Chapter 20
Eric woke up the next day and found Laurel in the kitchen, quietly trying to fix something to eat.
"Hey… good morning big sis" he greeted softly.
She didn't respond.
He hesitated, then added, "I'll be on my way to school."
Still, no reply. She didn't even turn.
Eric glanced at Nicholas, confused, then quietly left the house.
Nicholas walked up behind Laurel.
"You know you don't have to be so harsh on him, right?" he said gently. "He's just feeling guilty right now."
Laurel didn't look at him.
"You're not just his sister, Laurel. You're his friend. His best friend. He tells you everything."
"Yeah," she said coldly. "But he still lied, didn't he?"
"That was to protect you," Nicholas replied. "And I'm sure you would've done the same."
If you were in his situation.
"I don't lie, Nicholas. I don't."
A pause.
"Okay," he said quietly. "So you just don't talk. And that's very much like lying too."
Laurel stopped walking.
"I did something last night," Nicholas added.
She turned slightly. "What do you mean, what have you done this time?"
"I told him everything that happened after the accident including especially in Korean ."
Her expression dropped. "The fuck, Nicholas. Why would you do that?"
"Because he deserve to know."
"And you think you can make that decision for me?" Her voice rose. "He is my brother. I will decide what I tell him and when. You had no right. Absolutely no right."
Laurel looked exhausted… and scared.
Then she stormed out.
Nicholas exhaled, watching her go, before heading to the driveway.
At work, Laurel tried to focus, but Madison noticed immediately.
"What happened to you, boss?" she asked, sitting nearby.
"Nothing," Laurel replied flatly.
"That face doesn't look like nothing. It's terrifying."
Laurel stayed silent.
"Am I really harsh?" she suddenly asked.
"Why are you asking? Did someone say something?"
"No need, Madison. Just continue your work."
"I don't think so," Madison said softly. "You're just someone who sets boundaries… in a good way. If you were truly harsh, people wouldn't choose to work with you instead of Charlie."
She smiled faintly. "You're blunt, yes. But you have a good heart."
Laurel nodded slightly.
When she got home later, Eric was sitting on the couch.
"Can we talk?" he asked.
"I'm tired," she said. "I have work early tomorrow."
She moved toward the stairs.
Eric stood quickly, stepping in front of her.
"Please," he said.
Laurel exhaled. "What is it, Eric?"
Then he pulled her into a hug.
"I'm sorry," he whispered. "I'm sorry I lied to you… sorry I was stupid enough not to see your fears. I'm sorry, that i didn't listen to you."
Laurel's hands slowly dropped.
"I should be the one apologizing," she said quietly. "I was too violent that night. It won't happen again."
She tried to leave, but Eric held her gently.
"I still love you," he said, voice breaking. "Violent or not… cold or kind… rich or poor… regardless what other other people say, you're the only family I have."
He shook slightly as he cried. "Whatever happened when I wasn't with you I want you to know that I will always still chose you.
So please… don't shut me out. Don't stay silent with me."
Laurel closed her eyes.
"I'm not mad at you," she said softly. "If anything, I'm mad at myself… for lashing out. For how I acted this morning toward you and Nicholas. I know you were just trying to help."
"Nicholas didn't do anything wrong," Eric said quickly. "Please don't stay mad at him."
"I'm not," she replied looking around. "Where is he?"
"He went back to Korea."
"Why?"
"He thought he crossed a boundary… so he left."
Laurel sighed.
"I really don't want you two fighting because of me," Eric said. "He's a good guy."
"So you don't find him annoying anymore?" she teased faintly.
Eric let out a small breath. "No". He replied looking serious.
"I'll call him."
He stepped back slightly, his mood lifting.
"Now go shower. I made your favorite."
Laurel raised a brow. "Hope it's edible."
A faint smile formed as she walked upstair and changed into something more comfortable.
She sat on her bed, took her phone, and dialed Nicholas.
"Hey," she said when he picked up.
"You left," she added.
There was a short pause on the other end.
"After everything i said and vibes in the morning, I figured you guys needed space."
"That's your reason?" she asked.
"Yes". He answered.
"I'm sorry about what I said this morning… I really shouldn't have. And honestly… I should be thanking you. You did something even I didn't know how to do."
Nicholas blinked slightly.
"What did you just say? Am I dreaming, or did I just hear Laurel say 'sorry' and 'thank you' in the same day?"
"Say it again, I need to record it."
"I can tell you're in a mood for jokes," she replied flatly.
"So… are you coming back or what?"
"No, Laurel."
"You said you weren't angry anymore."
"I was never angry at you," he said calmly. "It's just… I have a new project. I need to help Andrew with his company."
"Andrew?" she repeated.
"Yes. The same guy who helped me before."
"I knew it wasn't for free."
" I could tell the guy is good for nothing ".
Nicholas chuckled lightly. "I volunteered. It's just about the board members, nothing serious."
"Don't do anything stupid again," Laurel warned.
"Okay, boss."
There was a small silence.
"I should probably tell Eric you're not coming back to Canada and the next time he will see you is in south Korea," she said.
"He can't be that affected," Nicholas replied casually. "I mean… he doesn't like me like that."
Laurel hesitated.
"That was before," she said quietly. "Not anymore. I'm pretty sure he'll be devastated."
A pause.
"Send me his number," Nicholas said. "I'll call him sometime."
"Okay."
"So… see you next year in Korea, Laurel."
"Hmm," she said softly. "Bye."
The call ended.