Strangers

Together...(CHAPTER 21)

Warning: Language

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Ash:

I didn't know how long I'd been asleep, but I woke up to my phone ringing, I was laying on a couch in an unfamiliar room. It took me a minute to remember where I was. I looked over and saw Lauren fast asleep in a chair.  I reached for my phone:

it was Melanie

Fuck! my job!

I sighed and answered the phone:

"Hello." I said trying to sound happy

"Miss Frangipane." She said with a sigh, the only time she called me that was was when she meant business  "We need to talk."

"Miss Martinez, I'm aware of the consequences of my actions." I said, It would be less painful to get this out of my way as soon as possible. 

"So then I assume you know why I'm calling..." I could hear the sadness in her voice, Melanie and I had gotten to know each other, and I considered her a good friend 

"Yes, I'm near positive."

"I'm going to have to fire you, unless you can think of a reason I shouldn't" 

"I can't." I replied, At that moment, I found myself numb, it seemed as if nothing mattered.

"I really wish I didn't have to." 

"I know." I sighed. 

"I know Ruby said she'd try, but... The district's board made their decision, Ruby did all that she could."

"Does everyone really know?" I asked, it didn't matter now, but I wanted to know.

"Yeah, I think so."

"How's Cara? And Lido?" 

"Cara's good, she's been asking about you." She started "We don't know where Lido is."

"What do you mean?" I asked confused.

"He disappeared after the shooting." 

"Oh, I see." I sighed and looked over at Lauren, who was beginning to wake up.

"I want you to know something Ash." Melanie said into the phone. "I've worked in this school for quite a while, and I've never, ever worked with someone like you. You're brilliant, you're so many people's sunshine, you're smart, and you always know what to do." 

"Thank you Miss Marti-"

"Please, Call me Melanie." 

I could feel the tears welling up inside me. I got an amazing job, I got amazing friends, an amazing experience... but there was only one thing I needed

Lauren

I needed Lauren

Everything she does:

The way her chest rises and falls when she sleeps,
The way her eyes can hold 10,000 emotions at once,
and be completely clear of emotion the next,
The way she sings along to her favorite song,
The way she can make anyone feel better,
The way she lives every day like it's her last, 
And the way she loves me, even when I act impossible...

All I need is Lauren, The love of my life

I was snapped out of my trance, when I heard Melanie say:

"I'm going to miss working with you Ash, and hell, if you're ever in the area, let's get a drink or something." 

"Thanks Melanie, I really appreciate it."

"Goodbye Ash."

"Bye." I said, and hung up.

I looked over at Lauren and smiled, It didn't matter that I had just lost my job, I had Lo, that was all I needed. 

I scooped Lo out of her chair, and walked back to her room, I walked through the halls, and spotted Lauren's room, I saw a figure sitting in a chair outside of the room. I was greeted by a yawning Demi. 

"Hi, you're Ash right?"

"Yes." I said

Demi handed me a piece of paper, and nodded at Lo,

"If she ever wants anyone to talk to, that's my number."

"Thanks." I smiled

"Did you guys use the studio last night?" 

I scratched my head "Is it that obvious?"

"Lani and I have done similar." she said smiling 

We laughed, and Demi went towards the big doors, and out to what I assume was breakfast of some-sort. 

I tucked Lo and I in, and waited for her to wake up, she had managed to tangle her limbs on mine, I started singing, it was something I did randomly, I've even sang in my sleep:
*I've been known to do this lmao*

There are days
I wake up and I pinch myself
You're with me, not someone else
And I'm scared, yeah, I'm still scared
That it's all a dream'Cause you still look perfect as days go by
Even the worst ones, you make me smile
I'd stop the world if it gave us time'Cause when you love someone
You open up your heart
When you love someone
You make room
If you love someone
And you're not afraid to lose 'em
You probably never loved someone like I do
You probably never loved someone like I doWhen you say
You love the way I make you feel
Everything becomes so real
Don't be scared, no, don't be scared
'Cause you're all I need

I stopped when I felt her move, 

"Baby?" She mumbled

"Hi." I said smiling at her 

She untangled herself and sat up, she started playing with her thumbs, 

"Whats wrong?" I asked, 

"Why would you risk your job to be with me?

I didn't know how to answer, so instead I pulled her close,

"Lo," I said "You mean everything to me, I don't know how to make you see that." I lifted her chin kissed her.

As soon as we broke the kiss, I heard my phone ringing, 

It was Ruby

"Shit, I gotta take this." 

"Ruby?" Lo asked. I nodded

"Hello." 

"Hi Ashley, this is Ruby, are you with Lauren by any chance?" 

"Yes, I am."

"Please put me on speaker phone." 

I did as Ruby asked

"Hello Ruby." Lauren said

"Hello, I was calling to let you two know that we've set a court date for Gerald, It will be on December 6th. If you have any questions, call me."

"Thank you Ruby." I said

"Goodbye." She replied, and hung up

I looked over at Lo, who looked a little pale.

"Hey," I said in a soft voice. "We're gonna do this together, m'kay?"

"Together?" She asked 

"Together," I said  "and that's a promise." 

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Sending love, as always, 

-Midnight