Chained by Love (On Hiatus)

Chapter 1

Ally's POV

«Camz!» Lauren called from the kitchen and Camila scrunched her nose up, causing the glasses on them to tilt up.

«Yeah babe?» Camila shouted back with affection and I almost felt like vomiting cause of the amount of love in the air.

«Do you want sugar in your tea?» Lauren asked her and Camila confirmed, going back into the book.

I always knew from the moment Lauren looked at her she was in love, but it never seemed to surprise me how Lauren had changed since they found each other. Not in a bad way, but I couldn't decide if I liked it either. Honestly, I was terrified. I was scared because she was so vulnerable now. If anything happened to Camila I knew it would destroy Lauren, but it didn't seem to bother her, which scared me even more.

Eventually Lauren entered the room, a tray with two cups of tea in her hands, putting it carefully down on the coffee table before settling on the armchair and giving Camila a tender kiss on the lips. I made a face at them and stared at who was my bestfriend since we wet our beds together and climbed in trees.

«Your eyes are going to fall out soon, what is up Ally?» Lauren suddenly asked with a smile and I smirked in return.

«You're whipped.» I answered teasingly and instead of reacting with a frown like she usually would she gave me a broad grin and stroked Camila on the cheek gently. Camila instantly began to chuckle lightly and they locked gazes, completely ignoring my existence.

«I so am..» Lauren admitted shamelessly and I gaped at her.

«Dude, what the hell did you do to her?» I asked amused and landed my eyes on Camila.

«Nothing...» She replied with a suspiciously smirk on her lips. Lauren laughed softly and looked at me, her eyes sparkling of happiness and I had to take a deep breath. Realizing that my bestfriend was indeed, head over heels in love.

«So, how have you been Ally?» Lauren asked but immediately a guilty expression appeared on her face and she looked down in shame, fumbling with her fingers. It was a whole different side to Lauren, and I couldn't decide wether I liked it or not. After leaving the Jauregui's Lauren had disappeared. Of course, I knew she had started a new life, a fresh start. I had hoped that they'd both found their way back into each others life and it turned out that I was right. I mean, here we were. In their apartment, Lauren with a steady job and college. Camila with her career still on track. Someone would presumably even go as far as claiming that they got everything they wanted.

«I'm really sorry that I didn't contact you for so long..» Lauren apologized, her voice low and a part of me hated the weakness in her voice. «I couldn't risk the Jauregui's finding me.» She added matter-of-factly and I frowned.

«Don't worry. I handled it fine.» I lied and faked a smile, spotting the knowing look in her eyes. She knew I lied.

Truth was, nothing had been fine the past four years. Lauren had left like we'd planned, barely alive I might add, but after that everything had gone to hell. Alejandro went mental, he became even more paranoid about others following in Lauren's footstep and it all resulted in me having to be stricter and more cruel. I also had to learn how to protect myself, considering how I'd never been the tallest one, or the biggest, the mission turned out to be even more difficult. I bit down on my lip, discreetly trying to pull down the sleeves of my sweater to cover a few of the proof of my recent battles.

In the corner of my eye I could spot Lauren's hand unintentionally searching for Camila's and when they connected a fire erupted in her eyes. I sighed of the evidence of their true love. An awkward silence settled down between us and I slowly got to my feet, having had enough of the lack of communication in this room. We'd never been like this, and if that was all she wanted to do, shove her love-filled relationship in my face I'd rather head out.

«Are you leaving?» Lauren asked with a sad smile and I nodded my head, reaching for my jacket, pulling it on determinately, «It was nice and all, but I think I should get going.»

Camila nodded sweetly at me and Lauren also stood up, following after me.

«I'm going to walk Ally out. I'll be right back.» Lauren informed Camila and planted a soft kiss on her cheek.

«You don't have to. I can find my way out on my own.» I protested and held up my hand to stop her, but she only shrugged me off and I sighed in defeat. Lauren might have changed, but she was still the stubborn little girl she'd always been, nothing could change that. We walked out of her apartment and she closed the door carefully, standing their with her hand interlocked.

«I never meant for this to happen Ally, not to you. You're my best friend. I am really sorry, please believe me.» She pleaded sadly and I hadn't recognized the hurt in her voice before this moment.

«It is okay Laur. Seriously, it's fine.» I reassured her as convincingly as I managed. Years of practice and the lies came so naturally that I could have fooled myself.

«It is not...but I am still here Ally...» She said with a shaky voice and her bottom lip was trembling furiously. Her eyes started to water and I had to swallow away the lump in my own throat before I pulled her into a tight embrace. I couldn't have handled a sentimental scene, not right now.

«Don't worry about me, I'm fine.» I assured again, «Everything is fine.» I repeated and closed my eyes, cursing myself for lying to the only friend I had left.

We separated and both of us turned to our sides and wiped away the tears. It was a habit, not wanting to show our weak sides, but we locked eyes and without another word being said we burst out in loud laughter.

«Take care Allycat.» Lauren said firmly one last time and hearing the old nickname gave me a feeling of familiarity.

«You too Laur.» I said and started to walk downwards the hall. A thought struck through me and I stole one final glance over my shoulder and shouted after Lauren, who were halfway inside the door, «Hey Laur!» I shouted and her head bounced up attentively.

«Don't mess things up!» I screamed at her teasingly and she cracked another laugh, shaking her head in amusement before closing the door.

I chuckled quietly all the way towards my car, opening the door and fastening my seatbelt. I sat still for a moment, my hands hugged the steering wheel tightly and I let my forehead rest on them. A moving vehicle sounded through the parking lot, but I popped my head up when realization dawned on me. I spotted a girl stepping out of a black Toyota and I couldn't help but stare.

She was gorgeous, brown flowing hair, but her eyes were hidden, but I reckoned they had to be similar to her hair. Finally I caught her gaze but she instantly frowned, a disgusted expression on her face while she wrinkled her nose. I pulled myself back to reality and drove absentmindedly back to my house. Still lost in the train of thoughts I arrived at my house, opening the door Alejandro immediately approached me with his sly smile.

«Hey babe, did you have a nice time at your little friends'?» He asked with a smug smile and leaned towards the door frame, his arms crossed over his chest.

His deep voice sent shivers down my spine and not the good kind, these were more like shudders. I strolled past him and he grabbed my wrist forcefully.

«I am talking to you!» He barked dominantly and I pulled my arm back, whimpering when his grip tightened.

«Let go Alejandro. I'm tired.» I warned strictly and he finally released my hand, followed by a scoff.

«Stupid bitch..» He muttered, presumably believing that I didn't hear, but I did. He wasn't aware of it, but I heard every time. His words always drilled their ways into my heart and each time felt like I got stabbed.

I stumbled through my house, or his house, reaching the sink and brushing my teeth before crawling into bed. I rested my head on my pillow and pulled the duvet up to cover half of my face, right below my eyes, hoping that it would absorb all the stray tears.