My Little Accident

22

After a long goodbye and some tears, Sam and I had met Normani at the airport and were landing in LA in a few minutes.

“I got a dolly too.” Sam told Normani.

“Really? From who?” Normani asked her with a smiled.

“From auntie Lauwren.” Sam grinned.

We landed and we went to baggage claim. Sam held my hand and was talking to Normani about all the stuff she did in Texas.

“… and it was really pretty.” Sam swung my hand then stopped. “Lauwren!” she screamed then ran off.

I saw Lauren pick her up. “Hi princess.” She walked over to us and hugged Normani.

They gave each other a knowing look and Lauren put Sam on the ground. Normani took Sam’s hand.  “Let’s look at the fishy Sam.” They walked over to the fish tank.

I hugged Lauren. “Hey.”

“Hey back.” She pulled away. “Did you guys have fun in Texas.”

I nodded. “Yeah but I missed you though. How was Florida?”

“It was great! And I missed you too.” She smiled. “Listen Ally-“ she got cut off by Normani.

“Erm, guys, we have a situation.” She pointed outside.

There were a lot of people.

“Great. Just great.” I groaned.

“It’ll be okay. Normani and I will take the luggage, and Ally, you take Sam.” Lauren told us.

We just nodded and I bent down in front of Sam. “Sam, when we go out there, there will be a lot of noise and a lot of people. I need you to hide your face in my neck and whatever happens, don’t look up. Can you do that baby?” I stroked her hair.

She had a confused look on her face but nodded.

I picked her up. “You ready?” Normani asked me as she went to open the door.

“Go for it.” Lauren said from beside me.

We walked out and were immediately bombarded with screaming fans and flashing lights.

I heard Sam whimper and I held her tighter, rubbing her back soothingly.

Lauren must’ve noticed because I felt her slip her arm around me, pulling me against her so Sam was kind of between us.

“It’s okay.” Lauren whispered to Sam. “They’re not going to hurt you.” I smiled at Lauren gratefully.

Thankfully, we made it to the car in one piece. I slid in first and Lauren came in after me while Normani joined Matt at the front.

I sat Sam down between me and Lauren. I put my hand under her chin and made her look up at me. “You okay baby?” she shook her head and buried her head in my side. I kissed her head and hugged her against me.

Lauren scooted closer and played with her hair, putting her arm on the headrest behind my head.

“I need to talk to you later.” Lauren whispered in my ear. I gulped and nodded, looking her in the eyes.

We were just staring into each other’s eyes for what felt like a minute but was much longer because the next thing I knew, Mani was telling us we were there.

Mani cleared her throat. “Guys?” we looked at her and she was smirking. “We’re here.”

I felt my cheeks get hot. “Erm, yeah. Thanks for the ride Matt.” I took Sam’s hand as we walked to the house. I glanced in the living room and saw Dinah on the couch. “Sam, go stay with Dinah while I help the girls with the luggage, okay?” Sam walked over to Dinah and sat down beside her.

Dinah looked at her then looked away again. She did a double take and she squealed. “Sammy!?”

“Hi DeeDee.” Sam giggled.

Dinah pulled Sam in her lap and hugged her. “Wow! How much have you grown kid?! I feel like you’re as tall as me!”

I chuckled and went outside to help Mani and Lauren with the luggage.

“Thanks Lo.” I said as Lauren put my last suitcase down.

“Don’t mention it.” she said.

I sat on my bed. “You wanted to talk?” I asked her.

“Yeah…” she coughed. “Is- is your phone ringing?”

I listened. “I don’t think so…” she looked so nervous. So… cute. Damn it! “I-I’ll go check.” I ran downstairs and walked passed the living room. I took a step back and looked into the room. I saw Sam on Dinah’s lap with an all too familiar book in her hands.

I cleared my throat and Dinah looked at me guiltily while trying to hide the book. “Hey Ally.”

“Watcha got there DJ?” I crossed my arms.

“N-nothing.” She stuttered.

“Mhmm…” I raised an eyebrow and walked over to her, putting my hand out. “Hand it over.” Dinah hesitantly put the prank book I got her for Christmas in my hand. “What do you have to say for yourself?”

“Sorry.” She said quietly.

“It’s okay. Just… watch TV or something. I’m gonna go talk to Lauren.” I walked out of the living room.

“Sure! Go and talk.” Dinah said quietly. I ignored her and went back upstairs and to my room where I saw Lauren sit on the bed.

“My phone wasn’t ringing.” I told her and shut the door. “So, talk?” I asked and sat down also.

“Erm, yeah. Okay so, I’ve been thinking. Like a lot…” she started.

“What about?” I encouraged her.

“About… about. Erm about…”

“Lauren, just spit it out.” I told her.

“About… you. Okay? I’ve been thinking about you!” she said and stood up from the bed pacing around.

“About me?” I whispered. Even though I was shocked on the outside, I was also ecstatic on the inside.

“Yeah! And I know I shouldn’t but I can’t help it. I mean just how you care about everyone! And about your eyes. And god… your smile.” She stopped in front of me and I looked into her green eyes.

“How long have you been thinking about that?” I asked her quietly.

“Months? I don’t even know…” she whispered but then paced again. “I like you Ally. I really, really, like you.” she said.

“Lauren…”

“And you don’t- you don’t understand what it feels like-“ she continued ignoring me.

“Lauren.”

“-to like someone so much that you would do anything to be with that someone, but you can’t. I just-“

I walked over to her and cupped her face in my hands, kissing her lips softly. She didn’t move, too shocked to respond. I pulled away then looked into her eyes.

“I understand.”

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Yay! ALREN!