| This article is about the TV character. You may be looking for the book character. |
| “ | You know, boys might come and go, but a best friend is once in a lifetime. We have to hold tight to our friendships. Because we never know what the future will hold. | ” |
— Laurel to Belly[src]
| ||
Laurel Park is a character in the Prime Video original series, The Summer I Turned Pretty. She is portrayed by Jackie Chung.
Laurel is a novelist with a wry sense of humor and an aversion to technology. Since her divorce a year ago, Laurel has been stressed and unfocused, which is affecting her writing for the first time in her career. She is also the mother of Belly.
Now an author whose recent memoir is about her decades-long friendship with Susannah, she’s always been fiercely devoted to her kids Belly and Steven and the Fisher boys, but Laurel had a tumultuous year that’s put distance between her and those she loves most.
Biography[]
Laurel is the longtime best friend of Susannah Fisher, having been friends with her since they were young women. Laurel married John Conklin and they had two children together, Steven and Isabel "Belly". The family lived in Philadelphia, but every summer, they would visit Cousins Beach to stay at Susannah's beachfront home, alongside Susannah and her two kids, Conrad and Jeremiah. Susannah was diagnosed with breast cancer but successfully beat the disease, only for it to return. She didn't want to go through chemotherapy again and turn into the shell of the person she was. She instead, wanted one last glorious summer with her family and best friend. Laurel promised to help her do just that. Meanwhile, Laurel went through a divorce from John.
Throughout The Summer I Turned Pretty[]
Season 1[]
The Conklin family prepares for their latest trip to Cousins Beach. Belly, Laurel, and Steven drive to the beach while Laurel asks them to help out more this summer. Doing the dishes even if it's not theirs and be good houseguests. Steven brings up Susannah having people that do that, earning a smack in the back of the head from Laurel. She wants them to be considerate. She gives Steven a curfew but tells Belly they'll worry about hers when it comes up. Steven digs that she doesn't need one as she doesn't go anywhere. Belly also has driving plans with Steven; he's less judgy then Laurel. They stop at a gas station where an attendant takes notice of Belly and invites her to the bonfire that night, so she agrees to think about it. Laurel intervenes to remind Belly about them going to a bookstore for pre-signing. She will let Belly pick out tonight's desert if she comes with.
The family arrives at the beach house, with Jeremiah hugging Laurel before the others. She heads inside where she scoffs at Susannah for buying too much food. Belly comes inside soaking wet, earning praise from Susannah for being gorgeous. She's growing up and is in bloom. She looks just like Laurel did when she was Belly's age. Laurel reminds Belly to call her father, though she resists, until learning he's coming to the house for the Fourth. It's his first time back since their divorce. But for now, it's just the women and children - they way they like it.
Laurel and Susannah make plans to go to the pre-signing together now that Belly ditched Laurel for the ocean. She's begrudged about going to the country club first, especially for fancy catering for her party that she didn't want done. Susannah agrees to let her stay in the car. Once they get to Whale of a Tale, they ensure everything is in place. The store only has 20 copies of her book in stock, but has dozens for Cleveland Castillo. Laurel makes digs at Cleveland, unaware he's behind her. He's renting the Burke house for the summer.
The families sit for dinner. Laurel critiques Steven for being on his phone as she wants a screen-free zone. The boys joke about their physiques until Steven asks Conrad when he leaves for training camp. Jeremiah reveals that Conrad quit football, shocking the Conklin-Park family. Conrad isn't phased as he was just going to sit on the bench all season and isn't changing his mind about quitting, either. He doesn't have any other plans for the summer, refusing Steven's suggestion to work at the country club with him and Jere. Susannah gives Belly a surprise; an invitation to the debutante ball. It's when a girl comes of age and is presented to society, an event that's more fun that it sounds. Girls come from all over and it's a good place for Belly to meet new friends. Laurel balks at the archaic dream, but it's more about networking, getting leadership skills, and benefitting charity. Steven laughs at the idea of Belly being mature - citing a cat funeral for reference of her immaturity. Laurel doesn't think she would like it, though Belly agrees to think about it.
After dinner, Laurel asks Belly for help with Instagram, showing her Cleveland Castillo's profile that has 150,000 followers. Taylor's father reads his book, too. The girls prepare for their annual movie and popcorn night, though Belly admits to wanting to do something different from their tradition of watching It Happened One Night. She decides to go to bed instead. Laurel and Susannah are blissfully unaware when Belly sneaks out of the house to attend a bonfire.
As the evening progresses, Susannah admits she is happy to see Connie almost smile again. She thinks his bad mood is because of his breakup with Aubrey. He quit football a few weeks ago, though he only played to please Adam. She plans to give him space, though Laurel thinks Susannah should talk to Conrad. She refuses and just wants to have the great summer they planned. She set up Laurel's office for her so she can write. Laurel doesn't care about her book; it isn't selling, anyway. Susannah knows she cares and plans to buy a copy tomorrow. The conversation shifts as Susannah encourages Laurel to be on Tinder. They laugh over the possibility before Susannah brings up the deb ball again. She wants Belly to have a session so she can see her in a white dress. Laurel caves but it's still up to Belly, though Susannah believes people can change. Not them, of course, as they are immovable objects.
The kids are dropped off at home by a police officer. Steven argues that it's not a big deal but she disagrees; getting arrested for underage drinking is a big deal. Steven asks if the moms have been smoking, but Laurel lies that they haven't. Laurel warns to keep their voices down as Susannah is asleep. Jere reveals that he was the DD tonight. Laurel scolds Conrad for being the oldest but not having responsibility. She turns to Belly, wondering when she left the house and what she's wearing. She walked to the beach which Laurel dislikes, prompting Belly to lash out that she's not a kid anymore. If they want to be treated like adults they should act like one. Tonight could have ended differently if the Fisher's weren't the Fisher's. The kids go to bed, while Conrad refuses to open up with Laurel.[1]
The next morning, Jeremiah complains about having to sit for his portrait. Laurel quotes Susannah - she wants to capture their essence while he's still young and full of hope. He jokes that Conrad is hopeless, though his hangover smoothie cures all. Conrad complains from the sofa while Jeremiah kicks Steven out of the kitchen for watching him too closely. Laurel thinks it'll be nice for them to have the portraits when their older, but Jeremiah isn't convinced. Steven rushes Jere as they can't be late for their first day, leading them to joke with one another.
Belly comes in and Laurel notices the bruise on her face, though she lies that she bumped into someone. Jeremiah offers her cereal that she accepts. Susannah bursts in, full of glee, as Belly is going to be a deb, after all. She can't wait to go shopping for both Belly and Laurel, as the latter needs a new style for her book party. Conrad doesn't think the deb is Belly at all. Susannah asks which of the boys will be her escort, with Conrad refusing as he went last year. Jeremiah refuses as he hates balls. Belly isn't going with either of them; she's going to find her own date. Laurel is skeptical that the country club can teach morals, though Susannah thinks times are changing. There's a lesbian couple this season that the club is fine with. The girls prepare for shopping while the boys head to work.
The girls have a blast shopping as they turn their attention to fascinators, little hats that all the girls will be wearing. Belly isn't sure about them but Susannah encourages her to try them anyway. Belly tries on different dresses until she finds one that Susannah falls in love with, thinking she looks like a princess. Laurel equates her to the tooth fairy, which doesn't phase Susannah. Laurel suggests a simpler dress, but Susannah thinks the one she points out is too simple as the girls go all out. Belly is drawn to the simpler gown but stays quiet. Laurel drops Belly off at the country club but promises to be there in a hurry if she's needed. Belly repeats their code phrase, "Lemon Jelly Belly", before heading towards the club.
That evening, Susannah compliments Belly's attire, hoping she'll have fun tonight. Laurel is confused as she thought Belly would drive with them tonight to her book signing. Susannah reveals that she has a date with a the son of a woman who works at the club. He's a nice boy and very smart. Laurel lets her go but makes sure to remind her about consent as she leaves. Laurel admits to Susannah that she doesn't want to go either. Susannah believes she'll get inspired again. But Laurel worries she's said all she needs to and doesn't have any books left in her. Susannah believes she just needs to have some fun and replenish her well.
At the book signing, Cleveland approaches Laurel as he read her book and liked that she made the narrator unreliable. She disagrees with his assessment, though a fan stops him as he's excited for his next book. She asks about the next one, which is about sailing. This surprises her as she though he was a Brooklyn hipster. He admits she's right that he doesn't sail, though he's trying to learn. He likes to write about things he knows nothing about, to completely immerse himself in new worlds. But he's lost at sea with this one. Laurel points out Conrad who's been pounding chardonnay all night. She calls him over and he scrambles over awkwardly. Laurel tells Conrad about Cleveland's situation, adding that the teen placed second in a regatta last year. Cleveland asks for lessons. Conrad thinks Susannah put her up to this and stalks off. He gives Laurel his card, anyway.[2]
Belly's sixteenth birthday arrives and the girl comes down to her traditional breakfast, everyone wishing her a happy birthday, and complimenting her. She refuses the pancakes as she isn't hungry, so Laurel suggests they open presents instead. Laurel gives her a first edition book of poems, with her favorite bookmarked; everyone recites it from heart. Susannah gifts her a pearl necklace that once belonged to her mother. Jeremiah gives her a good luck charm for her keys, so she'll pass her driving test. Steven gives her a Princeton sweatshirt so she won't steal his next years, though Laurel didn't know he was still considering Princeton. He's looking to scholarships and financial aid. Conrad starts to remove a box from his pocket but decides against it. He tells Belly her forgot her birthday, and she feigns as though she isn't expecting something. He leaves for a lesson with Cleveland. Jeremiah offers to take Belly for a driving lesson to pick up Taylor from the bus station.
Susannah and Laurel walk past the Whale of a Tale book store, admiring that the line stretches out the door. What they see inside, however, is Cleveland Castillo prepping for his interview. Laurel thinks he looks good, but then corrects that it must be the celibacy talking. Susannah thinks he might be the perfect "sex after divorce" material. Laurel isn't sure as she read his interview in The New Yorker where he talked about his male ex. She assumes he's gay - Susannah corrects that Cleveland is bi. Since that doesn't make a difference to Laurel, she doesn't see the harm in going for a summer fling. She should live a little. Conrad arrives at the book store, surprising the moms. He remarks that he's late just as the interview starts.
Back at Beck's, Susannah and Laurel prepare the elaborate dinner for Belly's sweet sixteen. They talk about Conrad, who they can't believe forgot Belly's birthday. Susannah sighs that he's been shut down since April when he and his girlfriend broke up, though he won't tell her about it. She asks Laurel to talk to him as she's always had a way of making him open up. Laurel agrees and goes outside to follow through on the request.
She sits next to him and admits she's checking in on him. He's fine, a retort she mimics. They used to talk and now they barely do. He's still her special guy, the first baby, and he can talk to her about anything. He thanks her so she adds that he doesn't have to hold everything in all the time. He doesn't have to always be strong. He begins to tell her something when Laurel juts in that it's been a while since she was his age, but remembers what it's like to have her heart broken. Conrad realizes what she's talking about and quickly agrees, adding that it was brutal.
The family sits for dinner, including Cam and Taylor. Jeremiah decides to call him Cam-Cameron as it's funny. Susannah's glad he's here as she knows his mom from the club. He thanks her for having him, passing on his mom's hello. Laurel asks if he's ever had miyeok-guk before, which he hasn't, though it's a Korean birthday tradition. She made it vegetarian since he doesn't eat meat. He's grateful for that. Jeremiah asks why he doesn't eat meat. Cam explains that it's the number one contributor to global warming. As the teasing commences on Belly for eating meat, Cam intervenes that he doesn't judge people for eating meat. It's a personal choice. Steven jabs that Cam must not mind Belly's lips touching a dead animal, then those dead animal lips touching his. Cam doesn't mind at all and kisses Belly to prove that. The siblings go back and forth with embarrassing childhood stories, something Belly seemingly wins as Jeremiah helps with the stories. After things settle, Belly decides they should go to Nicole's party, a sentiment that excites Taylor.
The next morning, Laurel and Belly drop Taylor off at the bus station, with Laurel encouraging Belly to talk things through with her as they're best friends. After all, Taylor came all the way up to see her for her birthday because she loves her. Belly concedes and talks to Taylor just as the bus is loading. When she returns to the car, Laurel tells her that boys might come and go, but a best friend is once in a lifetime. They have to hold tight those friendship because they never know what the future will hold.
Laurel and Susannah sit on the beach as the sun sets. Laurel did some research on alternative therapies, as a lot has changed over the last three years. She knows Susannah doesn't want to do chemo. Susannah cuts her off - she's not putting herself through treatment again. She knows how much time she has left and is at peace with that. She's gonna tell the kids when they get back to Boston, but just wants one last perfect summer at Cousins. Laurel, while saddened by her choice, holds her hand and says okay.[3]
The Fourth of July weekend arrives and everyone rallies to help prepare for Susannah's annual party. Conrad prepares to wash the clams, Jeremiah finishes his milk, and Steven finishes his portrait with Susannah. Laurel suggests that Steven should take Belly to the ball if she doesn't ask Cam, but he balks at the idea. He's also taking Shayla who will be coming over today with Nicole and Gigi. Belly plans to ask Cam to the ball today. Belly and Susannah tease Laurel over wearing makeup, attributing the rarity to John attending. Belly doesn't understand why she invited John's girlfriend. Laurel tells her to make the guest bed which is next to Belly's. Susannah tells the boys that their father can't come, as he's closing a deal. Jeremiah is disappointed at he has fireworks to show him, but Susannah promises to take a video.
Susannah and Laurel stand on the porch as Victoria and John greet the kids. Laurel was hoping for a vapid ditz in Lululemons for a stereotypical midlife crisis. Susannah slaps Laurel's butt as she has a much better ass than Vitoria, making them both laugh. The couple greets the women, with Victoria being a fan of Laurel's work.
Jeremiah, Belly, Steven, and Conrad watch the ordeal from inside the house. Conrad comments that Victoria is hot, and Belly wonders why he'd say that. Conrad notes that she could be Belly and Steven's future stepmom, but Steven isn't happy with the remark. They begin to playfully fight moments before the new couple enters. Belly and Steven hug their father, meet Victoria, then quietly comment on her being 27 and in grad school. John then reveals that he and Victoria are staying in town instead of at the house, with Laurel agreeing with whatever he thinks is best. Victoria takes out pomegranates as she plans to make margaritas later. The doorbell rings so Steven rushes off to greet Shayla, as the debs have arrived.
Once outside by the pool, Laurel and John talk to Shayla, getting to know her by asking about what her parents do. Belly walks over to be part of the conversation. Steven snaps at Laurel to stop interrogating Shayla, though Shayla says it's fine. Gigi interrupts as Shayla needs to read a text. She excuses herself but mentions that it was lovely meeting them, as they raised a respectful son. Laurel can't believe a girl like her would want to be a deb. John asks about renting a tux for Steven, but the boy claims he has it covered. Steven heads off to be with Shayla, so John asks Belly about the deb ball. Apparently, it's for girls like her who don't know who they are. Laurel didn't mean her remark like that, but Belly isn't convinced. Victoria interjects that her cousin was a deb and they raised money for public schools.
Laurel comes inside the house and remarks on Adam's unexpected arrival. Jere happily hugs his father, Belly gives him a drink, while Conrad stays quiet. Susannah enters and is surprised to see him there. Everyone goes back to the party at her request, while Conrad brushes off Adam's request to talk as he's going to the beach. Laurel leaves to give Susannah and Adam time to talk alone.
Laurel and Adam argue in a room over her inviting him without Susannah's blessing. She doesn't understand why he isn't around more. Adam assumes she knows but she doesn't. He admits that he messed up, just like Laurel knew he would.
Belly wanders inside the kitchen to Laurel who asks about the margarita, so Belly blames it on Victoria who said she could have it. Susannah enters as it's time for cake, which excites Belly so she hurries outside. In her hurry, she trips on the stairs and falls into Susannah, causing her to fall too. The platter shatters as the cake goes everywhere. Adam rushes to see if Susannah is okay while Laurel tends to Belly. Susannah angrily pushes Adam away from her telling him to just go away. She looks to Belly, disappointed, ignoring her apologies as she limps off to tend to her cut hand. John helps Belly to her feet and then takes her inside the house as she admits that Victoria is cool.
Susannah takes off her rings as she sits on her bed. Laurel comes in to see her. She apologizes for the cake stand and then confronts her about the tension with Adam. She refuses to let Susannah leave until she tells the truth. He cheated on her three years ago with his secretary while she was going through chemo. She didn't tell Laurel because she knew Laurel would tell her to leave him but she didn't want to, but now she does. She doesn't want him next to her in the end. By the time they return to New York, he'll be moved out. Laurel admits he's a dick but the family will need him, something Susannah disagrees over. They begin to argue as Laurel pushes that she isn't thinking this through, ignoring Susannah's request to stop managing her life. She snaps that she feels pressured, with Laurel knowing she'll have to clean all this up in the end. Susannah thinks that will make Laurel happy, earning a cruel remark in return.
John checks on a sleeping Belly and then talks to Laurel in the hall, admitting that Belly is fine. John asks if she's good too, but Laurel isn't. She goes downstairs and storms out of the house. She goes and sits at a fancy bar and orders a cold gin martini. Cleveland thinks Hemmingway would approve, explaining the man's drink preferences.
They laugh over drinks as they discuss their shared experiences in the publishing world. Everyone told him that there wasn't a market for a Filipino main character, but that's all they want from him now. She relates to this, but at least his publisher wants something from him; she wouldn't be surprised if her publisher passes on her next book. She doesn't even have the next book to give them. She asks if he wants to get out of there; he asks where to. They end up in one of their cars having sex.
Laurel goes back to the beach house, though Belly is in the kitchen, which startles her. Belly's having some cereal before bed. Laurel isn't planning to yell at Belly, who just wishes she could back in time and not barge in on Conrad in the shower. He wasn't naked as he wore a bathing suit, but she did tell him he looked romantic with wet hair. Laurel chuckles as she's glad Cam wasn't there. Laurel plans to make hangover soup for her to have in the morning. Belly admits she doesn't feel fireworks with Cam, a feeling that Laurel relates to, as she felt steady with John - like a cozy campfire that would keep her warm through the night. She did feel fireworks once but it never would have worked, as it would have burned them both alive. Belly will know when she wants to be with that person no matter what. Too hot, too safe, she won't care as it'll just feel right. Belly remarks that her mom's bow is united.[4]
The next morning, Laurel brings Susannah coffee as a peace offering. They don't like fighting with each other. Laurel isn't trying to manage Susannah's life, and Susannah knows she's just trying to help. But she needs to be the one who decides how things go right now, at least for a few more weeks, which Laurel is trying to honor. She thanks Laurel for being her friend. Laurel admits she had sex with Cleveland Castillo in her car last night, which makes Susannah giddy.
Laurel and Susannah gossip by the pool about Cleveland as they stalk his social media pages. Laurel worries she was pity sex but Susannah refutes the claim. She gets a text from Cleveland asking when he can see her again, which excites Susannah. Laurel begins to spiral as she's too old for a booty call, he hasn't seen her naked, and her body isn't perfect. Susannah brushes off her concerns as it's summer. She then offers to share her edibles since they're celebrating. Belly walks over so Susannah hides the edibles. She asks about Conrad, learning he's out sailing. Just as Susannah invites Belly to join them, Cam arrives to check on Belly after the events of last night. He apologizes for leaving last night but she understands as she was a wreck. He asks her on a bike ride, bringing up a really cool spot he knows about. She agrees but has to change out of her deb outfit first.
The women, now high, head into the kitchen as they want to make lasagna but don't have the right ingredients. They need to go shopping, ignoring the plethora of food laid out around the kitchen. Jeremiah and Belly come in and the mom faun over them, calling them beautiful babies. Susannah ushers Jeremiah along so she can paint him while the light's still good. Belly talks to Laurel, who asks for advice on the text Cleveland sent her. Laurel defends herself as the hookup in her car wasn't planned, a statement that grosses Belly off so she sings to herself and leaves the kitchen.
Jeremiah calls Belly outside to look at Susannah's portrait of him and Laurel joins them. It's Picasso and Jackson Pollock's baby. She's mortified then realizes it's absolutely terrible, making them all laugh. He chuckles that this is why old people shouldn't do drugs, earning playful slaps from Laurel and Susannah. It's blatant ageism and they won't stand for it. They leave the brats to walk on the beach.
Laurel and Susannah walk the beach line. Laurel scoffs at being called old. Susannah is grateful she's not going to get really old with jowls, saggy boobs, and gray hair. Laurel shoots her a look but Susannah was only joking. She has those Asian genes, reciting Laurel's motto of an Asian 50 being a white 50. They laugh and reminisce over how they met. Laurel thought she was a stuck-up rich girl as she had a pony and only hung out with Laurel because she thought she was funny. Susannah assures her she never thought she was funny. They spot the Fat Pelican and run towards it happily as they remember their Spring break.
They sit at the bar as a young man ogles them. Laurel recognizes him as the gas station guy who hit on Belly on their first day at Cousins. The bartenders ask for their IDs which flatters the women, who gush over looking under 21. The bartender has to ask everyone for it. The women realize they left their IDs in their purses and burst out laughing. They ask him to please let them stay. Susannah wants Laurel to tell him. Laurel admits they're mothers and homeowners, so the bartender caves. The women order two Long Island iced teas. As the bartender walks off, the women chuckle over their former fake IDs - Raven Kirk and Sloaney Janks. They decide to start a tab and whisper to one another how they don't have any money. They laugh and then decide to do it the old-fashioned way - catch and release. They dance together happily as they do the catch and release motions. They proceed to dance happily and play music on the jukebox, and Susannah makes eyes with another bar patron and gestures him over.
Susannah dances with the patron as Laurel watches. She takes out her phone which is open to Cleveland's text. She takes another drink and then asks if they can meet tonight. She puts the phone down and drinks nervously. She smiles as she watches Susannah lead the patron away. Susannah and the patron make out in the hall.
Susannah makes out with the patron outside the bar as Laurel waits on the bench. He wants her to come back to his boathouse but she's good. He calls her Raven then walks away. The women sit together as Laurel puts her head on Susannah's shoulder. A scooter pulls up with Cleveland behind the wheel, and Laurel gets on just as Susannah's Uber arrives. Susannah sits in the back of the car, growing emotional as she looks out at the beach.
Laurel and Cleveland arrive at his house, as he thought they could go for a swim. He has something better than a pool and takes her around back to where a small pond is. He's set up a picnic blanket with a lamp and candles. He loves nights like this when it's warm and humid, as the lake is as warm as bathwater. She didn't bring a suit, but he strips and encourages her to come into the water so she follows his lead. They begin to kiss in the water.[5]
The day of the volleyball tournament arrives, with Belly competing alongside Taylor and Steven with Shayla. She denies Belly's eager request to drive to the event herself. Belly wins the tournament and Laurel runs out to hug her and Conrad, who had subbed in. After the tournament, Susannah and Laurel go to the dry cleaners, where Susannah instructs the employee to steam them once more. Once steamed, the bags are handed over. Laurel stops to admire the simple deb dress that Belly saw on their first trip.[6]
The day of the deb ball finally arrives and everyone prepares for the ordeal. Susannah wakes Belly up and tells her there's a surprise for her in the living room. She finds her mom and Susannah presenting the dress she wanted in the living room. She's ecstatic and thanks Susannah profusely for getting her the dress. Susannah tells her to think her mom, as it was her idea. She goes to check on Belly's shoes that she put in the freezer to stretch out. Now alone, Belly remarks that she can't believe they got her the dress. Laurel notes that she looks uncomfortable in the other one. Belly didn't think she noticed. Of course she did, she's her mother and knows her. She didn't want her to be a deb at first as it's hard to let her go. She hugs her daughter tightly.
In the kitchen, Jeremiah tosses fruit in the air and catches it in his mouth. Belly comes into the kitchen and Conrad quickly hands her some of the good muffins that he picked up this morning. He smiles at her as she looks at them. After a moment, she decides that she's good. Susannah tells Belly she should get going soon. She reminds everyone to stay out of the living room as she's completed their paintings and tonight after the ball, they'll have a big unveiling. She hands Belly's dress bag to Jeremiah and asks him to put it in Laurel's car. He scurries off while Belly turns to Laurel, asking if she's supposed to drive her. Laurel is going with Susannah, so she thought Belly could drive herself. She offers the keys, much to Belly's overwhelming joy. Laurel reminds her to obey the lights, drive slowly, and wait four seconds at each stop sign. Susannah calls out that they'll see her at the club in a few hours.
The Fisher's and Conklin's arrive at the Country Club for the ball. Susannah and Conrad meet with Jeremiah and Laurel by the door. Susannah remarks that they're perfect, the moment is perfect. She tears up and Jeremiah asks if she's going to cry. She refuses as it would ruin her makeup. It's just that things are going to be different next year with Conrad going off to college. It might be the last summer they're all together. Jeremiah reminds her that he gets a dance from her tonight. He takes her hands and they rock back forth. He dips her happily while Conrad watches whilst smiling. When Jere pulls Susannah up she loses her balance and becomes woozy. He makes sure she's okay, and she blames it on being out of practice. She and Conrad head inside while Jeremiah looks pensive. Laurel and Steven head inside.
Laurel walks inside and observes the guests in attendance, from people to chattering, to a woman in a red dress by the champagne fountain. Laurel takes a breath before finding Cleveland who is talking to John by the bar. She joins them and John remarks that the bar is the only way he can get through this medieval ceremony. She asks about Victoria, but she had a last-minute silent retreat to attend. He quickly changes the subject to the venue being nicer than their wedding, which was in Laurel's parents' church basement. She quips that anything is nicer than their wedding, especially since she was four months pregnant. Cleveland remarks on the scandal, and she laughs before explaining that in the Korean Church it was. She had to tell everyone that Steven was preemie. Whenever they visit her parents, her mom still gets tears in her eyes saying that she can't believe how strong and healthy Steven is. The trio laughs over the situation as Steven, their miracle baby, joins them. Steven greets John and asks if he brought the cufflinks. John gives him the cufflinks. Cleveland introduces himself to Steven, as they haven't officially met yet. They shake hands which is a bit awkward for the teen. Cleveland brings up Steven going to Princeton, though the boy remarks that his parents want him to stay in state. Laurel gives a soft smile and admits that if he gets into Princeton, they'll find a way to make it work. Steven happily thanks him mom who remarks that he looks so handsome. He concedes that it's all about Shayla tonight, as he's just the arm candy.
They take their seats to watch Paige present the debs. Belly's name is called and she takes the arm of Jeremiah, who is her escort. Laurel wonders why Belly's making that weird face, and Susannah lies that she has no idea. She catches Belly's attention and gestures for her to smile normally. Belly and Jeremiah reach the Conklin-Fisher table and Belly hands her bouquet to Laurel. She hugs her mom before returning to Jeremiah's side. As the debs continue to be announced, Laurel gives Susannah the bouquet, which means a lot to Susannah, and she smells it happily. Laurel notices the way Susannah is looking at Belly, Jeremiah, and Conrad. She's hit with emotions and excuses herself. Belly wonders where she's going but Jere doesn't know. Paige proclaims that it is her honor to introduce this year's Cousins Beach Country Club debutantes, earning applause from the audience.
John finds Laurel crying in a secluded room. She'll need his help this Fall as she'll be spending a lot of time in Boston. She hopes Victoria is okay with having teenagers around. Victoria won't be a factor, which Laurel feels a bit sorry over. He didn't know she was bringing a date tonight, but it isn't anything serious. Of course it's not, which prompts her questioning. Sometimes John thinks the only person Laurel every truly loved is Susannah. She denies it, but John admits there were always three people in their marriage. He accepted it because he loves her, too. But she has to face that Susannah isn't gonna be here much longer. She tells him not to say that, but it's the truth. Before they can continue, Jeremiah walks into the doorway, ending the conversation. John asks what he needs, and Jeremiah tells him that the escort dance is about to start. Belly really doesn't want them to miss it. Laurel thanks him for the heads up and Jere leaves, once again, having a pensive expressive.
She does return in time to watch the escort dance, in which Steven and Jeremiah perform. During a break, Cleveland tells Laurel that he's been invited to a keynote this book festival in Santa Barbara in October, and he was thinking that Laurel could with him. Laurel brushes it off as her fall is up in the air. Cleveland iterates that they need to talk about that, as there's something he has to tell her. A glass clinks to signal the start of the dance, so Susannah shushes them as it's starting. John rejoins the group. Belly nervously remarks that she doesn't know where Jeremiah is. Susannah urges her to go on the dance floor as she's sure he'll be here.
The dance begins as the deb take their escorts hands, moving in a beautiful waltz. Susannah remarks to Laurel that Belly looks luminous. Laurel knows that Conrad is the sun, and when the sun comes out, the stars disappear. They dance together perfectly as Jeremiah walks back inside, averting his eyes when he sees them gracefully dancing near Steven and Shayla. Susannah asks Jere where he was and he lies that the shrimp was probably bad. She frets that the caterer will here from her and tries to get some ginger ale for him. Jere watches Belly dance with Conrad. The dance ends with a dip. When the song ends, Belly thanks him, though he thinks he messed up some of the steps. She thinks he was great and he's glad that it was him. Jere excuses himself from the table as Susannah goes to get a ginger ale. Laurel asks Cleveland what he wanted to talk to her about. He admits to knowing about Susannah's cancer as Conrad told him.
Laurel is dumbfounded that Conrad knows. She questions how he knows. On the dance floor, Jeremiah brims with anger as he realizes that Conrad's known this whole fucking time and didn't tell him. Conrad starts to explain when Jeremiah punches his brother across the jaw, earning gasps from the crowd. He tackles Conrad to the floor by wrapping his arms around his waist. The brothers fall to the ground as they wrestle about. Susannah rushes over and tells them both to stop it. Jere stands up as Conrad gets his bearings. She demands to know what is going on. Jere looks at his mom tearfully as Conrad looks to him then back to his mom. They know - they both know. Belly is confused as she asks what they know.
At Beck's, Belly sobs on the bed as her mom tries to comfort her. Belly feels stupid because all summer long she's been thinking about herself and Susannah was sick and she didn't even know. That's exactly how Susannah wanted it. Laurel's known since the spring. Susannah didn't want to burden the kids with it, as she wanted one last summer with the kids. This sentiment makes Belly sob even harder as Laurel strokes her hair. Belly sniffles and manages to pull herself together long enough to ask about her mom, as she's had to carry it all by herself. Laurel fights back tears as she covers her eyes. She holds her daughter tightly as they cry together. Steven opens the door and asks emotional if Susannah isn't going to get better. Laurel shakes her head, no, earning sobs all around. He joins them in the bed as Laurel holds her children.
Laurel cooks noodles in the kitchen when Susannah joins her, joking that she knows it's end times if Laurel is cooking. Susannah told them she'll do the trial as she couldn't say no. She knows it'll make things harder, but Laurel doesn't care as she embraces her best friend. She doesn't care what the doctors say - it's going to work because Susannah's magic. Susannah questions when Laurel started believing in magic, to which she merely responds that she believes in her. Laurel calls everyone down for dinner.
The family sits around the table and eats while they laugh and converse. Belly reflects on the past few months as she watches her family. There were times this summer when she felt like she didn't know her own heart. But one thing she does know for sure is that, no matter what happens next, she will always come back to this place and these people.[7]
Season 2[]
Laurel struggles after Susannah's death. Her life feels like it's been turned upside down. She wrote a book about Susannah but isn't eager to promote it or do anything to get herself out of the house because she is still in mourning.
Eventually, she decides to go to a book event to promote the book. There, she runs into Cleveland Castillo who admits he went to the event hoping to see her. She seems happy about it.
One night, Laurel gets a drunk call from Belly who sobs about messing everything up and tells her mom she's in Cousins. Lauren immediately drives over to Cousins to find the kids. She's furious about them destroying the house from partying but they explain it was their final hurrah and goodbye to the house because Julia sold it.
Laurel agrees to talk to Julia to try and convince her to cancel the sale. She is successful and Julia agrees to sell it to Conrad and Jeremiah's dad instead.
Personality[]
Physical Appearance[]
Laurel is an Asian American middle-aged women with black hair, oval shape brown eyes and fair skin.
Relationships[]
Susannah Fisher[]
Laurel and Susannah met in college and were instant best friends. They took a sisterly role in each other's lives. They were close with each other's children, with Susannah taking on an extra motherly role to Laurel's daughter and son. Laurel supported Susannah's sons. She there for Susannah during her first round of cancer and Adam's affair. Susannah and Laurel were present for monumental moments in their lives, both good and bad. Laurel's husband John once said that Susannah was the love of Laurel's life.
Appearances[]
Season 1[] |
Season 2[] |
Trivia[]
- Laurel's last name in The Summer Trilogy is Dunne.
Gallery[]
 Laurel Park has a photo gallery.
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References[]
- ↑ The Summer I Turned Pretty (TV Series), Season 1, Summer House
- ↑ The Summer I Turned Pretty (TV Series), Season 1, Summer Dress
- ↑ The Summer I Turned Pretty (TV Series), Season 1, Summer Nights
- ↑ The Summer I Turned Pretty (TV Series), Season 1, Summer Heat
- ↑ The Summer I Turned Pretty (TV Series), Season 1, Summer Catch
- ↑ The Summer I Turned Pretty (TV Series), Season 1, Summer Tides
- ↑ The Summer I Turned Pretty (TV Series), Season 1, Summer Love