Jeremiah had left a few minutes after that, saying he was going to meet up with some friends. So it was just Lauryn and Susannah.

"Can I ask you something, sweetie?" Susannah asked after a moment.

"Of course." Lauryn nodded.

"Are you in love with Jeremiah?" Susannah questioned, looking curious. 

"W-What?" She inquires, surprised by the question. She hadn't expected that. Her face was red and her heart races. "What makes you think that?" Lauryn asked her. The older woman smiled. She could tell that Lauryn was nervous, embarrassed. She knew Lauryn had a crush on her son, but she wanted to hear the girl say it.

"It's just a mother's intuition, dear," Susannah said softly. "And I've seen the way you look at him and the way he looks at you. Plus, it's not hard to tell when two young people like each other." Lauryn didn't know how to answer her. She wanted to tell Susannah everything, but she didn't know what to say. "You can talk to me, honey," Susannah continues, sensing Lauryn's discomfort. "I'm not going to judge you. Lollipop, you should know that by now. I want you to be honest with me, okay?" Lauryn nodded slowly, her face turning more red as she avoided eye contact shyly.

"Um, I-I don't know." She stutters. ""I mean, I know I have strong feelings for him, I don't know if it's love...But I think so. He's amazing. I know he has a lot of admirers, and I understand why. Those beautiful blue eyes of his just seem to draw you in, and he's so sweet. He's one of the nicest guys I've ever met. He's handsome, he has such a kind heart, and his laugh...His laugh is the most adorable thing-" She stops herself as she realized she was rambling after noticing the grin on Susannah's face. "I'm rambling, aren't I?" She asked shyly, biting her bottom lip.

"Oh no, keep going, Lollipop. This is so adorable." Susannah chuckled, her tone soft and sweet. She enjoyed watching Lauryn get all flustered over her son. She found it sweet. "What else do you like about my Jeremiah?"

"Everything!" Lauryn answers quickly, her voice going higher than usual. Her face turns bright red and her eyes widen as she realizes what she had just said. "I mean...Well, everything about him is great." She mumbles, looking down at the floor. "He's really smart, funny, creative, he's got such a great voice. He's really really cute too." She added, her heart racing faster and faster. Susannah chuckled softly, amused by how flustered and nervous Lauryn was.

"It's so obvious, Lollipop." Susannah teases. "You really are smitten." She says as she reaches over and gently cups Lauryn's cheek in her hand. "You have nothing to be embarrassed about, sweetheart. It's perfectly fine to be in love with my son. I'm not upset. In fact, I always knew either you or Belly would end up with one of my boys."

"You did?" Lauryn asked, lifting her head with surprise. Her face turned even more red, but she smiled softly at her when she cupped her cheek. She leaned into her touch, and closed her eyes.

"Of course, I did." Susannah nodded. "My boys have always had a special place in their hearts for you girls. And I always had a feeling that one of them would fall in love with one of you. I just knew. You two are such special young ladies, and you both have been so good for them." Lauryn listened as Susannah spoke, and her heart warmed.

"Thank you, Susie." She says softly. "I probably said this before...But now even more since my mom had passed, you've always been like a second mother to me. I'm grateful for everything you've done for me. I love you." Susannah's heart ached at Lauryn's words, but she smiled and pulled the younger girl into her arms. She hugged her tightly, her hand stroking Lauryn's hair gently.

"Oh, Lollipop. I love you too, so much." She says softly. "I'm glad I could be there for you. I love you like a daughter, sweetie." Lauryn was touched by the older woman's words and smiled. They were silent for a few moments, simply holding each other in a tight embrace. After a while, Susannah broke the silence.

"So, does Jeremiah know how you feel about him?" She asked curiously as she pulled away and continued working on the painting.

"I haven't told him, no." Lauryn answers, shaking her head and biting her lip nervously. "And I don't think he feels the same way. He never showed any sign that he does. And...I mean, you know him. He's dating left and right. I'm sure he doesn't see me as more than a friend."

"Oh, I don't know about that." Susannah says, a sly smile on her face. "I've seen the way he looks at you, Lollipop. Believe me, there's a connection between you two."

"There is?" She asked hopefully. She hoped what Susannah said was true, but she doubted it. She had a crush on Jeremiah since they were teenagers, and she didn't think he had felt the same way.

"Of course, there is, sweetie." Susannah nods. "Trust me, I know my son. I see the way he looks at you, the way his eyes light up when you enter the room. There's something there, sweetie. I know it. My question is...Why haven't you said anything to him yet?" Lauryn was quiet for a moment.

"I don't know." She admits honestly, sighing heavily. "I guess...I'm just scared. I'm afraid of being rejected. I mean, if I tell him and he doesn't feel the same way, I could lose our friendship, and that's not a risk I'm willing to take. So, I've just kept quiet about it. But it's hard. It's so hard to not be able to tell him how I really feel, because I've felt like this for so long." She confessed, a small frown on her face. Susannah smiled softly.

"It's always scary to tell someone how you really feel." She says gently. "But I promise you, if Jeremiah doesn't feel the same way, you will not lose him as a friend. That boy cares about you too much. And he'd be an idiot not to reciprocate your feelings. You're a beautiful, wonderful young lady, Lauryn. Any man would be lucky to have you."

"Do you really think so?" Lauryn asked, smiling shyly at the older woman's kind words. Susannah always knew how to make her feel better, no matter what.

"I do." Susannah nods, smiling back. "You're gorgeous, sweetheart. Inside and out. And you deserve to be happy. I want you to be happy, Lauryn. I want all of you kids to be happy. And if that means you and Jeremiah get together, then I couldn't be happier. I think the two of you would be perfect together."

"You think we'd be good together?" Lauryn inquires, a hopeful look on her face. She blushes and smiles shyly. "Thank you, Susie. I really appreciate that. And thank you for being so supportive of my feelings. You have no idea how much that means to me."

"Of course, baby. I'm always here for you." Susannah says softly. She pulls Lauryn into another hug, kissing her forehead gently. She pauses before adding "And listen... I know you probably don't want to talk about this, but I'm here for you when you're ready to talk about your parents."

Lauryn was taken aback, her eyes widened. She was surprised that Susannah brought up her parents, especially now. Lauryn's smile fell as the subject changed to her parents. Her gaze dropped, and she fidgeted with her hands. She didn't know what to say. She felt tears sting her eyes, and she swallowed the lump that was forming in her throat.

"Lollipop..." Susannah said gently, noticing her reaction. "Sweetheart, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you. I just wanted to let you know that if you need to talk, I'm here." Lauryn shook her head, trying to blink away the tears.

"No, it's okay." She mumbles. She wipes the tears from her eyes and forces a smile. "It's just...It's still hard. I miss them a lot. And I just wish I could talk to them again, just once...And it's so hard being here without them for the first time. It's so weird. It's weird being without my dad. It's weird being without my mom." The words were hard for her to get out, her voice trembling. She missed her parents so much. And being here without them was difficult.

"I know it is, baby." Susannah says softly. She pulls the younger girl closer, wrapping her arms around her in a protective embrace. "I know it's hard. But they're with you, Lauryn. They're always with you, watching over you and guiding you. And you have all of us here too, sweetie. We're your family, and we love you. You don't have to go through this alone." Lauryn nodded, feeling a little comforted by Susannah's words. She leaned into the embrace, allowing herself to feel the warmth and support from the woman she considered a second mother.

"Thank you, Susie," She whispers, her voice barely above a breath. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Oh, you'd be just fine." Susannah smiles fondly. She strokes Lauryn's hair, and kisses the top of her head. "You're a strong girl, Lollipop. You'd be okay. But I'm glad I can be here for you. I love you." Lauryn nodded again, a small smile tugging at her lips.

"I love you too." She replied, she sniffled, wiping her eyes, but she couldn't stop the tears. The more she thought about her parents, the more upset she got. She had been trying to be strong and hold it all together since the funeral. She hadn't had the time or opportunity to properly mourn them. But now, being with Susannah, talking about it, she finally allowed herself to feel the sadness. She started to cry, her body shaking with sobs.

Susannah held her, rubbing her back soothingly. She didn't speak, knowing that words couldn't bring her comfort right now. Lauryn buried her face in the crook of Susannah's neck and sobbed. It was the first time she had allowed herself to cry since the accident. And now that she was, she couldn't stop. It was as if a dam had broken inside of her. All the pain, all the loss, all the grief, it all came rushing out. And Susannah was there, holding her and comforting her, letting her know that she was not alone.

Conrad had been walking to the beach to check on them and see how the painting is doing. He noticed the painting was half way done, but when he heard crying, he frowned. He quickly walked towards them, and noticed that it was coming from Lauryn. His heart broke at the sight of her crying, and he ran towards her. "What happened? Is she okay?" He asked worriedly.

Susannah looks up and gently pulls away from Lauryn, wiping the younger girl's tears away. "She's okay, she just needs a moment. Everything's okay." Susannah assured him, smiling reassuringly.

"Are you sure?" He asked, his brows furrowed in concern.

"Yes. You can stay, if you'd like."

Conrad looked down at the crying girl and hesitated, his gaze drifting over to Susannah. She nodded and Conrad looked back at Lauryn. The dark-skinned girl wasn't paying attention to them. All she could focus on was the pain in her heart, and the tears streaming down her face. She felt embarrassed that Conrad was seeing her like this. She didn't want him to see her crying, but she couldn't stop. It was as if her body had a mind of its own, and the tears wouldn't stop falling.

Susannah got up and went back to sit at her painting. Conrad took her place by Lauryn, and stayed silent as he gently pulled her into his arms. Lauryn didn't hesitate in hugging him, burying her face in his chest while she sniffled. His embrace was different from Susannah's. They were both protective and comforting, but somehow his was different. It was almost as if he had a special power that helped calm her down easily.

"I'm sorry, Conrad." She whispers, her voice muffled by his shirt. She tried to stop the tears, but she couldn't. "I don't want you to see me like this."

"Why are you apologizing? It's okay, Lauryn. You have nothing to apologize for." He whispers back, rubbing her back gently. "You can cry, Lauryn. You have every right to."

"You don't think I'm pathetic?" She sniffled, looking up at him with tears still staining her cheeks.

"Of course not." He says softly. "You're the farthest thing from pathetic, Lauryn. You're one of the strongest people I know. And you shouldn't be ashamed of your emotions. Crying is a normal, healthy reaction. It's not a weakness, Lauryn. Don't ever be afraid to cry. It's okay." He was so gentle and understanding, so sincere and loving. Lauryn found herself melting into his embrace. She sniffled and wiped her tears when she pulled away.

Conrad smiles softly at her as she pulled away, his eyes filled with warmth and compassion. "Feeling a little better now?" He asked gently, brushing a stray tear from her cheek.

"Yeah. I am. Thank you." She replied, her voice barely above a whisper. She was a little embarrassed that she had broken down in front of him, but she was grateful for his presence and support. He had a way of calming her down, and making her feel better.

"Good. That's all I care about. As long as you're feeling better." He says, still smiling. "And hey, if you ever need someone to talk to or just cry on, I'm always here for you." He added, his tone sincere and his gaze never leaving her. She felt butterflies in her stomach at his words and his gaze which surprised her because she's never had that feeling with him before.

"Thank you, Conrad." She replies softly, a shy smile playing on her lips. She couldn't believe he was being so sweet and understanding. It was unlike him, but it was definitely a side of him she liked. "That means a lot to me. Really. And...I'm here for you, too."

Conrad's smile widens at her words, appreciating her offer of support. "Thanks, Lauryn. I appreciate that."

As Susannah watches this moment, she's intrigued. The way Conrad acted with Lauryn made it seem as if he's in love with her. He was always protective over her, and the way he talked to her...He definitely had a crush on her. But Lauryn was obviously in love with Jeremiah, and it broke her heart. She didn't want either of her boys getting hurt and she definitely didn't want Lauryn to get hurt either. She just hoped everything will be alright in the end.

"Alright, Connie, could you get out of the shot so I can finish this? You can stay, you just can't be in the way." Susannah voiced.

"I was already gonna stay." He replies, glancing at his mom, then looks back at Lauryn, his expression softening. "If you're okay with it." He added, wanting to make sure she was okay with him staying.

Lauryn's heart suddenly fluttered. "Yeah, of course." She answered, her voice gentle. She looked at him and smiled, her eyes sparkling. She didn't understand why she was suddenly having these feelings for Conrad, but she didn't mind it.

He nods and grins. "Great." He replied, sitting by his mom's side and watched as Susannah finished the painting.

Lauryn wiped her tears away and made sure her makeup was okay before Susannah continued painting. Lauryn smiled softly and relaxed back on the bench, watching Susannah paint. She was happy, despite the pain she was feeling, and it was because of the two people she was with. She was grateful to have them in her life.

****

(lauryn's outfit for this part of the chapter)

After Susannah was finished painting, Conrad suggested for him and Lauryn to go surfing, hoping it will take her mind off of her parents and would cheer her up. So that's why she was back at her house, changing into a swimsuit to wear under a tank top and denim shorts. She wore sandals and had her bracelets on. She grabbed her surfboard, then headed downstairs.

"You have your phone?"

Lauryn looks over at her uncle and nods, pulling her phone out of her pocket. "Yep."

"Good. Be safe and be back in time for dinner!" He called out to her as she walked over to the door.

"I will!" She replied.

Lauryn grabbed her surfboard and a towel before she left the house and went to the beach. She smiled at seeing Conrad was already there and was surfing on a wave. She was always impressed by his skill. She was nowhere near as good as he was. She set her things down and waited for him. She watched him surf, smiling softly at him. He looked so peaceful and he was in his element. It was always amazing to see. Conrad noticed her as the wave ends and he smiles brightly at her. Once he got back to the shore, he hugged her, nearly making her fall back.

"Whoa, easy there, Connie. You're gonna knock me down." Lauryn laughed, feeling her face heat up.

"Sorry. Couldn't help it." He replies, grinning sheepishly. He let go of her and put his board down. "So, you ready to catch some waves?"

"Let me get ready and then we can surf together." Lauryn smiled as they pulled apart from the hug. She pulled her tank top and shorts off, revealing her white and blue bikini underneath, and tied her hair into a ponytail.

Conrad had turned around, respecting her privacy, but couldn't help but stare at her once she had her bathing suit on. He couldn't deny she was gorgeous, but he knew it wasn't right. She had a crush on his brother, and even if she didn't, he didn't have a chance. She was way out of his league. But still, he couldn't help the way he felt.

"Okay, let's go." She says, interrupting his thoughts. She was excited to surf with him.

"Okay." He replies, smiling softly at her.

For the rest of the evening, they spent it together with surfing and swimming. They would play around in the water, laughing and having fun. It was one of the best days Lauryn has had in a while.

"Thank you for today. I really needed this." Lauryn told him, smiling softly.

"Of course, Lu. I'm always here for you."

She nods, then got up on her tippy toes and kissed his cheek. "I'm going to head home now. Thank you again."

Conrad's cheeks turns a light shade of pink, causing him to look down to hide his blush. "No problem." He smiled. She grinned and gave him a hug. He hugged her back and pressed a soft kiss to the top of her head. 

"Bye." He murmured.

"Bye." She said, pulling away and waved goodbye.

As she walked away, Conrad's smile dropped and he let out a sad sigh. He hated that he had a crush on someone who had a crush on someone else. Especially when that someone was his brother. He wished he could be with her, but maybe it wasn't meant to be.

****

"Hey, so I know that it's late and all, but Susannah managed to get an invite for you if you wanted to be a deb this year." Coralee told Lauryn at dinner that night. Lauryn had took a shower and changed into her pjs, wearing plaid pj bottoms and an oversized hoodie over a black tank top. Her hair was wet and she had braided it after getting out of the shower. 

"Really?" Lauryn perked up, smiling a little. 

"Yes, but it's up to you. If you don't want to, I understand." Coralee replied.

"No, I do. I think I need the distraction, to be honest." Lauryn admitted.

"I think that's a great idea." Doug smiles softly. "And it will be a good way to help you make new friends. You'll have some people to hang out with."

Lauryn couldn't help the smile tugging on her lips as she nods. "Yeah, Belly said she was being a deb as well. And that Steven is escorting someone who's a deb."

"That's nice." Doug said.

"Yeah. So I'll do it." Lauryn smiled.

"Wonderful. We'll talk more about it tomorrow and we can let Susannah know. She's gonna be so excited." Coralee grinned and Lauryn couldn't help but grin as well. She had to admit she was looking forward to this as well. She had been a deb before and she had a blast the last time. But this was the first time she was going to be a deb half way through it. She already missed some of the lessons, but she hoped she had time to catch up. She was ready for a distraction, and the deb ball was just what she needed.

A/N sorry for how short this is! we'll just call this a filler chapter lol