The Search

Part 9

“Ever since we met Logan, you have been totally crushing on him and he is the gentleman type. Why haven’t you gone out with him yet?” Ally asked.

“He’s a nice guy but he’s just not into me. We’re just friends. That’s all we are and all we’ll ever be.” Lauren replied.

“He’s not into you? Oh come on! I mean look at you! How could he not? If he doesn’t like you, why did he come here to check on you? He likes you, Lauren. He does.” Ally remarked.

“If he really does like me, why hasn’t he asked me out?” Lauren asked.

“Why don’t you?” Ally replied.

“I don’t know. I’m scared. What if he says no?” Lauren said hesitantly.

“What if he says yes?” Ally asked.

“No. I won’t. He’s too nice. I don’t want to lose a friend by moving in too quickly. And I think we’re better off as friends.” Lauren replied.

“It’s your life. But I’m telling yah, you two would be perfect together.” Ally said.

Logan started hanging out with Lauren and her friends. They’ve been spending a lot of time together.

At Kim’s apartment, Kim and Tyler are sitting on the couch. Kim is leaning on Tyler. Tyler has his arm around Kim. Gwendolyn is in front of the TV, choosing a movie. Ally enters with a big bowl full of popcorn. Lauren and Logan come in carrying two boxes of large pizza and a bunch of take out. Lauren places the food on the coffee table. Gwendolyn plays the movie and sits next to Lauren on the floor near the couch. Lauren arches her back and stretches her neck. Logan notices and puts a bunch of pillows behind Lauren.

“Here. Sit back.” Logan said.

“Thanks.” Lauren said.

Logan smiles at Lauren. Gwendolyn shushed Lauren. Lauren mouthed “sorry” to Gwendolyn then looked at Logan and smiled. Logan puts his arm around Lauren and pulls her close.

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At the track, Kim, Tyler, Logan, and Lauren all go for a jog. After a few laps, Logan gives Lauren a bottle of water and wipes her sweaty face. Kim and Tyler look at each other with a “they-are-so-cute-together” look.

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At the lobby of Ally and Lauren’s dorm, Ally, Gwendolyn, Lauren, Logan, Tyler, Joshua, Kim, and Bianca are sitting on individual beanbags surrounding a small table. They are playing charades and it is Logan’s turn. They can’t contain their excitement.

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Logan and Lauren are at the park. Logan is resting his head on Lauren’s lap.

“You know, I’m beginning to think that my friends love you more than they love me.” Lauren stated.

“Hey, what can I say? I am pretty lovable! Have you seen me? How can you not?” Logan said arrogantly.

“That was such a narcissistic response.” Lauren pointed out.

“Ha ha! But seriously, I love your friends. They’re so awesome and not difficult to get along with.” Logan said.

“Yeah. They are pretty cool. They’re the best. I couldn’t have asked for better friends.” She said.

“Tell me more about them. How did you meet them?” Logan asked.

Lauren began to tell everything about her and her friends, “Well, Kim is the first friend I made in college. She just gets along with everyone. And because of her, I met Bianca. Bianca is one of the laziest girls I know but when she sets her mind on something her laziness just disappears. And Ally, I don’t know what it is about her but she just makes everyone a tad bit happier with her mere presence.”

“What about Gwen?” he asked.

“Where do I begin? Gwen makes so many rash and dumb decisions. But her loyalty is one of her best characteristics. Funny story, she once pretended to be gay for me to help me get rid of my creepy ex.” She reported.

“Really? And did it work?” he asked.

“Uh, no. He said it was okay that I was gay. He can help me, and Gwen, turn straight again.” She replied.

“Oh, wow! That’s-” Logan began to say but was interrupted when his phone rang. “Sorry. I gotta take this.”

Logan sits up and answers his phone. His little smile quickly disappeared. He slowly puts down his phone.

(Who called Logan? What was the call about? Why did Logan lose his smile? All this is answered in Part 10.)