Growing up (MWL's sequel)✔️

22. 'I sensed some tension here'

Chapter Twenty-Two.

"We need to talk." Hearing that phrase is scary but hearing from your best friend is dreadful. Why? Because you know your best friend knows how frightening is to hear it and she wouldn't use it if there wasn't a serious issue. I followed Lau into my room. We just got home to pick up my stuff and leave for the trip.

I picked up my back bag to start shoving things in it, "What is it?" I asked rather worried.  

Lau grasped some things to help me pack, "Don't get mad."

"Lau," I turned to her, "What is it?"

"Shane is coming with us," she muttered but I heard her alright.

"What?"

"He got us the cabin, its his family's property." She explained in a rush, "We couldn't leave him behind. It's wrong, he's our friend."

"I know that but he's the reason Evan and I broke up." I said exasperated.

"He's still our friend." She protested. I could feel an argument coming up.

"He should've thought about that before kissing me against my will. He made a mistake, we can't just go on and pretend it didn't happen,"

Lau folded her arms across her chest, "That's not fair, Jules.  You kissed him back. You made a mistake, too."

Her words caught me off guard, "It's not the same, I-"

"Yes, it is. I'm sorry but I can't just let you blame it all on him. I can't keep watching you act all high and mighty when you're as guilty as Shane is."

I stared at her, mouth wide open, "I can't believe you're taking his side when he almost destroyed my relation-ship."

"No, you almost destroy your relation-ship." She pointed me, raising her voice, "I know Shane is not a saint but he's not the only one to blame for what happened. It's time for you to take responsibility for your mistakes as well. It's time to grow up."

"Grow up?" I gave her a sarcastic laugh, "Are you serious lecturing me about maturity? You can't even tell if you love the guy you're dating and you have unknown feelings for Jason."

"Wow, you're so desperate not see your mistakes that you're willing to bring that up to shut me up but guess what?" she came closer, "It's not gonna work, Julie Ann. I'm your best friend, and I will tell you when you're wrong even if you stop talking to me after it."

"I'm not wrong!" I yelled at her, "A guy kissed me against my will, how can that be my fault? You're insane."

"You kissed him back!" she retorted.

"It was out of pity and you know that."

"It doesn't matter. It still gave him hope."

"That's not on me. He knew I had a boyfriend, he knew I didn't reciprocate his feelings. I was pretty clear with him."

Lau huffed, "Clear? Kissing him back isn't clearing anything for him or anyone. Why would you do that?"

"I pitied him! That was all!"

"That's not all and we both know that, Jules. You can't hide behind pity,"

I frowned, "What's that supposed to me?"

"You're attracted to him!" she accused seriously, leaving me speechless, "There, I said it. You are attracted to Shane and you kissed him because you wanted to, not because you pity him. Admit it and move the fuck on!"

"you're wrong!"

"Am I? You love Evan but that doesn't mean you won't feel attracted to someone else. You're human." She gestured me with her hands, "Loving someone is not about not feeling attracted to anyone else, love is about choosing that person over everyone else you may feel attracted to."