Free Lauren (Keegan's Chronicles Spin Off) by Julia Crane Page B

used. There was a smear of pale pink lipstick across it.
    Lauren sat back in her chair and fought the urge to scream. Why did it seem like everyone was warning her against Tristen?
    Keegan’s auburn curls bounced with each step as she and Anna made their way down the long corridor. Lauren wanted to run and throw her arms around her friends, but, because of stupid airport regulations, she had to wait for them to clear security.
    Anna noticed her first and nudged Keegan. They both waved frantically as huge grins spread across their faces, and they picked up the pace.
    Lauren hadn’t felt this excited in a long time. She felt so grateful that they had decided to visit her. She needed this. Hopefully being around them would make her feel like her old self again. She had the week off from school, so she would be under considerably less stress.
    A fleeting thought of Rose drifted into her mind, but she pushed the strange meeting away. She just wanted to catch up with her friends.
    Keegan almost plowed Lauren over as she threw her arms around her. Lauren laughed and hugged her back, then took a step back to look over her two best friends. It didn’t seem like they had change too much. Keegan looked as cute as ever in an off-white, knee-length dress and a forest green cardigan. She looked like the elf that she was, even with her pointed ears hidden behind her curls.
    Anna’s style had toned down some since high school. Her hair was actually one shade, and it was a natural color for once—mahogany. Her pixie cut had grown out a bit, and she wore black skinny jeans with an off-the-shoulder fuchsia top. Lauren smiled when she noticed Anna had on her worn-out Converse sneakers. Some things never changed.
    “You look…” Keegan paused and gave Lauren a once-over. “…tired.”
    Lauren laughed. “Gee, thanks. I was just going to say you look amazing, but, instead, I’ll say you look short.”
    Keegan made a face.
    “Let’s go grab our bags and get out of here,” Anna cut in as she put an arm around Lauren’s shoulders, and they headed down the escalator to wait for their bags.
    As they stood beside the unmoving carousel, Keegan groaned. “I’m starving.”
    “Big surprise there.” Lauren rolled her eyes and Anna grinned.
    “Thanks for having us.” Anna butted her hip against Lauren’s. “I really didn’t want to come, but Keegan convinced me a change of scenery would be good for me. She’s probably right.”
    “I’m so glad you guys are here,” Lauren responded happily. She frowned sympathetically. “Keegan told me that your boyfriend is overseas. That must really suck.”
    “You have no idea. All I can say is thank the goddess for the internet.”
    “Technology does make life easier,” Lauren replied thoughtfully.
    A loud honking noise and a flashing red light above the carousel indicated that the baggage was about to come out.
    Of course, the first hundred bags weren’t theirs. Then Anna’s purple luggage came through and, soon after, Keegan reached down and grabbed her red plaid bag. They had learned long ago to avoid black luggage or it would take forever to find.
    Keegan pulled out the handle on her rolling bag, dragging it behind her as they headed for the elevator to the parking garage. “What about you—how’s your love life? Still with that hunky dark fairy?” Keegan lowered her voice.
    “Of course. I can’t wait for you guys to meet him. I just know you’ll love him.” At least, she hoped they would. She thought of Calvron’s harsh opinion of Tristen, and then Donald…. If Keegan and Anna didn’t like Tristen, Lauren felt like she would cry.
    “I don’t have much to eat at my house,” Lauren went on. “Want to stop and grab something on the way home?”
    “In-N-Out Burgers!” Keegan chirped.
    Anna laughed. “I’m so glad you’re not a vegetarian anymore.”
    “It feels just like old times.” Lauren smiled, feeling content for the first time in a while. “As if we have never