IT WAS THE last day, seven years ago. As the Parkers, Conklins, and Fishers were getting ready to bid farewell to the house, Conrad and Abigail were dividing their shells they'd found. Abigail grabbede a piece of sea glass, tracing its gentle edges with her chipped pink finger nail.

"Why do adults kiss?" Conrad asked, counting the number of shells in his palm. Twelve, Abigail noted. Twelve shells.

Abigail thought for a moment. Her mother and father stopped kissing after she turned seven. Then he'd left on her tenth birthday. She wasn't exactly sure why adults kissed. "Maybe they just like kissin'?"

Conrad rocked back in forth as he sat in a butterfly position. He played with the shells in front of him. "I've never kissed anyone."

Abigail blinked. Neither had she. "We could kiss? So see what it's like, I mean." Conrad stared at her, big brown eyes piercing her soul. Abigail smiled at him.

"Okay." He paused before leaning forward over the shells and other sea trinkets on his floor. He scooted forward, noses almost touching. "So I just put my lips on yours?"

  Abigail shrugged. "I think so." Conrad nodded, putting his hands on her cheeks. His hands were rough from football. Mr Fisher made Conrad play football all summer. It was hot and sticky and she got hit in the head once.

   Conrad's lips touched her's. Abigail tasted the Pepsi on his lips from lunch. It was twelve seconds long. She counted each one in her head. Her hands found their way to his shoulders. Then he pulled away.

  "Hi," he said, sitting back in his spot. Abigail's lips tingled from where they kissed. It was innocent, yet when she licked her lips to apply moisture, she still tasted him.

   "Hey," she whispered. She smiled at him. They sat beside each other, playing with shells as they waited to be called to leave. Abigail wished she could have stayed there, in that moment, forever.

SHE AWOKE TO Jeremiah's loud snoring. His leg was over his as he snored, sprawled all over her bed. Abigail smiled at the sleeping boy and pulled her thin blanket over Jeremiah. She checked her phone, seeing a new group chat titled "Beach Bros"and texts from Belly. Something in the back of her mind told her nothing bad was going to happen between her and Belly.

bels im s sorry abt that
i rhought we'd just go see a movie
not crash ur date
im sorry bels
rlyy
i hooe ur date went well
im kiknda sleepy but if i dont get to see u
ehen u getbime
then im stry belly
ur welcome to hell at me when u get home

hi abby
im not mad or anything
ur lucky i can read sleepy abby txts
i love u so much
u were half asleep in the car i saw u
and steven told me that u only went to get out
of my moms book party ik those are super boring
my date was amazing and ill tell u all those details
when u wake up
sleep well bea
🤍

Abigail smiled at her phone, glad there was nothing going on between her and Belly. Belly was an angel, and she was ecstatic that she had an amazing date. She pressed her phone to her lips. Putting pressure on her ankles, she stood up again.

   The world spun for a good two seconds before she could regain clear vision. Abigail grabbed a change of clothes from the pile on the floor, her headband, and some sandals. She trudged to the bathroom, feeling a lot more tired than normal. She picked her orange bottle of magical pills from the medicine cabinet, shaking them. The familiar sound of her medication soothed an ache forming in her neck. Her stomach ached, and she noticed the odd feeling near her hips. She rubbed her hands over her hips, feeling her bones poking at her under her skin.

  Ignoring it, Abigail picked a bill out of the container, placing it on the center of her tongue. She filled her palm with water and tilted her head back, as the water poured into her mouth. The bitter tablet traveled down her throat, activating her gag reflex for a moment. She coughed, her fist banging on her chest. Tears prickled at her eyes, only to disappear once she swallowed.

  She gargled water and mouth wash as she tried to eradicate any traces of the medication from her tongue. Her makeup smeared under her eyes, black mascara dripping down her cheeks like little rivers of black. Abigail wiped her cheeks, taking the makeup off in the process. Her wrists popped and clicked as she got dressed.

After making herself some what presentable, she went downstairs. The family was in disarray. That's when she remembered, it was Belly's sixteenth birthday! She had forgotten about the small gift tucked in the bottom of suitcase, practically collecting dust at this point.

It was just Laurel and Steven in the kitchen. The other's must have still been sleeping. "Mornin'," she said, biting back a loud yawn. Abigail was greeted with a kiss on the forehead from Laurel, and a hug from Steven. They were making Belly's favorite: Micky Mouse pancakes.

For the longest time, all Belly ate for her birthdays were these pretty Micky Mouse pancakes Laurel made from scratch. It made her so happy, seeing Belly all giggly and happy on the morning of her birthday. If Abigail had a little sister, she knew she would be just like Belly.

"Do you need anythin'? I'm happy to help." Her offer fell short, because Laurel beckoned Abigail to sit at the island.

"We have everything under control, Abby. Don't worry," Laurel said with a soft smile. Abigail couldn't get mad at Ms Conklin whenever she used that tone and smile. It was so motherly and kind. "Just make sure to tell everyone to keep their voices down."

Jeremiah and Conrad soon graced the kitchen, one rubbing the sleep out of his eyes and the other seemingly welcoming it. Conrad's hair was ruffled like he hadn't brushed it, and Abigail fought the urge to mess with it some more.

"Morning, Abs," Jeremiah said, hugging Abigail with one arm. He had this bright smile on his face like he'd just heard the best news. "How'd you sleep, my favorite Southern belle?"

   "This Southern belle slept like a little baby, Jere," she teased, picking up the whipped cream can. She tilted the knob to one side and filled her mouth with the sweet white cream.  Abigail looked in Conrad's direction, who was picking at some berries in a bowl. "Mornin', darlin'."

  He nodded at her, well, her general vicinity. Abigail fought a frown from her lips. Why wasn't he smiling anymore? It couldn't be over Nicole, or his ex from back home? Susannah was healthy again, and everyone was at the beach house for another year.

  Diane and Clay stumbled into the kitchen. Abigail's mother smelled of red wine and roses. Definitely had a crazy date last night after the party. Clay, however, looked like he'd been up all night. He yawned, stretching his arms over his chest. The two of them greeted everyone with cheery smiles, despite looking exhausted.

  "What were you up to last night, Parker?" Steven yelled from his job at the stove. Clay groaned, rubbing his temples.

   "I took Jamie and Aurelia" — an awkward silence rang through the house. Clay shrugged — "to eat and then to the beach for a bit. Jamie brought a bottle of hard vodka. My head hurts."

   Diane chuckled, holding her son's face in between her two hands. "This is why you don't drink a whole bottle of vodka with Jamie St James, baby." Jeremiah already started making a hangover smoothie, sensing something was up. Diane looked over at Jeremiah. "Serve two glasses, please, Jeremiah."

   "Yes, ma'am!"

  The door opened once more, but this time Belly emerged, a little smile on her face. Abigail watched her eyes wander to Conrad, who was staring right back.  Their eyes were unreadable, and it stressed Abigail out. She didn't even know why it stressed her out. Conrad and I aren't like that, she chided flicking her own finger against her forehead.

   "Morning, everyone!" Belly sung, practically skipping over to the island. She leaned on the counter, cheeks a pretty pink color. Abigail leaned forward and kissed her cheek.

   "Happy birthday, baby Bell," she whispered, hugging Belly had tight as her muscles would let her.

  Susannah clapped her hands, the door swinging behind her. "There's the birthday girl, looking like a vision in floral. Happy birthday." She gave Belly a huge hug, nestling her head into Belly's neck. Susannah's poetic mannerisms were so always such a comforting song in Abigail's ears.

"Happy birthday, sweetheart." Laurel's tone was sweet as she placed the Mickey Mouse pancakes in front of Belly, who was staring at the infinity symbol with a frustrated expression.

"Thanks, Mom," was all Belly said, moving her fork sound. She pressed her lips together, swallowing something in her throat. "Actually, I'm not really, uh, hungry."

"Oh. Shall we open gifts?"

Abigail grinned, jumping up from her seat. "You're goin' to love my gift, Bels."

AFTER EVERYONE HANDED Belly their gifts, Abigail handed Belly a wrapped box. Abigail bought Belly's gift the day after she was released from the hospital. Belly shook the box like a kid on Christmas morning. It made Abigail laugh a little.

"Open it, Tinkerbell," Abigail giggled, leaning her on palms. Clay was sitting with his legs crossed on the floor, sipping his third cup of coffee.

Inside, a series of vinyls from Taylor Swift and other artists Belly enjoyed rested inside. With a little sticky note as to why Abigail chose those records. From Red (Taylor's Version) to CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST, there were about twelve records inside. Most used to belong to Abigail, others were bought at the best record store in all of San Antonio.

Belly giggled as she read the little sticky notes Abigail added to each record. She smiled, pressing the notes to her chest. She got up from her spot and gave Abigail a bear hug. Abigail rested her hands on the small of Belly's back.

  "Thank you so so so much," Belly said, her joy dripping onto everyone in the room. Everyone minus Conrad. Abigail noticed his awkward demeanor and the way he avoided everyone's eyes. "I love you, Bea."

"I love you more, Tinkerbell," Abigail laughed. There was always something so magical about Belly's birthday. It was this healing moment during the summer where they treated the youngest of the group like the princess she was. Abigail loved Belly Conklin like there was no tomorrow.

There was an awkward silence, twisting the air for a bit. Only one other person had yet to give Belly a gift. Something in Abigail's stomach twisted into notes as she waited for Conrad to press some sort of gift into the youngest Conklin's hands. Another moment passed before Laurel perked up.

"Um...Conrad? Do you want to give Belly anything?" Please, give her a gift. She loves you, Abigail wanted to shout. Nothing came out of her mouth, however, because she couldn't force Conrad to do anything. No matter how badly she wanted to shake him until common sense poured into his body.

"I forgot," Conrad said with a slight shrug. Abigail watched Belly's expression falter, before moving back to a forced smile. "Sorry."

If there was one thing Abigail Parker knew about Conrad Fisher, it was that he never forgot birthdays. Even in his frequent mood swings, he always remembered to send a late text. This was out of character, and it was starting to piss Abigail off. She watched as Conrad shifted in his seat. She noticed his anxiousness as everyone's eyes bored holes into his soul.

"That's cool," Belly said. It was clear to everyone, especially Abigail, that Conrad was hurting Belly's feelings. "I wasn't expecting anything anyway!" She tucked her hair behind her ears, looking away from the eldest Fisher. Clay met Abigail's eyes. His brown eyes were telling her what she already knew. Conrad Fisher had fucked up.

He stood up abruptly. "Oh, so I got to go. Um, I promised Cleveland that I'd show him some knots today. So...happy birthday, Belly." Conrad gave the gathered group one last look before he left them all confused in the living room.

Clay cleared his throat, groaning as he stood up. He ran a hand through his messy brown curls, trying to avoid the awkwardness in the room caused by Conrad Fisher. He pointed to the back patio with his chin. Abigail pressed her lips together, following her brother out of the tenseness of that room.

"He fucked up," Clay said once the door shut. He pulled his Astro's cap out of his pocket and tugged it on. Clay grimaced. He sat back down on a beach chair with a loud sigh. "Like, I knew Conrad could do stupid things from time to time, but this is a new low."

Abigail wanted to disagree. She wanted to say it was a simple accident that her best friend had made and he surely had bought Belly a gift. That poor girl had loved Conrad Fisher since she was a kid. "I know," she mumbled, sitting beside him. Abigail twirled some hair around her fingers, tangling tan skin in dirty blond hair. "I didn't think he would do something like that. He's never forgotten her birthday..."

Clay nodded. "He's never forgotten a birthday. Period." He looked at Abigail with a stoic expression. See, Clay Parker was a very expressive person. He wore his emotions on his sleeve, allowing everyone to see how he truly felt. He was a horrible liar for that exact reason. "He did it on purpose, Abby."

Abigail pressed her lips together. The Southern girl was conflicted. She knew damn well Clay was right. But there was something in her gut that wanted to give Conrad the benefit of the doubt. She wanted to believe it was just a simple mistake. She wanted to believe him.
"Can we get a gift and say it's from Conrad?" Clay looked appalled by that idea. "She's in love with him, Clay. If we get a gift, she won't be cryin' on her birthday because of a boy!"

"But would you want her cryin' about lied to her about?" God damn Clay Parker and his really good morals. Abigail shook her head. "Exactly. We can pray Conrad gets a gift before her birthday dinner. If not, Belly's gonna be miserable for a while."

Abigail hated when Belly was sad. It tore her apart. That was her little sister. She hated when Conrad made her sad. She hated when Conrad didn't care about who he made sad. She hated Conrad Fisher's new attitude.

"Why doesn't he like her back?"

Clay stared at her, brown eyes clawing at her soul. "Like who back? Belly? He doesn't like Belly the way she likes him."

Abigail felt horrible. Conrad should fall in love with Belly Conklin. She'd been pining for years. It was the least he could do. She wished he would see her the way everyone else saw her.

"I wish he would."

Clay moved over so that Abigail was leaning on him. He rubbed her shoulder with his thumb. "We wish a lotta things, Abigail. Not everythin' happens the way we want it. If he doesn't like Belly, that's his loss. She'll move on and marry some amazin' person and she'll forget all about some sad boy from Massachusetts."

Abigail smiled, hugging Clay. No matter how far apart, no matter how many fights they have. Her big brother was going to be her favorite person until she dies. She loved her brother, and she knew her brother loved her.

"You're gettin' pretty wise,' ' Abigail teased. "Is it because your gray hairs are comin' in?"

Clay laughed, ruffling her hair as she cuddled up against him. "That makes me a shit ton smarter than you, wise ass.

SEEING TAYLOR JEWEL was like seeing your favorite cousin at a family reunion. Abigail wouldn't know what that was like, but she assumed that was a similar feeling. Taylor tackled her in a hug. Belly Conklin had a great choice in best friends.

"You look so much better than through the phone," Taylor said, still holding Abigail's hands in her own. "You look hot as hell." Abigail could always count on Taylor Jewel to be her personal hype woman.

Abigail giggled. She couldn't stop smiling. "Thank you, Taylor. I feel as good as I look." This earned a smirk from Taylor and a giggle from Belly. Her little sisters were back. She could breathe.

Clay gave Taylor a one armed hug, ruffling her hair. Taylor only smiled. "Did you get shorter?" He said, pretending to measure Taylor.

"Is that a gray hair?" Taylor mocked, pointing to some of Clay's curls. There were no gray hairs growing out of Abigail's brother's hair. But it was always fun to pretend. "Might want to invest in hair dye."

Clay snorted. "You get meaner every time I see you."

Abigail pushed Clay out of the room so he could keep some of his dignity. "Sorry about him," she said, pretending to glare at her older brother. He only gave her the finger and went back to watching some movie on the TV in the living room. "How was the trip?"

"So long," Taylor groaned. "There were no cute guys on the drive here. It was driving me insane."

"Well," Belly said with a huge shit eating grin. Oh, how Abigail loved when a Conklin had an evil glimmer in their eyes. "Let's get you a boy, Taylor."

CONRAD IS GOING to lose his mind when he sees you in this bikini," Taylor whispered. Abigail kicked her feet back and forth as she spoke with the two juniors. She smiled at them. This would get Conrad to notice Belly. This would be the moment. Abigail brought her knees to her chest, feeling the dry and cold skin from her knees press again her thin bikini top.

Belly shook her head. "No, I doubt it. I honestly think he couldn't care less." Belly, Abigail wanted to say as she watched her best friend look so upset over a boy. He loves you, Clay's wrong. He really does.

"Come on, Belly-"

"No, seriously. He didn't even get me a present this year."

"What?" Taylor turned to look at Abigail. She nodded, glumly. This made Taylor's expression switch to frustration and maybe even just a smidgen of anger.

"Yeah," Belly mumbled. "He claimed he forgot."

"Ugh, what a little bitch."

Abigail couldn't help but agree. (Even if it was eating her alive).

Jeremiah and Steven glanced over, whispering amongst themselves. Jeremiah was probably lecturing Steven about the deb ball. Last year, Jeremiah had learned every single dance to help her practice. It resulted in a stubbed toe and lots of band–aids.

"We know you're gossiping about us over there," Taylor shouted, sharing a look with Belly. Taylor Jewel had a crush. Abigail sensed it. But the thing with Taylor was that she flirted with everyone. That's just who she was. She was sure it was Steven on most days, but other days she often confused it with Belly. Abigail was pretty good at match making. Sometimes, that is .

Steven scoffed. "Yeah, you wish."

Taylor gasped. She looked at Belly, then at Abigail. "Let's play chicken." She swam over to the boys. Belly looked at Abigail, almost pleading. Those damn Conklin puppy eyes almost always killed her. Keyword: almost.

"No. Not chicken," Belly begged.

"Yes!"

Belly groaned, but it was playful. She could never stay annoyed at Taylor Jewel. No one could. Well, maybe Steven But Steven was always annoyed at someone so he didn't count. "I was like 12 the last time we played."

Oh, come on, it'll be hilarious," Taylor reassured, nuding Belly with her shoulder.

Abigail was just glad she was on the edge of the pool, instead of inside. She always struggled to dry off. She could never bend her fingers a certain way, especially with her finger splints.

"Hey, I'm down," Jeremiah said with a shrug. He winked at Abigail. Go easy on them, Abigail mouthed. Jeremiah only smiled. "Come on, Steven."

Steven looked between Taylor and Jeremiah with an annoyed look on his handsome face. "Fine." Abigail watched Taylor's eyes light up. That's who she had a crush on. Abigail was a mastermind; she had it all figured out.

"Dibs on Jeremy!" Taylor yelled. She started to swim over to Jeremiah when Belly bega to complain.

"Oh, great, that means I'm stuck with Steven"

The Conklins fought a lot. Sure, Clay and Abigail had their fights but never that often. She'd been around them almost her entire life, and they used to be like her and Clay. Maybe it came with Steven growing up. Belly wasn't little anymore though. She never understood the Conklin sibling relationship, and honestly, Abigail had no interest in learning.

"Abby," Steven shouted, hoisting Taylor on his shoulders. "Be ref. Belly might cheat–"

"Shut up, Steven."

Abigail sighed, and extended her hand like she was refereeing a boxing match. "Okay, y'all ready?" She raised her hand and let it drop. "Go."

There was always something about watching other people have fun that made Abigail feel jealous. It hurt her chest, to see her friends do things she couldn't do. She definitely couldn't play chicken without her joints aching and her head spinning.

It's not her fault she was cursed with this sickness. It wasn't her mom's either. Sometimes, things get messed up. Abigail was a jumble of broken genes and mixed up thoughts.

Sometimes, she felt like the sick girl of Cousin's.

Especially right now.

The sound of footsteps snapped her out of her funk. Abigail looked up. Nicole and Conrad were walking up to the group. She smiled, waving a little to Nicole. She waved back. Conrad touched the top of Abigail's head, gently messing up her hair.

"Hey, guys," Nicole said, sitting beside Abigail. Nicole rested her head on Abigail's shoulder. They had gotten close during last summer, especially since they were debutantes together. " Hi. Happy birthday, Belly." She raised a finger, pointing to the group interlinked by the hands. "Are you guys playing chicken?"

"Um, yeah. It was—it was Taylor's idea."

Nicole's eyes wandered to Taylor, who waved. "Hey, I'm Taylor."

Belly looked between Nicole and Taylor for a moment. "She's my best friend from home. Just visiting for the weekend."

"Oh. That's cute." Abigail was horrible with tone, but she was sensing sarcasm coming from Nicole's end.

" You guys want to play a real game?" Belly asked, looking at everyone with a competitive smirk. "Abby" – she looked up from playing with her finger splints – "can you ref again?"

"Yes, ma'am." Another twist at her stomach.

Abigail was a tennis player. It was her favorite sport of all time. She loved the thrill of being on the court. Her father had shown her when she was little. It was one of the only, well, good memories she had of him. Volleyball was Belly's sport. Belly and Taylor's sport. She'd gone to see them play a couple of times when she visited in the spring two years ago. They were so incredibly talented.

She missed team sports. She wasn't allowed to play very often, especially because of her surgery back in April. Sports were too draining nowadays. Too much energy she doesn't have. She wouldn't tell anyone that though. Abigail was better now. She was fine.

She watched the group play pool volleyball. Abigail couldn't remember the last time she joined in on a game. Maybe when she was thirteen? She wasn't sure anymore. Being sick made her forget. It made her miss the things she was able to do.

Nicole and Conrad were in a quiet conversation beside her. One thing about those two is that they never stopped talking. Nicole was probably one of the nicest people she knew, and she fit with Conrad perfectly. Lots of people would look nice with Conrad on their arms. It was honestly really sweet.

The ball bounced out of the pool and whacked Nicole on her forehead. Taylor grimaced. A gentle 'ow' slipped out of Nicole's lips as she pressed her hand to her forehead.

"Are you okay?" Steven yelled. Belly shot him a glare.

The pool erupted in a series of apologies. Abigail was starting to get a slight headache from the loudness of it. She stood up, waving a quick goodbye to her friends. Conrad looked at her, and she looked back for a moment.

Abigail could feel the tingling in her hands. That helpless feeling of losing energy in her hands. Oh, how she hated it. She loathed it. Abigail wanted to cry. She couldn't make it to her bedroom before her knees began to pop and shift from their spots.

Laurel found her sitting on the steps holding her hands in her lap. "What's wrong, Abby?" She sat beside her, rubbing her hair as Abigail rested her head on her shoulder.

"My hands."

That's how it started. She was seven years old. She'd lost a shit ton of weight and her mother was starting to fear she was anorexic. Doctor visit after doctor visit. She remembered the disgusting taste of laxatives and hospital food. Sometimes she tastes it when she's eating normal food.

Laurel sighed. "I know, Abby." Abigail could feel the tenseness in her fingers, closing up her joints. "I'm sorry that it's bothering you. Did you take your meds?"

She nodded, closing her eyes tight. "I did, Laurel. Why can't it go away?" Lauren shushed her as she cried. Abigail tried her hardest to stop crying out. Lupus doesn't go away. Neither does cancer. It's always there, haunting you. Your own personal ghost. "I'm tired of being sick all the time."

Laurel had the most experience with these situations, Abigail would realize later. She was best friends with someone with terminal illness after all. She cradled Abigail's head as she sobbed. Abigail hated having to be like this. To be stuck in a body doomed from the start.

"What's wrong?" Diana Parker asked, kneeling down to meet Laurel and Abigail's gaze. "Baby girl, talk to me." Laurel updated Abigail's mother on the current situation.

Abigail didn't remember when or how she moved from the steps to her bed. But she was in her mother's arms, with a warm compress pressed in between her aching hands. "Momma," she whispered, looking up at her mother through her lashes. "My hands hurt a lot."

Diane pressed a gentle kiss to the top of Abigail's head. "I know, my sweet baby. When we get back home, I'll tell the doctors to change your prescription. These meds aren't helping' you, and you know how I hate seein' you hurtin'."

Abigail Parker loved her mother. Some people argue that her mother was just some woman with blond hair and a divorce under her belt, but Abigail admired her mother. Diane Parker was a whirlwind. And Abigail wanted to be her when she grew up.

If she stayed alive long enough to get as far as her mother did.

BELLY'S BIRTHDAY DINNER was one of the most delicious meals of the summer. A big lobster dinner with the entire family. Aurelia and Jamie usually come, but their parents planned something for just the St James family tonight. Aurelia was going to meet with them at the party, same as Daniel.

The group was laughing and smiling. Cameron was a cutie pie, if Abigail said so herself. He was adorable, joking around and even placing a cute little kiss on Belly's lips. Abigail took a sip of her wine, sitting beside Conrad as they all ate.

"How's your hands?" Conrad asked, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. She had her finger splints on, tightened as far as they could go. "You were in pain at the pool."

"How's Nicole?" She realized it sounded mean the minute it came out of her mouth. Abigail looked down. "I mean her head. She got hit with the ball." Conrad was silent for a moment.

"Yeah, she's alright. Not asking about her though. I'm asking about you."

There was like a twinkling sound in the back of her mind. Like she was in a cliche movie, and this was the most important question in the world. Abigail stared at Conrad for a moment, lips parted as if she was thinking long and hard about what to say.

"I'm fine," she whispered, looking at her dinner. Abigail took a long sip of her wine, careful not to hold the glass too tightly. "I'm better." She gave him a smile, which he barely returned. He was still shoulder–to–shoulder with her. She rested her head on his shoulder, exhausted from today.

Belly gave Taylor a slight glance. "You know, um, I'm thinking maybe we should go to Nicole's party."

"Yes," Taylor exclaimed. "Oh, my God. I love you. I'm so excited."

Abigail would be lying if she said she was excited.

beach bros

daniel 🦖
wheres the party again
jeremiah just said nicoles place
like i remember who that is

aurelia
I'll pick you up.
Don't worry!

aur ur coming to the party???

aurelia
Of course I am!
Anything for Belly!

daniel 🦖
im just going for free food
i havent spoken to belly at all
i dont think
um!

aurelia
Belly's amazing!
I would go into a long rant but
I have several thoughts I'd like to keep to myself

are they. perhaps. gay thoughts.

aurelia
No!!!!
Stop this.
I am a girl who likes men!!!!

dino dan 🦖
yes ofc
im a man who likes men
(and women)

i am a woman who likes ALL

aurelia
Anyway, back to the party.
I'll pick Daniel up.
Abby, you'll go with the boys and Belly.
Simple.

and taylor!!
taylors here too
shes so pretty my girl fr

danny  🦖
gay rights ‼️‼️

im getting ready to go now
ill see u lovely lovely boy and girl in a bit
love u guys

dino dan 🦖
love u too abby

aurelia
Love you more Abigail

SHE ALWAYS FOUND herself trapped in a car with the boys. It's not that she hated traveling with them. Abigail loved her boys. They were forever her boys. She closed her eyes, feeling the cool air of the beach on her skin.

    "Remember the rules," Jeremiah warned, tapping his fingers on the steering wheel. "Have fun, practice safe sex, and try not to kill anyone." Abigail smiled. "Now" – he stopped the car, parking it gently – "after you, m'lady."

    Conrad and Steven got out of the car, giving each other a fist bump. Abigail climbed out after them, with the help of Jeremiah. He offered her his hand, but Abigail was in a shitty enough mood. Everything ached and the only reason she came was to celebrate Belly's sixteenth birthday.

    "I got it," she mumbled, but used his shoulder as a crutch. Her hair was still long around her shoulders, covering a couple scars from her surgery. "Thanks, Jere."

    "Always, my favorite Southern belle." He pressed a kiss to her head and kept going. Nicole's parties were always over the top but so worth it. She never hooked up with anyone or anything like that, but it was the feeling these parties gave her. They made her feel...infinite, as Belly would say.

    She opened the door and was greeted by Nicole giving her a big hug. "Abby!" She touched her cheeks, causing Abigail to flush with embarrassment. "You look fucking amazing." She gave her a sly smile. "Is this the party we get you boo'd up?"

    Abigail felt weird hearing that term on her. She'd never really been interested in the summer fling scene. There was always this nagging feeling in the back of her head about it. Like she was cheating on someone when she gave someone else a kiss. Sure, she dated a couple people here and there. Kissed a couple on the side, but it was still there. Ever present even though she had no idea what it meant.

    "Maybe! Hopefully, some lovely stranger walks into my life and into my bed," Abigail teased, earning a laugh from Nicole. "Keep your eyes peeled for me, Nicole."

    Nicole grinned. "Always peeled for you, Miss Parker." She interlocked their fingers, and walked into the hall. The other debs were there, smiling and talking amongst themselves. Aurelia was there, with eyeliner and eye glitter. She looked...like a flower in bloom. Susannah had rubbed off on her.

    "Holy shit," Abigail said, practically launching herself at Aurelia. "You look so pretty." She hugged her tight, spinning her in the air. "My beautiful, sweet girl is a princess now."

    Aurelia hid her face in her hands. "Stop, Abby. I look like I normally do." She didn't though. Aurelia St James was always beautiful. She was blessed with genes that were beyond human comprehension. "Do you really think so?"

    "Oh, Aur," Abigail said with a soft smile. "You look incredible. You're goin' to catch someone's eye. And I hope it's someone spectacular."

    Abigail watched Aurelia shift in her spot. Her cheeks were a bright pink. "I hope so too." There was something going on in Aurelia St James' love life that Abigail wasn't getting. She was going to find out. That's what a mastermind does.

    "You look like those cottegecore girls on Tumblr in 2018," Daniel pointed out, holding a red solo cup to his lips. He was dressed all cute, with his curls nicely gelled up. It was adorable. She hadn't seen much of Daniel Pena, but she knew he was a bomb shell. "In a really cool way, though."

    "Thanks, Danny." She plucked his cup from his hand and took a sip. "Awesome, a nice beer. Safe choice." Daniel blinked. "Trust me, stay away from hard liquor. It only drives you insane."

    Aurelia disappeared with Steven, deep in conversation about God knows what. Daniel looked back at Jeremiah, who was locked at the lips by a random boy Abigail had never seen a day in her life.

    "Do you wanna get outta here?" She asked, grabbing a cupcake from the table of sweet treats. It tasted like sugar and stomach pain. In other words, Abigail was going to devour this.

    "Anywhere but this area of the house. I feel like I'm going to explode if I see–" Daniel bit his tongue. He traced the rim of his cup with his calloused fingers. "Nothing. Let's go, Abby."

    So, Daniel Pena had some sort of attraction to Jeremiah Fisher. Two crushes in one day. Abigail was on a fucking role. She interlocked their arms and led him away from Jeremiah and his boytoy. They flopped down on the couch, heads leaning against each other.

    "How're you likin' Cousins so far?" Daniel shrugged, taking a long sip of his beer.

    "It's nice here. I really like it." He swallowed, nervously tapping his fingers on the side of his cup. "Summer boys make this place memorable, I think. Maybe. Who knows?"

    "Summer boys make Cousins beach that...I don't know how to describe it." Daniel gave her a confused look. "I had my first kiss here, actually." Abigail looked around them before dropping her voice to a whisper. "It's not all that eventful actually. I was like ten."

    "Who was it?"

    Abigail sighed. She pressed her lips to Daniel's ear. "Conrad. We were ten. It was just somethin' silly." Daniel's expression changed to one of pure shock. "It's really not that shockin'."

    "You're right," Daniel agreed. "It's not that shocking. You two are more of a couple than him and Nicole."

    Abigail flicked Daniel's forehead. "Don't say that. Neither of us like each other like that." Daniel appeared skeptical. His brown eyes glimmered with disbelief and amusement. "Danny, I'm serious. There is nothin' goin' on with me and Conrad."

    "What about you and Conrad?" Cameron asked, sitting beside them on the couch. Belly sat beside him, smiling like a girl drunk on the thrill of a new love. Was she over Conrad? Was this the moment where a crush dies, and a new one begins?

    Abigail shook her head. "Don't worry about it, baby."

    Jeremiah jumped up, mic in hand. Oh dear God. She nudged Daniel, who was just staring at Jeremiah Fisher with heart eyes. " Testing, testing, one, two, three. Checking out, checking out. All right. This one goes out to Cam Cameron and our favorite little Belly Button." The intro to Summer Nights from Grease began to play. "Summer loving, had me a blast." He offered the mic to Belly, who shook her head in a panic. "I met a girl crazy for me."

    Nicole, Gigi, and another deb sang along as back up vocals. "I met a boy as cute as can be."
   
Summer days drifting away

In another universe, Abigail would be as happy as them.

Tell me more, tell me more

    In another universe she wasn't sick and annoyed all the time.

Tell me more, tell me more

    Maybe in another universe, Abigail Parker wasn't on the sidelines of all her friends' romantic endeavors.

SHE WASN'T SURE how she ended up sitting next to Conrad Fisher on the steps of his girlfriend's house. She wasn't even a hundred percent sure how she got off that couch. Everything, and she meant everything was a blur.

    "Abby?" He asked, touching her forehead. She looked up at him through these black spots that she knew weren't lupus related. "Are you feeling any better?"

    Abigail touched her forehead, feeling sick for some reason. "When did we get outside?"

    "Someone slipped something into your drink. It was right after Jeremiah's lovely Grease inspired serenade. Daniel caught it." Conrad had his fingers in her hair. It calmed down the swimming behind her eyes. "I won't let anything happen to you, sunshine."

    "I know," Abigail mumbled, leaning her hand on her knees. "You're the best, darlin'."

    "I try. Only for you."

    And if that brought butterflies to Abigail's stomach; she didn't mention it

HEHEHEHHEEHEHEHEHEHHE

loong over due chapter bcuz yeah. am i missing summer? yes, yes, i am. plus i missed writing abigail and clay and jamie and aurelia and daniel. conrad fisher doesnt like belly ?! aur naur 😞😞