Chapter 38

***Normani's POV*** 

"I'm dying, aren't I?" I asked. She nodded no, "No, not at all. I actually have great news". Lauren looked pissed, "Well....are you gonna tell us?" "Normani.....you're are actually perfectly fine" Ella said. "Do explain" Lauren said, sitting back into her chair. "Well, Normani threw up before anything had a chance to fully digest, like when you said saw tons of pills" Ella explained. "So why did I pass out?" "You raised your heart rate above average to a point where your body went into shock. It happens, and it's not out of the ordinary".  I laid back on the bed and sighed in relief, "I'm gonna live. I'm gonna live". 

"Normani" I heard Ella say, making me looking up at her. "I need you to wear this for the next few days" she said, holding up this odd and techy looking bandage. She came over to me and started to explain how everything works. "This patch will monitor your heart rate and notify us if anything goes wrong. If it does, come to the hospital right away. We'll know if you're having any stress and we'll call and help you regulate your heart rate until you can get to us". 

"Alright, when do I put it on?" I asked her. She smiled at me "Now" She said, handing it to me. I took off the sticker on it and was trying to figure out exactly where to put it.  Ella just laughed and came over to me, "Here Normani, let me help you". She walked over and grabbed the techy-bandage from me and then looked down at my hospital gown. "Do you mind moving....your shirt, a little?" she asked timidly. I nodded and moved the top of the gown down, where she slowly slid her hand against my chest. She slowly pressed the bandage onto my chest, and then pulled away.

"I'm g-gonna go while yo-you get dressed" Ella stuttered, stumbling into the door. Lauren and I giggled at her quietly and I waved, "Bye Ella". She just smiled and then walked out, and I could hear her cursing herself out in the hallway. "She really likes you Normani" Lauren said. "What!? No way? I'm not even gay. She doesn't even look g-" I stopped when I saw Lauren's face looking irritated. "How do you look gay, Ms.Halmilton? Do share, cause I get hit on by guys a lot. So do Dinah, Camila, and Ally". "I mean, you guys are like fem lesbians. I meant like Stud lesbians. She could be a few though". Lauren smiled, "Good answer...but she wants to knock boots with you though". I just laughed, "Whatever Lauren".

 Maybe she was, who knows. And she was a really nice girl who had a great career choice. I had great respect for her and she was girl who was on top of her hustle. "Thinking bout her Mani?" Lauren questioned, with a smirk still on her face. "Whatever, let me get dressed". I started by just slipping my pants on under the gown, which I then took off. I was grabbing my shirt and about to put it on, when I heard the door open.

I turned and saw Ally poking her head in, "Hey Norm-...". I watched her eyes slowly look down my body, and then right back up. "What's up Ella?" I said, and she shook her head. "I-.... I ummm. I was supposed to ummm. You got a.." she stuttered, blushing a little. I put my shirt on and then she sighed, "You have a visitor". And then in walked the one that persuaded me to smoke and go to the club. 

My friend Claire.

*****Lauren's POV*****

"OMG Normani! I came as soon as I got sober" the red-head girl yelled as she jumped on top of Normani. I just sat back and watched the scene, trying to figure out who this girl was and how she was linked to what happened last night. "I'm SO sorry I made you try all those things" the girl said. "It's okay Claire, I'm gonna be fine". Normani was SO nice. I, on the other hand.....am not.

I went over to the girl and grabbed her by the back of her shirt, and away from Normani. "What the fuck are y-" I silenced her by pressing her into the wall. "You did this to Normani? Do you even know what could've happened?" I growled in her face. She looked scared, and that's exactly what I was going for. "I-I'm sorry. I just wanted to help her" she stuttered. "Help her do what? Die? She could've died. And it took you time to get here because you were still drunk? What kind of friend are you?"

"Enough Lauren" I heard a voice say from the door. I felt hands pry me off of the scared girl, but I wasn't done ranting yet. "If they weren't holdng me, I'd mess you up". The girl just sat against the wall crying, "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry". Normani and whoever she was left the room, and Ella was holding me back. She sat me down in a chair and made sure she was sitting between me and the door. Hmmm, smart girl....Normani should take her number.

"Lauren, you can't just attack people. That's just not okay". I looked at my shoes and nodded, "I know I know. I just really care about Normani and I don't want her to get hurt. It's just...she means a lot to me". Ella nodded, "I figured you and Normani were a thing. You guys have a great connec-". I put my hand up to silence her, "Woah Woah WOAH, I have a girlfriend. Normani has a boyfriend....kinda. They aren't on good terms right now". I held up my promise ring to her, "Oh wow, I'm sorry, I had no idea. Congrats". Hearing Normani had a boyfriend made her looked a little sad.

I grabbed Ella's hands, "You are a great girl, and anyone would be lucky to have you. Especially Normani" I said. She looked up with wide eyes, "What do you mean?" "I see the way you look at her, it's really a sweet thing" I said. "Was it that obvious?" she asked. I chuckled a little and said "Yeah, lil' bit". "Oh well, I'll ask for her number and see how it goes". I smiled at her, "Good. And if she's not into you, whatever. You're a cool girl and everyone loves a sexy doctor" I winked. She laughed, "Thanks Lauren, you're a good friend. Hey, can I borrow your phone real quick". I handed it to her and she typed away, and then handed it back. "What'd you do?" I asked. "Added my number" she said. 

I saw a beautiful friendship blossoming. I decided to post something on instagram with her. "Meet cool people in the craziest places. Btw: She's single and loves the ladies. Plus, who doesn't love a sexy doctor?" it was captioned, with a selfie of us. So, things aren't looking great or terrible for Mani....

I wonder how Arin was doing?