Forbidden Fruit

Chapter 14

LAUREN POV

Ally knows. I can feel her eyes on the back of me, and I just know... she knows. We have been friends for as long as I can remember, and I know in my heart that she would never do anything to ruin what I have with Normani. Sure, she has made it clear that she doesn't approve of how I feel, but it's really none of her business. Do I tell her? I know I have to speak to Normani before I make that decision. This isn't just about me. This is about both of us. She has already told me that she trusts my friends, but Ally hasn't exactly given her anything to enforce that. She has been a complete bitch to her, and I'm not sure she would be thrilled to know that Ally is in on our secret.

"You're a little quiet." I hear her talking, but right now, I'm in my own thoughts.

"Yeah, just worn out. That session has taken it out of me." I shrug as I continue to walk ahead of her.

"Mm, I'll bet it did."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" I turn and give her a hard look. "I've been working my ass off in that room, and you just have to make a joke of it. We aren't all natural students, Ally. I need help, and that's what I'm getting."

"Sure. Is that before or after all of the fun and games?" I know she is digging, and I know that she knows, but until I tell her, she knows nothing.

"I'm not doing this with you again." Slipping into the nearest restroom, I lock myself behind a stall door and pull out my cell phone. Hearing my best friend follow, I stay quiet.

Lauren: Hey, I didn't want to leave then. Can we have another session tomorrow? I won't see you otherwise.

Normani: It's okay. I'm not sure another session tomorrow is a good idea, Lauren. I'll miss you, though.

Lauren: Please? Ally knows.

Normani: Did you tell her? This is going to cause all kinds of problems now.

Lauren: No, but she isn't stupid. She's known all along. She knows me better than I know myself. Should I confirm it with her?

Normani: Your call, lauren. I just hope you know what you are doing.

Lauren: I'm sorry. Please don't be mad.

Normani: I'm not. You make it very difficult to be mad at you. Especially when you have your way with me in my office. ;) Think carefully about this before you decide.

Lauren: I'll call you later.

Shoving my cell back in my pocket, I unlock the stall door and move in front of the sink. Ally stood staring at me, I look at her in the mirror and I can see that her mind is in overdrive. "What?"

"You know, she really suits that 'just fucked' look." My friend smiles and I can see that she isn't mad.

"Just stop. Please." I beg.

"I'm hurt that you kept it from me, Lo. I'm your best friend. We tell each other everything."

The hurt in her eyes evident, I give her a sad smile and turn to face her. "I can't do this right now. I have a class to get to. Come by my place when you finish, yeah?"

"It's Monday, I was coming by anyway."

"Yeah, I wasn't sure you still wanted to. Figured you'd be mad." I shrug and make my way towards the door.

"I'm not mad. Just hurt." She sighs. "I'll be there for 5." Slipping past me, she gives me a pat on the shoulder and heads the opposite way to me. Tonight I will tell her everything. I trust her, and I'd love to be able to talk to someone about how I feel. Be able to tell my friend just how awesome Normani is. I hope that I will be able to do that after tonight.
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