Laianna found solace in the familiarity of Pope's house. It was a place where she could escape from the complexities of her life and simply be herself. As she settled into the comfortable surroundings, she and Pope delved into a conversation about everything that had transpired with JJ.
Their words flowed effortlessly as they discussed the ups and downs of relationships, navigating the tangled webs of emotions that often-accompanied matters of the heart. Despite the weight of their conversation, they found moments of levity as they lost themselves in the world of video games, the sound of laughter echoing through the room.
For Laianna, spending time with Pope provided a much-needed distraction from the turmoil of her thoughts. As they battled it out on the screen, she felt a sense of camaraderie and companionship that eased the burden of her troubled mind.
"Lai you're about to be destroyed in more ways than one," Pope chimed in with a mischievous grin, earning a playful shove from Laianna.
She laughed, shaking her head. "You wish, Pope. Just wait till the next round."
As Sarah and Kiara entered with bags of food, the aroma filled the room, making everyone's stomachs rumble in anticipation.
"I'm starving!" Laianna exclaimed, eyeing the bags hungrily. "What did you guys get?"
Sarah grinned. "We've got a little bit of everything – burgers, fries, and some killer milkshakes."
Kiara added, "And don't forget the extra-large order of cheesy fries. I know how much you love those, Pope."
Pope's eyes lit up at the mention of cheesy fries. "You know me too well, Ki."
They all sat at the kitchen tables and enjoyed their meal. The scent of freshly cooked food filled the air, and the sound of clinking utensils and lively chatter filled the room. Laianna's milkshake was a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the meal, and she savored each sip as she glanced around at her friends.
"Have you guys heard anything from JJ?" Laianna's voice cut through the pleasant ambiance, prompting a subtle shift in the mood. The once animated conversation seemed to falter, and glances were exchanged among the group.
As Laianna's gaze swept over her friends, she couldn't help but notice the hesitation in their responses. The air was thick with unspoken tension, and she felt a knot form in her stomach as she awaited their answer.
"Um, hello? Guys, seriously. Just tell me what's going on with him. Is he okay?" Laianna pressed, her concern evident in her voice. Kiara offered a hesitant nod in response to Laianna's question.
"Yeah, he's okay, Lai," Kiara sighed, her tone heavy with a mixture of sympathy and reluctance. "But he told us that as long as you're around, he won't be."
Laianna's heart sank at Kiara's words, her mind reeling with a mixture of emotions. The revelation hit her like a ton of bricks, casting a shadow over the once cheerful atmosphere. She struggled to process the gravity of JJ's decision, grappling with the realization that her presence had become a source of discord among her friends.
Forget what she and JJ previously had going on, Laianna thought bitterly. He was really going to stay away from all of them unless she wasn't there? It just didn't seem fair, and a pang of guilt gnawed at her conscience.
"Oh..." Laianna trailed off, her voice barely above a whisper as she struggled to find the right words. "Well, thank you for telling me," she managed, her tone tinged with resignation.
The weight of JJ's absence hung heavily in the air, casting a somber pall over the once vibrant gathering. Laianna couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of her stomach, knowing that her actions had inadvertently driven a wedge between her and her closest friends.
