Chapter 42

♡ Lauren’s POV ♡ When Bella and Simon were in front of me trying to get my attention, I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't realize it. It wasn't until Simon slapped me that I came back to reality, and just like that, my emotions became unbearable. As I struggled to breathe, my throat felt tight and my breathing became shallow. My chest was tight with anxiety, and I could hear Bella and Simon crying and calling my name. I could vaguely feel one of their hands stroking my hair, and I just realized I was sprawled on the floor with my phone just a few feet away. I took a big gulp of air and tried to stop the emotional scene. I plucked up the courage to pick up the phone and slowly pulled it to my ear as I heard my panicked mother calling me on the phone line. I answered with trembling breath. "Lauren, are you okay? ! ” My mother's voice pierced the phone, making me cringe at the volume. "I'm fine, Mom. Please don't worry about me.” My voice cracked even in my own ears, and I knew she could sense that I had just broken from the silence she had given me. "Oh honey, I didn't mean to say this to you. Only he wants to see you, and I don't know what to tell him. 'She sounded sorry, but I could hear her sympathy for this man, who was supposed to be my knight in Shining Armor, someone who would protect me from bad guys, someone who would teach me how to ride a bike, who was supposed to be my dad, but he wasn't, not since the day he left us. I went crazy just because she felt the slightest sympathy for him. "You should tell him to go back to where he came from, because I really don't want to see him.” I swore. My voice sounded rough, and when I heard her quick breathing, I instantly regretted it. Simon and Bella gave me a startled look, for they had never seen me so angry. I can't blame them, because I know who I am now. "He seemed to mean well.” She said gently, trying to make me understand. But I couldn't. I took all my frustration out on her. All I could see was that she was on his side, not mine. "Mom, you're just saying that because you still have feelings for the guy! ” I yelled at her and blood vessels popped out of my neck. Simon and Bella both gasped at my angry tone of voice toward my mother, which had never happened since mom and I had gotten along, and we had never had an argument, but now this man was trying to intervene between us. "Now watch your tone, Lauren, you're not old enough to spank!” She called back angrily, clearly feeling disrespected. I took a few more breaths of air and tried to calm myself down. My mom is not my enemy and she probably still has feelings for a guy who doesn't deserve anything good in his life. It's not her fault. "I'm sorry, Mom.” I apologized, and I meant it. She sighed.” Honey, it's okay, but think about it, at least for me? We can all come to terms, and your sister wants to see you. ' "I don't want to see her.” I said angrily. Why would I want to see my so-called dad one of the main reasons he left mom and me? He chose her over me, and he never looked back. Just like I don't have a chance to fight her, she always wins. Oh, who am I kidding? She already won, and she didn't have to try. My mom sighed, as if this conversation was frustrating her. "Lauren, please think about it.” "Well, I'll think about it.” I paused for five minutes before answering. "Thank you, Honey, and please stay safe. You know how I hate you being alone. You're far from home, far from me.” "She whispered. I know she hates it when I leave her. Like I said, we are inseparable. She is my rock and I am hers. "Mom, I've always been safe. Don't worry about me.” I said, trying to reassure her. "I'm glad to hear that. I'll call you tomorrow.” "She said happily. "Ok, Mum, bye.” I told her she was already worried about our conversation tomorrow. I knew she would ask me what my answer would be about meeting my father and half sister, and frankly, I didn't think I could answer that. "Goodbye, Honey. Please take care of yourself.” "She said strictly. "I will.” I hung up the phone. I took a deep breath and prepared to take questions from Simon and Bella. Their faces said it all. They were afraid of what I was about to tell them, and so was I, afraid they would persuade me to meet them. "Then tell us! Bella said impatiently, while her brother, on the other hand, looked a little overwhelmed. "My father's home.” I whispered to them, looking away at the stain on the carpet that I hadn't noticed until now. "Oh, wow! They were all breathless with fear. "And that's not all. They want to see me.” I tell them, trying to make them think it doesn't affect me. When I can barely stand, all I want to do is open my eyes and pretend I'm not on Earth right now. It's been a really bad week. Not only did Magee break up with me, but now my dad is trying to bring his unwanted ass into my life. "Who are they? Bella asked, confused. "He brought my half-sister.” I said it. "Dammit, are you going? "It made me look at her. I knew it would happen, but I didn't have the right answer. I get a headache just thinking about it. "I don't know, I mean, why would he come back after all these years? "I asked suspiciously. "Oh girl, I don't know, but I think you should meet them.” Bella said gently, trying not to upset me. "Why the fuck would I waste my time meeting people who have caused my mother and me so much pain? "I complained. "Well, Lauren, you don't know how much time you have. Nobody does. What happens to them if you decide to miss out? You'll regret it. You'll blame yourself. Think about it.” Simon said, which made me think. "I hate it when you try to convince me to meet them.” I sighed and knew he was right. "Plus," Bella said, "you can tell him something you wanted to tell him a long time ago.” "Curse him, you mean? "I asked. I already knew the answer. 'Good girl! Bella smiled. "Well, WELL, I'll see them, but if I regret it, I'll blame you.” I mumbled. "We'll be fine.” "They said in unison, obviously satisfied with my answer. "Want to watch a movie right now to take your mind off it? Bella asked as she saw me lost in thought. "Oh, of course.” I said, for the first five minutes of the movie, I just want to sleep. Today finally got to me.