I Won't Ever Hide Alone

Chapter 8: Agree To Disagree

"Julian. You are going to find yourself in a really bad situation." Kara had been warning Julian with this exact same line for 2 weeks now.

Julian and Lori became official 2 weeks ago. Yes. Boyfriend and girlfriend. Kara didn't approve of the relationship, because he was hurting Lori and himself going through with it. Not to mention, lying to himself and everyone else.

"Kara, I know, but it's been two weeks. I'm stuck."

"Why did you do this to yourself? And this poor girl. Do you really expect to make a happy life with her? Live happily ever after? With. A. Her. Get what I'm saying?"

"It just happened, Kara. I don't know what you want me to say. Maybe I can change. She is really great. Maybe she can change me."

"Do you hear yourself right now? She can't do that. No one can! You are who you are, Julian."

"Kara. I don't need you dictating to me yet again. I've had enough of you for the past two weeks harping on me over Lori."

"Because Julian, you're not thinking. You're just doing, because you hate yourself and want to please everyone else!"

That stung Julian. His stomach was in knots. He could feel himself getting hot with anger, "Yeah! Well, you're just jealous, because I have someone and you don't!"

Julian immediately regretted what he just said to Kara. He watched as her face dropped.

"How fucking dare you.", was all Kara could say. "I'm leaving."

"Kara, I'm sorry. I didn't mean that at all."

Kara left his room and bolted down the stairs. Julian followed after her.

"Kara, please! You know how I get when I'm angry. I didn't mean it."

"Fuck you, Julian." And she slammed the door in his face.

-

2 weeks earlier...

Julian and Lori were sitting at his restaurant, with both their parents, having dinner. Julian had just got done with his shift and it was pretty dead in the restaurant side. They could hear the bar side was full of life though.

Lori and Patricia had both went to the bathroom and Julian was alone at the table with his dad.

"So, how's things going with Lori? Do you like her?" Ben asked, curious.

"Yeah. She's pretty cool." Julian stated.

"I thought you might think so. She reminded me of you a bit with some things she was into. I thought, wow. She's perfect for my boy." Ben chuckled.

"Oh. Well, thank you Dad." Julian felt a little annoyed, but tried to he nice. He knew his dad was trying.

"So, did you ask her out yet, Julian?"

Julian hesitated, "Uh. No."

"What?" Julian's father sat back in his chair. "What's holding you up? You've been going out together for a month now."

"I know, Dad. I just... I don't think I would like to put a label on it. You know?" Julian said. Trying to avoid saying the wrong thing.

"Ahhh, I see. Well, you're old enough to make that decision I guess, but I think you should give the girl some kind of answer to what you two are. She sure talks about you a lot, and she seems really taken by you. Take it from your pops, don't leave a lady hanging. They don't like that."