlfriend.” Tyler explained.

“Girlfriend? Oh God! I’m sorry. Why did you agree to go out with me then? You cheater!” Lauren said then she hits Tyler’s arm.

“Ouch! Whoa! Okay! First of all, you said this date means nothing. And second, she’s not really my girlfriend. Not yet at least. I like her but I’ve never actually told her.” Tyler rebuttaled.

“Oh. You know you should tell her before it’s too late. Maybe she likes you back.” She said.

“I’ll do that. Thanks.” He said.

“There’s one thing I want you to promise me though.” She added.

“Sure. What is it?” he asked.

“Treat her right. Don’t hurt her, okay? I know what it feels like to get hurt by someone you really care about. I don’t want any other girl to feel that way.” She said.

“I won’t. I promise.” He said. “And to the guy who hurt you, he’s a real jerk. He made a huge mistake.” He added.

Lauren smiles a little and hugs Tyler.

Back inside the bistro, Jude goes back to their table. Kim slaps him.

“Whoa! What the hell was that for?” Jude asked.

“You used me to get to Lauren.” Kim said.

“So what? She’s hot. And you’re-” he said.

“And I’m not. I know that. You don’t have to rub it in my face. Jerk!” Kim belted.

Kim throws a glass of water at Jude, grabs her bag and leaves.

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Inside their dorm room, Ally puts her coat on then tries to wake Lauren up.

“Lauren! Wake up! You’re class starts in like 10 minutes.” Ally stated. She then sits on Lauren.

“Get off! Ally! I’m ditching today.” Lauren mumbled.

“No, you’re not!” Ally insisted.

“Yes I am. I still have to finish editing my video presentation. So just go away.” Lauren said.

“You still have to wake up if you really want to finish that video. Now get up! Get up, you lazy ass hipster!” Ally demanded.

Lauren grunts as she stands up. Ally leaves the room. Lauren sits in front of her desk and covers her face with her hands as she sighs. Ally opens the door. “Lo, Kim is here.” she reported.

Lauren opens her laptop and does not look at the door. “Hi Kim!” she said.

Kim enters the room. Ally forgets to close the door. “Ally! Close the freaking door!” Lauren yelled.