chapter 13

Lauren's POV

"Wait, you're seriously going to start dating your ex boyfriend's sister? Nicole? The one we spent four years making her life miserable and unbearable? Isn't that abit weird? And did you forget what she did to brad? And didn't Jonathan ask you to wait for him until he comes back so you guys can date? And you said NO?" Danielle fired question after question, her eyebrows frowned in confusion.

We were in my bedroom, searching for the right outfit for my date. I was looking through my closet thoughtfully, with my hands on my hips and half of my clothes were scattered on my bed. Ashley was sitting Indian style on my bed, looking through every single one of them and Danielle was lying on the floor, questioning my decision.

Nic (Nicole's nickname) texted me about wearing something casual and comfortable. If you're wondering how I got her number, well it was from Ashley of course, who got her number from Rita which is extremely weird. Since when they got to exchange numbers?

Anyways, I'm getting of topic, when she told me to wear something casual, I was relieved because first of, I don't have anything fancy to wear; half of them are in the laundry basket and the other half are just too old and not THAT impressing. You know, you have to dress to impress and I want to blow Cole's- I mean Nic's mind which is going to be kinda hard when I have to dress casual but it's better than wearing something fancy. And second, because of Nic's flannel which I'm planning to wear on our date. She forget that flannel back in our old high school when she took it off to play basketball against me, but thankfully, I grabbed it before we speedily escaped.

"I'm not going to change my mind Danielle, if that's what you're hinting. I WANT to date Nic and I'm GOING to date Nic. And about brad, well he's bad and stupid. And you can't deny you enjoyed it; I saw it on your face. And Jonathan, I don't like him in that way anymore. He's the past and Nic's the present and who knows, maybe, the future as well. I hope so." I spoke without turning around and mumbled the last part, whisper wishing for it.

I let out a huff and turned, staring at Nic's black flannel on my bed, hopeless. It still smells like her; Jovans perfume with a small scent of lavender. I kept staring at it, hopefully by some miracle, I will find something to wear. Then it clicked. I hurriedly grabbed some black stretch pants which will make my butt look good and a white shirt with a big symbol of peace stamped on it.

I went to the bathroom, taking the flannel as well and started to change. I heard Danielle and ashley's voice calling my name on the other side of the door.

After I finished changing, I wore my blonde hair in a loose bun and put some red lipstick that well definitely catch her attention and a dark eyeshadow that will make my blue eyes stand out. I took a final look at myself and brushed Nic's flannel gently with my hands. I smiled and opened the door to see Danielle and Ashley playing uno on the floor. They looked up, when they heard the door open and their jaw dropped.

They stood up quickly and Ashley spoke, still in shock. "YOU LOOK AMAZING, SEXY, EXTREMELY HOT." Ashley showered me with compliments and Danielle spoke as well "I'm so jealous. Nicole will drop her pants."

I rolled my eyes but was pleased with how I looked, but before they could say anything else, we heard a knock from our apartment door.

I froze and Ashley smiled, sprinting to open the door. Danielle grabbed my shoulders and told me to breath and not to worry. I shook my head, up and down, agreeing but unable to speak. I hope I don't screw this up. Please Lauren, don't screw this up. "Just have fun, okay?" Danielle spoke, sweetly and I smiled at her and hugged her tightly before walking out to the living room.

I walked inside and saw Nic talking to Ashley. Danielle whispered in my ear saying "Now I know why chose her; she's hot." I slapped her shoulder and gave her a look saying 'stop it'.

Nic was wearing black skinny jeans and white with black strips button up shirt. She had a pair of black adidas shoes, a silver watch and a black beanie. She was nodding her head to instructions ashley was giving (which was extremely cute), until she looked behind her and saw me.

Her jaw dropped as soon as she caught what I was wearing. She looked me up and down, taking in every aspect of my body, her eyes lingering on my thighs and legs. Stretch pants score. She looked up slowly, and I just smiled and suppressed a laugh. Her eyes reached my face and lingered on my lips, then her eyes looked up and reached mine and that was it, she was lost.

I walked confidently towards her and placed both of my middle and index finger on her chin, closing her mouth. My smile hasn't gone away; I can't stop smiling. "You ready?" I asked with a hint of amusement in my voice.

She blinked, awakening once again and shook her head, up and down, nervousness is clear in her eyes. "Uh-yeah yeah, yeah definitely......Oh god." She closed her eyes, rubbing her red cheeks and all I wanted to do was pinch them.

I chuckled with Ashley and Danielle and intertwined my hand with hers and dragged her out of the apartment, saying a quick bye to the girls.

We waited for the elevator to arrive and Nic spoke up, breaking the silence "You look really beautiful. Not that, you didn't look beautiful before. You have ALWAYS looked beautiful. Its just now, you look extra beautiful which is insane because you always blow my mind and there is no mind to blow anymore, yet it keeps happening. And now I'm gonna stop ranting." Nic abruptly stopped talking and I just stared at her in awe.

I pulled her into a hug and smiled when she wrapped her arms around me. "Don't feel nervous and let's have fun." I whispered in her left ear and the elevator doors opened. I stepped away from Nicole and walked inside. I saw her smile as she stood a foot away from me and I can't help but step closer and lace my arm with hers.

"Where are we going?" I asked, looking up at her since she's a few inches taller.

"When is the last time you went bowling?" She simple answered with a question and I smirked widely, looking forward for tonight.

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"That's cheating!!" I yelled not giving a single fuck with everybody that's watching.

"How?!" Nic yelled back, her arms emphasising her thoughts.

"You chose the balls that are light weighted!!" I stated and a wrinkle started to form between my eyebrows.

"Um last time I checked, there is no rule for that." Nic pointed and raised her eyebrows. I raised my eyebrows, challenging as well.

"Um, I don't care. Just look at the board." I pointed at the score line, furious from how much Nic is ahead of me by unnatural points, and in return, Nic shrugged, blank faced. "I demand a rematch." I said, lowering my voice and crossed my arms.

"Look, it's only fair since I was in a car accid-" Nic began to elaborate but I cut her off immediately. I'm not taking that as an excuse.

"No. no. no. no. NO. You can't use that against me!!" I cut her off. "Because the balls you are using, are for KIDS. 12 year old kids. And I can see your muscles flexing every time you swing the ball and the way you move your arms, shows that you're capable. They're perfect; you have been definitely working out. You may not be as strong as you were but you're good, sweetheart." I took a deep breath after ranting this long.

Nicole was left shocked and was shaking her head ever so lightly. She chuckled, amused and then spoke "Are you indirectly saying, that you were checking me out, while I was playing?" She asked, a smile upon her face, knowing that I would blush in a matter of seconds, which is exactly what happened.

Nic smiled even brighter than before, when the redness on my cheeks increased. Get a grip Lauren and stop embarrassing yourself. I raised my index finger at Nic's grinning face as a warning. "Don't. change. the subject." I stopped and pointed towards the register. "And go pay for another round." I said, trying to sound intimidating, which surprisingly didn't work like it would back in high school; Nic stayed put, still grinning at me.

She leaned forward and picked my forehead, gently. Oh my Lord, what is going on with her, today? "I was going to go anyways." She said and scattered away, quickly before I had the chance to say anything. On the happy side, I'm getting my rematch. I smirked and cracked my knuckles.

Nic came back and commented "Well, it seems like you're competitive side still exists."

"Well, it seems like you're extra confident tonight; you're teasing me for the first time." I retorted and smiled her way, genuinely proud of her.

"Well, I can't help it; knowing that someone was checking me out tonight." This time, she was smirking my way and let me tell you, that was extremelyyy hot. Stop it Lauren.

"Oh shut up." I stopped our conversations right there and we began our game. I started first, choosing a ball and entering three of my fingers into the holes. I took a glance at Nic and smirked. I turned my attention back to the pins and waited for them to go down and for the green light to turn on, so I can start. I held the ball closer, adjusting my fingers inside it and when the green light turns on, I immediately roll the ball down the bowling alley, knocking all the pins down.

"STRIKE." I yelled and turned, grinning at Nic, who shook her head at my confidence. I danced my way to her and stood in front of her. "I can smell my victory, I can taste it on my lips, I can't wait to see you fall

And crawl to me like a wimp." I sang with my horrible made up lyrics but, oh well.

"Don't get ahead of yourself." She pushed me aside and I chuckled, knowing that I pissed her off. She took a ball that weighted exactly like mine was. "Fair enough." I told her.

She looked back at me and winked. I smiled and laughed quietly. Oh, I can't wait to see her lose. She took her position and when her pins came down. She bent down, giving me a great view of her butt, rolling the ball on the ground strongly, and hitting most of her pins except one on the far left corner. I smiled devilishly.

She straightened up, sighing and took another ball for her second chance. I called out to her "Only I, could score a strike in bowling." She flipped me off and I chuckled.

When it was her turn again, she rolled the ball so fast and hit the last pin, harshly. I was impressed but I'm not saying a word. She turned and smiled, saying "Your turn." And that's how we went back and forth.

We reached the end of our game and the last round was Nic's and she needs to hit half of her pins. To make the matter more intense, Nic failed horribly at her first try; she didn't hit any of the pins. If she hit at least half of the pins, it's all over for me. The tension was real and the game became more serious than ever. If she win, it won't be the end of it. If I win, it won't be the end of it. Call me a hypocrite but I want to be the one to tease the shit out of her.

Nic breathed out her stress and I can definitely feel the pressure that's on her shoulders. She rubbed the ball with both of her hands and looked over the bowling alley, at the pins that are lined up, ready to get hit. She entered three of her fingers inside the ball and focused her attention at the pins. She swing the ball back and was about to roll it down the alley, when the unsuspected happened.

A kid. A 7 or 8 year old kid, I can't really tell. He came running and slammed his body on Nicole's who lost her grip on the ball, and the ball fell, rolling down the alley.

All of our concentration was at the ball right now. Nicole, hoping to hit at least half of the pins and me, hoping for the ball to roll down on one of the sides and not hit any.

Now, Nicole told me before we came her that she has the worst luck and right now, it's easy for me to doubt that statement, but something happened. Something great happened; The ball slowly but surely rolled down towards the left side. A smile slowly started creeping on my face and Nicole started repeating the word no over and over again but with no use, the ball fell to the trap.

I jumped, raising both of my arms up in victory and shouted the word Yes. Nic screamed aloud NO which turned all people's eyes on us, curiosity upon their faces, but none of us cared. Because of that small kid, he lead a consequential loss for Nicole and a win for me.

Nicole started trashing around and I kept jumping around happily. We looked like drunken teens but like I said, none of us cared.

Nicole stopped all of a sudden and her eyes looked around. It seems like she's searching for that mischievous kid. When her eyes landed on that kid, who was laughing uncontrollably at Nic, she ran towards him.

The kid was on high alert and stopped laughing, running away and giggling at the same time. Nic chased after him like a maniac as he laughed, trying to get away but of course, Nic is faster; she caught him by the shirt and pulled him closer. She turned him around so that his front faces her and lifted him up with both of her hands under his armpits.

At this time, I was sitting on a chair, holding my aching stomach from laughing so hard. I kept staring at the scene in front of me. "What is wrong with you?" Nicole shouted at the kids face, who was still laughing and tears of joy were streaming down his face.

The kid stopped laughing but a smile sets on his chubby face. He pulled out a lollipop out of his pocket and offered it to Nicole. Nic frowned and stared at him in confusion.

"I'm sorry." He apologized in his cute high pitched voice. I can't help but squeal from the cuteness of this little boy. Nic stared at the boy in disbelieve. She was left in awe as well.

She put the kid down and brushed his shirt. She got down on her knees, so that she was in the same eye level as the kid. "You're forgiven." She said and smiled at the kid, who was smiling as well. I can't help but smile at them.

Nicole pulled out ten dollars from her pocket and gave it to the little kid. "Keep the lollipop and buy something for yourself." She told him and the cute boy was in shock. His eyes were dancing in glee. He jumped at Nicole and hugged her tightly which Nicole returned it back. My heart swelled from how cute those two are.

"Danny." We heard a man's voice calling the little boy's name, who looked like his father. The boy turned to look at his father who gestured for him to come back. Danny nodded his head and turned our way. "Thank you." And with that being said, he sprinted towards his father, who wrapped his arm around his shoulder and glared at us before walking away.

Nic lifted her middle finger up when the father didn't see and I chuckled at her childish behavior. I patted her back to receive her attention and asked. "Where are we going next?"

When her eyes meet mine, her pissed off expression changed into a softer one. She smiled at me and I felt my heart skipping a beat. She held my hand with her big, yet soft hand and I smiled back, intertwining our hands. We walked out of the bowling centre and got in to her car. Nicole stayed silent and I knew she wouldn't tell me where we are going, so I patiently waited and looked over the passing trees and houses, daydreaming.

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I looked around my favourite place in the world since I was a child and smiled widely. Nicole brought me to an ice cream shop and it's been a long time since the last time I came here. Maybe 4 or 5 years ago and it felt longer.

"So, what do you think?" Nicole asked and I turned to look at her, watching the ice cream display. She looked up and I smiled and shook my head up and down excitedly in approval on this place.

"Are you kidding me?! This is one of my favorite places since I was a kid." I voiced my feelings and she just smiled cheekily and then gave me a weird look. My smile dropped a little and I frowned my eyebrows in confusion. She slowly pulled something out of her pocket and hid it quickly behind her back, away from my view.

"What is it?" I asked as I tried to look at the object she's hiding behind her back. She held out her hand for me to stop trying and then she gestured for me to stay still. She pulled it out and I saw a card. I got more confused until she handed it over to me. I read what it says and chuckled.

"Wait, Are you telling me you're one of those lucky bastards who won a free ice cream card from this place?" I asked and started laughing.

Nicole shrugged and said. "Well, not exactly, its Rita's. I 'borrowed' it from her which I don't care, since she 'borrowed' a million thing from me and never give it back but don't think about it because this card, can get any flavor you want for free. Although this card can only be used for one day." She explained and chuckled, holding the card with both my hands securely.

"Rita's going to kill you because cards like this," I lifted the card closer to her face so she could see what I mean. "Are rare." I finished and chuckled, imagining what's going to happen to Nic after Rita finds out.

"And this is just for one person." I informed her, after reading the instructions and informations on the card.

"Yeah, I know but I'm giving this to you." She shrugged again, her hands are shoved in her pocket. She was smiling adorably at me and I can't help but to feel this warmth swarming my heart. It clutched around it, making it hard to breath and then let go, so I'm able to breath again. I think this is how you feel when your heart skips a beat and Nicole just caused that.

"Sooooo, you're ready to pick any flavor you want or should I use the card instead?" Nic said and fidgeted awkwardly and I realized I was staring at her for to long.

I shook my head and pushed past her, saying "You gave to me and I'm using it." I smirked and I heard her chuckling behind me.

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"How the fuck are you able to eat this much?" I moaned and felt the chocolate flavored ice cream melt inside of my mouth while Nic shook her head in huge amazement.

This is my third ice cream and Nic sat across from me, empty handed since she finished her ice cream a long time ago. We sat in a booth, across from each other with a huge window bedsides us that overlooks the street.

"You should be careful, Lauren. I don't want you to suffer from diabetes because if you do, you would endure agony for a long time and it's not easy." Nic said while gazing at me with a vivid concern. My lips curled upwards into a genuine smile. Even though what she said, should concern me about my health and well being but, I was left enchanted about her mesmerizing eyes and how worried she is. To know that she feels apprehensive about me, makes me happy.

"Don't worry, I'll keep my health on check." I said and winked before taking, more like shoving, a spoonful of ice cream in my mouth. I looked at Nic to see her smiling at her phone and then I heard a snap. Nic smiled even bigger and showed me a picture of myself with a spoon between my lips and my eyes staring above; all in all I looked hot.

"Send it to me." I demanded and Nicole just chuckled in response and nodded her head.

After a few minutes, Nicole started reading yo mama jokes from her phone for example..

'Yo mamma is so ugly when she tried to join an ugly contest they said, "Sorry, no professionals"

'Yo momma's so fat, that when she fell, no one was laughing but the ground was cracking up'

'Yo momma is so stupid that when her phone died, she buried it.'

I was laughing hysterically by the end of these jokes. I finished my ice cream and threw the trash in the garbage bin. We headed outside and walked towards the car. She opened the passenger's door for me like a gentlewoman. I smiled and shyly thanked her for the cute gesture.

"So, are we going home?" I asked while buckling my seatbelt and hoping this isn't the end of our night.

"Nope, we still have one more destination to head to." I smiled in delight from her response and sighed in content and satisfaction. I turned my head to look at Nicole, who was steering the wheel with both of her hands and thought to myself, I think I'm starting to like you way more than I should, Nicole Erickson.

I looked away and stared at the license plate of the car in front of us, when I heard Nicole's voice saying "Me too, Lauren hills."

Rather than freaking out that I spoke out loud, I smiled hugely and took the closer hand of Nicole's and intertwined our hands together and nothing felt more right.

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Before we headed to where Nicole is planning to take me, we stopped by at subway to get something to eat and took it with us to our destination.

I looked around trying to figure out where we are going but all I could see was a clear road and sand and some trees; I knew we were heading north but where exactly and why; I have no idea.

Nicole stopped all of a sudden and pulled over I was confused since we weren't in anywhere specific and it's almost completely dark. "Why are we here?" I asked, but Nic stepping out of the car, saying nothing and I followed. She opened the backseat, grabbing a bag back and closing the door and locking it.

Good thing I know her well because otherwise, I would've jumped out of the car fifteen minutes ago. Nic Grabbed my hand with her big yet soft hand and pulled me closer. She whispered two words in my ears saying 'trust me' and I do, without a doubt. This girl was able to gain my trust the day we broke in to our old high school and played basketball against each other. I feel like she trust me as well, the way she acted around me tonight gives a small hint.

We stopped walking and Nic told me to look up. I looked up and that's when my heart stopped for a nanosecond. Never in my 23 years have I ever seen anything more beautiful and fascinating. It's like my eyes captured the entire galaxy in one image. With no streetlights, God's creation shone with such brightness. The silverlight full moon took place in the middle of the scene. It was the main key of this art and the stars were like fireflies on a tree, surrounding its main key.

After being hypnotized for an entire minute, I looked back to Nicole and saw her staring at me in awe. She said something that was super cliche but it made me want to jump in her arms. "I thought looking up at this sky, it's the most outstanding thing I've ever seen in my life but now as you're watching over this view, I know I haven't seen anything yet because I feel so mesmerized by your beauty and how your eyes shine so bright." She said it while staring deep into my eyes. More like reaching out for my soul and talking to her.

To say I was touched by her words is the least I could say.  Yes cliche but I felt like crying. I know I sound like a baby but in my entire life I have never met someone who looked at me and spoke to me with such words and looked so mesmerized by me. I wanted to kiss her. No, I needed to kiss her right here and right now. I don't care about her reaction because it's clear she likes me. I'm not some dumb blonde who doesn't know anything like what you see in the movies. Seriously not every blonde is dumb.

I'm getting of topic but before I could make my move, Nic was setting on a blanket that I think she placed while I was talking in my head with our food from subway and a torch light so we can see properly.

Nic patted on the ground for me to sit down. I sighed feeling sad since I was anticipating for that kiss. Seriously Lauren, you just had to ruin the moment by speaking mentally with yourself. Now, you're like a dumb blonde.

I sat across from Nicole, crisscrossed and smiled her way. She smiled back and when we stopped smiling, we had a small stare down. I felt my eyes starts to sting but before I could give in and surrender, Nic blinked and cursed immediately. I raised both of my arms in victory while a droplet of tear falling down. I know, I know we act like kids.

Nicole sighed in frustration and raised her index finger to warn me and said "One day, you'll lose at something. Trust me." I giggled and unwrapped my sandwich.

"We'll see." I responded and Nic flipped me off, unwrapping her sandwich as well. I laughed and took a bite from my sandwich.

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We were on the road now, listening to the radio. I was flipping through the channels, looking for the right one when I heard work by Rihanna came up. I paused and leaned back. I felt the rush of energy in my veins. So, I started dancing on my seat and singing along, horribly and very loud.

Work, work, work, work, work, work

He said me haffi

Work, work, work, work, work, work

He see me do-

The song stopped suddenly and I saw Nic's hand changing the station, very quickly like it's a poisonous to your ears. "No no no no no no, I'm not listening to this crap." Nic stated, still flipping through the channels. I scoffed and pushed her hand away from the car radio when a weird song comes up.

Oil prices are so high we can't feed ourselves

So we buy into fast food and occupy the will

Nicole started head banging to this song and I just stared at her like she got two heads. I quickly changed the station from that demonic song Nicole is into and went back to singing with Rihanna. That's how it went the entire car ride; I wanted Rihanna, she wanted whatever their name is.

Nic pressed the radio button to shut it off and pulled to my driveway. I narrowed my eyes at Nic and she did the same. I couldn't help myself but laugh at our silliness. Nic laughed as well and we had a laughing fit in the car. I was clutching my stomach from laughing this much.

Nic got out the car and went to my side to open the door. She opened it and I got out saying a small but genuine thank you. She closed the door, lightly and we kept smiling at each other. Let me say, this day was perfect; we went bowling, ate ice cream, ordered from subway and went to watch the stars, this date was perfect. The best one I've ever had.

"So, I guess I will see you soon?" Nicole asked awkwardly, looking shy but trying so hard to hide it. I nodded my head and started backing up to the slide doors to go home were I'm sure both Ashley and Danielle are having a sleepover without me but who cares, this night was magnificent.

I turned and walked back but before I could enter the building, I waved at Nic and blew her a kiss. I'm upset because we didn't kiss but tonight was great.

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Nic's POV

I watched her walk inside until she's gone from my sight. I sighed heavily in sadness; why didn't I do something. Anything. Make a move. Ask her for another date. Hug her. Kiss her. Just anything. I got back into the car and slammed my head on the steering wheel. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. I mentally repeated that word in my head but then, I felt a gush of wind on the left side of my body and I looked up to catch Lauren's sweet smile. What the fu-

She pushed on my shoulders, harshly with both of her hands, so I would lean back on my seat. She slammed her lips on mine, roughly and that's where I was in shock but regained myself after a couple of seconds, and my body went out of control; I held her closer to my body as she sat on my lap, both of her legs on each of my sides. Her lips are so soft and sweet, perfectly melded with mine. Her delicate hands are on each side of my face, pulling me even closer. We pulled away when air was extremely necessary. She leaned her forehead on mine and we breathed heavily together. My hands were still on her hips and hers on my face. Both of our eyes were closed.

I opened my eyes slowly and seconds later Lauren did the same. She whispered "Will you call me when you reach home?"

I nodded my head since I had troubles speaking. She pecked my lips one more time before she got off of me and went running to the building.

What did just happen?