When I Met Her....

The Accident

The Accident

Laurel's POV

*The Next Day*

Everything between Julia and I had been nothing but bliss since she left my house last night. We decided to remain very secretive about it all, but being together for me was all that really mattered.

"You seem especially cheery this morning." Steph says, pouring coffee into a mug.

"Do I?" I ask, feeling the involuntary smile spread across my face.

"Yeah you do." Steph grins. "Talk to me."

I look at the time on my phone.

"In the car." I say, "We're going to be late if we don't leave."

"Okay. Let's go." Steph says, looking at me suspiciously.

We walk into the car garage, and get into her car. We're pulling out of the driveway, when she turns and glances at me.

"Well..."

"So," I stall, rubbing my hands together. "We made up."

"You and the young woman from before." Steph ask, looking concerned.

"Yes."

She doesnt answer at first, and I start to get a little worried.

"You don't have anything to say?"

"I don't believe so." Steph says, suddenly concentrating deeply on the road.

"I know you do."

"I don't." she insists.

"Mom..." I say, drawing out the word.

As soon as the word leaves my mouth, I see her expression soften a little and she sighs.

"I just don't think its such a good idea to be back with same person that hurt you so badly before." She admits.

"I understand," I nod. "But I swear it's different this time."

"How so?"

My tongue gets a little tangled, because as usual I just expected her to take my word for it.

"Um...I guess we're just more serious. It's definitley long term this time around." I assure her.

Once again, it takes her awhile to respond.

"Well, if you say it's different, then I have to believe it is." she sighs, "I trust you. I just don't ever want you to hurt that way again."

She reaches her hand from the steering wheel and wraps it around mine. I turn my palm face up and twist together our fingers.

"I'll always be here to pick up the pieces if you fall apart again...just be careful." Steph says to me.

"I will." I promise her, leaning over the arm rest to lay my head on her shoulder.

She lays her cheek on my forehead.

"I just want what's best for you...I love you so much." Steph whispers.

I smile against her shoulder.

"I love you too Mom." I say, kissing her lightly on the cheek before settling back into my seat. 

********************

"So is it true?" Melony asks me, a few hours later, right before lunch.