seven.
"Dammit Lauren," Scooter said, slamming the car door shut. "Why the fuck did you do that?"
"I-I don't remember," I stammered, rubbing my forehead and hold my head down.
"Of course you don't remember!" He threw his hands up, and turned and looked at me. "You were drunk!"
"Just let me,"
"No I won't let you say anything right now, do you know what you go yourself into! Do you know you're already in the papers?! You better be lucky that charge got dropped and I bailed you out."
"I know, and I happy that you did that, thank you." I said calmly to him, my face was buried in my hands.
"You know, you aren't some big and bad ass girl right?" He asserted. "You're only twenty. I understand what you're going through, but this person, who you are now, she's gotta go."
"Scooter I'm trying! You can't just expect some to change in a matter of seconds! It doesn't work like that." I exclaimed. "I have people telling me shit in my ear left and right. I get shit from you, the media, and my own mother. How do you expect me to change with all this going on around?"
He stayed quiet and just looked at me. I tried fighting back my tears, but I couldn't help it. "Lauren," he said softly. "Don't cry," He tried to put his arm on my back to comfort me, but I smacked it away.
"I just need time to myself," I told him, wiping my tears. "That's all. I just need to be alone."
"You kinda can't right now."
"Well no shit Sherlock!"
"When we get home, you can have all the space you want."
I grabbed my stuff from the house, and lucky no one was home which was a good thing. I could just grab my stuff and leave.
I really didn't feel like talking to anyone, especially dad. He's probably pissed at me, and I knew I'd get yelled at and scolded. It wasn't something I want to hear from him, especially since I just heard it from Scooter.
When we got to LA, there had been so much paparazzi in the airport, it was unbelievable. All of them shouting the same question 'what were you charged with'. It made me frustrated but I knew, that I deserved all this since I fucked up.
"Do you want me to meet you at the studio tonight?" I asked Scooter.
"Tonight, you can just take a break."
"But Normani needs me to help her with her album," I insisted since I knew I'd probably feel better if I saw Normani.
"Jilly is going to help her," He said quickly. "Just go home and get some rest. That's what's best for you for now."
"Why don't you want me to go to the studio?" I asked bluntly.
"You're making the decision to talk about this right now, rather than talking about it later?" He arched his brow. He shut the car door and made his way to his car where security was waiting for him.
Ever since he bailed me out, he had been acting strange. He hadn't really talked to me, and if he did he only said "I can't fucking believe you," or "what were you think?" I was just as pissed off as him, so I chose not to say anything which will probably cause us to get into a bigger argument.
Taylor was mad as well, texting me and telling me that I embarrassed her and I only made things worse for her at school.
Today just happened to be the worst day ever. I got shit talked left and right and I was all over tv.
-
"Lauren," Keana started, sitting up. She turned and looked at me, and tapped on my shoulder wanting me to turn over and face her. "Lauren." She said sternly, shaking me.
"What." I hissed, yanking my shoulder away from her hand.
"You said you were my girlfriend is it true?" She happened to ask the question I really didn't want to hear or answer. I pulled the covers over my head and sighed. "Lauren, we can't just keep sleeping together like this when I actually have feelings for you. I need to know if you feel the same."
"You do know." I mumbled.
"No, I don't know." She responded. "You can't just keep fucking around like this!"
"What are you talking about?" I asked harshly, turning over and looking at the brunette.
"You know exactly what I'm talking about! One minute you're all over me, telling me these things, and the next minute you're like this!"
"I'm just thinking." I lied.
"Do you like me yes or no?" She asked sternly.
"Yes."
"That's bullshit." She chuckled, running her hand through her hair. "If you like me, you wouldn't be all over Zayn twenty four seven!"
"He's just a friend!"
"You give such bullshit answers. All you do is hook up with people, get drunk, and do some dumb shit." She got up out of the bed and picked up her clothes. "I just need to know if you feel the same way I do."
I hesitated at first. "No. I don't."
"All I needed to know."
She grabbed all her stuff and the next minute she was out. I'll probably never see her again, but I probably could careless. Later on, I'm going to regret what I said, but right now I don't. I just wanted to be alone and that was the only way I could get her out of my apartment.
I didn't really feel any emotions actually. I've been through so much today, I was kind of expecting it from her. I don't know why I called her over, she pulls this every time she's here.
I feel as if my world is just collapsing slowly, and I can't do anything about it.
"You can't just tell what this surprise date is?" Camila asked, I can hear her rummaging through her clothes.
"Nope," I said popping the 'P'. "You'll have to wait and see."
"So what I do know is that it's a restaurant right?" She asked.
"And that's the only thing you'll know." I blushed, pretty excited to see her.
"You suck." She sighed.
"Why?!"
"Because you just won't tell me what you're doing. It's not a normal dinner but it is? That makes no sense Lauren."
"Makes perfect sense, just hurry up. I want to see your beautiful face. I didn't fly all the way out here for you to talk ages."
"You better be glad you're cute."
"I am." I smiled.
"But annoying."
"That's you." I corrected her jokingly.
"Whatever, I'll see you in a little bit. I love you."
"I love you more."
I couldn't wait to see her. This date was probably one of the best dates I've set up. It was at this restaurant Anika suggested and it was beautiful. It had over looked the city, and I just so happened to be able to have dinner on the roof.
Camila loved looking over the city, especially after she had a bad day. This whole week I've been gone, and she's been stressed out about work, and she hasn't been comfortable with herself in the photos that recently released. So, I'm planning on talking to her about it, and making her feel better and let her know how beautiful she is.
I was also planning on giving her a promise ring. We've only been together for two years, but it would hurt to try. Plus, she's the only person I see myself with.
I waited for her on the roof, and constantly checked my phone and looked at the time. I've never been so nervous in my life. The only reason why I'm nervous is because I don't know how she's going to react to the promise ring. What if she freaks out, or doesn't feel the same way I feel?
I constantly shook my leg, out of nervous habit, and bit my fingernails. My phone buzzed and I quickly turned it over and saw it had been Anika.
The box had been in my free hand as I read the message and I played with it, hoping what I read wasn't true. I looked over the message again, making sure I didn't read it wrong.
Camila got in a car accident.
I read that message over and over, and chuckled, knowing it was probably a prank she was playing on me. I called Anika right away.
"Did she tell you to say that?" I said nervously.
"I swear Lauren, her manager called me just now."
"You gotta be fucking with me." I chuckled nervously, I could feel every part of my body shaking.
"I promise you I'm not."
"Do you know where she's at? Is she okay?"
"Fifth street, she's not to far from you. You can probably catch her. I don't know how bad it is." She paused. "Matter of fact, don't go."
"Why? I have to go. I have to see her."
"You can't. They have the street blocked off."
"I don't care, I'm her girlfriend, I'm going." I got up out of my seat, and rushed downstairs. I hung up the phone, and pushed through the crowd of people and went to my car.
Fifth street was only a couple blocks away, and I got there as fast as I could. The street had been blocked off by police tape and bystanders had their mouths covered. I saw smoking come from not to far away, and I went under the tape and into the scene.
"What are you doing? You're not suppose to be here!" A cop said, trying to push me back.
"She's my girlfriend!" I said pushing him off of me.
My heart was pounding and all I could think was "I hope she's okay." I saw her car, and it had been flipped over, glass was everywhere and it was just wrecked. I saw the ambulance truck, take her off, and I ran over to a group firefighters.
"Is she okay?!" I cried, tears streaming down my face.
They looked at each other, and back at me without saying anything. "Is she okay?!" I repeated.
I felt a hand on my shoulder, and I pushed it off of me. "Can you just tell me she's alright?"
The fireman sighed and placed his hand on my shoulder. "I'm sorry, but, she's gone."
When I heard those last two words, I could get any words out at all. My knees grew weak, and I just felt my body being pulled into someone. "I'm so sorry Lauren." It had been Anika, who was next to me. "I'm sorry." She said softly.
I sobbed, and I have never cried so badly in my life. My world was gone, my everything was gone. I won't see her smile ever again, hear her voice, and feel her touch and her lips against mine. The last time I saw her physically was a month ago. She's gone.
"Lauren," Someone tapped me and I continued to look out the window. "Lauren," the voice said a bit louder than before. "Lauren!"
I turned and looked, and noticed Zayn was sitting next to me. "We're here." He laughed, looking at the hotel we were in front of.
"Oh," I blinked a couple of times, recognizing where we were at and remembering how we got her. He had came over and invited me to hang out with him for a week at the Hamptons.
"You okay?" He asked, placing his arm around me as we walked into the hotel lobby. "You've been quiet the whole ride up here. I miss your voice." He smirked.
I intwined our fingers together, as he arm draped over my shoulder, holding that hand. "Just thinking about things."
"I bought you with me so you wouldn't have to think." He smiled, bringing his lips to my forehead.
The bellman took us to our room, and opened our door for us. The second bellman had placed our bags down and told
us that if we need anything just ask for him.
Zayn nodded, and smiled. As soon as the bellman left, his lips met mine with a passionate kiss. I was caught off guard by what he did, especially since I had been thinking about Camila.
"I missed you." He said softly.
"How was your trip? It ended kinda early." I asked, referring to how he went back home.
"Good, I had to come back since I got invited to this event tonight." He mentioned, unpacking his bags.
"What's it about?" I asked him, scratching my head.
"I told you in the car," He asserted. "It's a charity event."
I didn't recall him telling me in the car, so I just pretended I remembered. The whole car ride, I could only think about Camila.
"And I'm glad to have you as my date." He smiled, kissing my forehead.
I said yes to being his date?
"I'm happy too." I lied, walking over to my bags and unpacked as well. I absolutely had no clue what was going on, but I was just going to go along with him, and act like I know exactly why I'm here.
The event started, and me and Zayn had to walk the carpet. I didn't know there would be press at the event, and when I heard we had to walk the carpet, I got nervous. All I could think about was paparazzi shouting things out about what happened and making me extremely uncomfortable and pissed off. My palms were sweaty, and my heart was pounding.
"Don't look so nervous babygirl." Zayn told me, interlocking our hands. I looked up at him nervously and he smiled back at me.
As soon as we got closer to the doors, he let go of my hand and we walked to carpet together. We tried our best to not look like a couple, but I felt like it was obvious that there was a possibility that we were together. When we actually aren't.
"Zayn! Stand next to Lauren!" A pap ordered. He looked over at me and smiled. Zayn walked down the carpet and put his arm around my waist, and pulled me in.
"You guys look hot together!"
"Just friends buddy," He responded, winking at the guy who said that.
We walked down the carpet, and an interviewer called us over. It felt weird without having my publicist here with me and Anika. I was doing an event and interview on my own.
Interviewer : You guys look so amazing!
Zayn : Thank you, I feel amazing!
Interviewer : Speaking of amazing, All Eyes On Me, that's song is doing amazing on the charts! It's been number one ever since it came out!
Zayn : It's crazy, just shows how dedicated people are. I really liked working with those girls, especially Lauren. She's very talented. She works very hard, and she's very passionate about her work. It was a pleasure working with her.
Interviewer : Are you guys together?
Zayn : We are just really close friends.
Lauren : Yes, close friends.
Zayn's publicist tapped his shoulder and motioned him over since it was time to move on. We went on to the next interviewer and I expected it to be the same as the last one. But, it wasn't.
Interviewer : Wow! Lauren Jauregui! I wasn't expecting you at this charity event. Especially after what happened this morning.
Lauren : Well, I'm here.
Interviewer : So what's this whole bad girl route you're going on?
Lauren : I'm not trying to go on a bad girl route...
Interviewer : Seems like it. How would Camila feel about you like this?
Lauren : Do we have to bring her up?
Interviewer: It's what your fans want to hear about.
Lauren : I'm pretty sure they don't want too.
"Hey, let's go. We don't have time for interviews like this," Zayn's publicist tapped us, and scolded the interviewer.
Zayn looked over at me confusedly. "Camila? As in the Camila Cabello? The model?"
I looked up at him and waved my hand dismissively. "I'd rather not talk about it." I told him.
He smiled sadly, and we walked into the room where the event was being held. We went to our reserved table and Zayn waved at the fans that had been in the upper area. I reciprocated when I heard them call my name.
"I'm going to go grab something to drink," I said getting up from my chair. "You want anything?" I offered to the brown eyed man.
"I'm good." He smiled.
I walked over to the table where the drinks had been, and bumped into someone. "I'm sorry, I'm really tired–" I met the caramel eyes and he had been smiling at me.
"Hey Lauren," Justin smiled, opening his arms and bring me into a hug. "I haven't seen you in a while. How've you been?" He asked concernedly.
"Hanging in there," I sighed, running my hands through my hair. "It's hard, but you know," I smiled sadly, pouring me some punch.
"I know how you feel, just don't let people run you around and get you to do things you don't normally do. Surround yourself with good people." He advised me from personal experience.
"I'm not you though,"
"You don't have to be me to know what's right and what's wrong." He said, raising his brow at me. "Anyways, I think you look amazing tonight." He smiled.
"Thank you, you do too." I blushed, looking down at my outfit.
A speaker came up to the podium and that was when and Justin split. I went back over to Zayn, and he smiled at me. "Thanks for being my date."
"No problem, this will probably get my mind off of things." I mentioned sipping my drink.
"If you're mind still isn't off things, I'll help you with that when the events over." He winked at me.
I rolled my eyes, and hit him. "I don't need you to help me get my mind off things by the way." I said giving a fake smile.
He held his arm where I hit him and looked at me confusedly. "What was that for?" He questioned.
"Sorry. Just a bit frustrated still, but I'll get over it."
My phone buzzed and Normani had texted me.
Where are you? :(
I'm at this charity event.
We were supposed to work together on the album.
Scooter didn't want me to go to the studio tonight.
Why?
He wants me to take a break.
/: well, I'll see you tomorrow.
I won't be there. I'll see you on the weekend most likely.
You're taking a week off?
If you want to put it that way, yes.
Alright then. I'll see you on the weekend. Maybe.
Alright.
"Who was that?" Zayn asked, looking over my shoulder.
"Normani, I was supposed to work with her in the studio tonight." I sighed, looking at person who had won an award.
"Why didn't you tell me, I wouldn't have asked you to come with me if I knew you were busy tonight."
"Scooter wanted me to take a break tonight." I stated, looking over at him.
He nodded his head, and looked back at the person accepting the award.
I actually liked this event. It was about kids, and it was to help raise money and awareness for kids with diseases. This event didn't just focus on one illness, but a big majority of them. They did a lot of activities with some of the kids. It was the cutest thing in the world, and I'm pretty this made my night. Seeing them smile and have fun.
"I'm going to the bathroom," Zayn whispered into my ear. I nodded and he kissed me on the cheek before he left. I watched as he went through the doors and turned back around and met Justin's gaze.
He gave a small smile and turned back around. Cookie looked at him, and he nodded in my direction. She squinted her eyes and waved at me. Justin said something and whatever he said, she rolled her eyes to it.
I tried not to focus too much on what he said to her, since I knew it would drive me crazy. Whenever someone would look at me and talk to whoever they were with, I'd always feel uncomfortable. As if they were talking bad about me.
Zayn came back, and he took a seat next to me. "After this, my buddy is throwing a party at this club down the street, do you want to go to it?"
"I might want to just catch up on some sleep."
He frowned and rolled his eyes. "That's so boring."
"It's so needed right now." I said, mimicking his tone of voice.
"I'm only kidding with you babe." He laughed, placing his hand on my knee and squeezing it.
After the event, Zayn went out to the party and said he won't be that long. He mentioned that it would be the first time in a couple of years since he saw his friend and he doesn't want to miss him which was understandable. As for me, I immediately changed out of my clothes, and went to lay down.
I watched a movie, and I started to miss Normani since I usually only watch movies with her. Ever since me and Normani started watching movies together, I never watched a movie on my own. It was actually boring. There was no one laughing, crying, getting frustrated, or confused at the movie. It was just dead silence.
I decided to call her and see what she was up to. Unfortunately, it went to voicemail.
"So I'm watching a movie in my hotel room, and it feels weird without. I actually never watched a movie after our Netflix night. I miss your little comments. Anyways, I hope everything is coming along well on the album and I'll see you next week."
I hung up my phone and threw it on the chair next to me. I turned over and put my face in my pillow sighing deeply. I felt so tore and different but at the same time, I couldn't cry about it.
Seconds later, there was a knock on the door, and I checked out the peep hole and it was Justin. "How'd you know where my room was?" Was the first thing I said to him when I saw him.
"Zayn told me." He laughed. "But I figured you were alone and I thought maybe we could watch a movie in my room. I got these," he said, pulling out old movies from a bag.
"We can do something else, I only watch movies with Normani. It's kind of our thing." I mentioned nodding my head.
"Well, we can listen to music and just talk. I kind figured you might need someone to talk to. Especially someone who knows how you're feeling currently."
"That sounds like a good idea," I grinned. "Let me put my shoes on,"
I put on my converse and I shut the door behind me once I left. Justin had been looking down and my feet and I looked up at him. "You're not going to tie your shoes?" He asked, pointing at them.
"No," I laughed. "I never do. Just don't step on them." I ordered, as we began to walk.
When we got to his room, he had a suite and it looked better than my apartment. It looked like an actual house. It had two bedrooms, a kitchen, a living room, as well as two bathrooms. "Wow."
"It's not home though," he mentioned, walking towards his computer and playing some music. "You like John Mayer?"
"Like? Love him." I huffed.
"Excellent." He nodded.
Dreaming With A Broken Heart played, and Justin walked over towards the kitchen and poured us both some water. "So, how are you feeling?" He asked handing me some water.
"Crappy." I laughed, grabbing the glass from him.
"You'll overcome this," he started, taking a seat across from me. "Just like I said earlier, surround yourself with better people, I'm telling you now, Zayn isn't someone you should be around." He said, sipping his drink.
"You're saying that because?"
"I know him, and he's not the best guy on this earth." He shrugged.
"You're just saying that. All guys in the industry have beef nowadays." I clarified, knowing that they had a fall out when Justin went over to a different label.
"Whatever you say Jauregui," he raised his brows. "Are you guys dating?" He asked.
I hesitated at first and shrugged. "I don't know. I told him I want to take things slow, but, I think I'm ready to move on."
"Move on to someone new?"
"No, making the next step in our relationship. But I kinda don't want to. I don't know if he's the one for me. I'm struggling with finding someone." I frowned.
His facial expression slightly changed. "Well you know, you never know who it could be." He shrugged.
"Are you single?"
"Single as a Pringle." He smirking, laughing getting up to go change the song. "I haven't been in a relationship in two years, it feels weird, but it's alright. I get to focus on my self for a moment."
"Not for me. It's the complete opposite." I stated.
"Why do you say that?"
"I think when I'm in relationships, it helps me." I insisted. "Takes my mind of things."
"Find yourself a date."
"It's hard." I laughed lightly.
"It's hard for a pretty girl like you, to find someone to date?" He questioned.
I nodded. "Yes, I'm like everyone else who is waiting for the perfect person."
"Well, however it is. They'll come along. Just be patient." He winked at me. He walked towards me and stood in front of me. "In the meantime, do you want to dance?" He asked holding his hand out.
"You're so cheesy, but I guess so." I said, taking his hand into mine.
It's undeniable... that we should be together...
It's unbelievable how I used to say that I'd fall never
The basis is need to know, if you don't know just how I feel,
Then let me show you now that I'm for real...
If all things in time, time will reveal...
Yeah...
"Brian McKnight?" I chuckled, resting my chin in the crook of his neck.
"This happens to be one of my favorite songs by him." He said softly, as we swayed back and forth.
One... you're like a dream come true...
Two... just wanna be with you...
Three... girl, it's plain to see that you're the only one for me...
And four... repeat steps one through three...
Five... make you fall in love with me...
If ever I believe my work is done
Then I'll start back at one
"What's your second favorite song?"
"By him or in general?" He questioned.
"In general."
"I'll Be by Edwin McCain."
"Good music taste," I said, looking up and meeting his gaze.
"Thanks." He smiled.
I studied his features, and I felt my pulse quicken as he licked his lips. He slowly inched closer to me, and our lips touch. We moved in sync, slowly and passionately. His hands remained on my hips, and we walked towards his couch.
Without breaking the kiss, I slowly laid down, unbuttoning his jeans. He pulled away, and threw off his shirt. His hand rested on my stomach, and he deepened the kiss.
He tugged on my shirt, and I paused and pushed him off of me. "Listen Justin," I started, looking at the brown orbs. "I have to go."
I made my way out of his suite and back to me and Zayn's room. Everything in my life right now wasn't perfect and none of this was helping me at all.