The Art of Us

Chapter Eleven

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Chapter Eleven

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Lauren's POV

I stared out of the window as Normani drove. I tapped my finger against my knee anxiously. My other hand playing with my grandmother's bracelet.

"Are you okay?" She asked reaching over and grabbing my hand.

I nodded. "I'm fine." I mumbled, keeping my eyes facing out of the window.

Sighing, she squeezed my hand. "What happened?"

I shook my head. "Nothing." I said.

Normani, pulled the car over into a shaded area, placing it in park and turning to look at me.

"What did Zayn say now?" She asked.

"Nothing." I said, glancing at her.

Reaching over, she caressed my cheek and stared into my eyes. "Really, because you only get upset like this when you lash out. And he's been the only one causing you to lash out lately."

I sighed and shook my head. "I yelled at him. I don't normally lash out. Why am I lashing out? I'm so confused." I mumbled. "What's wrong with me?" I added, looking down at my hands.

"Nothing is wrong with you baby." She said softly, leaning in to kiss me.

I pulled away before her lips could touch mine and shook my head. "Something is wrong with me. I don't lash out, I'm calm." I mumbled and looked down at my hands.

"Baby, you've been through a lot and Zayn hasn't been very understanding." She said softly, lifting my head.

I sighed. "Can we just get the kids? I want to go home and go to bed." I mumbled, looking away from her and out the window.

Sighing, she reverses the car and begins driving back toward the beach.

I went back to tapping my fingers on my knee and playing with my bracelet anxiously. I began tapping my foot as well.

It wasn't long before we reached the beach.

"I'll get them." Normani mumbled, getting out of the car before I could say anything.

I shut my eyes and took a deep breath. What's wrong with me?

After a few minutes, Normani came back with Oliver and Hazel, putting them in their carseats.

She got in the driver's side and put her hand softly on my knee. "Everything will be okay." She whispered before starting the engine and driving off.

It wasn't long before we pulled into the driveway.

I got out and moved to the back of the car, I got Oliver out.

Normani followed behind, getting Hazel out of her carseat.

I led Oliver to the front and opened it before letting go of his hand and letting him run to Stitch.

Hazel wouldn't let Normani put her down, that is until Camila came into the room.

"Mama." Hazel whined, reaching for Camila.

Camila smiled and took Hazel from Normani. "Hi, princess." She said softly.

I pulled out a chair and slumped down into it.

Burying her face in Camila's neck, Hazel began tapping on her collarbone.

"I think we should have Hazel tested for autism." Camila said quietly so Hazel couldn't hear her.

Normani bites her lip and runs a hand through her hair. "I do too."

Camila nodded and sat down next to me.

I bit my lip and looked down at my hands.