The following day, I walked into my classes with semi-purpose.
I might not like Lauren Mallory, but even the night I had made me wonder what was up with her, especially since Tyler seemed all up in his own mood as well.
Jessica had texted me saying we would confront the poor boy before he could get to lunch, and so we had a while before that happened.
Frankly I wanted to know what was going on. That was all.
And maybe… just, maybe… I was… kind of… worried—argh!
Can't believe I just said that shi—
The bell rang finally and I made eye contact with Jessica who sat next to a bored looking Bella while Tyler sat in front of her.
As soon as the boy stood up, joking with one of his friends, Jessica immediately jumped to her feet, almost pushing a slow Bella who stumbled, almost falling but she was thankfully caught.
I would have laughed at her if I wasn't right on Jessica's heels.
Damn!
Tyler was fast!
Jessica jogged after him, with me behind her and a class door opened in front, Angela rushing out of it just in time to run into the poor boy.
"Woah!"
He let out as she stopped in front of him and turned to the two boys that had followed him.
"Max, Evans, could you give us a moment?"
"Sure."
The redhead boy said as they walked away and Jessica and I caught up.
"Tyler, hey! We wanted to talk to you."
Jessica said with a friendly enough smile and Tyler's eyes narrowed as he looked at the three of us for a second, before shaking his head.
"Nope. Not interested."
He tried to walk around Angela who raised her hands to block him.
"Come on, Ty! Just for a minute."
She pleaded with him, but I wasn't interested in dragging the time.
Also… this was lunch! I was missing food!
I stepped forward, grabbing at his bicep and dragging him through the hallways as he let out a startled yelp.
"Hey!"
I ignored him, Jessica and Angela behind us as we walked outside and towards the parking lot where some students were but thankfully it wasn't crowded.
We stopped at Jessica's car and faced the slightly disgruntled guy.
"Alright Tyler. Just to be clear, we're not letting you go until you tell us what we want to know."
I blurted out, folding my hands across my chest and giving him a look, Jessica nodding firmly.
"Look, if this is about Lauren, I don't know what's up with her."
Jessica huffed.
"You have to! Why else would you guys be having issues! It's just so unexpected. And Lauren's mom isn't telling us anything."
Tyler looked away and Angela sighed, softly speaking up.
"Tyler, please… if you know something… anything at all, just tell us. We really need to know that she's okay."
Tyler was quiet for a second, fidgeting slightly, before a frustrated sigh escaped him and he looked at the girls, a little annoyed.
"Look. I seriously don't know what's wrong with her."
I furrowed my brows at that.
"But—"
"I'm saying the truth, Jessica. That night… of the Spring Dance, I drove her home and then pretended to drive off and came back, sneaking into her room through the tree in the side of their house, you know?"
Jessica and Angela nodded.
"I uh… we kissed, actually…"
A soft look appeared on his face as Jessica gasped in awe and Angela smiled.
But then, a frown appeared on his face, making me know the story didn't go as nicely as the girls had hoped.
"It's something I'd always wanted to do. I mean, we've been friends for so long… and then it turned to flirting and then that night we kissed. And Lauren kissed back too, but she wanted to take it further…"
An uncomfortable look appeared on his face as he said it.
"I wasn't ready for that, especially with her parents' room being just next door, but she was very adamant… and I mean, REALLY adamant."
He grunted slightly.
"I held my ground though. She's like my best friend, I'm not gonna just treat her like that. She got angry… and maybe embarrassed too. So she kicked me out."
Jessica's jaw dropped.
"She kicked you out??"
A look of anger appeared on his face.
"Called me a coward and asked me to leave. And I did. But the next day I went to see her. Hoping she'd calmed down by then, but then she screamed at me… all sorts of names. She looked like she'd been crying, her eyes were red and puffy. She looked… weird."
His eyes seemed clouded like he was seeing a memory. But then, he shook his head, a strong look on his face.
"I won't apologize for standing my ground. She's, or rather yet, was my best friend. I don't know what I did."
He grunted.
"Good riddance anyways."
He walked off angrily, leaving us to ourselves.
"Well that was all for nothing I guess."
I snorted as I watched him walk off and Jessica gave me a look.
"All for nothing?? We just found the reason why she's like this!"
"Really?? You think her parents would hide her because she fought with Tyler??"
An unsure look appeared on Jessica's face.
"Well.. when you put it that way…"
"Let's do what Tyler did then!"
Angela spoke up and we turned to her, confused.
"Do what, exactly?"
I asked warily and Angela looked at me.
"Let's sneak into Lauren's room."
"What??"
Jessica and I screeched out, and some students across from us turned but we ignored them.
"What do you mean sneak into her room?? With the kind of parents she has, we'd probably get arrested for trespassing or something! I don't know about you, but my dad being the chief of police is enough for me."
I whisper shouted at the tall girl who shrugged.
"This way, we know exactly what's going on. Where's your sense of adventure?"
That gave me a pause, as I stared at the girl.
"Okay. Who are you, and what have you done to Angela?"
She giggled slightly and a small smile appeared on my face.
"Wait. Are you two seriously considering this??"
Jessica looked at the both of us crazily and Angela and I exchanged a look before I sighed.
"I mean, you two really wanted to know about Lauren. And I'm rather invested in the story already. We've got no choice. We're basically already halfway through the story already."
Jessica sighed, unsure and I found hilariousness in the whole situation.
I mean, shouldn't it be Angela talking about how bad a plan this all was??
Ah well… time to show how much I knew about espionage... Which was just a tiny bit.
"Okay, you two. Let's meet tonight at 10pm when everyone should be asleep. I'll skate over there. Wear black. Bring a torch and wear something sturdy on your feet too."
"I can't walk to Lauren's house though."
Jessica brought up and Angela volunteered.
"I'll take one of my brother's bike and we'll ride together."
Problem solved.
And now, I was planning a weird heist with my friends.
Well, you know what they say about friendship and the lot.
Later that evening after dinner, I told my dad I would be sleeping early and wished him a early goodnight.
It was a little past 7:30.
I really wanted to be out of the house earlier mostly because dad was a cop, and he'd probably know if someone was trying to sneak in or out.
And so, I did my nightly hygiene routine and changed into black tight pants, a black hoodie and black boots. I weaved my hair into two braids and put on a dark brown head warmer, grabbing my phone since I had no torch and putting it in my pocket.
I remember when I chose the attic as my room. My mum had wondered why I'd choose such a room, but I had my reasons.
One of them being my love for the slant roof window that was above where I placed my bed and giving me a clear view of the sky at the moment.
I unlocked the window, standing on my bed and raised it up, the cold air of the night hitting me as I shivered a bit.
This was probably another reason why I chose this room. The ease I could use to climb on the roof and even sit on it while having a clear view of the sky while on it.
I used to imagine myself as some sort of super hero who, when help was needed, I could fly out of it easily with my identity protected.
A bit childish, I know.
But now… this crazy plan of ours was going to be a bit easier to execute.
With a strong jump, my hand on the sill, I hoisted myself out of my room, a grunt escaping my lips.
The roof was slightly wet from the evening mist and the air above was colder than I'd expected as well.
I closed the window down a bit and stared across the street in awe.
It looked very picturesque, with the weather and the gradually darkening skies.
I took a picture before putting my phone back and relaxing my back against the roof.
It was just a little past 8, and I wanted some more time to pass before I began my little journey.
Come to think of it, Bella's room was a little to the other side and behind, and if I crawled a bit, I would be able to look over the edge and see her window.
I wouldn't be able to look into her room, obviously.
Maybe I should scare her?
A rather sinister smile grew across my face as I carefully maneuvered my way down.
Our roof was very steep, and then with a low roof at the sides, easy for me to make my daring escape.
I stopped for a while though, when I heard Bella open her window and I paused when I heard her voice.
"You're a little late."
Who was she—
"I had to talk with Carlisle."
I froze immediately, even as the window closed again.
That… voice…
I knew that voice!
Edward Cullen??
What was Edward Cullen doing in our house??
Did dad know about this?? Wait, stupid question. Of course he didn't!
I wanted to look over the roof, really I did… but I quickly used the opportunity to grab at one of the tree branches in our backyard, using it to gain a foothold onto a tree and jumped down rather sturdily, if I do say so myself.
Earlier in the day, I had placed my skateboard somewhere in the backyard, just so I wouldn't worry about taking it down with me.
My mind was still on the whole Edward in my house matter.
Who would have believed, Bella Swan actually sneaking a boy into her room at night.
It made me look at my sister differently.
My sister was always looked at as a prudish person.
What were they even doing in her room… all alone… with a bed…
A small squeak escaped my lips as I quickly grabbed my skateboard, shaking my head.
I didn't want to know… ew!
Two annoying people. I really didn't want to know!
Urgh!
As I ducked into the forest and went past a neighbor's house, and then bursting out through a rather tight side, I quickly raised my hoodie over my head, placing my skateboard on the ground and I was soon on my way to Lauren's house.
While it was 8:30pm, I just really wanted to get the travel over.
I'd never snuck out before, even when I was living with my mom in Phoenix. So I was definitely feeling a bit nervous and apprehensive. Like someone was going to find out and then Dad would know and get disappointed in me.
The whole Bella issue was slowly resting, and so I didn't want dad knowing about this.
At least I've got blackmail material on Bella though. Let her try anything with me now.
I knew I should probably tell my dad. But first of all, I had no proof. Also, my dad disliked any mention of Edward Cullen in our home. He's been on quite a lot of stress lately. What with suspicion of the serial killer the town over having stopped his/her killings. But our town was the next one, so people were feeling rather apprehensive.
I fondled the pepper spray in my hoodie pocket.
At least I had some protection. No matter how small.
Perhaps I had some reckless bone just like Bella did. But at least mine was riddled with concern for someone.
Lauren's blue house could be seen from two houses away, and so I grabbed my skateboard and began walking on the sidewalk.
The skies had darkened even further and while some still walked down the streets and occasionally the lights of cars passed by, I was still a bit wary.
I wasn't so sure it would be a great idea for me to just, stand in front of the blue house. They'd probably think I was a burglar or something.
I was already dressed in all black. No need to overcomplicate matters.
A dark green car was packed in front of the neighbor's home next door, and so I sat on the pavement where the shadow of the car darkened me and decided to wait for Jessica and Angela.
"And they'd better not have chickened out or else…"
I sniffled a bit.
"Are you sure we should pass this way, Jessica??"
The sound of Angela's voice snapped me out of my thoughts as I looked around but didn't spot said girl.
"Yes! No one would notice us this way! The grass helps us!"
"But it's so wet!"
I blinked, startled, and immediately turned towards Lauren's house, straining my sight towards the grass and I snickered as I saw movements on the grass.
There, crawling on the ground, army style, were Jessica and Angela.
With a grin, I put my phone in my back pocket and crawled towards the grass and laid down on it, before slowly moving towards them.
"Wait…"
"Jessica—"
"Shh! I hear something!"
Angela paused and turned towards her right only to let out a startled shriek.
"What the—"
"SHHH!! It's just me!"
I whispered at the girls only to pause when the front door to the neighbors house opened and I heard an hesitant call.
"Anyone out there??"
We held our breaths for a second before another feminine voice spoke up.
"Close the door sweetie. Quickly."
The door was soon shut… and locked, and I turned to the girls exasperatedly, though I couldn't really see their faces.
"Great. They probably think we're burglars."
"Aren't we?"
Angela spoke up and Jessica quietly added.
"I don't know… I kind of like this. I haven't done something this crazy before. It's fun."
She chattered quietly before continuing her floor crawl and I sighed.
"This is all your fault, Angela."
I crawled after Jessica and heard Angela idly speak.
"Yeah, I'm beginning to regret my decision."
We crawled through the side of the house, standing and bending past the right side where Lauren's other window was, and a tree stood.
We looked at it curiously.
"Okay. So… who's going first?"
Angela asked and I shrugged.
"Definitely not me. I'm not Lauren's friend. It'll probably look weird if I'm the first one she sees."
Jessica didn't look like she was interested in taking the first step though… coward. Wasn't she just talking about exciting this was?
Also, it was not even 10 yet. I guess we were all equally nervous about this and arrived earlier than expected.
Perhaps I could bribe Jessica with gossip on Bella's escapade with Edward?
Nah… that's my blackmail against her.
Lord knows what the future holds after all.
"I-I guess I'll go first?"
Angela worded it as a question and I gave her a thumbs up.
"Just be careful though… it's probably a bit slippery."
Angela only hummed softly, looking around hesitantly for a second, and then holding onto a low, thick branch, and hoisting herself up with a little help from Jessica and I.
"Careful…"
Jessica whispered to her as she gained a little high ground and I soon followed.
Seriously, the tree was wet.
Not surprising, what with the weather. I just didn't like wet wood much. Nothing against it, but it was probably the whole dirt issue maybe.
I heard a nervous Jessica below and looked down to see her still contemplating the climb.
"Psst! Jessica!"
She looked up and I gave her a look.
"Well?? We don't exactly have all day now."
I held a hand down for her and she let out a small huff before grabbing hold and with her other hand on a branch, hoisted herself up the tree a bit.
"There we go. Easy, hm?"
I gave her a sarcastic grin and she threw me a middle finger which made me snort in surprise.
Perhaps this little heist would bring the both of us closer?
I mean, we are friends, but compared to Angela and I, we didn't really hangout and stuff.
"Guys… what should I do now?"
Angela asked from above and I looked up to see her sitting on a sturdy branch, next to the closed window.
"Knock."
"But…"
"It's the only way. And if you get caught by anyone else, at least you wouldn't get into too much trouble. Not like me. I've got the chief of police for a dad."
She threw me a wry look before sighing and knocking quietly on the window.
The night wind bristled past and I held in a shiver.
My nose would probably be red tomorrow, even with my olive toned skin… but at least I wasn't Pale like Bella!
The sound of something hitting the window drew my attention and I saw a slight movement from the curtains.
A feeling of nervousness filled me as I hoped with all my heart that it wasn't Lauren's mother.
That would be a disaster.
"Oh!"
Angela let out with some excitement as the curtains were ruffled once more and the windows slowly opened… and looking at us in shock, was the platinum blonde haired girl, Lauren Mallory.
Her jaw dropped in astonishment.
"Lauren! Oh my God! You're okay!"
Jessica crowed quietly and Angela beamed while I just gave her a small almost unnoticeable wave.
Still didn't really want to be here.
"W-what… what are you guys doing here?!"
Her eyes bulged out for a second before narrowing in suspicion as she stared at me.
Right back at you.
"Well we haven't seen you for over a month! Of course we're worried. Could you let us in, please?"
Angela softly asked and Lauren looked behind her, a look of unsurety passing her face before she fully opened the window with a grim look.
"Hop on in."
Her room was pink and silver… a bit sophisticated, almost barbie style and yet not eye wrenching at the same time.
A princess styled bed sat with fluffy blankets and 4 pillows on it and a table at one end with a PC on it paused on a movie.
Her room was cozy yet there were also some posters of NSYNC plastered here and there.
A couple of clusters as well as a gold medal on the wall.
"Why is she here?"
The oh so familiar cutting and slightly shrilly voice of Lauren cut through my inspection and I stifled a groan, turning back to the grill whose arms were crossed, a glare on her face and looking… cornered?
"We were so worried about you!"
Jessica gasped quietly, moving to hug Lauren and Angela stood next to them, a small smile on her face.
"Why uh… why were you worried? I'm perfectly fine."
Lauren swallowed, trying to untangle herself from Jessica and a scoff escaped my lips involuntarily.
"Sure you are."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
The blonde's eyes narrowed and I shrugged.
"I think it's clear that something's up with you. You go missing for over a month and then your parents lie… lie! That you're not in Forks. And yet, here you are! Also, even Tyler doesn't know where you are! Ha!"
Lauren glare cracked for a second before it was back in place.
"Look. I'm fine. But I really think you guys should leave."
Angela's jaw dropped.
"But you just let us in—"
"My parents are home. I wouldn't want them—"
"No!"
Jessica whispered rather harshly, startling Lauren.
"What is wrong with you?? You end up missing and we find you, yet you're chasing us off?? It's… it's not fair!"
Jessica huffed, glaring at the stumped blonde.
"Look. I'm risking quite a lot here."
"We all are."
I added, just to be clear.
"Yes, yes. We're risking a lot. But here we are. Because we're your friends—"
"Speak for yourself…"
I mumbled but Jessica ignored me.
"We ARE your friends. And… we're worried. You would have done this for me. I just want to know if you're good… and we'll leave. Promise."
She ended softly, and a feeling of surprise went through me.
Who'd have thought Jessica had this side?
Perhaps it's surprising to someone like me who just moved into town a few months ago.
Jessica wasn't as one dimensional as thought, which was true. I'd seen it in a couple of actions she'd taken over the time we'd been friends.
"Lauren…"
Angela finally spoke up in a soft manner, and my eyes went to the blonde whose lips seemed to tremble.
Huh…
"We're here for you. If you want us to leave…"
She walked over to the girl, placing her hand comfortingly on her shoulder and Lauren seemed to break even more.
Something was definitely going on here.
"We'll leave. But… no matter what's going on… we're here for you… friends for life, remember?"
I was beginning to feel a bit awkward amongst the girls, but before I could feel so further, Lauren burst into quiet tears, placing a hand over her mouth, shoulders shaking uncontrollably and Angela sighed, pulling her into a hug.
"Oh Lauren… what has happened…"
She mumbled as she brushed her hand through her hair and Jessica led them slowly to the bed, making them sit.
I grabbed her desk chair and gingerly saw in it. Not willing to open my mouth.
"Lauren… you know you can tell us anything, right?"
Jessica spoke up and Lauren hiccupped.
"I-I know. I just… why did you have to bring her?"
I sighed quietly, knowing she was talking about me.
Thankfully, Angela spoke up.
"She can be trusted, Lauren. Promise. She didn't have to be here and yet, here she is."
I bit my lip to stop any sarcastic response to that. Bow really wasn't the time.
Lauren continued to stare at her lap for a moment, before she finally spoke up.
"It started the day of the dance…"
Unknowingly, Jessica, Angela and I leaned forward.
"Tyler and I… we had… we had a fight. And so, I asked him to leave. But then… I just… I really couldn't sleep. I was angry, sad and I was just…"
She struggled with her words a bit.
"I was just… ugh! Mad. I snuck out my window, got in my car after my parents were asleep, and drove off to Port Angeles."
Uh-oh.
She sniffled before continuing.
"I uh… I was really mad. Why would he reject me?? Wasn't I beautiful enough?? Was I throwing myself at him??"
She looked like she was trying to convince herself and at the same time, she was hysterical. It was a miracle she hadn't women her parents up yet.
"I saw some bikers… drinking… and so I joined them… and then I… I… I followed one to a motel…"
I ignored Jessica and Angela's gasp even as I felt my mouth dry up and anxiety filled me.
Of all the things to have happened…
My hands formed into fists.
"We're you… raped?"
I quietly asked, fear rising in me and the room was quiet for a second, before Lauren shrugged, tears now running down her face freely.
"I don't… I don't know. I was intoxicated, yes. He kept giving me drinks and like a fool, I kept taking them!"
She raised her legs onto her bed, and hugging them to herself, shaking a bit as my eyes narrowed.
"Everything becomes hazy from then on. I do remember kissing him but… I don't really remember much after. But then, I woke up the next day, quite early, in bed… naked… and he was just… gone."
She let out a small cry of anger and disgust and this was not the Lauren I knew.
This was a… a broken caricature of the Lauren I once knew.
An harsh rasp on her door made us all jump.
"Would you keep quiet in there?! I already told the neighbors you were out of town! Keep. It. Down."
And Mrs. Mallory was gone once again.
It was quiet again, except for the silent cries of Lauren and the shocked looks of Jessica and Angela.
I continued to watch Lauren, and a feeling of anger began to cloud up my mind.
How could they treat their child this way??
How could they not take her to a therapist or psychologist or something?!
Her mental health was dying in this room?!
"Have you told your parents?"
Jessica shakily asked. Face pale and Lauren shakes her head.
"They already believe me to be lose anyways. After all… I'm… I'm pregnant."
This time, my gasps joined the other two's.
That early morning, as I finally got back into my room… my mind kept replaying everything from a few hours ago.
Lauren was pregnant.
She had been… raped?
It was obviously not consensual, and yet, she had followed him… but what would the court say??
What would my dad see it as?
Of course Lauren had made us promise never to tell, but… my conscience was eating at me.
And I felt pity for the blonde, unsurprisingly.
No one deserved to be treated this way… no matter how much of a pain they've been.
And just because Lauren begged us to keep it to ourselves, it didn't mean we'd allow Lauren's parents keep her indoors or send her off to her grandparents' like they were planning.
If she wanted to stay here, then she could.
AND… there was no way I could forget the biker…
If there was a way to get him… I don't think I could rest easy until he was at least brought to law.
He had his way with an underaged girl after all!
Trust me, I knew cases like this came up everyday and not everyone dealt with the consequences.
Our laws these days aren't quite as protecting as most think.
But!
I don't think I could let this go easily.
Until I could bring my day at least, on this… then Jessica and Angela were the two who would help me on this case.
Lauren deserved better than the seeming future that was being pushed her way.
Just because she was a girl, it didn't mean she was the one to live with the shame.
Of course, she shouldn't have snuck out to Port Angeles and drank with bikers, but she definitely didn't expect such a thing to happen.
One of the disadvantages of living a sheltered life, one might say.
As my eyes began to grow heavy, a million scenarios played in my mind about my life, and just how I planned to live it too.
Hi guys!
Wow!
Times have been really stressful. A family member of mine was in the hospital so I've been staying there too with them. Ain't been easy. Occasional tears and grimness but all's getting better and will be well so, here I am!
I even ended up working on a new TWILIGHT fic about fairies living in Forks. Might post the first chapter or so just because, lol.
Anyways, this chapter was a bit difficult to write but i really wanted to do it.
Really wanted to bring a little awareness to some things going on around today with this chapter. Some people really aren't as one dimensional as others think.
I'll be posting soon and summer should be starting up in about 2 chapters so we can get to see the Quileutes more often...*finally!*
Hope you look forward to the next chapter!!
Love you guys!!
