Can't have you.
4.
2 days after Emily and Kevin’s date, Lauren and Emily stood in the small bathroom of their apartment again. Just like before, both girls wore pyjamas and night gowns.
Emily sat on the side of the bath, looking through the big box of make-up that the 2 girls used occasionally, while Lauren stood in front of the mirror, playing with random parts of her hair. Screwing her nose up, she let out of sigh of annoyance.
“Emily, I can’t do anything with my hair” Emily knew that Lauren was annoyed because she used her full name which is a rarity for Lauren.
“Calm down, seriously. Do your normal hair style. It looks amazing normally.”
“Do you think? I mean, I don’t want to look like a total idiot if im not dressed up enough” once again Lauren looked in the mirror, a sour expression on her face.
“Yes, I do think so. I mean, would he really take you some where that you had to dress up loads when you’re so in love with converses and so is he?”
“I guess so, look, you need to leave. I have to change” Lauren shooed Emily out of the bathroom so she could change.
Half an hour later, Lauren emerged from the bathroom. Her hair clipped back out of her face, a small amount of eyeliner and mascara on and a pair of ¾ length grey trousers with a simple white top with grey waist coat. She finished off her outfit with a pair of white pumps and some costume jewellery. Simple but smart.
Making her way into the living room, Lauren stopped off in her room to grab her small white clutch bag, which held her phone, money and lip gloss. Walking into the living room she saw Emily, sprawled across the sofa, her fluffy slippers adorning her feet. Smiling, Lauren stood in front of the TV, blocking Emily’s view.
“What do you think?” Lauren spun around the show Emily what she looked like.
“Very nice, now can you move? Im watching Made.”
“Thank you. And im moving now, calm down” popping a chewing gum into her mouth, the bell for their apartment went.
Lauren skipped to the door, opening it she revealed Nick. He was wearing a pair of black skinny jeans and a white top. In his hand he held a bunch of daisies. He held them out for Lauren to take, before stepping into the apartment after Lauren had moved out of the way.
“Hey, thanks for these. Ill just go and put them in some water and we can leave. Do you wanna go and sit in the living room or something? Don’t worry about Emily, ill warn her you’re coming” Lauren smiled at Nick before gesturing to the living room.
“That’s ok. It’s alright, im ok stood here” Nick pointed to the floor not really paying attention before smiling at Lauren.
“Ok, well ill be right back. The flowers are beautiful by the way”
“Sure. They’re not as beautiful as you though” Nick blushed slightly.
“Thanks, ill be back in a second” Lauren was also now as red as a tomato.
Walking into the kitchen, Lauren pulled out a vase. Filling it with water she put the flowers in it before returning to where Nick was standing. Smiling at Nick she stuck out her hand, reaching for his, her blush returned. Before walking out she shouted goodbye to Emily. Leaving the apartment block, Lauren spotted Nicks car. His classic Ford Mustang Cobra stood out from the small cars parked outside of the girls apartment block. Marvelling at the beautiful car, Lauren smiled at Nick. Walking out of the doors that Nick was holding open for her, Lauren shivered as the wind outside caught her skin. Grimacing Lauren reached for Nicks hand, pulling him back inside she shook her head.
“Are you ok Lauren?” Nick looked puzzled by Lauren’s behaviour.
“Yeah, I just don’t like that cold. It sucks when you’re wearing clothes like mine” Lauren pointed down to her attire, wishing she had worn her skinny jeans and a jacket.
“Do you want to go and change or get a jacket or something?” Nick looked concerned.
“No, im fine. As long as I don’t have to stand out in the cold for too long anyway” giggling Lauren dragged Nick back outside, but walked in a slower pace to get to his car. Smiling as he opened her door for her she slid into the warmth.
Once Nick was in the car, he started the engine. Putting his foot down onto the clutch and accelerator the car purred. Shifting the car into the right gear, Nick set off down the road towards the restaurant. As they got out of the little street that Lauren and Emily’s apartment was on, he turned up the radio slightly. Lauren smiled as she recognised the song; ‘With or without you’ filled the car. Humming along to the music, the smile on Lauren’s face increased.
“I’ll take it you like this song then?” Nick gazed over at Lauren quickly before turning his attention to the road once again.
“Kind of, my mum’s obsessed with it. I mean, for about 2 years now, she’s demanded I put it on any CD’s ive burned for her” Lauren smiled remembering her mother’s persistence of having this song.
“Well, your mum has good taste then” Nick smiled but kept looking straight.
“I have good taste too. I like this song, just not as much as other songs” Lauren smiled again, this time remembering the play list that had been playing as she got ready, the majority of the songs we’re the Jonas Brothers.
“You have good taste too then” Nick smiled once again, this time turning his head slightly to face Lauren, but only for a brief second.
When they arrived at the restaurant Lauren looked around. Taking in the various types of cars parked in the car park, people walking in and out of the restaurant, the bright light reading ‘Village Idiot’ and the many men with camera’s stood waiting. Lauren blinked, in that second, camera flashes were every where. Sinking into her seat, she looked over at Nick who looked annoyed.
“Sorry about this Lauren, I didn’t think they would be here.”
“Don’t worry about it. How are we going to get inside if they’re all there waiting?” Lauren questioned with a confused expression on her face.
“We’ll have to walk through them. Im so sorry.” Leaning over Lauren’s lap, Nick opened up the compartment by her lap. Pulling out a pair of sunglasses he passed them to Lauren, “Here, put these on. They won’t be able to see your face properly when you’ve got them on.”
“Thanks, I think its time to go” Lauren opened the car door, taking her first step out of the car Nick ran around to her side. Grabbing her hand, he dragged her towards the restaurant, blocking most of the flashing lights that were there.
Once inside the restaurant, Lauren took of the sunglasses. Hooking them over her top, she smiled at Nick and squeezed his hand, reassuring him that having to walk through the paparazzi was fine. A waiter showed the 2 to a table in the corner, away from the window and door so that paparazzi couldn’t take any pictures of them. When they reached the table, Nick let go of Lauren’s hand. Reaching out, he pulled out a chair for Lauren to sit on. Taking the seat gratefully, Lauren smiled. Nick ran around to the chair opposite Lauren, sitting down he smiled at Lauren.
After sitting down for a little while, Lauren remembered where she knew this restaurant from. This is where Nick had taken Miley, even though Lauren didn’t know Nick at that time, it still made Lauren feel a little out of place and feel as if she was intruding on something special for Nick. Feeling her facial expressions change, Lauren quickly smiled so that Nick didn’t realise that she felt tense. Small talk was then made, while the two decided on what to order. Lauren let Nick order for her, because she couldn’t think about eating, she was just enjoying the moment. Once their food had been served, the two sat talking about music, what Lauren wanted to do with her life, how Nick had got into music and why Lauren had moved from England to LA.
“So you moved from England, and left your family, to go to college out here?”
“Yeah, at first I only applied to see if I had a chance, but the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to move out here.” Lauren explained as if it was not a big thing.
“So you must have done something pretty impressive to get a place out here” Nick smiled at Lauren warmly.
“I don’t think so. I got some good grades but I think I mainly got in because I made my self sound amazing in the application form. Only a few white lies went in, promise” Lauren smiled, causing Nick to smile while he laughed.
“So, im glad you got a place out here. If you didn’t then I probably would never have met you” Nick’s expression changed to one of upset.
“Oh I had plans, I would have met you don’t worry. I was planning on going to the last concert you done in England before I moved out here, but my dad was like ‘Don’t you think you should save your money for when you move?’ He’s such a kill joy” Lauren smiled at Nick again.
“Well, in that case, it couldn’t have been too bad if you didn’t move out here.”
After eating, chatting about random things that made both smile and laugh, the couple left the restaurant, hand in hand. Reaching the door, Lauren took the sunglasses off of her top and put them back on her face, not wanting to risk being seen in magazines. Holding on to Nicks hand tightly, they walked out of the restaurant doors and into the car park, which held many men and women taking pictures of the couple. Reaching the car, Nick opened Lauren’s door and helped her in, before running around to his side of the car and climbing in himself. Starting the car, he drove out of the car park and started off down the road. Taking roads that Lauren hadn’t been down before, he soon shook off the paparazzi. Driving along a road, he took the first exit off. Reaching a main road again, Lauren recognised where they were. Ten minutes down the road from Lauren and Emily’s apartment.
Instead of stopping outside of the apartment Nick drove straight past. Five minutes later he pulled into a space, by the side of the road. A little way up was a park. Climbing out of the car, Lauren smiled at Nick, before rushing around to the path and down to the park gates. Sitting on a swing, Lauren pushed her legs back and forth, making the swing move higher and higher. After a little while, she stopped and let the swing slow down. When it had come to an almost complete stop, she turned to Nick and smiled at him. A small conversation was started, this time about how Lauren had always wanted to move to California and was planning on doing just so once she had finished college. Nick smiled and paid attention to Lauren’s ranting and raving before telling Lauren how he loved her English accent, blushing Lauren thanked Nick and told him, how if she could, she would trade hers for his any day. All of a sudden it started to rain, standing up; Nick took of the jacket he had put on before leaving the restaurant. Passing the jacket to Lauren, he smiled. When she refused to take it, he draped it around her shoulders, refusing for her to get wet. Running back to the car, Lauren laughed. To Lauren, this sort of thing was cliché, but she didn’t care now. Getting in, Nick started the car and drove back to Lauren’s apartment.
Reaching the apartment, Nick pulled into a empty parking space. Before climbing out, Lauren passed the sunglasses back to Nick, who tucked them over his top. Walking around to the same side as Nick, Lauren stretched out her hand; taking Nick’s in hers she dragged him into the apartment block. Walking in, one of the neighbours smiled at Lauren, returning the smile Lauren headed for the stairs, opting out on the old lift that scared Lauren when she was in it. Once they were half way up the stairs to Lauren’s apartment, Nick stopped. Turning to face him, Lauren almost lost balance; Nick put his arms around her waist to stop her from falling. Thanking him, Lauren blushed. Walking up the rest of the stairs, Nick kept one hand around Lauren’s waist. When they reached the door, Lauren turned to Nick and thanked him for the night. Giving him back his jacket she smiled, pulling her key out of her small bag, she turned to face the door once again. Opening the door, she looked at Nick and said good night, he said the same thing, and then leaned in and kissed Lauren goodnight. Blushing Lauren said goodnight again before walking into the apartment, Nick turned on his heal, once again saying goodnight, he too was blushing. Walking down the stairs, he stole one last glance at Lauren before leaving.
Lauren's outfit for the evening
Emily sat on the side of the bath, looking through the big box of make-up that the 2 girls used occasionally, while Lauren stood in front of the mirror, playing with random parts of her hair. Screwing her nose up, she let out of sigh of annoyance.
“Emily, I can’t do anything with my hair” Emily knew that Lauren was annoyed because she used her full name which is a rarity for Lauren.
“Calm down, seriously. Do your normal hair style. It looks amazing normally.”
“Do you think? I mean, I don’t want to look like a total idiot if im not dressed up enough” once again Lauren looked in the mirror, a sour expression on her face.
“Yes, I do think so. I mean, would he really take you some where that you had to dress up loads when you’re so in love with converses and so is he?”
“I guess so, look, you need to leave. I have to change” Lauren shooed Emily out of the bathroom so she could change.
Half an hour later, Lauren emerged from the bathroom. Her hair clipped back out of her face, a small amount of eyeliner and mascara on and a pair of ¾ length grey trousers with a simple white top with grey waist coat. She finished off her outfit with a pair of white pumps and some costume jewellery. Simple but smart.
Making her way into the living room, Lauren stopped off in her room to grab her small white clutch bag, which held her phone, money and lip gloss. Walking into the living room she saw Emily, sprawled across the sofa, her fluffy slippers adorning her feet. Smiling, Lauren stood in front of the TV, blocking Emily’s view.
“What do you think?” Lauren spun around the show Emily what she looked like.
“Very nice, now can you move? Im watching Made.”
“Thank you. And im moving now, calm down” popping a chewing gum into her mouth, the bell for their apartment went.
Lauren skipped to the door, opening it she revealed Nick. He was wearing a pair of black skinny jeans and a white top. In his hand he held a bunch of daisies. He held them out for Lauren to take, before stepping into the apartment after Lauren had moved out of the way.
“Hey, thanks for these. Ill just go and put them in some water and we can leave. Do you wanna go and sit in the living room or something? Don’t worry about Emily, ill warn her you’re coming” Lauren smiled at Nick before gesturing to the living room.
“That’s ok. It’s alright, im ok stood here” Nick pointed to the floor not really paying attention before smiling at Lauren.
“Ok, well ill be right back. The flowers are beautiful by the way”
“Sure. They’re not as beautiful as you though” Nick blushed slightly.
“Thanks, ill be back in a second” Lauren was also now as red as a tomato.
Walking into the kitchen, Lauren pulled out a vase. Filling it with water she put the flowers in it before returning to where Nick was standing. Smiling at Nick she stuck out her hand, reaching for his, her blush returned. Before walking out she shouted goodbye to Emily. Leaving the apartment block, Lauren spotted Nicks car. His classic Ford Mustang Cobra stood out from the small cars parked outside of the girls apartment block. Marvelling at the beautiful car, Lauren smiled at Nick. Walking out of the doors that Nick was holding open for her, Lauren shivered as the wind outside caught her skin. Grimacing Lauren reached for Nicks hand, pulling him back inside she shook her head.
“Are you ok Lauren?” Nick looked puzzled by Lauren’s behaviour.
“Yeah, I just don’t like that cold. It sucks when you’re wearing clothes like mine” Lauren pointed down to her attire, wishing she had worn her skinny jeans and a jacket.
“Do you want to go and change or get a jacket or something?” Nick looked concerned.
“No, im fine. As long as I don’t have to stand out in the cold for too long anyway” giggling Lauren dragged Nick back outside, but walked in a slower pace to get to his car. Smiling as he opened her door for her she slid into the warmth.
Once Nick was in the car, he started the engine. Putting his foot down onto the clutch and accelerator the car purred. Shifting the car into the right gear, Nick set off down the road towards the restaurant. As they got out of the little street that Lauren and Emily’s apartment was on, he turned up the radio slightly. Lauren smiled as she recognised the song; ‘With or without you’ filled the car. Humming along to the music, the smile on Lauren’s face increased.
“I’ll take it you like this song then?” Nick gazed over at Lauren quickly before turning his attention to the road once again.
“Kind of, my mum’s obsessed with it. I mean, for about 2 years now, she’s demanded I put it on any CD’s ive burned for her” Lauren smiled remembering her mother’s persistence of having this song.
“Well, your mum has good taste then” Nick smiled but kept looking straight.
“I have good taste too. I like this song, just not as much as other songs” Lauren smiled again, this time remembering the play list that had been playing as she got ready, the majority of the songs we’re the Jonas Brothers.
“You have good taste too then” Nick smiled once again, this time turning his head slightly to face Lauren, but only for a brief second.
When they arrived at the restaurant Lauren looked around. Taking in the various types of cars parked in the car park, people walking in and out of the restaurant, the bright light reading ‘Village Idiot’ and the many men with camera’s stood waiting. Lauren blinked, in that second, camera flashes were every where. Sinking into her seat, she looked over at Nick who looked annoyed.
“Sorry about this Lauren, I didn’t think they would be here.”
“Don’t worry about it. How are we going to get inside if they’re all there waiting?” Lauren questioned with a confused expression on her face.
“We’ll have to walk through them. Im so sorry.” Leaning over Lauren’s lap, Nick opened up the compartment by her lap. Pulling out a pair of sunglasses he passed them to Lauren, “Here, put these on. They won’t be able to see your face properly when you’ve got them on.”
“Thanks, I think its time to go” Lauren opened the car door, taking her first step out of the car Nick ran around to her side. Grabbing her hand, he dragged her towards the restaurant, blocking most of the flashing lights that were there.
Once inside the restaurant, Lauren took of the sunglasses. Hooking them over her top, she smiled at Nick and squeezed his hand, reassuring him that having to walk through the paparazzi was fine. A waiter showed the 2 to a table in the corner, away from the window and door so that paparazzi couldn’t take any pictures of them. When they reached the table, Nick let go of Lauren’s hand. Reaching out, he pulled out a chair for Lauren to sit on. Taking the seat gratefully, Lauren smiled. Nick ran around to the chair opposite Lauren, sitting down he smiled at Lauren.
After sitting down for a little while, Lauren remembered where she knew this restaurant from. This is where Nick had taken Miley, even though Lauren didn’t know Nick at that time, it still made Lauren feel a little out of place and feel as if she was intruding on something special for Nick. Feeling her facial expressions change, Lauren quickly smiled so that Nick didn’t realise that she felt tense. Small talk was then made, while the two decided on what to order. Lauren let Nick order for her, because she couldn’t think about eating, she was just enjoying the moment. Once their food had been served, the two sat talking about music, what Lauren wanted to do with her life, how Nick had got into music and why Lauren had moved from England to LA.
“So you moved from England, and left your family, to go to college out here?”
“Yeah, at first I only applied to see if I had a chance, but the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to move out here.” Lauren explained as if it was not a big thing.
“So you must have done something pretty impressive to get a place out here” Nick smiled at Lauren warmly.
“I don’t think so. I got some good grades but I think I mainly got in because I made my self sound amazing in the application form. Only a few white lies went in, promise” Lauren smiled, causing Nick to smile while he laughed.
“So, im glad you got a place out here. If you didn’t then I probably would never have met you” Nick’s expression changed to one of upset.
“Oh I had plans, I would have met you don’t worry. I was planning on going to the last concert you done in England before I moved out here, but my dad was like ‘Don’t you think you should save your money for when you move?’ He’s such a kill joy” Lauren smiled at Nick again.
“Well, in that case, it couldn’t have been too bad if you didn’t move out here.”
After eating, chatting about random things that made both smile and laugh, the couple left the restaurant, hand in hand. Reaching the door, Lauren took the sunglasses off of her top and put them back on her face, not wanting to risk being seen in magazines. Holding on to Nicks hand tightly, they walked out of the restaurant doors and into the car park, which held many men and women taking pictures of the couple. Reaching the car, Nick opened Lauren’s door and helped her in, before running around to his side of the car and climbing in himself. Starting the car, he drove out of the car park and started off down the road. Taking roads that Lauren hadn’t been down before, he soon shook off the paparazzi. Driving along a road, he took the first exit off. Reaching a main road again, Lauren recognised where they were. Ten minutes down the road from Lauren and Emily’s apartment.
Instead of stopping outside of the apartment Nick drove straight past. Five minutes later he pulled into a space, by the side of the road. A little way up was a park. Climbing out of the car, Lauren smiled at Nick, before rushing around to the path and down to the park gates. Sitting on a swing, Lauren pushed her legs back and forth, making the swing move higher and higher. After a little while, she stopped and let the swing slow down. When it had come to an almost complete stop, she turned to Nick and smiled at him. A small conversation was started, this time about how Lauren had always wanted to move to California and was planning on doing just so once she had finished college. Nick smiled and paid attention to Lauren’s ranting and raving before telling Lauren how he loved her English accent, blushing Lauren thanked Nick and told him, how if she could, she would trade hers for his any day. All of a sudden it started to rain, standing up; Nick took of the jacket he had put on before leaving the restaurant. Passing the jacket to Lauren, he smiled. When she refused to take it, he draped it around her shoulders, refusing for her to get wet. Running back to the car, Lauren laughed. To Lauren, this sort of thing was cliché, but she didn’t care now. Getting in, Nick started the car and drove back to Lauren’s apartment.
Reaching the apartment, Nick pulled into a empty parking space. Before climbing out, Lauren passed the sunglasses back to Nick, who tucked them over his top. Walking around to the same side as Nick, Lauren stretched out her hand; taking Nick’s in hers she dragged him into the apartment block. Walking in, one of the neighbours smiled at Lauren, returning the smile Lauren headed for the stairs, opting out on the old lift that scared Lauren when she was in it. Once they were half way up the stairs to Lauren’s apartment, Nick stopped. Turning to face him, Lauren almost lost balance; Nick put his arms around her waist to stop her from falling. Thanking him, Lauren blushed. Walking up the rest of the stairs, Nick kept one hand around Lauren’s waist. When they reached the door, Lauren turned to Nick and thanked him for the night. Giving him back his jacket she smiled, pulling her key out of her small bag, she turned to face the door once again. Opening the door, she looked at Nick and said good night, he said the same thing, and then leaned in and kissed Lauren goodnight. Blushing Lauren said goodnight again before walking into the apartment, Nick turned on his heal, once again saying goodnight, he too was blushing. Walking down the stairs, he stole one last glance at Lauren before leaving.
Lauren's outfit for the evening