As soon as Lauren finished eating, she was laying down in the fort while playing with her toy. I went to throw away our trash and get out Lauren's ice cream from the freezer since she had asked me to. There was a movie playing in the background but I didn't really pay attention enough to see what it was since Lauren picked it out. I grabbed the quart while leaving the lid on the counter, the spoon already in the ice cream while also managing to grab a glass of water for myself before I went to bring Lauren her dessert. I somehow managed to slide into the fort without spilling or dropping anything so that I was sitting next to Lauren. "Thank y-you Y/N/N." Lauren leaned over to place a kiss on my cheek.
A subconscious smile formed on my face at the action along with a blush. I cleared my throat and leaned back on one of my elbows, turning my body to the side so that it faced the shorter girl. She ate her ice cream while singing along and mouthing the words to her new favorite movie, Coco. I knew she had to have some Latina bones in her body with the way she was able to pronounce the words I could have only wished of saying. Happiness coursed through my body knowing that she felt the same way. I didn't ever want to see her with a frown on her face or sadness in her eyes; I wanted her to be this carefree and happy, and I wanted to be the one to provide that for her.
The two of us sat in the fort for what seemed like forever, but in reality had only been a couple of hours. I continued to allow Lauren to pick whatever movies she wanted to watch, making sure she was taken care of. She had finished her ice cream a while ago, so as I gathered the trash and the spoon to put away, my phone started vibrating in my pocket. I set the empty quart on the counter before placing the spoon in the sink so that I could answer my phone. "Hello?" I held the phone against my ear and my shoulder so that I could throw away the empty carton and clean the spoon. I could hear sniffling on the other side of the line so I quickly pulled the phone away from my ear to check the caller ID again. "Clara?"
"Oh, Y/N, I'm sorry to call this late but I just needed to ask another huge favor from you. You've just already helped us so much and I don't want to overstep any boundaries but I think we need this more than ever. Can you watch Lauren for a couple more nights?" Lauren's mother's voice sounded through my ear and all of my senses were on high alert. I didn't know what was going on and I was becoming anxious with the way Clara was acting. I've only ever heard her cry happy tears, and now didn't sound anything like that.
"Yes, of course, that's okay." I rambled on awkwardly. "Is everything okay? I don't want you to worry about us because we're doing just fine and I'm sure Lauren won't mind staying a while longer." I tried to comfort the mother as much as I could because I honestly didn't know how else to react in a situation like this. I could still hear Clara sniffling on the other side of the line as I awkwardly stood in my spot, waiting for her to reply again.
"I'm not sure if everything will be okay. I just wanted to make sure Lauren was taken care of before anything else happened." Clara paused and I could tell she was holding back a sob. "If she becomes too much, please let me know and we can arrange for her to stay with someone else for a while. I just- we need her calm for a little while longer before we decide how to approach this new situation because we're not sure how she's going to take it. Y/N, Mike has cancer now. We don't know if his time is limited but it's pretty bad. We need to go through chemotherapy and arrange for all different kinds of things and it would just be a lot more difficult if Lauren was upset. I don't want to push her on you but we need some time." Clara's crying intensified and I was practically frozen in my spot with the news she had just revealed to me.
"Lauren should be the least of your worries right now, Clara. She'll be just fine with me and I don't mind one bit. I'm so sorry to hear about what's going on but I understand what you need to do. I'll take care of Lauren and I won't tell her about anything unless you want me to. Don't be afraid to ask because I know how much help you're going to need now with her. I don't mind at all, and I don't know how many times I have to say it for you to believe me but it's true. I love spending time with her and if she's comfortable with me then that's perfectly okay. You don't have to worry. Anything else I can help with too, don't be afraid to ask." After my little speech, Clara thanked me before explaining that they had to go in for Mike's first chemotherapy so she had to hang up.
I shoved the phone back in my pocket and leaned against the counter in shock. I couldn't believe that could've happened to Mike. I didn't know him very well but he seemed pretty healthy. I guess that was just cancer's fucked up way of messing everybody's life up. I sighed and rubbed my eyes, trying to comprehend the news I had just received. I couldn't imagine how Lauren would react when she was to find out. I doubted Clara wouldn't tell her, she had to know that about her father. But when it came the time for her to know, I knew I was already dreading it. I just wanted her to be happy, and now this has to happen? All of the sudden it seemed like there was an endless pile of shit just wracking up on the both of us. With another sigh, I pushed myself off of the counter so that I could make my way back into the fort.
Once I was settled inside, I couldn't help but pull Lauren into my chest. The shorter girl didn't move a muscle, she just kept watching her movie as I closed my eyes, resting my head on top of hers so that I could inhale her sweet scent. Eventually, Lauren wrapped her arms around my waist as she situated herself into a more comfortable position, but she never moved away from my hold which I was glad for. Mike wasn't even my father yet I felt so terrible for him. Cancer was no joke, and I knew it was going to test this family more than anything else ever had. They didn't need anymore trouble with health problems. Not only did I wish for Lauren's happiness, but now I just wished for the rest of the Jauregui's well-being so they didn't have to worry about anything more than they already do.
I subconsciously tightened my hold on Lauren. I wish I could shield her from all the pain she was about to endure. None of them deserved any of this and it hurt my heart to see what they were all going through. I just hoped I was enough to be the rock that could hold everything in place for this family, especially for Lauren. I kissed the top of her head softly which caught her attention so that she would look up at me with her piercing emerald eyes. Lauren lifted her hand to lay on my cheek before she leaned up to place a short kiss on my lips. I sighed at the short moment of serenity that passed over us, as if it was just the two of us in that moment with nothing to worry about. Oh how I wished that could have been true.
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"Y/N, I don't- I don't want to- want to go home." Lauren mumbled quietly the next morning. She was still playing with the toy she had gotten from the fast food restaurant the night before, and she was still laying in the fort. I sighed to myself as I finished cooking breakfast for the two of us. I was glad she was staying longer but I didn't know if she was going to question it or what. I called the shorter girl's name to come eat as I placed everything on the dining room table. As soon as Lauren walked in and took her seat, I started making her a plate the way I've grown accustomed to knowing she liked.
"You don't have to go home yet. You're going to be staying with me for a couple more days. Is that okay?" I asked hesitantly as I finished making Lauren a plate. The shorter girl started cheering loudly, standing up so that she could wrap me up in a tight hug while she started placing kisses all over my face. I couldn't help the laugh that escaped my lips at her antics as Lauren continued to cheer loudly. She started dancing around the kitchen as if there was music playing and all I could do was stare at how fluidly she was able to move yet at the same time how hilariously clumsy she could be. My heart fluttered at the sight of her in such a carefree state, but I knew it would eventually come to an end once she knew about her father. For now, I tried to push the negative thoughts away and just focus on Lauren, making sure she was taken care of and loved.
Eventually, Lauren wore herself out so that she was hungry enough to eat most of the breakfast I had made for her. She kept wanting more and I couldn't say no, so I allowed her to eat until she was full. That is, until she spilled some orange juice on herself. "Oh... I-I'm sorry." She apologized sadly. It was clear to see she was really disappointed in herself as her head was lowered and her fingers were fiddling in her lap. I stood up from my spot to go kneel down in front of Lauren, hoping to catch her attention. When I couldn't, I placed my hand on her arm so that she would finally look at me.
"It's okay, Lauren. You don't have to apologize. Accidents happen. Do you have any clothes to change into?" I asked to which the shorter girl shook her head. I cursed to myself, knowing I was forgetting something. "Okay, come with me and you can wear some of my clothes." I grabbed Lauren's hand and started leading her up to my room before she stopped in the doorway. She looked around cautiously before meeting my eyes. I rose my eyebrow in confusion as to why she didn't want to come inside. "You can come in, Lauren." I smiled in hopes of easing her nerves.
"But this- But this is your- this is your room. And they're-they're your clothes that I would- that I would wear." She explained while fumbling with her fingers. I grabbed one of my hoodies anyways, along with a pair of shorts I was hoping would fit the smaller girl. I set them on my bed before slowly walking to stand in front of Lauren, grabbing her hands in my own so she would stop playing with them. Even then, Lauren wouldn't look into my eyes so I had to lift her chin with my index finger.
"Is that okay with you?" I asked quietly, making sure to show that I was completely okay with offering her my clothes and allowing her to be in my room. Lauren looked around again before nodding her head in hesitation. She licked her lips in anticipation and I couldn't help but stare at the sight. I cleared my throat to rid of my dirty thoughts. "Okay then. I will leave you alone for you to change but if you need me, just yell for me okay? I'll be right down the hall." I went to turn so that I could leave the room but before I could, Lauren grabbed my arm to stop me in my tracks.
"Wait!" She yelled out, startling me. Her cheeks blushed a deep red once she realized how loud she had spoken, but she didn't waste any time in continuing. "Can I- Can I- I want to- Can I take a bath? I'm st-sticky." Lauren looked down at her pajamas. I hesitated slightly before nodding my head, leading her to the bathroom where she could take a bath. I leaned down to start the water so it could warm up but when I turned around, I couldn't stop the scream from leaving my lips.
"Ahh! Lauren what are you doing?!" I asked as I covered my eyes. The shorter girl had already begun to get undressed and I wasn't expecting the sight one bit. Not to say that I wouldn't mind looking, but I wanted to respect Lauren's privacy and I didn't want her to feel uncomfortable. Then again she probably wouldn't begin stripping if she didn't feel comfortable enough, so I didn't really know how to feel at this point. I just kept my eyes covered just in case she didn't want me to see her like that. Honestly at this point my head was in such a whirlwind, I didn't know what to do with myself anymore.
"Can you- Can you help me take a- take a bath?" Lauren's raspy voice sounded throughout the bathroom causing me to lower my hands slightly. The younger girl was still wearing her bra and underwear, but her pajamas were already on the floor. I continued to slowly lower my hands until they were back at my sides. "Do you have- Do you have bubbles?" Lauren asked giddily. I silently nodded my head and poured in some of my body wash so that bubbles would form along with the rising waterline. When I turned back around, Lauren was standing a little bit closer yet her back was to me. "Can you get- Can you get this?" She pointed at the back of her bra and I was internally panicking.
Lauren took a step backwards so that she was almost flush against my front to prompt me to do something so I lifted my shaky hands to the backside of her bra. I knew I was breathing heavily by now with all of the racing of my thoughts and the panicking I was doing. I messily undid the class of Lauren's bra so that she could slide it down her arms. I looked off to the side as she took off her underwear as well before climbing into the bath. I heard the water turn off so I presumed it was done filling. I cleared my throat awkwardly. "Alright Lauren, I'll uh, I'll be downstairs if you need me." I went to leave the bathroom but I was stopped yet again by the raven haired beauty.
"W-Wait!" She called out. "You said- You said you would h-help me." Lauren's voice lowered and I could tell she was saddened. I stayed with my back to her though, still not sure about all of this. I gulped heavily before turning around and I willed my eyes to stay upwards. I saw Lauren's pout turned towards me as she was nestled in the warm water, her hands gripping the side of the tub. I sighed and went to go sit down on the toilet after flipping the lid down. Again, I was willing so hard for my eyes to not stray anywhere they weren't supposed to in respect for the younger girl. I had no idea why she wanted my help but the thousands of times I've said it before, I didn't want her upset or hurt because of something I could have prevented. If this made her happy, then I was willing to see that mega-watt smile on her face whenever I obeyed her requests.
"Are you sure you want me to help you, Lauren? I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable." I felt like it was necessary to ask even if I was already here based on what she had asked me to do. Either way, the emerald eyed girl still nodded her head without looking up from where her hands were playing in the water. I leaned forward on the seat with my elbows resting on my knees, my hands intertwined as I waited for Lauren to finish bathing. I couldn't help but watch as she started to wash her body with my loofah she had stolen along with more of my body wash. I smiled to myself as if she was making herself right at home. When she had finished, she looked up to me. "Can you- Can you help me wash-wash my h-hair?"
I nodded my head, grabbing my shampoo to squirt some on my hand before reaching up to lather it in Lauren's raven locks. The shorter girl grabbed onto my arm to hold on as I looked down to see her eyes closed and a small smile on her face. I finished lathering the soap in her hair so I softly pushed her back so that I could wash it out. I repeated the process with the conditioner until Lauren felt like she was clean enough. I was surprised when the smaller girl stood up, leaving nothing to the imagination as I had to cover my eyes again. "I-I'm ready." She innocently smiled. I stood up myself and went to grab a towel before returning to the shorter girl so that I could wrap her in it. I wrapped the towel around her shoulders and tucked the corner into the side by Lauren's neck which ended up tickling her.
I smiled softly at the giggle that left her lips. Lauren looked up at me after I leaned down to unplug the tub so that the water would drain out. We continued to stare at one another, unknowingly getting closer until I felt the softness of her lips brush mine. I reached my hands up to cup both of her cheeks before I firmly planted my lips on hers in a kiss. I hovered over her, sharing one of the longest kisses we've had until Lauren started squirming in her spot. I pulled away to look at her only to see that she was smiling goofily. "I feel- I feel funny." She giggled. I smiled at the sound before leaning down so that I could wrap my arms around the small of her back. I lifted her up causing her to giggle louder and more frequently. I brought the smaller girl over to my bed where I set her down.
"Alright, let's get you dressed." I spoke after Lauren was able to calm down. "Do you want to wear your bra?" I asked awkwardly but Lauren rapidly shook her head. She took off the towel and there was honestly nothing I could to prevent my eyes from trailing downwards, even though I willed them not to. I'm sure my jaw was on the floor by now, and I almost felt bad for looking. I cleared my throat and grabbed the hoodie I wanted her to wear before holding it so that Lauren could put it on. Once her head poked through the top, I leaned forward and gave a small smile. "Boo."
Lauren giggled loudly once again, leaning backwards so that she was laying down as I dug my fingers into her sides to tickle her. "St-St-Stop Y-Y/N!" Lauren cried out while laughing. I decided to show some mercy and stop, letting her catch her breath. I grabbed the sleeping shorts off the side of the bed and had Lauren slip her legs in. I knew I had to get her some more of her clothes. Once the raven haired beauty was done, she looked at me and stood up with a triumphant smile on her face. She started giggling again but I couldn't tell why until I looked up to see that she was cuddling into the collar of my hoodie. "This smells like- it smells like you and I- and I like it."
I smiled softly at her. I took the initiative to slowly make my way until I was standing in front of the emerald eyed girl. I wrapped my arms around her waist and waited until her eyes were peering into my own. "Has anyone ever told you that you're beautiful?" I asked. Lauren looked down with a blush before shaking her head. "Well you are Lauren. You're very beautiful." The shorter girl smiled and cuddled into my neck. With all the shit bound to happen, I was glad to know that at least in this moment, Lauren was happy.
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I honestly need some cool friends who won't stab me in the back 🙃