Secrets

Chapter Two

Laurel turned around as she saw Jasons little brother Kian run into the room laughing and being chased by Jason. She smiled. It reminded her of her childhood days with Micheal.
She loved the loving atmosphere that passes when Jason is around his little brother, it was clear that he loved him more than anything and she was happy to be a part of it especially this particular morning.
"Come on Kian. Show Lala what you made for her" Jason said to Kian as he settled down next to Laurel on his battered couch. Lala is the nickname Kian gave Laurel as soon as he set his little hazel on her, it was too much of a struggle for him to say Laurel.
Kian excitedly hurried off across the poor looking room which only contained one table, old chair and the couch currently occupied by Laurel and Jason.
Jason knew he was poor but could do nothing about it. He struggled to feed Kian let alone himself but he managed. His father left them when Kian was born, the fact that he stayed for 11 years before that was already an accomplishment. His mother couldn't handle losing Jasons father so she turned to drugs and alcohol until it was the end of her.
Jason never reported himself or his brother to social services, and done a fine job pretending to everyone on the outside that he had someone to look after them. Forged signatures for school, call in sick on parent evenings. So far it worked.
The truth is, he was more than capable to look after himself and Kian. At least that's what he thought.
He's lucky to have Laurel though. He thinks that every time he looks at her. Shes pretty with curly black hair and beautiful brown eyes with those deep cute dimples on the sides of her pink small lips. She never judges him, knows his lifestyle yet stays. Not to mention her loyalty.
But lately she's been acting strange. Jason didn't want to scare her off so instead he chose to ignore it.
He put his arm around her and saw how calmed she looked around him in his little abandoned room.
He slowly kissed Laurels cheek and felt her turn her lips to his and embrace him.
Suddenly he felt a phone vibrate, as Laurel grabbed her phone and he saw Micheals name flash up.
He sighed. He had nothing against her brother, he just wished he would stop calling her and texting her every five minutes. The fact that he never even met him makes it worse, what if she was lying that it was her brother?
He quickly shook his head, embarrassed. How dare he think like that about his Laurel?
So he did what was best and left to check on Kian while she chatted for what seemed like an eternity.
Jason just finished cleaning Kian up after he spilled all the paint over his picture of Laurel and trying to cheer him up, when Laurel walked in looking happier than ever before.
"Nickis pregnant and hes going to propose!!" She explained excitedly, her adorable dimples deepening even more.
Jason always hears Laurel talk about Micheal and his girlfriend so this wasn't much of a shock to him, but hearing about her brothers life just made him think of something...
"Thats great... Ey Laurel, how comes i still haven't met him." He watched her smile slowly turn to a frown and wish he haven't brought it up. But there was no turning back now.
"Don't start Jase" She said firmly. Laurel never understood why Jason always insists on meeting her family. She explained to him already how her mum gets but he just wouldn't give it a rest.
"Its just that you know my situation, yet I still introduced you to Kian.."
"- its not the same!!" Laurel yelled. She always got mad at this subject but this time it seemed different, more serious.
Jason gazed in shock and then suddenly he got angry, how dare she?
"Not the same?!!? How can you say that when you know how things are with me you never understand!" He knew he will regret it but he didn't think she ever understood.
"You know what Jase. If you refuse to listen to me and keep insisting on something I don't want to happen then i have no place here!" And with that she stormed out, her pretty face all red.
Jason looked at the door with amazement, she never walked out on him before. He then felt anger overwhelm him, there he was like a fool thinking she understood when all along she's just ashamed of him. Too ashamed to even introduce him to her family. He looked back to see Kian cowered in the corner all scared like when he used to when dad came over to argue with mum and he suddenly felt guilty. His anger quickly defused as he went over to him. He decided he will take Kian to the neighbours who always looked after him when Jasons not around. Jason needs fresh air. Besides, they're running out of supplies, he needs to make money quick or they will starve.