| Chapter 28: A Friend In Need Lauralee drove to her house, noticing that the lights were out. Grumbling, she went to the door. Some birthday… Not only did her mother have to work late, but everyone had forgotten, even Alex. And after I flew out to be with him… birthdays suck! She put the key and turned the lock. “SURPRISE!” “Holy shit!” “You watch your language young lady,” her mother hugged her. “Happy birthday sweetie!” Lauralee saw her mother, grandmother, Bianca, Laura and Veronica. She hugged each of them, wishing her a happy birthday. There were balloons and streamers in the living room with a big sign “HAPPY 19TH LAURALEE!” “I was so afraid you guys would forget!” “And miss our best bud’s birthday? Not a chance!” Laura smiled. “Why would we forget?” Veronica put her hands on Lauralee’s shoulders. “You should have seen the look on your face!” Bianca hooted. “Ha-ha very funny,” Lauralee smirked. “Well, it’s my b-day y’all, so let’s party!” “One thing though,” Catherine grabbed a blindfold. “We have a surprise for you.” “What is this? Hey!” Lauralee had the blindfold on and couldn’t see a thing. “All in due time Lau,” Catherine led her a couple of steps and stopped her. “OK, you know I hate being shut out! Come on!” “Ready?” “Yeah.” “OK hit it!” Lauralee had the blindfold removed. She saw a birthday cake, ignited with candles, with Alex and the guys behind it. She stood with an open mouth. Happy birthday to you Happy birthday to you Happy birthday dear Lauralee Happy birthday to you The boys did a wonderful rendition a cappella, as she stood there and smiled. “Go on, make a wish!” Bianca looked on. “Oh, I think my wish came true, but it is tradition,” she took a deep breath and blew out the candles. As everyone applauded, Alex ran to her, gave her a hug and picked her up. “Happy birthday baby!” Lauralee started to cry. “No, no tears. This is a celebration.” He wiped the tears from her face. “I thought you were on tour!” “Change of plans,” Kevin gave her a hug. “Happy birthday.” “Thank you all for coming. This is definitely a surprise,” Lauralee put her arm around Alex. “Come y’all,” Nick licked his lips. “I want some cake!” Lauralee laughed. “Is that all you can think about?” Bianca slid her arm around Nick’s waist. “Not when he’s with me.” “Alright, I’ll cut it.” ~*~ Lauralee sat at the college coffeehouse, a cup of Mocha Hazelnut in one hand and a stack of notes in another. She was engrossed in studying for her Media Relations exam, when she saw a gift thrust in her face. “What the…” Lauralee looked up. “Hey Elizabeth!” “Happy belated birthday!” she gave Lauralee the gift. “Mind if I sit?” “No, join me.” Elizabeth took a seat across from her. “So what’s up?” “Media Relations. Dr. Wohlberg.” “Took him last semester. Believe me, I know. So, are you gonna open your gift or what?” “Yeah,” Lauralee opened the gift and saw a set of music sheets with her name scrolled in calligraphy. “They’re beautiful.” “I figured you could use them. Besides, the whole world needs to know what you come up with.” “Thanks,” she put the box away in her bag. “So how are things going with you?” “OK, I guess,” Elizabeth looked around. “How’s… Robbie?” Lauralee took all of her strength not to cringe. “He’s OK. I wish you and him get along,” Elizabeth gave her a pleading look. Lauralee just smiled. Robbie was Elizabeth’s boyfriend. He was a rebel type, but in a bad way. Their on and off again relationship lasted for about a year, with Robbie constantly claiming he needed “his space,” but when they were together, it seemed Elizabeth dropped off the face of the earth. Lauralee was lucky to see Elizabeth once every two weeks if she was on with Robbie. “Anyway,” Lauralee sighed. “You going to the party on Friday?” One of Lauralee’s friends, Mike, who was in a fraternity, was throwing a party, and she was sort of the guest of honor. “Oh, I don’t know…” Elizabeth looked down. “I think Robbie and I are going out.” “Come on Liz, all of my friends are gonna be there. It wouldn’t be the same without you.” “I’ll try,” Elizabeth looked at her watch. “Oh I have to go. Gotta head to class. I’ll see ya later.” “Bye,” Lauralee called out as Elizabeth headed out the door. ~*~ The party at Thunderground was slamming. People were dancing all over; the DJ was playing some of Lauralee’s favorite tunes, thanks to her request. The bar was open, and people were grinning from ear to ear. “Now this is a party!” Laura handed Lauralee a drink. “I know. I just wish the guys could have been here,” Veronica sighed. “They wished they could but they had to go back out,” Lauralee put her hand on her shoulder. “Well, hello ladies,” Mike came up to them. “Some party huh?” “Thanks for throwing this shindig, Mike, It was really nice of you,” Lauralee smiled. “Only for you,” Mike smiled. “You know, we could have had a more private celebration.” He slipped his arm around her. “Only in your wet dreams Kazanski,” Lauralee laughed. “Well, at least give me a dance,” Mike offered his hand. “Now that I’ll give ya,” Lauralee joined him on the dance floor. The night wore on. Veronica was driving, so Laura and Lauralee enjoyed the beverages served. They danced and mingled with the crowd. Lauralee was feeling the buzz off of her fourth Sea Breeze, when she saw Elizabeth coming through the entrance. “Liz!” Lauralee waved to her, when she saw Robbie joining her. Lauralee’s face fell. “Great.” “Why don’t she just dump his ass? She could do so much better,” Laura said. “I guess she feels she needs him or something,” Veronica looked on at Elizabeth and Robbie. Lauralee went up to them and hugged Elizabeth. “I’m so glad you came.” “Me too. Boy does Mike know how to throw a party,” Elizabeth nodded in approval. “Hey Robbie,” Lauralee said to Robbie, trying to be civil. “Happy birthday Deverson. Wish I could give you a gift, but she already has it,” Robbie’s voice was slightly slurred as he planted a sloppy kiss on Elizabeth’s cheek. “Looks like you already had a party,” Lauralee smelled the alcohol on his breath. “A little bash I threw, in your honor of course. Speaking of which…” he headed to the bar, leaving Elizabeth and Lauralee at the entrance. “Elizabeth…” Lauralee tried her best not to let her rage show. “I’m sorry Lau. We were at a bar, and I told him about the party so…” “It’s OK. Laura and Veronica are here. Why don’t we say hi?” They went over to Laura and Veronica, giving them hugs of hello. “Looks like Robbie is having fun.” Laura motioned over to Robbie, who was downing a shot. “He’s not driving right?” Veronica looked on with Laura. “No, I did,” Elizabeth sighed. “Maybe he’ll loosen up a little.” Mike came over to the group. “Elizabeth, the love of my life!” He gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Hey Mike, some party you got here,” Elizabeth looked around. “Robbie’s here?” He motioned towards Robbie’s direction. “Is that OK?” She sounded defensive. “No, no, fine.” Mike held his hands up. “You wanna dance?” “Uh,” Elizabeth looked over at Robbie. “Sure.” Mike and Elizabeth went to the floor and the girls were having a conversation, their backs turned to them. All of a sudden they heard screaming. Mike was on the floor, with Robbie standing over him, fists clenched. Elizabeth was in shock. “Oh no! Mike!” Lauralee ran to Mike and knelt down to him. “You OK?” “Think so,” he rubbed his cheek. Lauralee looked up at Robbie with such anger she saw red. Laura and Veronica knelt down with Lauralee. “Stay cool,” Laura said to her. “Don’t you DARE touch my girl you hear me!” “We were just dancing!” Elizabeth was on the verge of tears. “Shut up bitch!” Robbie’s hand flew across her face. “Liz!” Lauralee went over to Elizabeth. There was blood coming from her lip. “Oh my God.” She stood up to Mike. “What the fuck is your problem!” “Shut up, or you’re next,” he snarled. “Don’t even think about it!” Mike stood up. “Get out of here!” “Who’s gonna stop me?” Five of Mike’s fraternity brothers stood in back of Mike. “They will. Now leave!” Robbie left as the girls helped Elizabeth up. “I think the party’s over,” Veronica said. “I agree,” Lauralee went to the microphone. “Guys, thank you all for coming. I’m sorry about this whole mess. But I think it’s time for everyone to go home.” Lauralee’s friends didn’t say anything as they filed out of the club. “Why don’t we go to my house? My mother isn’t there, and we can clean you up.” Elizabeth nodded as Laura and Veronica went with her to get their coats. “You gonna be OK?” Lauralee asked Mike. “Just a bruised ego,” Mike rubbed his cheek. “I’m just sorry your party got ruined. Think she’ll be OK?” “I think so. Listen why don’t I call you later?” Mike kissed her cheek. “Happy birthday Lau.” Lauralee left to go to Veronica’s car. ~*~ “Does it hurt?” Veronica finished cleaning up Elizabeth’s lip. “Nah it’s OK,” Elizabeth touched her mouth. “Liz, you gotta get rid of this guy. He’s a loser,” Laura touched her hand. “You’re right. He’s never hit me before. I think… it’s over.” “It’s not gonna be like before right?” Lauralee pleaded. “No, I mean it this time. I can’t go through this anymore. I have to leave.” Elizabeth let the tears start to flow. “I’m so sorry I neglected you guys.” Lauralee hugged Elizabeth. “Don’t be sorry. The good thing is you realized it before it was too late.” “Yeah, Liz. You’re free now. Don’t worry, we’ll all help you,” Laura leaned on Elizabeth’s shoulders. “Thanks guys.” Veronica smiled. “Anytime.” Chapter 29 Contents Chapter 27 |