Chapter 4

Chapter 4

The next morning, Laura woke up to the quiet chill of an empty bed. Jonathan was gone, the space beside her cold as if he had slipped out hours before. She blinked groggily, trying to process the stillness around her. Slowly, she sat up as her body protested with a dull ache between her legs. A wince escaped her as the memory of the night flooded back—intense, raw, and filled with emotions she couldn't quite unravel.

Her eyes drifted to the bed, the sight of bloodstained sheets staring back at her, a clear reminder of the reality she now faced. It was no wonder—it had been her first time, after all. 

Laura smiled softly as the warmth of last night wrapped around her like a comforting blanket. It was a moment she would cherish forever, filled with tenderness, and a love she believed had finally blossomed.

With a renewed sense of hope, she headed to the bathroom to clean herself up, her heart still fluttering with the memory of Jonathan's touch and the intimacy they had shared. As she splashed water on her face, she couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted between them, and for the first time, she allowed herself to believe that this was just the beginning of a beautiful chapter in her life.

Once she was finally done, Laura dressed quickly with excitement bubbling within her at the thought of seeing Jonathan again. She couldn't wait to share the joy of last night, believing it would only deepen their bond. As she stepped downstairs, her radiant aura practically lit up the room.

"Good morning, dear," Mrs. Levine said, her eyes sparkling with warmth seeing her daughter finally in a good mood. "Seems you've had a good night. Where are you headed to?"

Laura beamed, the glow of her happiness undeniable. "I was just going to find Jonathan! I wanted to surprise him with breakfast." The thought of seeing him again sent butterflies fluttering in her stomach, and she couldn't help but feel that today would be perfect.

Mrs. Levine smiled knowingly, a hint of mischief in her gaze. "Just be sure to tell him how much you appreciate last night. I'm sure he'd love to hear it."

Laura nodded enthusiastically, her heart racing as she moved toward the door, eager to find Jonathan and share the magic of their night together.

So Laura ran out of her house with her heart racing in anticipation as she made her way to Jonathan's family home. She imagined his smile when he saw her, how they'd share breakfast and talk about their relationship finally reaching to such level. But when she arrived, a strange knot began to form in her stomach.

As Laura approached the front door and knocked, a sense of unease settled over her. It took a moment, but finally, Tabitha opened the door with a smile.

"Hey, Laura! What are you doing here?" Tabitha asked, her tone cheerful.

"Is Jonathan here?" Laura asked, barely able to contain her excitement.

"Oh, he went out. I think he might be heading to his usual spot," Tabitha replied, smiling.

Laura felt a rush of determination. "Alright, I'll go see him. Good morning, by the way!" she said, flashing a bright smile as she turned to leave.

As she walked back to her house, her heart raced with anticipation. She quickly grabbed her car keys, imagining Jonathan's face lighting up when she found him. The thought of sharing breakfast with him, and everything else, filled her with warmth.

She then climbed into her car and turned the key in the ignition as the engine began purring to life. She headed toward their usual hangout spot, a cafe nearby the public library where they often spent time together. Laura's excitement bubbled over. She couldn't wait to see him and to tell him just how much last night meant to her.

Laura's  heart pounded in her chest as she parked in front of the café, a small, quaint spot beside the public library where Jonathan liked to grab his coffee. But the moment she stepped out and glanced through the window, her stomach dropped. Jonathan was sitting across from another woman—a woman she recognized. She had seen her before. Jonathan had dated her, briefly but still enough to be remembered. 

Why is he meeting her? 

Laura wondered, her mind spinning after what had happened between them last night.

She swallowed the lump in her throat as she walked towards them, barely aware of her legs carrying her forward. The jealousy and confusion bubbled up and it overwhelmed her. She hadn't planned to confront him like this, but her emotions got the best of her.

"Jonathan?" Laura's voice wavered as she approached the table, trying to mask her trembling hands. "What's happening here? Why are you with her?"

Jonathan instantly froze, the coffee cup paused halfway to his mouth. The woman with him, catching Laura's distressed tone, raised a brow and snickered and leaned back in her chair.

"What do you mean?" the woman said with a smirk. "I'm his girlfriend. Of course, I'd be with him."

Her words pierced through Laura like a dagger. All the hopes she had built up from last night were shattered instantly. Her face crumpled, and she looked at Jonathan with her tears threatening to spill from her eyes. His eyes widened, startled by the hurt in her expression. He quickly stood up, grabbing her arm and pulling her aside, away from the curious stares of the café patrons.

"Laura, stop," he muttered, his tone strained as he rubbed the back of his neck in frustration. "Why are you crying? You're acting like a child."

But her quiet sobs, the way she tried to hide her tears, tugged at him. Deep down, guilt gnawed at his insides, but he didn't know how to fix it. 

He never did.

"Are we still nothing after what happened last night?" Laura finally asked, her voice cracking, her heart bleeding through every word. "Am I just another girl in your collection?" Her teary eyes searched his face, hoping for a shred of something different—a sign that last night had meant something more to him. Anything.

Jonathan sighed heavily, closing his eyes as if trying to block out the scene. This was exactly what he feared. Things between them had gone too far. 

Boundaries. 

He needed to put up boundaries.

"Look, Laura... I could never see you as a lover. I could not even imagine kissing you." He hesitated, taking a deep breath. "Forget about what happened last night. Just—forget you ever confessed, and I'll forget about it too. Let's stay friends. Don't take the risk. It's not worth it."

Her world crumbled around her. She stood there, silent for a moment, processing his words. Of course, she had known this might happen. She wasn't naïve, but hearing him say it so plainly, so coldly, was a blow she hadn't been prepared for. Laura forced a bitter laugh as she wiped away the tears that betrayed her, refusing to break down any further in front of him.

"Right... of course," she whispered, nodding as if she were trying to convince herself. "Sorry. I'm sorry for making it awkward. You're right. Let's just be friends, Jonathan."

Jonathan reached for her hand with guilt etched on his face as her smile—forced and pained—nearly shattered him.

"Laura..."

But she did not let him continue what he wanted to say as she placed a hand over his and gave it a light squeeze. She forced out a laugh that felt like broken glass in her throat. "Seriously, it's okay. I'm your best friend. I could never stay mad at you for too long. You know that, right? Chill." Her words, though meant to ease the tension, came out hollow.

Jonathan frowned, sensing the weight of her pain, but before he could say more, Laura pulled her hand away. She took a step back with her smile fragile and weak.

"I have somewhere I need to be," she said lightly, her voice cracking. "Go back to your girlfriend. You should introduce her properly next time, yeah?" She gave him a playful wave, her back already turning to leave before he could stop her.