Rhythm || Ashton Irwin

Chapter Sixteen

(Lauren’s POV)

            Rushing home, I did the best I could not to lose my cool in public, my true New Yorker coming out. But, the minute I was in the house and door closed I dropped my bag and my guard and let the tears fall. I can’t believe I let myself get this far in, I was so stupid, of course he would never be into someone like me. I scolded myself as I paced around, trying desperately to calm myself down. Eventually, I brought myself down to the basement, my own personal dance room, and my sanctuary.

            After sitting in the corner of the quiet room for what felt like hours, my phone buzzed in my pocket with a text from both Cassie and Ben.

Bae: Lauren, where are you?!

Bae: ANSWER YOUR PHONE.

Benny: Loz, we’re outside the house. Are you here?

Bae: I’m coming in and tearing that house apart whether you answer your phone or not

 

            I sighed, typing out a quick response, locking my phone and waiting for them to show up. Moments later, I could hear the front door being shut and the sound of their steps coming down the hall and the stairs. The second they were in the room, Cassie sped over beside me, crouching down and trying to make eye contact with me as I stared blankly at the floor in front of me.

            “What did he do? Do you need me to do something, I’m sure I’ve got people. Ben, who do we know that can quickly take care of him?! I swear to god, if he so much as BREATHES near you again, I’ll—“

            “Cassie, stop,” I choked out, fresh tears building in my now bloodshot eyes. Letting out a sigh, Cassie started rubbing between my shoulder blades as I put my head between my knees, a new round of sobs leaving me.

            “Take your time, Lauren. Don’t let this bitch push you into talking,” immediately after Ben said that, there was a hard slap sound echoing through the room, “OW! What the FUCK Cass?!”

            “I’m not being a bitch, I’m being a friend you insensitive swine.” Chuckling, I looked up at the two who were now glaring at each other, a silent argument clearly happening between the two of them.

Ben, shifting his eyes towards me, smiled seeing that I was showing something other than sadness. “There she is! C’mon, get up, we’re not mopping anymore today grumpy gills.” Grabbing my hands and detaching them from my legs, Ben pulled me up from the ground and into his arms, hugging me tight. Moments later, Cassie joined from behind, squeezing me between them.

We were like this for a minute before we finally pulled apart, Ben looking me dead in the eyes, completely serious when he says, “We’re gonna get you so drunk, you’re not going to remember your name.”