Always and Forever (Lauren/You)

Chapter 6

When the show ended and the crowd of fans began to disperse, you and Tala discreetly slipped away and ran to the private bathrooms.

After a minute or two, you saw Big Rob, Fifth Harmony's bodyguard, who asked for your names, and when you told him, he escorted you to the 5H dressing room.

The dressing room was empty, well in terms of people. The room was certainly filled with clothes, food and makeup. It looked like the average girl's bedroom.

"Have a seat. Make yourselves comfortable. The girls will be here in around 10 minutes." Big Rob said, before leaving you and Tala alone in the room.

Tala began freaking out, which seemingly added to the headache that was beginning to form after almost crying three times today. When she noticed you holding your head, she began massaging your forehead, having done so many times before. Except this time, you were also extremely tired, having not slept for most of the night, and the relaxing caress of Tala's hands soon made you fall asleep...

***

"Aw, she looks so cute sleeping." Camila whispered.

Lauren smiled at how adorable you looked but frowned when she saw that your brows were knitted. Even when you were asleep, you didn't seem to relax and that both worried her and saddened her.

"Shall we wake her?" Ally asked Tala who had stood up from the sofa where you were laid out, sleeping.

"A. Alyssa. Ally-Mae, wake up." Tala whispered loudly, gently shaking your shoulders.

You groaned and stirred, then opened your eyes and groaned again at the bright lights.

Wait, where were you?

Your eyes shot open as you sat up and stared at the 5 girls in front of you.

"Woah, A, it's fine. You're just in the Fifth Harmony dressing room." Tala said quickly, trying to calm you down before you became scared and had a panic attack like you usually did when you woke up with a start.

"What on Earth? When did you guys get here? How long was I asleep?" You asked, rubbing your head; your headache returning with a vengeance.

"We came here about 5 minutes ago, but from what Tala said, you've been asleep for around 20 minutes." Lauren answered, sitting on the table in front of you.

"Natalia, why didn't you wake me up?"

"We told her not to." Ally said quickly, coming to Tala's defence.

"Yeah, besides, A, you haven't slept well once since I've met you. And you certainly didn't sleep last night so I wanted you to at least catch up on at least some sleep." Tala explained.

You stood up, then grabbed the arm rest when you began to feel extremely dizzy. Your migraines were always accompanied by dizzy spells. "Woah, head rush."

"Are you okay?" Lauren asked, concerned.

"Yeah, I'm good. Just got up too quickly. So...can I ask why you asked me here?"

"I wanted to thank you for the bracelet. I really do love it. Oh, and I have something that belongs to you." Lauren walked over to the main table at the back of the room, picked up something and handed it over to you.

"My book? I can't believe you kept it."
You said, in disbelief.

"Are you kidding me? Of course I kept it." Lauren exclaimed, almost offended that you thought she would have gotten rid of it.

"Yeah, since she's met you, she's read that book so many times I've lost count." Camila said.

You looked up at Lauren, happy tears filling your eyes for the first time today, "I can't believe you actually kept it. It sounds so stupid but it means a lot. After that night, I thought I'd never see it again."

Lauren smiled at you and then brought you in for a quick hug. "No problem. I'm just glad I can give it you back."

"You guys are acting as if it's the crown jewels, it's just a book." Tala joked.

"I know right!" Dinah replied.

"Tala, it was Evie's."

Tala stopped laughing, "Oh, shit, I'm so sorry, Alyssa."

"Don't worry. It's fine. You didn't know." You smiled sadly.

"Who's Evie?" You looked back at Lauren who was still standing directly in front of you.

"She is-was my sister." You replied quietly. Your happy tears now being replaced with sad ones.

God, why were you such an emotional mess today?!

Lauren placed her hand on your cheek and stroked it lightly with her thumb, "I'm so sorry, Alyssa."

You swallowed audibly, "It's fine. I'm just grateful that you gave it back to me."

You forced your emotions back down again and then spoke. "Um, so congrats on finishing your tour. I'm really happy for you guys. You killed it." You said, trying to change the subject.

"Thanks, girl. I think it was one of the best shows we've ever done." Dinah responded as the other girls murmured in agreement.

"I have a question, what time is it?" You asked to no one in particular.

"It's 10:40," Camila responded. "Why?"

"Just wondering."

"Shall I get Elijah to pick us up?" Tala asked you. You noticed how Lauren stilled at the mention of his name.

"No, Eli's probably only just got back himself. Let him sleep. The boy deserves it after working so hard." You countered.

"Who's Eli?" Ally asked.

"Oh, he's my boyfriend. Has been for almost 2 years." Tala explained.

You noticed how Lauren immediately seemed to relax. "He's doing a paid internship at this marketing business so he can earn some extra money. But he's probably doing it to save up for their future." You winked at Tala making her blush.

"Oh god, that is sooo cute. I hear wedding bells." Camila shouted.

"Yeah, and I expect to be a bridesmaid, girl. Or I'll have to personally beat your ass." Dinah said to Tala.

"Are you kidding? Of course, you're gonna be there!" Tala joked, making everyone laugh.

"I'll just get a Taxi or something so we can get back to mine." You interjected, changing the subject again.

"Um, I don't think so. It's dark out." Ally dismissed your idea.
Definitely the Mama Bear of the group.

"She's right. I'm not letting you leave with some random person at this time. We've finished the tour now, and we were all gonna go stay at our 5H house here anyways. We'll drive you back." Lauren more-so ordered than offered.

"Are you sure? You guys are probably tired and-"

You stopped talking when Lauren placed her hand, the one with the bracelet, on your shoulder.

"Alyssa, we're taking you guys home. Besides, I'm not even tired. If anything, I'm so awake, I probably won't even sleep tonight." Lauren said, as the girls agreed.

"Yeah. Okay, let's do it."

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