Laurel Parker

Laurel Danielle Parker, born shortly before her parents graduated high school, was unplanned and unexpected in so many ways. Laurel’s parents hadn’t even begun dating yet when she had been conceived, and it was months later, after her parents had been dating and were on the verge of ending things, when Laurel’s mother, Jezebel, realized she was pregnant. Prior to the discovery of the pregnancy, Jezebel had been under much stress due to her family, senior year, and being caught between Laurel’s father, Mikel, and the one that got away, the Jordan Williams. Though, with Laurel in the picture and the reveal of a painful memory, Jezebel and Jordan were a thing of the past. A part of her heart that could never truly be healed. However, there was not a happily ever after in store, as Laurel’s parents were never meant to be together, and their relationship didn’t even last until Laurel’s birth, leaving the two as merely friends who had a daughter together. Laurel’s existence wasn’t the only thing unexpected. Her birth was unexpected that much more. Stress, particularly early on in a pregnancy, poses increased risks for both mother and child, including that of an early birth. Laurel wasn’t due until late September, but May 30th 2020, the day of the big soccer game for Cerulean high, Jezebel’s cousin was nearly killed. The stressful situation led Jezebel to go into labor, despite the pregnancy being only 23 weeks along. The first months of Laurel’s life were a battle, a struggle to survive. It was months spent in the hospital before she was finally able to come home under the care of her mother. Jezebel may not have had a family that would do anything for her growing up, but it wasn’t a question that Laurel did. She had her mother, who loved her more than anything, even if she was overprotective. But… then there was her father, who was never around enough. Mikel always did what he could to make it back for her birthday and special occasions, but he was always traveling, and the relationship between him and Jezebel was merely a friendship, though, it was a friendship based on their daughter. Laurel loves her mother, she wouldn’t deny that, but she needed her father around more. However, even without her father around much, Laurel developed many of both her mother’s and her father’s traits. Her father’s more artistic eye from photography, that comes through in her passion for art, his tendency to be a troublemaker and a partier, and her mother’s way of self destruction. The thing is, Jezebel put effort into keeping everything from falling apart, she put her mother had only ever been in one relationship that was truly good for her, but where did it leave her, broken hearted in the end. Laurel is a very social girl. She portrays a lot of confidence, except when it comes to relationships. Sex, that’s not an issue at all, but when it comes to matters of the heart, Laurel can’t manage. She doesn’t know what a good relationship should be, and she is terrified by the thought of falling in love, because of the possibility of having her heart broken. That’s why if she’s in a relationship, as soon as things begin to get serious, she puts a stop to it through whatever means necessary, because she won’t put her heart on the line. Another trait Laurel developed from her mother, wasn’t a case of being like her, but because of how Jezebel chose to raise her daughter. When Laurel sets her mind on something, the sky’s the limit. The only thing that can truly stop her is herself. That’s one thing that Jezebel made certain of, that Laurel would always feel like she could achieve whatever she wanted, the encouragement that she never had. Though, Laurel hates the thought of disappointing her mom, it doesn’t change her tendency to often get herself into trouble. Trouble which she often has to call her uncle, to help her get out of. After all, a goodie two shoes wouldn’t find themselves turning 20 before their high school graduation.