MICHAEL KNOWLES FUNERAL WAS A SMALL ONE. Well, maybe small wasn't the correct word for it — empty and lonely would be better fitted. Laurel was the only person in the cemetery as the priest recited his words about death and living a full life.

Laurel had let out a scoff at the old holy man's preaching. If anyone had known her father they would have known he didn't live a full life. Maybe a life full of alcohol and regrets, but that was it.

The priest had left a few minutes ago leaving Laurel standing there by herself, staring at the fresh grave. She didn't know what to do now. Was she suppose to go about her day like it was a normal day? She felt as though she should be mourning more, but no tears had left her eyes, not even when she watched the life leave her father's eyes did she cry.

Tara would have though. She would have mourn their father the correct way even if it was an act. Her younger sister was a good actress, always knowing what to do and say, but Laurel wore her emotions (or lack there of) on her face.

A bitter scoff left Laurel's lips as she thought about her younger sister. Tara hadn't been able to make it to the funeral, blaming work or not being able to find a flight yet, but Laurel knew Tara's excuses were bullshit. The younger Knowles sister just didn't want to be there for when they lowered their father into the ground. Laurel would have preferred not to be here either but she didn't have the luxury of such things.

"Bye, dad." Laurel shook her head before turning on her heel and heading towards the parking lot. She was more than ready to leave, to be back in the comforts of her own home.

A tired sigh left her lips as the thought of her childhood home entered her mind. Would she sell it or would Tara want to keep it? Laurel didn't mind either way, she just didn't want anything to do with the home really. It would be best to sell it, but Tara also had a say in the matter and Laurel could never tell what her sister was going to do.

Hopefully, Tara would only be in Charming for a week, only to figure out what to do with the house and then be on her merry way back to Chicago.

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LAUREL PULLED INTO HER DRIVEWAY, her green eyes immediately noticing Gemma Teller-Morrow's black Cadillac sitting at the curb. The older woman had promised to come by after the funeral, most likely with some food with her to make sure Laurel took care of herself.

"Hey, baby." Gemma's voice was comforting to Laurel as she exited her car. "I'm sorry I couldn't make it to the funeral." The older brunette apologized as she placed her sunglasses on top of her head.

Laurel shrugged at Gemma's words. She wasn't offended or upset that Gemma hadn't showed up to the cemetery. It was better that it was just Laurel anyway.

"It's not a big deal, Gem." The younger brunette stated as she dug for her keys inside the mess that was her purse. "My dad wouldn't have came to yours." Laurel stated with honesty as she quickly unlocked the door, stepping inside with Gemma right behind her.

Gemma nodded at the truthful statement before making her way to the kitchen to place the large casserole dish she had brought for Laurel inside the fridge. The SAMCRO matriarch felt a need to take care of Laurel, the older Knowles sister had done so much for everyone but herself that Gemma felt a motherly responsibility to keep an eye on her.

"I'm guessing your sister didn't show up?" Gemma questioned as she leaned against the counter with her arms across her chest.

It had been years since Tara left Charming and broke her son's heart, but it didn't matter how many years passed she would always hate the younger Knowles sister.

A snort left Laurel's throat at Gemma's question. "Of course not. Why would she put her life on hold for something like our dad dying."

Laurel run a hand through her dark hair as a bitterness filled her body. She had to plan everything, every detail of their father's funeral without the support from Tara. It was just another thing to fuel the resentment that festered deep in Laurel's stomach.

"Happy asked about you." Gemma smirked as she quickly changed the subject. Neither woman could talk about Tara for too long before anger took over.

Laurel rolled her eyes at the mention of the stoic biker. For years the two had been sleeping with each other, but nothing more than that. The Knowles woman had put a stop to it a few times during the years but somehow she always found herself back in bed with the tattooed man.

"What did he ask? If i was done mourning my dead dad so we could fuck without my emotions getting in the way." A scoff left Laurel's full lips.

Happy Lowman didn't do emotions and Laurel Knowles had too many of them sometimes — it was a fucked up situation.

"He cares about you." Gemma stated as she placed a comforting hand on Laurel's arm. "He just doesn't know how to show it without coming off as an asshole."

"Isn't that all men?" Laurel sighed with a grateful smile towards Gemma. Laurel knew Gemma could easily hate her for what her sister had done but she didn't. If anything Gemma kept her eye Laurel, making sure she was okay. It warmed Laurel's heart to know that she at least had Gemma.

A laugh left Gemma's lips. "Depends on the man." Gemma pointed out as she removed her hand from Laurel's arm.

"Yeah." Laurel agreed in a soft voice.

Unfortunately for Laurel Knowles she had gotten herself involved with an emotionally stunted man.

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an —
No Happy this chapter but he'll definitely be in the next one. Thank you all for the votes and comments! I always appreciate them so much ❤️