Chapter 37

Laura POV
"I slumped in my armchair, clinging to the cupboard, my gaze blurry and my eyes heavy with the tears that had soaked them all night. The smell of oatmeal filled my nostrils, and I nodded absent-mindedly as I hunched over the table, staring blankly at the floor.

My mind was a jumble of thoughts, struggling to come to terms with Damian having Arla as his mate, and also getting a second chance with a new mate, whose girlfriend had made my life unbearable and distracted me from my focus on school."


"The door creaked open, revealing Valerie's flour-stained face and her dusty hands. I chuckled at the sight, her flower-patterned apron clinging to her hips.

'Just making oatmeal and I've already managed to cover myself in flour!' I muttered with a smile, her body leaning against the door frame as she sought my attention. But I ignored her, waiting to be called to the dining room where breakfast was still steaming hot."

"Valerie's voice broke through my thoughts, 'Laura, are you okay? You look like you've lost your last friend.' I forced a smile, trying to shake off the melancholy that had settled over me. 'Yeah, I'm fine. Just that my anxiety woke me up,this morning' She looked at me skeptically, but didn't push the issue. 'Well, come on then.

Breakfast is ready.' I slowly got up from the chair, my legs feeling like lead weights. As I made my way to the table, I couldn't help but think about how my life had taken a drastic turn. One day, I was happy and content, and the next, my world was turned upside down."

"She muttered to herself, 'I only made oatmeal for myself,' as she leaped up the stairs like a kangaroo. I stood frozen, glaring at her in vexation. 'What? How could you even think of being so greedy as to make a plate of oatmeal just for yourself?'

I felt a surge of annoyance motivating my sharp tone. 'Valerie?' I called out, my arms spread wide on the stair rail. Her lips curled up slightly, forming a smile, but my eyes and heart remained soured by her thoughtlessness in preparing a plate of oatmeal only for herself."

"Valerie's smile faltered for a moment, but then she regained her composure. 'Oh, Laura, don't be dramatic. I was just trying to treat myself to a special breakfast.' She sauntered into the kitchen, her hips swaying with an air of nonchalance. I followed her, my eyes fixed on the solitary bowl of oatmeal on the table.

'You know I can't stand it when you're selfish like this,' I said, trying to keep my voice level. Valerie rolled her eyes and sighed. 'Fine, I'll make you some too. But don't expect me to be all smiles about it.'"

"As Valerie began to prepare another bowl of oatmeal, I felt a pang of guilt. Was I being too harsh on her? But then I thought about all the times she had prioritized her own needs over mine, and my resentment flared up again. I let out a heavy sigh.

'You've been selfish with your needs, Valerie. Please, I'm craving oatmeal too...' My voice trailed off as I noticed the whistling sound coming from her mouth. She's always been so contradictory, I thought to myself."

"'Are you angry? What's up with you getting so worked up over oatmeal? Chill, okay?' Valerie said, her voice laced with concern, as she focused on mixing the oatmeal.

I wrapped my arms around her waist, leaning my head on her back, and just then, a uncontrollable sneeze struck me, distracting her from the mix. She flinched, turning swiftly to caution me, and in the process, mistakenly placed her flour-stained hand on my face. 'What the heck is this?' I exclaimed, startled and laughing."

"She burst out laughing at the sight of her flour-covered handprint on my face. 'Oh, Laura, I'm so sorry! I'm such a clumsy fool!' She grabbed a towel and began to gently wipe the flour off my face, her touch sending tickles down my spine. I couldn't help but laugh along with her, the tension from earlier dissipating.

'It's okay, it's okay,' I said, holding up my hands in surrender. 'I think I've had enough oatmeal drama for one day.' Valerie grinned mischievously. 'Oh, don't worry. I've got a feeling this day is going to get a lot more interesting.'"

"As she finished cleaning my face, the doorbell rang, signaling that someone was at the door. I wasn't expecting anyone, and I rolled my eyes, glancing at the door. 'Are you expecting someone?' I asked Valerie, whose gaze was fixed on the door with a determined look of 'no'. She returned the question to me, and I shrugged my shoulders gently. 'Not at all, Val.' Then, in unison, we asked, 'Who's at the door?'"

"Valerie's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she made her way to the door. I followed closely behind her, my heart beating with anticipation. She peered through the peephole, and her expression changed from curiosity to surprise.

"'Who is it?' I asked, trying to peer over her shoulder. She stepped back, a sly grin spreading across her face. 'You'll never guess.' She flung open the door, revealing Frank, and I stumbled backward, my eyes wide with surprise.

I moved forward again, my mouth opening to speak, but I couldn't find the right words. 'Good... umm... Frank!' I stuttered, feeling my face flush with confusion. Frank chuckled and clapped his hands together, easing the tension. 'Your words are lost, and you have to stutter like that?' he teased, his eyes sparkling with amusement."

"Frank's teasing snapped me out of my shock, and I felt a blush rise to my cheeks. 'Shut up, Frank,' I said, laughing and playfully rolling my eyes. Valerie grinned mischievously. 'Hey, Frank's here to take us to a tourist center!' She exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Frank nodded, his grin growing wider.

'That's right! I've got a surprise planned for you guys. Trust me, you won't want to miss it.' I raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite myself. 'What kind of surprise?' I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me. Frank just winked. 'You'll have to wait and see.'"