Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Laura drove back home, her vision blurred by the flood of tears that she couldn't hold back any longer. The painful weight of Jonathan's words settled in her chest, squeezing her heart with every breath. She had tried to stay strong, to put on a brave face, but now, in the quiet of her car, there was no one to pretend for.

Each tear that fell felt like another piece of her heart breaking, her grip tightening on the steering wheel as the reality of the situation sank in. 

How could I have been so naive? she wondered. 

She had given everything to Jonathan last night—her love, her trust, her body—and now it all felt like it meant nothing.

As the familiar sight of her house came into view, Laura pulled into the driveway, letting out a shaky breath. She wiped her eyes hastily, but the tears kept coming, as though they wouldn't stop until she had cried out every bit of hope she'd once had for them.

Laura stepped through the door with her face swollen from crying. Her eyes were red, and nose raw. Mrs. Levine who was sitting in the living room, glanced up supposedly to greet her daughter who just got back. But seeing her state, she immediately knew what had happened. Without asking a single question, she stood and wrapped her arms around her daughter, pulling her into a tight embrace.

"It's alright, my love," she whispered with her soft and soothing voice while gently stroking Laura's hair. Laura's sobs grew louder, but she let herself melt into the comfort of her mother's arms.

"It happens sometimes... you meet the wrong person who feels so right..." Mrs. Levine's voice broke through the silence. Laura's sobs quieted for a moment as her mother's words sank in.

"Maybe," Mrs. Levine continued, rubbing slow circles on her daughter's back, "maybe it's time you let go, hm?" She wasn't pushing, just gently guiding, but Laura's tears seemed to come harder, as if the thought of letting go was something she wasn't ready to face.

Laura clung to her mother as if she were the only thing holding her together, her heart shattered, yet comforted by the warmth of someone who truly loved her.

"Should I, Mom?" Laura's voice trembled as she finally started to relax after her flood of tears. Her grip on her mother loosened slightly, though her heart still ached.

Mrs. Levine offered a soft smile and led her to the couch. Once they were seated, she gently held her daughter's hands in her own, squeezing them with warmth and care.

"How do you feel about him?" Mrs. Levine asked, her tone calm and full of understanding.

Laura looked down at their intertwined hands, thinking. "I don't know, mom... I've loved him for so long. I thought maybe... there is a chance between us." Her voice cracked, a fresh wave of sadness threatening to take over. "But now... it just hurts."

Mrs. Levine nodded, brushing a stray tear from Laura's cheek. "It's okay to feel that way, darling. Love isn't always simple, and sometimes, the people we hold close don't fit in the way we hope they would."

Laura sniffled and leaned into her mother. "I don't know how to stop loving him."

Her mother sighed as her hand began stroking Laura's hair. "Sometimes, the hardest thing is to realize that love doesn't always come back the way we give it. And that's not your fault, my love. But you deserve someone who loves you the same way you love them."

Laura rested her head on her mother's shoulder, feeling the weight of her emotions begin to lift, if only slightly.

"I thought I meant something to him. After everything we've been through together..." she trailed off, her voice barely above a whisper.

Mrs. Levine gently kissed her forehead. "You do mean something to him. It's just that sometimes, the way people care about us isn't the way we need them to. Jonathan... he may love you, but not in the way you've always dreamed of."

Laura squeezed her eyes shut, wishing she could shut out the truth. "I thought last night changed things. For once, I thought maybe he'd finally see me the way I see him."

"I know, sweetheart." Mrs. Levine's voice softened even further. "But a relationship can't be built on one night, or on feelings that aren't mutual. You deserve someone who sees your worth every single day, not just when it's convenient."

Laura sniffled, pulling herself upright, feeling the ache in her chest grow but knowing her mother was right. "It just... it hurts so much, mom. I don't know if I can let go. He's been my whole world."

Mrs. Levine squeezed her hand again. "I know, love. And the best thing you can do now is let go. It doesn't mean you didn't love him, or that it wasn't real. It just means you're choosing to love yourself more. And that's something only you can decide when you're ready."

Laura looked into her mother's eyes, seeing the wisdom and the love there. For the first time that day, she allowed herself to breathe, to consider a life where Jonathan wasn't the center of everything.

"Maybe I just need some time," Laura whispered, her voice shaky but determined.

And as their conversation lingered, the door bell suddenly rans startling the two. Mrs. Levine patted Laura's hand gently before walking toward the front door. Laura stayed seated, her heart still heavy but her mind a little clearer after their conversation. She heard the door creak open and her mother's surprised voice follow.

"Oh, Jonathan. I wasn't expecting you." Mrs. Levine's voice was polite, but there was an edge to it as she stood in the doorway, her frame subtly blocking his entrance. Her gaze lingered, as if assessing his purpose.

Jonathan shifted his weight, hands fidgeting in his pockets. "Is... Laura inside?" he asked, his voice uncertain. He had no real plan, only the weight of guilt pushing him to be here.

Mrs. Levine sighed, her eyes softening for a brief moment before she firmed her stance. "She is, but I don't think you should—"

"It's alright, Mom. I'll talk to him." Laura's voice cut through the air before Mrs. Levine could finish. Jonathan turned, catching sight of her descending the stairs. Her face was composed, but the stiffness in her movements betrayed the emotions she was trying so hard to hide.

Mrs. Levine hesitated, clearly wanting to protect her daughter but respecting Laura's choice. With a lingering look between the two, she nodded and stepped aside, retreating further into the house, though her presence was still felt.

Laura walked over to Jonathan, her steps steady but her heart racing. When she stopped in front of him, she plastered on a smile—one that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Hi. Is there something you need?" Her voice was calm, distant even.

Jonathan's gaze softened as he looked at her. It was a mixture of guilt and pity, and the sight of it made Laura's chest tighten. She hated that look—hated being pitied for the love she had given so freely. She quickly averted her eyes, unable to bear his expression.

"Here," Jonathan murmured, extending a cup of her favorite coffee toward her. Laura stared at it for a moment, the gesture reminding her of all the little things that had made her fall for him in the first place. His thoughtfulness, his care—but today, it felt hollow.

"Thank you, but I already had mine." Laura forced a smile as she rejected the offering, her voice steady though her heart was anything but. Her response startled him—it was the first time she had ever refused something he gave her. There was an unfamiliar distance now, one he hadn't expected.

Jonathan's hand, still holding the cup, clenched slightly before he pulled it back, unsure of how to react. 

"Oh..." Jonathan looked down, awkwardly avoiding her gaze, unsure of what to say or do. Laura exhaled deeply as the weight of the moment pressed on her. She realized this might be her last chance to be honest and brave once more, to see if he'd finally give her something—anything in return.

"I like you, Jonathan. No... I love you. I love you, and I'm not loving anyone else but you." Her voice wavered slightly, but her words were firm, hanging in the air between them like a fragile thread.

She stopped, watching him closely, hoping for a sign. But just like the night before, his reaction remained the same—silent, unsure, and distant. His eyes couldn't meet hers and that was when the truth fully settled in. She couldn't make him love her, no matter how much she wanted it. No amount of shared history or friendship could change what his heart didn't feel.

The realization stung, but it also brought a strange sense of clarity. She couldn't keep holding onto the hope that maybe, someday, things would be different. Their friendship was the only thing left that could be saved, and she knew she had to protect that if nothing else.

With a sigh, Laura reached out, placing her hand gently on his shoulder. This time, her smile was genuine, not forced or strained. "Let's be friends forever, just like you wanted." Her voice was soft but steady. "I'll be okay with that."