Lauren Harper sighed as she looked at herself in the mirror. She couldn't remember the last time she had bothered to do her blond hair up or even put lipstick on. Or put a dress on for that matter. Her normal clothes consisted of her work uniform and maybe a nice tee shirt and jeans when she was off work. Sometimes it was just sweatpants and an okay shirt. Wearing the red dress seemed so out of place for her. Lauren almost didn't recognize herself.<br/><br/>"You look really pretty, Mommy."<br/><br/>Her five year old daughter, Paige, told her. Lauren smiled at her child, who sitting on the bed, watching her get ready. Paige was a miniature version of her. The same blond hair and blue eyes, Paige had taken after her mother in looks.<br/><br/>"Thank you, sweetie."<br/><br/>Lauren couldn't remember the last time she had went out. It had probably been years. Dustin, her ex and Paige's deadbeat father, didn't take her out often. A meal out was fast food. About the only thing they could usually afford when he was mostly in between jobs and Lauren was struggling to keep their heads above water. Her mother smiled at her from the doorway.<br/><br/>"Paige's right, you look very nice, dear."<br/><br/>"Thanks, Mom. Are you sure you don't mind watching her? I mean, I don't have to go."<br/><br/>Lauren replied and her mother replied.<br/><br/>"It's fine. You work so hard, you deserve to have some fun tonight."<br/><br/>Tonight was her high school reunion. Lauren had the night off and both her parents suggested that she should go. See her old friends, catch up on old times, have some fun. After the last year of her life, she was certainly entitled to it. Still, Lauren felt bad. She depended on her parents so much already. After Dustin left, he had left her broke and she hadn't been able to pay the bills on her own. She and Paige had lost their home and were forced to move into her parents' house. Sharing her old bedroom, the house was so small. Her parents watched Paige when Lauren had to work. She was trying to get back on her feet, but it was hard. Especially when your asshole ex destroyed your credit along with breaking your heart and his child's heart at the same time.<br/><br/>Her mother could see that Lauren was still struggling with the idea of having a night to herself. She was a good mother, if Lauren wasn't working, she was with Paige.<br/><br/>"It'll be fine. Paige and I are going have to lots of fun tonight."<br/><br/>"Yeah! Lots and lots of fun, Mommy."<br/><br/>Paige agreed with a happy grin.<br/><br/>"Alright, if you're sure."<br/><br/>Her mother and Paige both assured her they were. She gave her mom a hug and kissed her daughter goodbye. She told Paige that she loved her and to be good for her grandmother. Paige replied she would be. After saying her goodbyes, Lauren headed to her old high school. She wondered if any of friends who she had lost touch with over the years would be there.