Unpacking Laurel's Secret: Did She Deliberately Hand Jeremiah Conrad's Letter?

The world of 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' is a whirlwind of sun-drenched romance, bittersweet first loves, and heart-wrenching decisions. But perhaps no single moment has ignited more passionate debate and conspiracy theories among fans than Laurel's pivotal role in the infamous 'letter incident' during Season 2.

Was it a genuine mistake, a moment of overwhelmed carelessness, or a calculated move that irrevocably altered Belly's complicated love story?

For those who need a refresher, the scene in question unfolds amidst the chaos and emotional devastation following the Cousins Beach house fire. Belly, distraught and searching for comfort, desperately wanted a letter from Conrad—a tangible piece of his affection.

Laurel, her mother, eventually found a note from Conrad, but instead of giving it directly to Belly, she handed it to Jeremiah, Conrad's brother. Jeremiah, in turn, read the deeply personal and heartfelt words meant for Belly, leaving her utterly crushed and feeling betrayed. The ripple effect of this moment sent shockwaves through the already fragile love triangle, cementing Belly's immediate bond with Jeremiah while pushing Conrad further into the shadows.

So, the million-dollar question persists: Did Laurel, a character known for her sharp wit and protective instincts, act with intent? Fan theories abound, painting a complex portrait of a mother grappling with her own grief and her daughter's burgeoning heartache.

One prevailing theory suggests Laurel, witnessing Belly's raw vulnerability and Jeremiah's unwavering support, may have subconsciously (or even consciously) believed that Jeremiah was the 'safer' or more present choice for her daughter in that moment of crisis. Having just lost her best friend Susannah, Laurel was undoubtedly overwhelmed, perhaps leading her to lean into decisions that she thought would minimize further pain for Belly.

She might have seen Conrad as emotionally distant and feared he would only cause Belly more heartbreak down the line, given his recent struggles.

Another perspective argues that Laurel's actions were purely accidental, a lapse in judgment born from the immense stress and emotional toll of the fire and Susannah's death.

In her grief and preoccupation, she might have simply seen the letter as a belonging of Conrad's and, without fully grasping its profound romantic significance, passed it to his brother. This interpretation suggests a less manipulative and more human error, a harried parent trying to navigate a crisis while dealing with her own sorrow.

Perhaps she didn't read the letter or fully comprehend its contents, believing it was simply a general update from Conrad to his family.

Regardless of intent, the fallout was catastrophic for Belly. The revelation that Jeremiah had read Conrad's letter, combined with Conrad's perceived emotional unavailability, pushed Belly firmly into Jeremiah's arms.

It served as a powerful catalyst for the 'Team Jeremiah' narrative that dominated much of Season 2, creating an emotional chasm between Belly and Conrad that was difficult to bridge. The scene perfectly encapsulates the messy, often unfair nature of young love and the devastating consequences of miscommunication.

Ultimately, the show leaves the ambiguity of Laurel's motivations deliciously open-ended, allowing viewers to project their own understanding of grief, parental instincts, and the complexities of human relationships onto the situation.

Whether a deliberate nudge or an unfortunate oversight, Laurel's choice with Conrad's letter remains a pivotal, polarizing, and deeply emotional turning point in 'The Summer I Turned Pretty,' forever shaping the trajectory of Belly's heart.