The Cursed Sleepover

[Chapter 2]

Lauren led Misty out the door, though she halted to a stop, her gaze darkening with hurt.

There in front of her..

Michael Evans.

Kissing.. Julia. Ugh. One of the brattiest girls ever.

"Ugh, Julia- out of all girls?" Misty hissed, her eyes flooding with rage and slight sympathy for her friend. "I swear, I'm gonna kill that asshole!"

Julia giggled aloud, grasping hold of Michael's hand, leading him away. Though Lauren couldn't help but notice.. he looked annoyed- upset. As if he didn't want to be with Julia.

"He's.. he's not an asshole, Misty." Lauren sighed, folding her arms.

"Lauren, nobody hurts my best friend like that." She growled, her hands balling into fists.

"I understand, but he doesn't even know I like him." Lauren pointed out, a tight lump forming in her throat. "Sure, I've loved him for a while.. three years to be exact- but he can love who he wants. And if Julia is that girl.. then well, so be it. I-I'll move on." She croaked, tears shimmering in her eyes.

"C'mon, Ren.. don't cry over that douche." Misty frowned, gently comforting Lauren with an affectionate hug.

"Hey, I know what'll cheer you up." She grinned, lifting Lauren's chin with a finger. Misty wore bulky rings, with freckles spotting the surface of her hand.

Lauren sniffled, nodding. "O-okay."

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Misty escorted Lauren to a quaint shop, with a banner hanging above the door. A bakery.

"I heard this place is really good!" Misty nodded, pulling the door open.

"Thanks, Misty." Lauren giggled, dramatically squatting down into a curtsey.

"Ah, my pleasure, young lady." She winked, the two bursting out into laughter.

They made their way to the counter, a man's back turned to them. He was tall and lean, with shaded black hair.. reminding Lauren of Michael. She blinked back tears at the thought, sighing.

"Um, sir?" Misty called, waving her hand.

Looking a bit irritated, the man shoved his device into his apron, frowning.

His eyes were a bright green, offering kindness and enthusiasm. Wait.. his eyes, hair, body-

M-Michael Evans?!

Lauren's heart dropped to her stomach, while Misty exchanged an annoyed glance with Michael.

"Oh, hey, Lauren. Misty." He nodded, unaware of the anger radiating off of Misty. "Funny seeing you here." Michael awkwardly chuckled, brushing his hand through his hair.

"Yeah." Lauren murmured, unable to meet his eyes- rejection getting the best of her.

"Are you alright? You seem pretty down." Michael remarked, faint concern clouding his eyes.

Lauren compelled a smile, brushing over her shirt. "Yeah, I'm fine."

"Um, okay then?" He shrugged, returning to the cash register, prepared to take their order.

"OK, we'd like..-" 

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The two silently slipped out of the bakery, both clutching a small laced bag stuffed with sweets.

Misty eyed the ground with frustration, eyes narrowed. 

"Wh-what's wrong?" Lauren squeaked.

"I'm just.. sorry for that encounter. So much for cheering you up." Misty grumbled, her eyes darkening with visible disappointment.

"What're you talking about?! You did cheer me up." Lauren scoffed, warmly smiling. "You don't know how much I appreciate you doing this." She added.

Misty's speckled face broke out into a wide grin. "And I'll always strive to do so." She whispered, drawing Lauren in for a hug.

Next day

Lauren eyed her homework with frustration, eyes slitted.

Michael approached her, waving a hand. "Hi, Lauren!" He grinned.

Her gaze darkened. She felt hurt- pain.. rejection. But he didn't know...

"Do you need something?" Lauren muttered, glancing away- allowing her agony to get the best of her.

"Heh, yeah actually.. I may have forgot to finish my homework." He chuckled, running his hands through his hair. A natural nervous habit of his. He was so cute..-

Lauren giggled along tune, despite her disappointment. He was still the same Michael Evans.

Pfft, typical Mike. She inwardly thought, blushing.

W-wait, stop! He has a girlfriend. Lauren slumped her shoulders, referring to Julia.

"Yeah.. here's my journal." She muttered, carelessly handing it over. "Give it back to me by the end of math." 

"Thanks, Lauren!" He exclaimed, nodding.

"Yeah." Lauren muttered, shoving past him.

Michael frowned. What's up with her? She's usually so positive and welcoming.. I have to figure out what's wrong. He decided. He considered Lauren a friend of his.. clueless of her feelings.