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Lauren

Everleighs POV:

I pulled up to Lauren's house, and got out of the truck. My legs felt like jello, and my heart thumped in my chest. I had no idea what I was about to walk into, nor did I know how Lauren was going to handle all of this. I slugged up the steps, and knocked on the door. I waited a few seconds, and then heard noise throughout the house. The door began to crack open, and a head showed through the wall and the door. The door slammed in my face. What the heck! I began to raise my hand to knock again when I heard the locks on the door start to turn. The door opened all the way to show a woman who looked so worn I almost didn't recognize her.

“What are you doing here?” Lauren said, staring at me like she wanted to strangle me.

“I came here to talk to you. Can I come in for a second?” I said looking at her back. She moved aside, motioning for me to come into the house. I stepped in, and waited for her to tell me to have a seat.

“How have you been?” I said turning around and watching her still standing by the door. She looked tired and beaten. Her hair was a mess, and she hasn't changed her clothes since yesterday. I was worried that maybe she wouldn't get any better as I have been trying for years to help her.

“Why are you here, Everleigh?” she finally moved over to the couch that looked like it was on its last leg.

“I came to talk to you about Alaska.”

“How is my girl doing?” She looked up at me and I couldn't tell if she wanted to cry or scream. At this rate she probably wanted to do both.

“She is okay. She is worried about you.” I said hoping that would set something off in her for her to take the steps to get better.

“She always has been worried for me. She shouldn't have to worry. I guess that makes me a bad mother in your eyes doesn't it?” she looked away and laughed. Did she think this was a joke?

“This isn't some kind of game or joke, Lauren. This is your daughter's life, and well being that is on the line. If you can't get your act together they are going to remove her permanently. State is already aware of everything that took place yesterday, and I can tell you they arent going to be very forgiving this time.” I stood there and let it sink in.

“They can't take her from me. I will find a way to get her back.” she hissed back at me.

“It's not that simple, Lauren. There are already steps being taken for-” she didn't even let me get the rest of my sentence out before she started to lose it on me.

“ They can't take her from me. They will not take her for me. I am in perfect condition to take care of my daughter that came out of my own body. I have raised her since she was in my womb, and I've done a hell of a job doing so.”

“ You think you've done a good job of raising your daughter? That's funny. You've done nothing but expose her to hurt in this world. She has grown up and watched you drink, and have s*x with random men for money. She knows that you sell a part of your soul every time someone new walks through that door. She has seen you do drugs like some type of food. She has watched you be beaten to death, and you think you have raised her well? You Have put her through hell.” I turned to walk out the door. I knew that this was a bad idea. All it did was leave me fuming. Before I could get to the door she spoke up.

“Wait! Youre right. I have put her through hell. I never meant to do any of this to her. I did have someone to show me what I was doing was wrong. I don't know how to get the help I need.” Her head dropped and I could see the tears coming down her face. I walked over and sat down beside her and put her hands in mine.

“I can get you the help you need. All you have to do is trust me. You've been like family to me. I'm not just going to stand back and watch you ruin the rest of your life. Forget about Alaska for a second and do something for you. Get the help you need for you. Not anyone else. Use Alaska as motivation to be better at being a mom. I have contacts where I can help get you into a program. I will even sponsor you. You just have to let me in. You can do this, lauren.” she looked up at me with tears streaming down her face. I held my breath waiting for a response. Please, I pleaded with my eyes.

“Okay. On one condition." She looked outside and then brought her eyes back to me. I waited for her to continue.

“If I dont get her back, ever. You have to be the one to adopt her.” and that was all she said.