Page 25 of Love so Hot

As we dash across the playground, laughing, I realize something. For the first time in forever, I actually feel like I belong somewhere. And it's all thanks to this weird, wonderful girl who decided to be my friend.

I push my peas around the plate at dinner, trying to make it look like I've eaten more than I have. The dining room is cozy, all warm wood and soft lights, but I still feel like a fish out of water. Lauren's parents exchange glances over their pot roast, probably wondering if they've taken in some mute kid who can't even manage a "pass the salt."

"So, Larry," Lauren's mom says, her voice gentle. "How was your first day at school?"

I shrug, my mouth suddenly drier than the Sahara. "It was... okay," I mumble, staring at my plate like it holds the secrets of the universe.

Lauren, bless her heart, jumps in like a conversational lifeguard. "It was great! Larry's super smart. He answered all the math questions right, even the hard ones."

I feel my cheeks heat up. Leave it to Lauren to make me sound like some kind of boy genius when I was just desperately trying not to look like an idiot.

"That's wonderful," Lauren's dad beams. “Was everyone nice to you?"

Before I can cobble together a response that doesn't involve admitting I'm the school's new punching bag, Lauren's off again.

"Well, there were these jerks at recess," she says, stabbing a carrot with unnecessary force. "But I told them off. Nobody messes with my friend."

I peek up to see Lauren's parents exchanging another look, this one a mix of pride and concern. Great. Day one and I'm already causing trouble.

"That was very brave of you, Lauren," her mom says carefully. "But next time, maybe tell a teacher instead?"

Lauren rolls her eyes so hard I'm worried they'll get stuck. "Sure, Mom. I'll just let Larry get picked on while I go tattle. That'll help."

I want to sink into the floor. Or maybe teleport to Mars. Anywhere but here, really.

"It's fine," I mutter. "I'm used to it."

The moment the words leave my mouth, I regret them. The pity in their eyes is worse than any schoolyard taunt.

"Well," Lauren's dad says, clearing his throat. "You're part of our family now. And we look out for each other here."

I nod, not trusting myself to speak. Family. It's a word that's always felt as foreign to me as quantum physics.

Later that night, I'm huddled under my covers, trying to convince myself that the creaks and groans of this unfamiliar house aren't monsters coming to get me. When a knock comes at my door, I freeze, my heart pounding like a jackhammer.

"Larry?" Lauren's whisper drifts through the wood. "You awake? I wanna show you something cool."

I let out a shaky breath, feeling silly and relieved all at once. It's just Lauren, not some creep from my past foster homes coming to... nope, not going there.

I shuffle to the door, opening it to find Lauren grinning like the Cheshire Cat. "Come on," she says, grabbing my hand. "You gotta see this."

She leads me to her room, flicking off the lights as we enter. And suddenly, we're surrounded by stars. Well, glow-in-the-dark stickers, but close enough.

"Cool, huh?" Lauren flops onto her bed. "I get scared of the dark sometimes, so Mom got me these. Makes it feel less... you know, scary."

I nod, mesmerized by the constellations on her ceiling. "It's awesome," I whisper.

"You can sleep in here if you want," she offers. "I know new places can be weird."

Before I can respond, she's darting out of the room. She returns dragging my blanket and pillow, throwing them on the floor next to her bed.

"There," she says, satisfied. "Now you've got stars too."

I settle onto my makeshift bed, feeling oddly safe despite being in a strange room. Lauren starts chattering about some dream she had about flying unicorns and pizza trees, her voice a soothing backdrop as my eyes grow heavy.

As I drift off, I realize something. For the first time in my life, I feel... safe. Protected. Like maybe I've found a place where I belong.

It's a good feeling. I could get used to this. And that's what scares me.

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