Chapter 5: Reunion

'Lauren?', I couldn't believe my eyes as I welcomed her with open arms. 'I thought you were gone!'

I rushed over to her and wrapped her up in a big bear hug. Having her here made me feel all the more better about myself. I ushered her inside and closed the door behind her.

'I thought you weren't coming back', I told her, still unable to believe that she was standing before my eyes. I had to pinch my arm just to make sure that I wasn't dreaming.

'I didn't think I would ever come back again, to be honest', she said and shrugged nervously.

'Do your parents know that you're here?', I couldn't help but ask, knowing that the reason they called her back home was for her own safety.

'Believe it or not, I'm actually here with their blessing', she said and raised her eyebrows excitedly.

'Wow, that's great!'