Say You Won't Let Go

Broken Eyes

Normani and I leave math class, walking out into the hallways full of eager students to leave and return home or go to any extracurricular activities. Today, we don't wait by the gym doors for Lauren.

"Wait, where is Lauren?" I ask, peering around. She was in science today. I mean, her body was in science class but her mind and thoughts weren't. She seemed totally out of it.

"She said she just wanted to go home." Normani sighs, leading me to the doors. "When I walk home, it's late and dark so Dinah offered to wait for me. Sorry, Mila."

"No, it's cool. I can walk home alone." I assure her, smiling softly. Back in Seattle, I walked home alone everyday. I'm still used to it.

"You're the best." Normani smiles weakly, something weighing down on her as well. She hugs me tightly, waving before walking toward the dance room doors where I can see Dinah waiting. She looks very distraught.

I leave school, walking off the sidewalk and onto the street just to get on the correct sidewalk. The normally clear sky is covered with large, dark, clouds. It might rain.

For a minute or so, I watch my feet. There is nothing else to really look at. I make sure to hop over every crack in the sidewalk, plant, and ant I see. Finally, I look in front of me. I see a familiar figure.

"Lauren?" I call out questionably, narrowing my eyes to try and figure out who it is.

The person stops, looking back. It is Lauren. I've never seen her so mopey before; I almost didn't recognize her. She sighs, looking away from me and continuing to walk.

"Wait!" I exclaim, running to catch up with her. She doesn't meet my gaze once I'm by her side, her emerald eyes fixed on the concrete. "You okay?"

"Mhmm." Lauren hums, nodding slowly. I don't believe her. Her whole atmosphere seems to droop with sorrow.

"You didn't seem very okay in science nor do you right now." I point out, gaining no reaction from the girl.

"It's just an off day." Lauren finally mutters, sticking her hands into her pockets. She looks so small right now. I want her to be better.

"Are you sure?" I ask, keeping my voice soft so it doesn't come off like I'm trying to challenge her or anything. I don't want her to think I'm the enemy.

"Definitely." She deadpans, still not meeting my gaze.

"Lauren." I whimper, my eyes burning gentle holes into her side-profile. It's not like my gaze is so strong, it's fire, but it is intense with worry.

No response from the girl.

"Come on, you can talk to me." I assure her, scooting closer to her. She takes a step away, putting distance between us. This is not the girl I went to paradise with. This girl is broken and hurt. Lauren was happy and alive when we danced.

Perhaps she is just good at hiding.

"You're my friend, Laur. If you're hurting, let me know. I can help." I tell her, biting my bottom lip gently. She doesn't lift her gaze off the ground.

We walk right past my house. I'm going to make sure Lauren is okay. I'll walk back home later. Dad will understand, I'm sure.

"What happened?" I inquire, my tone soft. Then I remember. Lunch. Austin's harsh words must of got to her—or maybe it's much more than that. Whatever it is, I'm determined to fix it.

I have so many questions from lunch. Why did Austin just assume Lauren was gay? Is she? That's the biggest question I have. Is she really gay? I've been holding it down all day but I need to know.