Meanwhile, Sarah and Lauri had already left the conference. Lauri was in a hurry to get home, so she went ahead.

Sarah had ‘important’ things to do in the science room, so she stayed at the Student Union building a little longer. 😄

Meanwhile, Dale is worried about Lauri and Sarah’s talk during breakfast. He doesn’t want to hurt Lauri, but he doesn’t want to get in trouble with Kelly either, so it’s best to clear the air as soon as possible.

When Lauri returned to the dorm Dale was waiting for her in the living room.
Dale: Hi. Lauri. Can we talk?
Lauri: Why, sure.
Dale: Okay, ahem, I… wanted to apologize for last night.
Lauri: Last night? Ohh… you mean?
Dale: Yeah, listen.

Dale: First of all, I didn’t mean to pry, it’s totally up to you if you want to go to Lucky Palms with Sarah, I just thought I should warn you about working with my brother.
Lauri: Oh, it’s okay, we’re both aware of who ‘Terry the Terrible’ is, but as far as I’m concerned, I won’t be working with him directly.
Lauri: Great. I mean, Terry is really not as terrible as he seems or as he claims to be, but still.

Dale: On the other hand, I also want to apologize for being so careless about our friendship. You’re right, I haven’t made enough of an effort to get to know you better, which isn’t fair because I was the one who invited you to this dorm, so…

Dale: I promise to pay more attention to our roomie relationship and to spend a little more time with you.
Lauri’s heart starts to race.
Lauri: Oh, Dale, that’s so sweet of you, but knowing how jealous Kelly is, she might not like you taking your attention off her to give it to me.
Dale: Oh, that’s no problem, Kelly and I have an agreement, you know, no jealousy and non-exclusivity.
Lauri: *Starry eyed*. O-Okay.

Dale: Wait, no, please don’t get me wrong. I love Kelly, and despite our agreement, I mean to be faithful to her. You – you’re a very sweet girl, and I really like you, but I can’t offer you anything, except my friendship.
Lauri’s heart slows down and the adrenaline starts to dissipate. There’s a hint of disappointment, but also of embarrassment in her voice when she answers…

Lauri: Sorry, but I-I think there’s been a terrible misunderstanding. What I told you last night doesn’t mean… what you think it means. I apologize if my attitude made it come across that way. I was just nervous and tired.
Dale knows it was not a misunderstanding, but he doesn’t want to make Lauri feel any more uncomfortable, so he avoids mentioning what Kelly overheard.
Dale: Okay, so… if it was all a misunderstanding, then I guess we’re good?
Lauri: Of course we are. Thank you for your sincerity, and for caring about our friendship.
Dale: You’re most welcome.

After a few moments of awkward silence…
Lauri: By the way, I saw Kelly outside the bookstore on my way back and decided to leave her the car. Thanks for letting us borrow it.
Dale: Of course, you guys take it whenever you need it.
Lauri: Thank you, Dale. *Sigh*. Well, I have a lot of studying to do, so, if you’ll excuse me…
Dale: Sure, go ahead.

Well, aside from the super embarrassing moment when Lauri denied she had feelings for him, the matter seems to be settled, now Kelly will be calm, and Dale will be able to have some peace from here to the exams, at least that’s what he hopes.

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