Thread of Fate

Chapter 18: Lauren Jauregui

**SUGGESTED SONG: "Who Are You - Jessie J'

"Unjustified jealousy is the greatest offense that can be done to those who love you." -Anonymous

THE NEXT DAY

FEBRUARY 8 (8:00 am)

"Jauregui," Normani said when she saw Lauren leave her room. "Good morning."

"Good morning" was the soft response from Lauren who still hadn't recovered after the headache of the night before.

"Are you OK?" Lauren looked at her friend for a moment in her eyes.

"Why wouldn't I be?" she said in a sarcastic tone which made Normani roll her eyes.

"I don't understand why, despite the years, I still worry about you," Normani replied. "Many times I forget that you only care about yourself"

"Nice to talk to you so early," Lauren said heading for the elevator. "But if you'll excuse me, I have things to do and this time I can't be late."

"Is that a rose?" She said directing her gaze to Lauren's hand in which she held a blue rose.

"How smart you are," Lauren said sarcastically, stamping one foot on the floor with her characteristic boots, wearing a pale pink dress and her jean jacket as she waited for the elevator.

"Did your date go well last night?" Normani said with a smile, but Lauren didn't turn around. "She must be very good in bed for you to bring roses and everything."

"Stop that way and cut that shit right now," Lauren said seriously turning to face her friend. "You don't know her, and I ask you not to talk about her like that. You have no fucking idea what she is, and I'm not going to let someone listen to you and spread bullshit rumors."

Normani's eyes widened in surprise and she saw her friend turn around again, seeing the elevator. It was not the response she had expected from Lauren. She normally always played along showing off her conquering skills like she always did.

"Lauren?" Mani said softly but Lauren ignored her.

"I'm going to meet you in the lobby," she said without turning around. "I will also be late."

"Narciso is going to ask" Lauren turned, raising an eyebrow.

"And I couldn't care less about that," Lauren said coldly. "If he asks you tell him that I'm going to be late. End of story."

"Are you going to meet her?" Lauren sighed. "Do you have any idea what you're doing Lauren? Do not make the poor girl suffer, she is a very nice person."

"Tell Ally she has to start looking at the one-shoulder dresses they have to try on Shay." she looked at her for a moment. "I want that woman out of this hotel."

"Jauregui, Jauregui," Normani said, crossing her arms. "Are you afraid of Shay or is it personal?"

"I want her away from Camila," Lauren answered simply, and at that moment the elevator arrived. "Can I hand that to you or is it too much?"

"I can take care of it," Normani said smiling and giving Lauren a wink as the doors closed. "Have fun," she began to laugh, and finally the elevator doors closed.

Lauren took a deep breath inside the elevator leaning her head against the cold wall trying to make the little twinge of pain go away. She had left the hotel very early in search of the rose and to order breakfast to be delivered to one of the
hotel's gardens.

Then she came back to take a shower and get ready a bit. She hadn't gotten much sleep and she had done her best with makeup to hide the marks under her eyes from lack of sleep. She saw the blue rose in her hand and sighed.
Camila had told her that it was her favorite color. And against all odds, Lauren had woken up that morning wanting to surprise her.