My feet slap the belt of the treadmill evenly as I run.

Sweat coats my skin and slides down the back of my neck, disappearing underneath the tight top I'm wearing. Blinking the sweat that is dripping into my eyes away, I heave an exhale, slowing the belt down to a walk.

Cora is doing my fucking head in. I want nothing to do with her, but why does my body react like that when she puts hands on me? Is it curiosity? Is it my need to self-sabotage everything good in my life?

When the belt eventually stops, I lean heavily onto it, breathing hard.

"You good?"

I glance towards Constance, who is strolling towards me, her skin covered in just as much sweat as mine, her wild barely contained into a messy knot on top of her head. She's dressed in a stunning beige-coloured gym set that she apparently won in a giveaway. I would kill for a matching set like that, although I'm not sure I could pull off the set as her curves do.

"Yeah," I pant. "You done?"

"Yeah, just need to stretch."

"I'll stretch, too," I say, climbing off the treadmill and following her to the centre of the floor. We move our arms and shoulders first, before making the way down the rest of our bodies, twisting, pulling, and turning, trying to ease our muscles from the intense session we just put ourselves through.

It's been a boring week. Wren has skipped more classes than usual. He either blows it off to work out, smoke weed or literally sleeps until 1 p.m. I have no idea how he hasn't been sent to isolation or had some sort of punishment. I don't know how the system works here, but all I know is that I'm not jeopardising myself in getting out of here as soon as I can.

Tomorrow, we have plans to head to the lake party. Everyone is going to head home tonight, and all meet up at one of the public gazebos to have a few pre-drinks before we attend the party together. It's what has got me through the week. I can't wait to get out of here and let loose with my friends.

"What are you going to wear tomorrow?" Constance asks.

"I'm not sure, I'm going to have to go shopping in the morning to find something. What about you?"

Leaning forward, she touches her toes. "I have a top and skirt I think I'll wear, and sandals."

"Sounds good."

After stretching, you both pad back to the dorm. I shower, dress, and pack for the weekend, before trotting down the hallway. Wren greets me at the bottom of the stairs. I jump over the last step and launch into his arms. He lets out a gruff sound when we connect. My legs wrap around him and his chest vibrates against my body as he laughs. His arms tighten around me.

"Hi," he smiles.

"Hi."

I lean down and he softly kisses my nose, before offering me a slow, deep kiss that has me moaning, and pressing my hips into his. He tsks at me, pulling back, smirking.

"You can't do that to me in a public place," he warns. "I have no problem bending you over and fucking you right here."

My cheeks heat up as I grin back at him. Gently, he lowers me to my feet, collecting my hand in his. We are staying with our own family tonight–much to my dismay–but are going to go out for breakfast in the morning and browse at the shops. It feels so nice to have plans outside of these walls. Normal.

It will be nice to spend some quality time with my foster family tonight, though. When Wren is there, my entire focus and attention are on him, so it will be nice to see them for a while before I'm off for the weekend. I'm sure I'll be out late Saturday night and then probably hungover Sunday. I plan to have a big night, and I'm certainly not alone in thinking that.

We kiss our goodbyes, before parting ways. When I slide into the passenger seat, the familiar scent of a pine fresh car freshener, mixed with Harold's scent fills my nostrils and I smile, feeling comfortable with the familiarity of it.

"Hello."

"Hi," I greet him.

"How are you?" he asks.

"I'm good. Tired. But good," I answer. "And you?"

"Much the same, actually." He rummages through a bag on his lap, before handing over sugar-dusted donuts. "I got these for you."

My stomach grumbled loudly at the sight of the deliciousness. I've almost killed myself with workouts this week, I deserve a treat. Or at least that's what I tell myself anyway. Half-a-dozen are perched in a prettily decorated box, ranging from chocolate to caramel, and a variety of others that I'm not actually sure of the flavour.

"Yum!" I gasp, taking the box from him, feeling my mouth water. "You are not meant to be eating these."

"Not at all," he says sheepishly. "But we shall not speak a word of this."

Grinning, I nod. "Deal."

Harold drives to a quiet spot off the road. The radio hums softly as we each grab a donut.

"How's school?"

"It's okay. A bit boring at times. I've been working out a lot and it's made me feel really good. It helps deal with my anxiety."

He nods, taking a large bite. "That's good, Pumpkin. Wish I had the same motivation."

I shoot him a grin, before sinking my teeth into the sugary sweetness. I groan as the taste explodes onto my tongue.

Chewing quietly, I shift in the seat so that I'm half-facing Harold. He fills me in on the latest work drama. I shake my head as I listen. There's always something hectic happening with the staff at his work.

"Your office honestly could have its own soap opera," I comment. "And Lucy was caught with another guy? That girl needs a hobby. Maybe she should get a dog."

Harold snorts, dabbing at his mouth with a napkin. "I couldn't agree with you more."

I eat too much and give myself a stomach ache, but I feel happy and full, and just downright satisfied. After the bland meals I've tortured myself with, this was like Heaven in a box.

We dispose of the evidence and wipe our hands thoroughly before we get home. Harold takes my bags for me and when he opened the front door, he sends me a wink, before hurrying inside.

Warmth fills my chest as I follow him, feeling calm, and happy.

I've really missed home.

***

We wave to Harold as he peels from the carpark, his tires making a squealing sound as it twists on the floor. Sliding my fingers through his, I pull Wren after me.

"How was your night?" I ask.

"Boring. I did nothing at all except eat dinner and watch T.V. What did you do?"

"Much the same, but we played a trivia game. Turns out, I suck at trivia."

"I've never really tried it."

"I don't recommend it unless you want to get your ass kicked, and made felt like you're totally uncultured."

"Depends on the type of trivia. What was the subject?"

"80's."

"Well, there's half your problem right there," he points out. "Bit hard when we weren't alive."

"True. But still. I felt like I should have known at least half of what they were talking about."

Wren shrugs, his eyes scanning the numerous café's.

"What do you feel like?"

"Bacon."

"Bacon sounds good right now."

We find a small café off to the side that doesn't seem to be too busy. There's a free table near the window which we sit at and order coffee, while we browse the menu.

Wren is dressed in dark shorts and a white t-shirt that stretches deliciously over his taut muscles. Dark sunglasses are sunken into the hair. He draws his lower lip between his teeth as his eyes roam over the page in his hands.

I love being here right now, with him. It feels like we are a normal couple, with normal lives. And it's a great feeling.

We spend our time eating and talking, not in any rush to get going. I want to appreciate every moment of this while we have it. My chest feels light as I breathe in the fresh air of the world.

We roam leisurely through the shops. I pick out a pair of sneakers for Wren, and he picks out a similar pair for me so that we match. Harold, once again, was far too generous. I think he's just so happy with how things have been at home when I'm there, and how things are going to school, so he is spoiling me because of my good behaviour. As guilty as I feel spending money I haven't earned, I am certainly not complaining. I've never been able to go to shops and buy basically anything I want.

By the time we get to the main shop I was wanting to go to, we both have two bags filled with items. The shop is loud, the music volume so high that you can hardly talk to the person beside you. We weave in and out of the bodies grouped together, as we make our way to the women's section down the back.

I manage to find the dress I saw online and pluck it from the rack. I gather a few other dresses, and a cute playsuit, before making my way to the fitting rooms. People are coming and going a little erratically, but we manage to snag a free one, far down the line.

Wren casually enters with me and takes a seat on the stool perched in the corner. I raise an eyebrow, staring at him.

"Oh, are you trying on the dresses, too?" I tease.

A smirk tilts the corners of his lips. "No, but I'm certainly going to watch you try them on."

"Are you now?"

Leaning back on the wall, he threads his hands behind his head. "Absolutely."

Locking the door behind me, I hang the dresses up. I wait to feel the nauseating sensation of anxiety ripple through me, but it doesn't come. I'm comfortable with Wren, I don't have to hide anything.

Slowly, I step out of my sandals. His eyes lower as he watches. I kick them off to the side before I reach for my skirt. I slide it down my thighs. His eyes drink in every movement, darkening slightly when he sees my bright purple thong. A growl releases from his throat and he adjusts himself on the seat, his hand resting now on his crotch.

I pull my shirt over my head. There's a light thud as it falls to the floor. I unclip my matching bra. My breasts spill-free, bouncing slightly from the release. Wren groans again, his eyes ravishing me, making me feel hot all over. My nipples pebble under his gaze.

Reaching for the first dress, I slide in over my head. I didn't need to take my bra off to try them on, I just loved seeing his reaction to it. The dress slides on easily. It's loose-fitting, flowing over my body.

"Pretty," he says, pressing his palm into his groin. "But not tight enough."

I tilt my head. "Oh?"

"You have a gorgeous body. Don't hide it."

"I like it."

"You should get it, but not for tonight."

"Okay," I agree.

Taking the dress off, I hang it on the other side, before reaching for the other. This one is more fitted, hugging my body, and dipping low in the chest, showing off my breasts a little too well. My eyes land on my scar.

Be brave.

"Oh fuck yeah," he nods. "That's the one for the party." He pauses. "Actually. No. Every guy will want you. Maybe the other dress is actually better suited..."

Grinning, I do a twirl. "So, you like it?"

"Love it."

Glancing in the mirror, I stare at my reflection. My glossy eyes, flushed cheeks, and a dreamy smile. I look like a happy, young girl. And it's so nice to see. I haven't seen myself look like this for a very long time.

The dress is stunning, and usually out of my price range, but not today.

Fuck it. I'm wearing it.

Slowly, I peel the dress from my body and hang it up. Everything I try on, I end up wanting to buy.

I reach for my clothes and Wren shakes his head.

"Come here."

I glance at the door. Footsteps can be heard down the hall. Loud voices talking and calling out to others. The music isn't as loud in here, but still louder than it probably should be.

"Baby," he growls. "Now."

Slowly, I saunter over to him. His warm hands slide over my hips and I climb onto his lap. His fingers skim over my hip bones and plunge into my panties, sliding them down my thighs. I'm already wet from his words and his gaze. He glances down, noticing how damp my thong is, and closes his eyes for a moment, before leaning forward, dragging his nose across my sex slightly, inhaling.

"Fuck. I love the smell of you."

My insides squirm as I step out of my underwear. He kisses lightly across my stomach, taking my nipple into his mouth and sucking. I moan softly, pushing my fingers through his hair. He pushes his hips up, the friction of his jeans rubbing against me making my head dip back.

He shifts, one hand securing me, one hand fumbling for his zipper. When they're shoved to his knees, he springs free and I wrap my hand around him. He hums softly, his fingers searching for me. He hisses when he feels the wetness. He pulls his fingers back, and they glisten underneath the lights.

"Look how wet you are." He whispers. "Is that for me?"

I nod. "Yes."

Looking a little pained, he slides his finger inside me and makes a scooping movement that has me moaning and pressing into him, urging him to go deeper. His thumb circles over my sensitive area.

After a few moments, I scoot off of him and take him into my mouth. He exhales, fisting my hair with one hand, the other slapping against the stall wall. I run my tongue everywhere as I move up and down, making his skin slick with my saliva.

Slowly, I move back up, before sinking myself onto him. He groans loudly, and I slap my hand to his mouth. I feel wickedly powerful, having this much effect on him. I roll my hips, shoving him deeper into me and he bites my hand, his eyes closing. I shift myself again, going faster and rougher this time. He thrusts upwards into me, meeting my movements.

Sweat dots over my forehead and my legs scream as I push and move, but the feeling inside me is so good, it overrides everything else. His thumb circles me again as he rotates his hips, thrusting hard and rough, as I rub and move in the same rhythm. His breathing is hard and laboured as we move together, both working so hard, but feeling so fucking good.

"I'm going to come," he whispers. "Are you close?"

"A little more," I gasp.

He slams his thumb hard into me, pressing his nail slightly into me and I yelp at the delightful sensation. My orgasm slams into me with an overwhelming wave and I scream his name as I come. I feel myself clench tightly around him and he thrusts hard one last time before I feel his release spill into me.

I slump forward onto him, feeling dazed and spent. We kiss slow, and a little lazily, as we catch our breaths. A loud bang startles me and suddenly, the sex-induced fog clears and I realise we just fucked in a public change room and I screamed so that everyone else knew it, too.

"Shit!" we both say at the same time.

I wince, as I stand, pulling myself off of him. I'm a wet mess. My thighs are drenched, and I feel stickiness everywhere. I don't dare to look at my hair in the mirror. I'm sure it's a disaster. We shove our clothes back on and stumble out of the changeroom. Several pairs of eyes blink back at us in shock, disgust, and one lady truly looked speechless.

"Good day," Wren nods, before lightly pushing me past the people.

Wordlessly, I pay for my items and high-tail it out of there. My skin is so hot, I'm surprised it didn't burst into flames. We burst into laughter once we're outside. I shake my head.

"You make me crazy," I say.

"Good," he smirks. "Being sane is boring."

-----------------

Instagram: laurenj_22

Snapchat: laurenj_22

TikTok: laurenj_22