The Summers After

Chapter 15

*The Next Day*

Laurel's POV

Beck and I got home really late last night. Now I have a really bad hangover, maybe Jeremiah can make me one of his smoothies.

I went downstairs to the kitchen, Jere, Taylor, Steven, and Shayla are there.

"Good morning" I say, they all said it back

"Here Laurel" Jere said handing me a cup

"Thanks" I guess he knew that his mom and I were going to drink last night.

I drank it and went back upstairs to change, I put on a simple green shirt and black shorts. I was washing my face when I got a text.

Laurel's Phone:

John. Are you coming up for the fourth?

Yep

Actually I am heading down there tomorrow. See you then.

*Read a week ago*

Laurel, can I take you out for lunch?

Sure

What time?

Let's say 12

Ok

—------------------------

I went into Beck's room and showed her the text. It was around 10:30 so she started helping me get ready. I picked out a simple black sundress and flats to match. She helped me curl my hair and put make-up on.

"You look gorgeous," Beck said while standing in front of the mirror in her room.

"Thanks Beck" I replied

To be honest I was never into the whole girly makeup and clothes thing. I didn't recognize the person looking back at me. But, maybe this is the new me, trying different things is important. This is my way of moving forward, I kind of enjoyed that new feeling.

She kissed my forehead and pushed me out the door, "Go before your late, he is waiting for you"

I laughed and went downstairs. All the kids had gone to the country club to practice for the volleyball tournament.

Adam was sitting in the living room. "You look nice," he said, turning around. "Thanks" I replied, "Give him a chance. I know he has messed up, but he really loves you" he said softly.

"I know, I will" I answered, he gave me a quick hug and I walked out to John's car.

He got out and opened the passenger door for me. "Thank you" I said, "No problem."

The drive to the restaurant was silent, it took us around 30 minutes to get there.

When we got there we sat down and ordered an appetizer and drinks.

"Laur"

"Yes" I answered

"I'm sorry"

"Don't be, you were right" I lied and put my hand under the table because it was shaking

He grabbed my hand and said "I was worried about screwing everything up like I did last time. We are just starting to become friends and everything is so good. I love you, I can't stand to be without you and longer. Will you please forgi.."

I cut him off and kissed him passionately on the lips. When I pulled away he said "Wow. I..I don't know what to say"

I smiled "I will talk then", "I love you too. And I want to be together but we have to take it slow. Not rush into anything, I do want to tell the kids when we get back. I can't keep anything from them, they are old enough to know the truth."

"You got it" he said smiling, he gave me another kiss before we started to eat.

We got into the car and started to drive home, it was around two when we got back. As we pulled up the driveway I said "I had a lovely time. Will you let me tell the kids?"

"Of course" he replied

We went inside and sat next to each other in the living room. Belly, Conrad, and Steven were sitting on the couch playing video games.

"Hi mom" Belly said

"Hi" I replied

"Oh come on" Steven said when he crashed

"Can you guys turn that off for a second?" John asked

"Sure" Conrad said turning the tv off

They all turned to us, I looked at John and he nodded his head. "I know there has been a lot going on this summer. And this might seem kind of sudden, but we have been thinking about this for a while. John and I are getting back together." I said

Belly's face immediately turned into a smile, she got up and hugged me and John "That's great mom". "I am so happy for you guys" Con said, getting up to give me a hug and shake John's hand. Steven walked over to John and gave him a hug, and then gave me a hug.

"We are going to take things slow and not rush into anything. Laurel just really wanted to let you guys know today." John said

"Thanks mom and dad for telling us" Steven said

I grabbed John's hand and we went to go tell the others.