∞THIS CHAPTER IS DEDICATED TO MY DEAR STUDENT XYXY. MAY HER SOUL FIND PEACE. ∞

∞ L A U R E N ∞

"Let me taste it then."

Oh my God! That scene has been playing over and over in my mind like a broken CD! I walk back and fort outside Cloud's room at the hospital waiting for the doctor to come out but damn this memories it keeps on flashing on my mind! Tears began to well at the corner of my eyes as a thought of Casper flooded my mind.

"Did I just cheat on him?"

"Your lips are sweeter than wine."

I shut my eyes tight as I lean on the wall while biting my lower lip. I can clearly see myself smiling last night! I can't believe this is happening I don't even know how to explain this thing to Casper!

The door slide open and the doctor went out of the room with a smile on his face.

"Mr. Madrigal has a minor fracture on his right forearm but don't worry it'll heal soon. Your husband will be alright."

He left me dumbfounded with my mouth open. His last statement made me feel worse. Haaaa! Lauren! How am I even supposed to show my face to Cloud! I feel so embarra--- wait, why should I? He was the one who initiated the kiss not me! But the bottom line is, we kissed. I can't handle more informations today! I just can't!

I inhaled deeply before going in his room. Cloud was still asleep With a bandage on his head and a cast on his right arm. I was startled when his eyes fluttered open, I felt like a kid caught in a cookie jar for staring at him. I cleared my throat before speaking trying to stay calm as much as possible.

"A-are you ok?"

He groan and touch his head clearly feeling pain.

"What happened? "

My mouth formed an 'o' as a light bulb appeared in my head. Is it possible that he forgot what happened last night?

"Did you--eer--forget about what happened last night?"

He stared at me for a moment which made me really conscious.

"What the fvck happened last night?"

I gulp hard as I felt my cheeks blush with his question. A frown formed on his face as he look at his clothes.

Yes! The heavens are in my favor today!

"You really can't remember?"

I bit my lower lip trying to stop myself from smiling. I'm so happy he can't remember what happened last night.

He can't remember anything and the doctor explained that Cloud may have some temporary memory loss because of what happened this morning and he also said that he's safe to go. I told him to stay one more night at the hospital to make sure that nothing's wrong but he insisted to go home.

" It's just a house Lauren. It's not a home, it will never be a home."

I close my eyes as a scene from last night played in my mind. I can still remember the look on Cloud's face that night. I've never seen him that sad.

We're currently at the parking lot area of the hospital and since he can't drive he handed me the car keys which made me wonder.

"Cloud I can't drive."

He shrug his shoulders as he went inside the car and sat on the passengers seat and open the car window.

"What do you mean you can't drive? I taught you how to operate the auto drive last night."

My ears vibrated because of his statement that I rush towards him and grip his arm tight.

"I thought you said you can't remember anything?!"

His expression began to change as he look away and grip his hair tight.

"Ow my head hurts. Can you please just take me home."

I suddenly have doubts bubbling inside me whether he's telling the truth or not.

"Can you really not remember anything?"

He was the one who initiated the kiss in the first place he should somehow explain himself to me. How am I supposed to scold him for stealing a kiss from me if he can't remember anything?!

"Are you dumb or are you just playing dumb? I said I can't remember a fvcking thing end of discussion."

I cringe at the sudden mention of the F word.

"You don't have to cuss you know?"

He jokingly followed my facial expressions which made me feel oddly comfortable. I was so awkward towards him since this morning but it's good to see him acting really normal.

Cloud was quiet the whole ride and he was just staring out of the window. I feel so awkward right now. I cleared my throat trying to break the silence before speaking.

"So uh, when do you plan to get Drey?"

I miss Drey and his programmed smile.

"He's been transfered to the new place now. I ordered someone to get him earlier while we were at the hospital."

I nod my head at him then there was silence. I secretly look at Cloud through the rear view mirror and I honestly don't want him to remember about what happened last night but it seems so unfair for my part that it is only I who feels this blood rush in my cheeks whenever I think about it!

Just like last night the car---Karen I mean, neatly park itself in the garage. Cloud swiftly remove his seatbelt and went out of the car without saying a word.

I silently followed him until he open the front door of our new home when he suddenly stop which made me bump into his back. A frown form in my face as I wonder what's the reason behind his sudden stop. I made a side step to my right to have a glimpse of what he's staring at and I almost drop my body on the floor when I saw what made Cloud stopped.
The living room was filled with assorted stuff. It's familiar they looked like they're from... Oh my macaroni! I remember Cloud giving his card to a 24 hour store which means he bought everything in that store that night.

"Good afternoon Cloud, Lauren."

Drey said, clueless of what's really going on.

"Who brought these here?"

Cloud ask as he made his way through the living room trying to avoid some things scattered on the floor.

"It was the delivery robots from the 24 hour store. It shows in their record that you purchased everything in the store. "

Drey showed a holographic image of Cloud's receipt as a proof that he did purchased everything last night.

I heard Cloud sigh as he head straight towards the stairs without saying a word but then he went back towards the couch and switch the T.V on. He also told grey to neatly arrange the stuff he purchased. While Drey was picking up some stuff on the floor a blue piece of cloth got my attention. What is this thing? I raise it up and I know Cloud is staring at me right now.

"That's a U-shirt Lauren."

Cloud said answering the question in my mind. That's odd, I've heard of T-shirts but I never heard of U shirts. Together with the cloth is a picture of the sample product and I immediately drop it as soon as I had a glimpse of it. It's a piece of cloth shaped like a letter U. It's horrible, the only thing covered are the breast part of a girl then everything else is exposed.

"Who would wear those kind of clothes?"

I said in disgust as I look at Cloud. He pouted his lips pointing towards the T.V and I was so surprised to see celebrities wearing the U-shirt together with their super shorts and I'm not so sure if it's a shorts or an underwear. I touch my forehead in frustration, how could they expose their body just like that?

I decided to head straight to my room for a shower before going back to the living room and I spotted Cloud laying down on the couch while staring at the ceiling.

"Lauren I'm bored."

Cloud said as he let out an audible groan. I rolled my eyes at him as I pick up my phone on the couch.

"So is it my job to entertain you?"

I said sarcastically, he look at me sharply before pointing his fractured right arm.

"Yes. Because of you I got this thing and you won't even tell me what happened."

※ C L O U D ※

Lauren has been suspiciously eyeing me since this morning. It's definitely not true that I forgot about what happened last night I just want thing to be less awkward. It's better this way but I'm getting really bored right now.

Lauren keep on ignoring me until dinner. She prepared some fine food for us and my mouth watered at the sight of it. She deep fried a whole chicken and seared it with some gravy with potato wedges. I reach out for the fork and poke the chicken set in front of me but then I ended up putting my fork down when I observed that Lauren was staring at me. I let out a sigh as I lean on my chair waiting for her to start her prayer. She smiled for a moment as she clasp her hands together and say her silent prayer.

"Amen."

That was my signal that I can finally start eating. I got my fork once more and poke the chicken with it however I had a hard time taking a piece of meat from it.

"Let me help you."

Lauren said as she tried to pull my fork away from me but instead of letting go I grip my fork tighter.

"I can manage."

I said in a cold tone. I was expecting her to let go of my hand but instead she gave my hand a quick snap which made me flinch.

"What was that for?!"

I said as I pulled my hands away. She just rolled her eyes at me and got a piece of chicken leg and put it in my plate. She even added some rice and salad on it.

I sighed in defeat as I hold my fork.

"Thank you."

I mumbled under my breath and I can clearly see a smile forming at the corner of Lauren's lips.

"What did you say?"

Damn it. She's clearly making fun of me right now.

"I ain't saying it again."

I was about to scoop food from my plate when Lauren pulled it away from me. What the fvck?!

"Lauren."

I said in a stern voice but she just showed me a playful smile as she pulled my plate even farther.

"Say it again."

Crap! I close my eyes as I pinch the bridge of my nose.

"Thank you."

There I said it. But instead of giving my plate back she pretended that she didn't hear it!

"What?"

I eyed her sharply because of her childish act. I'll definitely pay you back for this Lauren.

"Thank you! There, happy? Now give me back my plate."

With a satisfied smile on her face she pushed my plate towards me.

"Stop smiling."

I said as I scoop a spoonful of rice. She rolled her eyes before taking her first bite.

"What's wrong with smiling? Smiling helps you release the bad vibes. You're so grumpy."

I followed her facial expression to annoy her and she glared at me in return.

After dinner I head straight to my room to lay down. I've been staring at the ceiling for hours and I tried to close my eyes to sleep but I just can't. My insomnia is kicking in again. I sat on my bed with a frustrated groan.

"Damn it."

I whispered to myself before going out of my room. My eyes landed on Lauren's door, the lights inside are off she's probably enjoying a goodnight sleep. I head straight to the kitchen to grab some cold water to drink then I went to the living room and spotted Drey recharging at the corner.

I just want to sleep. For years I've been experiencing this insomnia. I sat on the couch and lean my head as I close my eyes trying to sleep when I suddenly heard some footsteps on the stairs. The living room is dark since the lights are off but the stairs would lit up whenever someone would step on it. Lauren was walking sleepily down the stairs only wearing an extra large shirt that is until her knees. She was heading towards the kitchen and so I followed her quietly. She open the refrigerator and grab a glass of water. I was just standing behind her while she drink the water when she slowly turn towards my direction. I saw the startled look on her face as she spit the water from her mouth, splashing it all over my face.

"Oh my God!"

She scream as she wipe my face with the hem of her shirt exposing her micro shorts. It took her seconds to realize where I was looking before she pulled her shirt down covering the lower part of her body.

It's the first time I've seen her on that kind of short. She awkwardly cleared her throat before grabbing some tissue and wiping my face with it again.

"I'm really sorry."

She said almost like a whisper. I inhaled deeply as I run my fingers through my hair.

"Better not do that to Drey."

She press her lips together as she nod her head at me.

"What are you doing behind me by the way?"

She said with a quizzical look on her face. Ok, what was I doing anyway? I look away as I scratch the nape of my neck trying to think of a reason.

"I was--uuh--I was going to grab some water too."

She nod her head as she step aside giving me a way towards the refrigerator. I went near the refrigerator to get a mineral bottle when I heard Lauren speak behind me.

"You can't sleep? Do you have insomnia?"

How did she know? I close the refrigerator and turn towards her. She lean her head om her right as she stares at me.

"How did you know?"

She smiled slightly as she lace her fingers together.

"It runs in your family."

It's my turn to nod my head. I supposed Casper had a hard time sleeping at night too.

"Wait for me at the living room. I'll be there in a minute."

She said as she made her way towards the cupboard. She tried to reach for the cup and saucer that is located at the very top portion of the cup board. It's funny to see her on her tippy toes yet she still can't reach it. I went near her and lean closer reaching the cup and saucer for her. I look down to see her smiling face as she extended her arms upwards to get the cup and saucer in my hand.

"Thanks."

She said then she open some jars but she stop midway and look at me. I understand what she wanted to tell me. I nod my head as I head straight towards the kitchen door.

"I'll wait for you at the living room."

The lights are still off and all you can hear is the sound of the swift flying cars. I sat on the couch and comfortably lean my back on it. A few minutes later Lauren went out from the kitchen, she place the cup on the table in front of me and I know it's a cup of milk. A short laugh escape my throat as I stared at her.

"Lauren I'm not a little boy."

She crinkled her nose at me before sitting beside me.

"Believe me it will help you sleep."

She got the cup and hand it to me. I sighed in defeat as I got the cup of milk from her. I take a sip from it and close my eyes as the warm liquid filled my senses. I don't know what did she put in it but it tastes so good. I think she put some honey in it.

I put the cup down as soon as I finish drinking, Lauren was still sitting beside me quietly when she suddenly raise her index finger like an idea suddenly struck her which made me jerk on my seat.

"What the f--you startled me!"

She laugh at me before facing me.

"I know one thing that will make you sleep. My mother used to do this to me before."

I raise my brows as she grab a pillow and place it on her lap then she look at me before tapping the pillow twice.

"Are you telling me to sleep on your lap?"

She nod her head at me with a smile on her face. I scoff as I stand up clearly not interested with her proposition.

"Hell no."

I was about to take a step when she grab my shirt and pulled me down back on the couch. She looks so serious right now. I let out a sigh as I stared at her.

"Lauren I said no--"

I wasn't able to finish my sentence because she forcefully pin my head on the pillow on her lap.

"O-ow! Let go let go! I won't argue anymore!"

I saw a satisfied smile on her face as she let go of my head. Damn this girl. I made myself comfortable on her lap and it's awkward because I can see her face and she's just staring at me.

"So this is what you will do? Stare at me? I think I'll have a nightmare instead of a good night sleep because of this---ow! Lauren!"

She just snap my forehead with her index finger!

"Shush ok?"

After saying that she got her phone and played some music and you know what I mean. The music she got in her time.

♪♬ There goes my heart beating
'Cause you are the reason
I'm losing my sleep
Please come back now. ♬

Then she started stroking my hair. I can't help but close my eyes because of the feeling that I'm getting right now. I can't believe I find this relaxing.

♩♬ I'd climb every mountain
And swim every ocean
Just to be with you
And fix what I've broken
Oh, 'cause I need you to see
That you are the reason. ♬

"Do you miss your mother?"

That question suddenly slipped out of my mouth. Lauren was quiet for a moment but then I heard her sighed.

"I miss her so much. I miss her scent as I hug her everytime I feel down. It's funny how you take someone's presence for granted because you thought they will always be by your side, then, you'll suddenly realize how important they are when you can no longer see them."

I hate it when she talks this way, she's full of words that will make you realize how a fvcking mess and type of life you're living.

♩♬and If I could turn back the clock
I'd make sure the light defeated the dark
I'd spend every hour, of every day
Keeping you safe ♬

I heard Lauren chuckled as she place her left hand on my right cheek as her right hand continuously played with my hair.

"It's funny how my heart melts in sadness as I remember those beautiful memories I spent with the people I love."

My eyes fluttered open as I look at her with confusion.

"I don't get it. Why are you sad for something that is beautiful?"

She sighed as she press her lips together.

"That's the sad thing about beautiful memories, it'll only remain as a memory even how much you desire to experience it again you just can't​."

I felt my eyes slowly closing as I yawn and listen to the sound of Lauren's music. I can feel some worries within me oddly fading as I fell into a deep sleep.

∞♥∞♥∞♥∞♥∞♥∞♥∞♥∞♥
Dear diary,

As Cloud drifted to sleep in my lap I can't help but feel sad for him. I don't know his pain nor the reason behind his sleepless nights and I pray that someday he'll find the cure for his misery. I just want him to be happy because I know he deserves to be.

Lauren

♪♬♠♬♠♬♠♬♠♬♠♬♪
Featured Song:
YOU ARE THE REASON
BY: Calum Scott