The New Guy (Laurance x Reader)

Chapter 14: Normal

For the first time in two months, I finally feel normal again. Like Laurance never really existed; this is how I was able to cope. He was my first love, but that was all in my head. That's what I told myself at least.

Laurance no longer sat with us, ending up with the popular kids instead. I hear rumors about him sometimes, the side effect of being popular, which reminds me that he is real.

Aphmau was there for me every step of the way. Just another thing to prove my point; she's the greatest friend anyone could have. I wouldn't survive anything if it wasn't for her. I don't really talk much anymore, I just sort of drift through the day as if I were on a cloud.

But today, I feel like myself again. I probably seemed insane to my friends- they got used to the way I acted- when I started telling a story at lunch. All of them looked shocked that I was speaking except for Aph. She was expecting my usual self to come back eventually.

But they all seemed happy I was talking again. They probably saw it as I was getting better. I hate to admit it, but the whole Laurance thing really messed me up.

"Hey." I say to Aph on our way to class. "Do you want to go to the coffee shop with me later?"

"Of course!" She squeals making me smile. Leave it to Aph to make me smile.

"I'm happy you are feeling better, Y/N. I really missed you."

"I missed you too." I say, giving her a hug.

I actually pay attention in class for the first time this week- chemistry is quite boring. Paying attention seems to make the time go faster and soon Aph and I are heading to the coffee shop.

"How are things with Aaron?" I ask, genuinely curious- we haven't had girl talk in so long. "Same as usual."

"That's no fun." I whine. "Give me details."
"Fine you dork." Aphmau gives in. "I hung out with him a lot during the last two months. You know, when I wasn't with you. I may have told my mom I was hanging out with you though."

"You lied to your mom?!?" I gasp dramatically.

"I've lied to her before!" Aph defends herself with flushed cheeks.

"I'm kidding you weirdo." I tell her between laughs.

"You are a jerk." She crosses her arms. "I hope you know that."

"Oh, trust me, I do."

We order what we want and take a seat on the couch by the window. "So what caused this?" Aph asked out of the blue. "I don't really know to be honest." I say with a sigh. "I just woke up and actually wanted to do something today. It was an amazing feeling."

"That's good." Aph says. "Now I have someone besides Katelyn to talk about Aaron with." I laugh and she gives me a big smile. I missed this. Having a light conversation with Aphmau. Every time we've had a conversation in the past two months was me being depressed and her trying to cheer me up to no avail.

"Did you see what Travis was writing in class earlier?" She asks. "If you didn't, you really don't want to know, trust me. It. Was. Weird."

'Now I'm curious." I state. "What was he writing that was so weird?" I wiggle my eyebrows at her and she scoots away from me. "That bad?"

Aph doesn't speak, just nods her head. "Well, now you have to tell me."

"Nope. Not happening." Aph protests. "Those words will never come out of my mouth."

"Come on! You can't keep it a secret forever."

"Uh yeah I can. Didn't I just say that those words would never be said by me?"

I groan and she giggles. I look up to see her 'zip' her lips. She pretends to throw the key and gives me a stern look. "You. Are. A. Butthead." I mutter under my breath which makes her smirk. "I will find out one way or another."