chapter 17

Lauren's POV

I ran quickly and hide behind a tree before anyone noticed. I looked over and saw Nic lurking in her combat suit. She looked my way but I quickly hid my head before she caught me. I reloaded my paint gun silently and took a deep breath. I jumped out from behind the tree, ready to shot but saw no sight of Nic. I looked around, keeping my guard up.

I noticed a paint gun pointed at me from the distance and noticed Ashley's smiling face behind the helmet. She aim it on my chest and fired but I felt someone grabbing me from behind and pulling me back to hide behind a wall.

I checked my chest and didn't notice any paint. I sighed in relief and looked at my saviour. Nicole winked at me and I smiled, bumping my helmet with hers in appreciation before aiming my gun at her chest and fired. She fell and looked at me, betrayed. I ran away, giggling. God, she's amazing but she needs to know that in this field, we're all enemies.

Today, Nic called me and informed me she's going to a paintball war zone with Rita, Rose (Rita's and Nic's neighbour and friend) and some guy named James who I've met before. She told me to join them and bring my friends as well. I didn't want to come at first because of how shitty I felt but Nicole insisted and said it will get my mind of things. I felt so lucky to call her mine because I'm having a blast.

I sat behind a wall and when I looked over I saw James sitting next to me, breathing heavily as well. We noticed each other and started firing on one another, both of us screaming. I jumped back and so did he, running away from that spot in different directions.

Well, wasn't that an encounter. I chuckled at myself and then saw Ashley running and her boyfriend chasing after her, who's being chased by Rita who looks pretty pissed and serious. Rose is running behind her as well, helping Rita catch lucas. If looks could kill, lucas (ashley's boyfriend) would be dead by rita. I raised my eyebrows and looked for a spot for me to hide.

I glanced in front of me and noticed nicole and Danielle standing next to each other, aiming their guns at me. I froze and saw them nodding their heads at each other before firing all their paints at me. I screamed and fell to the ground while they kept firing. I stayed lying on the ground with them shooting at me.

The game ended and I stayed on the floor while Nicole and Danielle took their helmets off, laughing at me. When they finished harassing me, Nic got on one knee and stretched her arms, carefully taking my helmet off before smiling at my nonchalant face.

"Hey sunshine. You feeling okay?" She asked with a loving gaze. I raised my middle finger at her which she laughed at. Nic stood up and Danielle stretched her arm out for me to take. I grabbed on to her for support and she helped me stand up.

Nic gave me my helmet and winked at me. I gave her a blank face, still mad at her for teaming up with Danielle. She kissed my cheek a few times and a smile escaped my lips. "Haha, you smiled. I'm off the hook." She said and I slapped her arm playfully which she chuckled. Danielle patted her back and said "Well, that was fun. Nice teamwork Nic." She complemented Nic but all she received was Nic's fading smile and a small nod before walking off.

Danielle sighed and I gave her a comforting smile. I placed my arm on her shoulders walking along side with her. "It will take time but don't worry, she'll forgive you." I assured her and she sighed.

"How come she forgave you and Ashley but not me?" She asked, frustrated but curious.

"You bullied her more then we did." I stated the harsh fact and she nodded her head, knowing it's the truth.

"I hope she'll forgive me soon." She said before walking off to take her combat suit off. I followed, doing the same.

After a few minutes, we went to our cars; Rita's car and Lucas's car and found the group surrounding the two vehicles, talking about heading off to McDonald's to eat some lunch. I went and stood next to Nicole who wrapped her arms around me, making me feel content and safe. I heard her whisper in my ear. "Look at Rita." I glanced at Rita to see her glaring daggers at Lucas who was having a make out session with Ashley.

I chuckled and turned to Nic. "Why is she so mad at Lucas? Did something happen in the game?" I asked, trying to suppress the laugh that I had when Rita said to Lucas, an evil smile on her face. "Stop sucking her white face." Lucas pulled away from Ashley and frowned at Rita, who nodded her head with a raised eyebrow as if saying 'back off'. Ashley laughed and walked away from the glaring two. She's clueless about the hate Rita and Lucas have towards each other.

"Rita's jealous because she likes Ashley." Nic told me with a smirk on her face and I raised my eyebrows in response. I didn't expect that at all.

"I thought Rita is straight?" I asked, confused since I remembered seeing her with only boyfriends in the past. Nicole shook her head and said. "No, she's figuring herself out at the moment. She asked me last week how did I know I was gay and we talked a little. Then I found out she likes ashley. Although it surprises me; I never expected Rita would have a crush on Ashley." She stated her thoughts and I agreed because truthfully, that was not expected at all.

"Alright guys, we're gonna get some food and then we'll hang out in my place. So, let's hit the road." James announced and we all got inside our cars; in Lucas car is Lucas, Ashley, Danielle and me. In Rita's car is Rita, James, rose and Nic. Before I got inside lucas's car though, Nic told me to join her since we're going to the same place and she wanted me to be with her. I smiled, agreeing and waved to my friends, signaling I'm going with Nic. They nodded their heads and we entered the cars.

Four minutes in to the ride and I regretted getting into this car; James and Rita kept bickering about Beyoncé being a queen or not, Rose is listening to some sick ass song because she has been dancing on her seat, elbowing me as well. Nicole was leaning forward from the backseat to switch the radio stations, trying to find a good song.

To make it more clear, Rita is driving and James is seating on the passengers seat. I was sitting in between rose and Nic.

I shook my head at the noise and turned to Nic. "I hate you. It's so loud in here." I told her and Nic chuckled at me. I frowned even more and looked away from her. I could feel Nic's eyes on me, staring amusingly.

A few moments later, I saw her leaning forward turning the radio off. She smiled at me which I grunted about before pulling her phone out and typing a few numbers. I heard a phone ringing and noticed James telling Rita to hold on. He took his phone out of his pocket and answered without looking at the caller ID. "Hello."

A moment of silence passed and James looked confused. "Hello? Who's there?" Rose stopped dancing and looked over at James, curious as well as Rita. I turned to Nic and saw her trying not to laugh. I smiled when I realized what's she's doing. The car was silent for the first time in the past few minutes.

She pressed the end call button and slide her phone back inside her pocket. I looked back at James to see his reaction. James looked at his phone and saw Nic's name on his screen. He turned around and looked at Nic, confused. "Why did you call me?"

"You guys were being too loud so I had to find a way to shut you guys up." She said, causally and looked out of the window.

James slapped Nic's leg and she shrieked, rubbing her leg as if she's in pain. Pffffff, yeah right. "You scared me!! I could hear my voice in the phone. I thought it was some ghost or demons shit." We chuckled and he turned around acting upset. Rita squeezed his cheek and he slapped her hand away. She slapped him on the face in return which he yelped and held his cheek dramatically.

Nic told about Rita's thing in slapping her across the face. Now, I think it's James problem now since this is the third slap of the day.

I faced Nic and I saw her smiling at me. God, how can someone be this beautiful. Her gray eyes glowed whenever they were on me. Is it possible? For eyes to look like that? Her and Jonathan have the same eyes, yet Jonathan's eyes never glowed like that. Not to mention that smile. That goddess smile. Anyone would fall for that smile. Her skin looks so soft, I wanted to caress it. I'm sure I am drooling right now but you can't blame me, have you seen her?!!

She leaned forward, rubbing her nose with mine and whispered. "Smile." I instantly smiled with no doubt. How couldn't I see how special she is before? She's so sweet and kind, little goofy but adorable. And how can someone be so dumb in life if they are going to work as a laboratory whatever that is she's in to. She told me she's gonna be working tomorrow and I couldn't be prouder.

I leaned my head on her shoulder, feeling relaxed with her lavender scent taking over my nostrils. I closed my eyes, planning to take a little nap before we reached our destination.

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I couldn't stop laughing as I exited the car. It was almost 4PM and everyone is going home. We went to McDonald's and basically got kicked out of the place. Why? because the beautiful rivals had a food fight with each other. If you ask who the rivals are; it's none other than Lucas and Rita.

It all started when Lucas asked Ashley what she wanted? When she gave him an answer, Rita quickly stood up and ordered for Ashley and herself. Of course, she didn't give two shit about Lucas and didn't order for him as well. When Lucas went and stood beside Rita, ordering his food while glaring at the dark haired woman, he tried paying instead of Rita but Rita pushed him off and he fell to the floor. He was mad, no, furious is better. He went back to Rita who was being thanked by Ashley and pushed her off of her chair. Ashley tried to help rita stand up but Rita was already on her feet, looking as furious as Lucas was, and slapped him with her burger. Yes, her burger.

It was a hard slap because his face turned to the side and mayo was all over his face. Ashley gasped as all of us did (Nic was laughing her ass off) and looked at the two off them while they had a stare down and that's when it started. They took our food which were on the table and started throwing it at each other.

Of course Nic being the heroine she is, took both her plate and mine in her lap, away from those vicious animals.

I smiled and kissed her cheeks for being a smart ass. She smiled back and gestured for me to open my mouth (which I did) and threw two fries in my mouth. While Nic and I were acting like lovebirds, The entire staff and our friends were shouting at them until we were all kicked out.

Now, Danielle, Nic and I were going back to my place and recalling what happened. We went inside and threw ourselves on the couch. Lucas and Ashley are going to lucas's place while Rita is taking James and rose home.

We decided to watch the walking dead because Nic had missed a million episode while not having enough time in uni. We turned the lights off to adjust the atmosphere into a cinematic one and I sat in between Nic's legs with my head resting on her shoulder. Danielle was laying on the other couch.

We spent hours just watching episode after episode, played videogames later on and ordered pizza. We needed our lazy time after hours of being out of the house. Nic and Danielle started to get along and they even cracked a few jokes on one another.

We stopped playing videogames and just laid down, doing absolutely nothing. We do act like teenagers sometimes and have a lazy day except for teenagers everyday is a lazy day.

I had my head on Nic's chest, listening to her heartbeat thumping on her ribcage. I smiled at the rate it was going whenever I caress her soft skin that is exposed under her tanktop.

I looked over at the clock and noticed its getting late. And I needed a shower before I go to sleep. I stood up and Nic looked at me unexpectedly. I smiled and asked her. "You want to come to my room?" She shrugged and nodded since Danielle is fast asleep on the couch.

We entered my room an I saw her looking around. "I'm gonna take a shower if you don't mind." I told her as I looked through my drawer to get some clothes.

"Don't mind at all." I turned around and saw her laying on my bed with her eyes closed and a smile on her well-defined face. She looked irresistibly cute and I had to hold myself from jumping on top of her. I rushed to my bathroom and closed the door before I lost control.

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Nic's POV

I opened my eyes, still laying on Lauren's bed and saw something that made me chuckle. A poster of Rihanna on a fully grown woman's ceiling. Why am I not surprised? I smiled just thinking about her.

I never thought I would be with Lauren specially from how our relationship was in the past. She hated me and thought I was a weird loser nonetheless now we're together. If teenage me knew I would be with Lauren after a few years, She would think an accident happened to me and now I'm having mental issues and being delusional. She matured a lot and I don't think I ever heard her swear.......She's clearly a better person and a lot smarter than before.

After minutes of just daydreaming about lauren, I heard the bathroom open and a wet Lauren appeared in my sight. She was in her pj's, looking adorable like always. Her hair looked darker considering she's a blonde and she just took a shower. She smiled when she caught me smiling at her.

"I always considered you to take long ass showers but I guess I was wrong." I told her as I laid on my side with my head resting on my arm.

"I don't like to stay in the bathroom for so long. Some people like to relax in the shower and take their time but I would rather shower quickly then lay down on my bed and relax." She told me and laid down next to me on her back. We were too close and I liked this position, seeing all her features up close and every beauty she had.

"You're staring." She said, amused and I leaned my head closer and opened my eyes wider as if I'm examining her even more which she pushed me away in response while giggling at my childish behavior.

I laid on my back and stared at the ceiling, smirking. "So, for a grown woman why do you have a poster of Rihanna on your ceiling?" I asked and she flushed in embarrassment.

"I had it there when we bought this apartment and that was years ago. I was still a childish hormonal kid and I didn't feel like taking it off since I'm too lazy. Besides Rihanna is hot and you can't deny it." She said and crossed her arms. I chuckled and wrapped my arm around her, trying to cheer her up but she still had that pout on her face. I leaned closer and whispered in her ear.

"I have a poster of black veil brides on my wall and I put it on just a few weeks ago." She laughed at me and smiled at my confession. I had a subtle smile considering she's happy again and no longer pouting like a  lost puppy.

"You call yourself a grown up?" She smiled so bright, I could literally feel her happiness shining within her.

"Hey!! Have you seen your ceiling?!" I pointed at the ceiling with a playful smile on my face. She shrugged and laughed even more. I tackled her and took this opportunity to tickle her while she screamed. She tried to push me away and cover her stomach from my hands but failed horribly and I smiled, hearing her angelic laugh. Her smile never left her face and I could see her tears falling from her eyes from laughing so much. I stopped when she had troubles breathing.

She took a minute to regain her breath again and then she looked at me with tired eyes and a small smile. She yawned and closed her eyes, clearly becoming sleepy. I stared at her and I never felt so lucky. She's the most precious human being and she looks so beautiful. I picked her up bridal style and she opened her eyes, confused but still sleepy. I removed my arm that's underneath her legs and pulled the sheets and placed her back on the bed, covering her with her sheets again. She smiled gratefully and I kissed her forehead before walking towards the door. It's time to head home.

"Can't you stay with me?" I heard her a sleepy voice say. I turned around and smiled sympathetically.

"I can't, I have to wake up early tomorrow. I'm gonna start working." I told and heard a small 'okay' leaving her soft lips. I smiled and turned around, leaving her room but not before taking a glance at the sleeping beauty. I closed her bedroom door quietly and walked downstairs.

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I got out of the elevator and sighed loudly, needing some sleep since my feet are killing me for walking all the way home.

I reached the front door and didn't realize that there is a shoebox right in front of the door. Wrinkles formed on my forehead as I tried to figure out why is there a shoebox right in front of the door. Did Rita order a pair of shoes online? No that doesn't make any sense since Rita would never buy something online. In her words 'you can't trust a picture.'

I shook my head, getting on my knees and realized the entire box was black. There's no sticker on it or what so ever. Absolutely, blank. An idea came up to my head and I thought what if it's a trap or one of Rita's stupid pranks. I won't know unless I open it.

I slowly removed the cover and placed it on the ground. I looked inside and found a matryoshka doll. In another word, Russian doll. I was confused what the fuck? Usually the dolls would have a smiley face on them but this one............this one was different. The lips looked like they were sewed shut. And the eyes had blood in them. What kind of creepy doll is this?

I took the doll in my hand and I was surprised to see how light weight it is. Like it was extremely light weight. I opened it and found no mini dolls inside like I would usually find. Although, there was a paper inside. I took the paper and placed the doll on the ground.

I unfolded the paper and found three words in the middle of the paper. 'open the envelope.' It simply said and I looked inside the box and indeed there was a envelope. Each second passes by, I got more confused and a scary thought came up to my head. I ignored it and ripped the envelope open to find a picture and a letter inside. I looked at the picture and my heart stopped. I breathed heavily, fear invading my mind all of a sudden. I felt tears in my eyes but I pushed them back as memories filled my head. It was a picture of Ryan and I.

Ryan......He looked so broken, defeated, fragile. There was a man kneeling in front of him, whispering in his ears which from the look of Ryan's face, it wasn't pleasant. I caught a sentence the man has said "где мои деньги, я хочу, чтобы мои деньги (Where's my money?, I want my money)"

Ryan's cries grew louder as I stood, paralyzed in my spot. I saw the man standing up and staring down at Ryan. That's when I saw the gun in his hand. My eyes winded as I was able to move my feet. Ryan saw me from the corner of his eyes and shook his head. I froze and stood still. The man raised his gun and aimed it on Ryan's head. A silent tear fell from Ryan's eyes as he closed them tightly.

He opened his glassy eyes and smiled at me. He mouthed the word run and then he fell to the ground, Lifeless, shot in the forehead.

I read the letter and it had a simple message: you will get what you deserve. You crossed the line and it's time to learn your lesson.

I heard a laugh coming from the elevator and when I looked over I found a man in a suit with a wicked smile on his face. I felt anger replace my fear as I knew that this man is the one who killed him. This is the man who killed Ryan and he's not prison. I got up, clenching my fist. I felt rage taking over my body and I ran towards the elevator as it closed. I banged on the door. "COME ON THEN. SHOW ME WHAT YOU GOT." I shouted but with no use, I fell to the floor. I realized something as I sat on the floor, that the war has just begun.

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A/N

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