2007 - Lauren
She was alone.
It had been inevitable from the moment Mark told her he was in love with Cassie. Now, he came to her with those big puppy-dog eyes and told her how sorry he was that he was moving out. He wasn't really sorry.
Cassie had become somewhat of an obsession for him, and he worshipped the ground she walked on. Lauren loved that the feeling was mutual. Cassie loved him just as much straight back.
For the first time in a long time, Lauren was part of a family. She was made welcome any time at their place, but it wasn't the same at home.
She might have been completely alone if it weren't for the fact that Mark had left so many things behind. The garage was full of his stuff, and the only thing he took from his bedroom were his clothes.
For the first time ever the house was spotless, and stayed spotless as Lauren stayed away most of the time unless she couldn’t avoid it. There was always another night out, more drinks, another man. At least she had Leah for company.
The local park was a good place to walk when she needed fresh air, though the sight of the children in the playground made her ache for her own.
I have no idea how to have a real relationship.
The thought struck her a lot these days. All the years of floating from man to man had left her feeling empty. It would take the right man to fill that void, and none of them ever stacked up.
Then she'd look at her brother. He had been just as useless, but something inside him had changed. Now he was more domesticated than she'd ever known him.
Sometimes she dreamed the dream she'd had since she was a little girl. Forever falling. No one had ever caught her and she didn't think anyone ever would. This was her life.
The one thing that still brought her joy was her job. Brad now relied on her as one of the senior members of staff, and she thrived under his guidance. Not that he was much older than her.
She'd always done Mark's accounts, now Brad encouraged her to start up her own business, helping out other self-employed people.
"Aren't you worried I'll get wildly successful and leave?" she’d asked.
Brad laughed. "If you did, you would deserve it. I don't think you would leave though, Lauren. You've shown so much dedication to this old place. I'm glad I found you."
It would have been easy to misinterpret his comments, but he was very happily married with several children. He'd become a true friend, even if sometimes she thought he bit his tongue about her friendship with Leah.
"I'm sure you'll get more than enough clients for this part-time. It'll bring you in some extra money, and we can all do with that." He grinned. "You're a good woman. I knew that when I hired you."
His words meant a lot. He'd given her a chance when she was sure she would struggle. She'd received a settlement from her sexual harassment case. It had been nothing big, but enough to spoil herself for a while. It had been nice to have the support of her new boss while taking the previous one to court.
"Well, I have no intention of leaving. Not just yet, anyway."
For the rest of the day she had a spring in her step. Knowing that management were working to make sure she was happy meant a lot.
It made her feel not quite so alone.
"So, what's up with you and Brad?" Leah asked at the pub later on.
"Nothing, why?" Lauren ate another potato wedge. She didn't usually eat at the pub too, but she didn't want to get so drunk tonight. It had been a long week.
"You looked cosy earlier. I'd totally do him. He must be so bored at home with all those kids."
Lauren rolled her eyes. "It's nothing like that. He's helping me with a project."
"Is that what they call it, these days?"
"Just leave it alone, Leah. I'm not doing anything with Brad that I shouldn't, and I didn't think that you would suggest anything. You know it doesn't take much to start a rumour."
Lauren got up to leave, grabbing her handbag as she took one last wedge off the plate.
"Okay, okay, sorry. I just think he looks really into you."
"You think everyone is into me."
Leah laughed. “If I was into women I'd be into you. Why do you think I love tagging along with you? You're the one that attracts attention. I just ride your coattails."
Lauren shook her head, turning to walk away.
"Hey," called Leah, "what did I say?"
"I don't know," Lauren muttered to herself. "Maybe that you're not really a friend after all."
Her bed was calling, and for once she was glad there was no one to warm it.