MOLTEN HEART
♱       Little Moments

Marigold found herself enamored with the quiet, delicate moments that most might overlook.

The soft, lingering glances exchanged between lovers, the way their eyes spoke volumes in silence, captivated her. She delighted in the gentle, unrestrained laughter shared among friends, the kind that bubbled up from deep within, unguarded and true. Even the playful bickering between siblings, filled with the familiar cadence of love and rivalry, struck a chord in her heart. Each of these moments touched her in ways that were both tender and bittersweet, leaving an ache in her chest that she both savored and longed for more of, as if they were the very essence of life's fleeting beauty.

She craved these moments, sought them out like a traveler chasing after the last light of the setting sun.

And now, here she was, beside Jeremiah, who was absentmindedly tossing almonds into the air, catching each one in his mouth with the practiced ease of someone who had done it a thousand times before. She watched him with a soft smile, her eyes tracing the arc of each almond as it soared upwards, defying gravity for just a moment before falling back down. On a whim, as Jeremiah tossed another almond skyward, Marigold's hand shot out, swift and sure. She caught the almond just before it reached his waiting mouth, deftly popping it into her own with a triumphant grin.

Jeremiah froze in exaggerated surprise, his mouth still open as if to receive the missing almond. His wide-eyed, mock-offended expression was so endearing that Marigold couldn't help but laugh────a light, musical sound that seemed to wrap around them both, binding the moment in a cocoon of warmth and joy.

Jeremiah's feigned offense only deepened the smile on Marigold's lips, and for a brief, perfect moment, everything else faded away. There was just the two of them, the playful banter, and the unspoken understanding that made these simple acts feel like something sacred. Marigold felt her heart swell, filled with a quiet contentment, knowing that these small, seemingly insignificant moments were what made her life truly amazing.

"Hey. Good morning," Conrad's voice suddenly pierced the gentle quiet, pulling Marigold from the delicate web of her thoughts.

The morning light filtered through the windows, casting soft, golden hues across the room as she turned to see Belly descending the stairs with a lightness in her step, each movement unhurried and graceful. Belly's presence seemed to draw the very light toward her, and Marigold couldn't help but smile, a warmth spreading through her as the girl came to a stop at the counter beside where Jeremiah sat.

The sight of Belly brought back a flood of memories from the night before────moments they had shared that still lingered in Marigold's mind like the echo of a sweet melody. She remembered the way Belly had looked at her, with a softness in her eyes that spoke of unspoken promises. The memory of Belly asking her to the ball played in her mind, vivid and almost surreal. Marigold had been caught off guard, her heart skipping a beat as the words settled in. It had felt like something out of a dream, too wonderful to be real. But it was real, and Marigold had said yes without hesitation, the joy of the moment blossoming within her like a flower unfurling to the sun.

Conrad, always attentive to the small details, reached for the box of muffins on the counter. With a careful hand, he pried it open, the rich scent of freshly baked goods wafting through the room. He slid the box closer toward Belly, his voice gentle as he spoke. "I picked up some of those good muffins," he offered, the words carrying a quiet kindness that matched the soft morning light.

Belly's gaze fell on the muffins, her eyes lingering on them for just a moment, as if considering. But then she lifted her gaze back to Conrad, offering him a polite, tight-lipped smile, a subtle gesture that spoke of gratitude and restraint. "I'm good. Thanks, though," she replied, her voice soft but clear, leaving the muffins untouched.

Conrad nodded in return, his expression unreadable, yet there was something in the way he accepted her refusal that hinted at a something that ran deeper than words.

Susannah entered the room with an effortless grace, her arms laden with the supplies for Belly's upcoming ball. The sight of her, calm and composed, brought a sense of gentle urgency to the space.

"Belly, you should get going," she said, her voice soft yet carrying the authority of a mother who knows just when to step in. "Oh, and everyone, please stay out of the family room. I've finished all your paintings, and tonight, after the ball, we'll have a big unveiling."

"Could you put these in Laurel's car, honey?" Susannah asked, her tone sweet and familiar as she handed over the dress and the other carefully selected items for the night. Jeremiah complied and took them without hesitation, moving swiftly to fulfill her request.

As Jeremiah walked away, Belly's curiosity got the better of her. She quirked an eyebrow in her mother's direction, her expression a mix of surprise and playful questioning. "Aren't you driving me?"

Marigold, who had been quietly gathering a few of her own supplies, couldn't help but notice the exchange. Susannah had, in her usual thoughtful manner, arranged for a last-minute tuxedo for her. Marigold had been uncertain about the attire, the unfamiliarity of it unsettling her. But when she caught sight of Belly's radiant smile, all her doubts melted away. If it brought even a flicker of happiness to Belly, it was worth it.

After all, what was a little discomfort if it meant seeing Belly's eyes light up with joy?

Laurel's response was filled with a playful ease, a smile dancing on her lips as she dangled the car keys in front of Belly. "I'm going over with Susannah," she explained, her voice carrying a lightness that matched the sun-dappled morning. "I thought maybe you could drive yourself."

Belly's reaction was almost immediate, a grin spreading across her face as she realized what her mother was offering. "Seriously?" She exclaimed, her excitement evident in the way she edged closer to Laurel, her anticipation bubbling just beneath the surface.

Marigold watched the interaction unfold, her own heart warming at the sight. The room seemed to brighten with Belly's enthusiasm, as if her joy was contagious, spreading to everyone around her. Laurel, enjoying her daughter's reaction, shrugged nonchalantly, though her eyes twinkled with a hint of mischief.

"It's only a few blocks," she said, her tone casual, but with a teasing lilt that suggested there might be more to this gesture than she let on. She playfully pulled the keys back, just out of Belly's reach. "Unless, of course, you don't want to..."

"Yes! Yes! Yes!" Belly's voice rang out, her excitement breaking through any pretense of restraint. She lunged for the keys, her movements eager and uncontained, as if this small act of independence was a gift she'd been waiting for her whole life. Laurel laughed along with Marigold as she relinquished the keys into Belly's eager hands.

"Drive slow, obey the lights, wait four seconds at each stop sign," Laurel urged but was cut off by her daughter's quick assurances.

Marigold couldn't help but giggle at the scene, the pure, unfiltered joy that radiated from Belly was infectious. Her laughter was a soft, melodic sound that seemed to ripple through the air, drawing smiles from both Laurel and Susannah. It was a moment suspended in time, where everything else faded away, leaving only the warmth of shared happiness.

As Belly clutched the keys, her excitement barely contained, the morning light caught in her hair, casting a halo around her that made her seem almost otherworldly. Marigold watched her, feeling a sense of happiness settle over her.

Susannah, watching the interaction with a smile, turned her gaze to Marigold, a knowing look in her eyes. "Marigold," she said softly, her voice carrying a gentle authority, "I hope you're ready for tonight. It's going to be magical."

Marigold nodded, her heart fluttering with a mix of nerves and excitement. The night ahead held so many possibilities, so much promise. And as she stood there, surrounded by the people she cared about, she felt a surge of gratitude for this moment, for the love and warmth that filled the room, and for the chance to share it all with Belly.

With a final glance at Belly, who was still grinning from ear to ear, Marigold gathered her things, her heart light. Whatever the night might bring, Marigold knew one thing for sure────it would be a night to remember.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long, golden shadows across the driveway, Marigold busied herself loading the car with supplies. The day had a lingering warmth, yet a gentle breeze stirred the air, carrying with it the scent of summer flowers and the faint promise of dusk. She was so absorbed in her task that she almost didn't notice Belly stepping out of the house, her steps slow and hesitant, her face painted with a somber expression that seemed out of place in the bright afternoon.

Marigold straightened up, her brow furrowing slightly in confusion. Belly was usually the picture of light-heartedness, her laughter often filling the spaces between them with an easy joy. But right now, something was different. Marigold watched her for a moment, then a small, determined smirk tugged at the corners of her lips.

Whatever it was, she'd chase away that shadow. She couldn't stand to see Belly looking anything less than radiant.

"How you feeling, pretty girl?" Marigold asked, her voice soft yet tinged with playful encouragement.

Belly's face brightened at the sound of her voice, and though her smile was hesitant, it brought a flush of color to her cheeks. Marigold's smirk grew into a full grin, satisfied that she had at least cracked the shell of whatever was heavily weighing on Belly's mind.

"Kinda nervous," Belly admitted, her voice a little quieter than usual, like she was holding something back.

Marigold moved closer, her gaze steady and reassuring. "No need for that, Bells," she said with a warm smile. "You're going to be amazing. Besides, I'll be right beside you the whole time."

Belly glanced away, biting her lip as if trying to hold in the words she really wanted to say. Marigold noticed the subtle shift, the way Belly's shoulders tensed just slightly.

"It's not that," Belly mumbled, almost as if she was afraid to voice her thoughts. "I'm just nervous that... everyone hates me."

Marigold's expression softened with concern as she stepped closer, her heart aching at the vulnerability in Belly's voice. She reached out, gently tilting Belly's chin so their eyes met. "Why would they hate you?" she asked, her voice filled with genuine bewilderment.

But Belly only shook her head, offering a dismissive smile that didn't reach her eyes. Marigold wanted to press, to dig deeper into the thoughts that were troubling her, but she held back. She knew Belly well enough to understand when to push and when to let things be.

"Well," Marigold said after a moment, her tone shifting back to something lighter, "I won't let anyone give my girl shit, alright? If anyone tries anything, let me know, and I'll kick their ass."

Belly's lips twitched into a small smile, a flicker of amusement dancing in her eyes despite the heaviness that lingered. "You? Kick their ass?" she teased, her voice taking on a playful lilt. "Come on, Goldie, be realistic."

Marigold placed a hand over her heart in mock offense, her eyes widening dramatically. "Ouch," she exclaimed. "You wound me, Bells. Have some faith in me, baby────I could definitely beat somebody's ass."

Belly giggled, the sound like music to Marigold's ears. "Marigold, look at these arms," Belly said through her laughter, reaching out to poke at Marigold's bicep. "There's no muscle there. You wouldn't last a min—"

Before Belly could finish her sentence, Marigold moved swiftly, capturing Belly's lips in a sudden, fervent kiss. The world seemed to pause around them, the gentle rustle of leaves and distant hum of the city fading away as the only thing that mattered was the warmth of their connection. Marigold smirked against Belly's lips, pulling her closer, feeling the way Belly melted into the kiss, all her earlier tension dissolving in an instant.

When Marigold finally broke the kiss, she did so with a mischievous grin, watching with satisfaction as Belly stared at her, dazed and wide-eyed. "Looks like I've won this argument," Marigold murmured, her voice low and teasing.

Belly blinked, her mind still reeling from the unexpected kiss. "That was not fair," she pouted, though there was no real complaint in her voice.

"Sorry," Marigold cooed, leaning in to brush her lips against Belly's once more, this time with a gentleness that made Belly's heart flutter. "You're just so irresistible, baby."

Belly let out a small, contented sigh as Marigold pulled away, her fingers lingering on Belly's waist for a moment longer before she turned to head back inside to grab the rest of her things. As she walked away, Marigold cast a glance over her shoulder, her eyes twinkling with a mixture of affection and mischief as she sent a wink toward the Conklin girl.

Belly watched her go, a soft smile playing on her lips. The earlier nervousness was still there, but it was now mixed with a warmth that Marigold had kindled, a reassurance that whatever happened, she wouldn't be facing it alone.

As Marigold finished gathering her supplies, a sense of calm washed over her, but it was short-lived. The door burst open, and in strode Steven, his footsteps heavy with purpose, his face a storm of emotions she could read like an open book. The intensity in his eyes was palpable, and Marigold felt the air between them thicken with the unspoken tension that crackled like electricity before a downpour.

"You couldn't bother to tell me you're hooking up with my sister?" Steven's voice sliced through the room, sharp and accusing, each word landing like a blow. Marigold froze, her hands pausing mid-motion as she turned to face him, her brows knitting together in confusion and unease.

"Did Belly tell you?" Marigold's voice was soft, almost hesitant, as if she were tiptoeing around the truth. Her heart clenched at the thought that Belly might have shared their secret without warning her. She had thought that their relationship was something they were both guarding fiercely, keeping it safe for now from the prying eyes of the world.

"No," Steven bit out, his tone edged with disbelief and hurt. "I saw you two kissing. Right there in the front yard, plain as day." He gestured vaguely toward the window, as if the sight was still burned into his mind. "And seriously, when were you gonna tell me you like girls?"

Marigold felt a rush of frustration and regret. She dropped her head, muttering a curse under her breath before lifting her gaze to meet his. "Are you going to beat me up or something? Is that what this is?" Her voice was defiant, but she knew Steven would never.

Steven's hard expression wavered, his shoulders slumping slightly as he uncrossed his arms. "I wouldn't beat you up," he muttered, the anger in his tone softening, replaced by something more like resignation. "No matter how frustrated I am with you."

Marigold took a deep breath, grounding herself before she spoke. "Listen, I've liked girls for years, Steven," she began, her voice steady, but carrying the weight of years of secrecy and self-discovery. "But Belly... Belly has always been different. She's the only girl my heart has ever truly wanted through them all." She paused, searching Steven's face for any sign that he was listening, that he was hearing her. "I wanted to tell you all, to be honest with you, but I was such a coward. I was scared of what you might think, scared of what it would mean. But the truth is, Belly means everything to me."

Steven's brow furrowed deeply, the worry lines on his face etching themselves deeper as he processed her words.

"I don't want you hurting my sister, Marigold," he said, his voice thick with protectiveness, his concern for his sister evident in every syllable.

"Hurting Belly would destroy me," Marigold replied, her voice barely above a whisper, yet filled with conviction. "It would tear me apart because she's become a part of me. I don't have it in me to hurt her, not now that I've finally found the courage to be with her. You can trust me, Steven. I'll cherish her, I'll protect her, and I'll love her the way she deserves. Because she's not just a girl to me────she's my entire world."

For a moment, silence stretched between them, heavy and thick, but then Steven's shoulders relaxed, and the tension that had filled the room began to dissipate. He looked at her with a mixture of surprise and understanding, the anger in his eyes giving way to something softer.

"You're good for her," he said quietly, almost to himself, as if he were coming to terms with it in real-time. "I mean, I'm still in shock about you liking girls and the fact that I was completely blind to it. But looking back... I should've known."

Marigold raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Steven let out a low chuckle, the sound easing the remaining tension between them. "Come on, the way you've always looked at Belly. The way your eyes followed her around the room, the way you'd light up when she walked in. I don't think I ever really thought much of it before, but now? It's pretty damn obvious you're head over heels, Goldilocks. You must really like her."

A slow smile spread across Marigold's face, warmth blooming in her chest at his words. "I really do," she admitted, the truth of it settling into her bones like a well-worn truth finally spoken aloud.

Steven hesitated for just a moment before stepping forward, wrapping his arms around her in a tight, brotherly hug. His chin rested on top of her head, and Marigold sighed, leaning into the embrace, feeling the solidity of his acceptance wash over her. Steven had always been like a brother to her, and in that moment, it felt like he was offering her more than just understanding────it felt like he was giving his blessing, a silent promise that he trusted her to care for his sister.

Marigold held onto him a little longer, her heart swelling with gratitude and affection. When they finally pulled apart, she offered him a sheepish smile, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "Would now be a bad time to ask you for a ride?"

Steven shook his head, rolling his eyes with a laugh. He reached out to ruffle her hair, the gesture filled with a familiar affection. "You're such an idiot," he teased, but there was no malice in his words, only fondness.

"But yeah, let's go."

"Look at us."

Marigold smiled as their mother approached with a gentle smile, her presence a beacon of warmth and nostalgia. Laurel stood beside Marigold, her hand resting lightly on the girl's shoulder, while Conrad walked slowly, his arm entwined with Susannah's, as if he were guiding her through the delicate balance of memories and impending change. Marigold wore a simple outfit────black shorts and a white tank top────clothing that was easily changeable for when she would switch outfits.

Susannah's eyes glistened as she looked at her children, each one reflecting a piece of the love and life she had poured into them.

"It's perfect," she said, her voice laced with emotion, trembling slightly, as if each word carried the weight of a thousand unspoken thoughts. Marigold caught the subtle quiver in her mother's tone, and in that moment, she understood────there were no perfect words for what was being felt, only the shared silence that enveloped them all.

"Mom, you're not gonna cry, are you?" Jeremiah's voice rang out, teasing and light, as he appeared by Marigold's side, with Steven trailing close behind. Jeremiah had his own date for the night, a girl who'd charmed him at a recent party, but tonight it was the bond of family that held them all together.

Susannah let out a soft laugh, her eyes still shimmering. "What, and ruin my makeup? No way," she quipped, sending a playful smile toward each of her children. But beneath her lighthearted words was a note of wistfulness, a recognition of the inevitable changes that loomed on the horizon. "It's just... you know, everything's going to be different next year."

The words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of what was unsaid.

Marigold's smile faltered as she glanced at her siblings, feeling the truth of her mother's words settle deep within her. Change was coming, a force that could not be stopped or even slowed.

"Conrad's heading off to college," Susannah continued, her voice soft as she nudged him gently with her hip, a gesture that spoke of affection, pride, and a touch of melancholy. "It may be the last summer we're all together like this."

Marigold's heart clenched at the thought, but she pushed back the sadness, determined to keep the evening's joy alive. "Just make sure I get to dance with you before the night ends," she said with a playful wink, hoping to lighten the mood. Susannah's eyes softened as she looked at her daughter, taking in the way her hair was carefully styled, her face glowing with a youthful brightness that seemed to defy the weight of time.

"Save one for the both of us," Jeremiah added, stepping forward to pull their mother into a slow, swaying dance. His movements were gentle, but as he dipped her slightly, Susannah stumbled for a brief moment, her hand tightening on his arm. Concern flashed across his face, but he tried to mask it with a smile. Jeremiah paused. "Mom, you okay?"

"Yeah, it's just..." Susannah's voice trailed off, her smile faltering. Marigold glanced at Conrad, who had been watching their mother closely, his eyes dark with worry. "It's been too long since I danced. I must be out of practice."

Conrad's arm slid around her back, steadying her as he guided her toward the entrance. His touch was careful, almost reverent, as if he were trying to hold onto something fragile.

"Come on, let's get inside," he murmured, his voice soft, as though speaking too loudly might shatter the delicate moment they were all caught in.

Steven, always the steady presence, offered Laurel his arm as they followed Conrad and Susannah inside, leaving Jeremiah and Marigold alone for a moment longer under the fading light of the evening. The sky above them was a deepening shade of blue, stars beginning to prick through the velvet expanse, as if the universe itself were offering them a quiet, timeless backdrop for this fleeting moment.

Marigold was the first to speak, her voice low and tentative. "Did you notice that Mom was a bit...?"

"Off?" Jeremiah finished her sentence, his brow furrowed, eyes still fixed on the doors through which their mother had just disappeared. Worry etched lines into his usually carefree face, and for a moment, the weight of the evening's significance seemed to press down on him. "Yeah, I was thinking the same thing."

Marigold shook her head, trying to push back the unease that had settled in her chest. She forced a smile, hoping to lift the tension that had crept into their conversation. "Let's not worry about it right now," she urged, her tone as light as she could manage. "This night is supposed to be amazing. We can't let our worries take that away from us."

Jeremiah nodded, though the concern in his eyes didn't fully fade. "Yeah, you're right," he agreed, though his voice was tinged with reluctance. He fell into step beside her as they made their way inside, but the nagging feeling at the back of his mind refused to let go, a quiet reminder that something had shifted in their world—something subtle, but undeniable.

Inside, the soft hum of music filled the air, and the room was bathed in the warm, golden glow of twinkling lights. The atmosphere was one of celebration, of joy and togetherness, but beneath it all, there was an undercurrent of bittersweetness that seemed to pulse in time with Marigold's heartbeat. She could see her mother standing near the center of the room, surrounded by friends and family, her smile bright but her eyes distant, as if she were holding onto this moment with all her might, knowing that it would soon slip away.

Marigold's gaze lingered on Susannah, taking in the way she moved, the subtle grace in her gestures, and the way her laughter rang out, clear and beautiful, despite the hint of sadness that clung to its edges. Marigold wanted to hold onto this moment, to freeze it in time, so that they could all remain here, together, in this room where love and memories mingled like the soft strains of the music playing around them.

But she knew, deep down, that the night would end, and with it, this chapter of their lives. Next summer would be different. Conrad would be away at college, and who knew what other changes time would bring?

Marigold isn't ready to find out.

Author's Note               ♱ another long chapter for you guys!
this one might seem a little cheesy but it's because of what's coming up.
i'm truly not ready to write marigold finding out about her mom, and especially her grief in season 2.
knowing what it feels like to lose your mom and having to put your own character through that is not for the weak 💪

anyway.. i hope you enjoyed, and don't forget to tell me ur thoughts 🫶