three. your words were always too pretty

"think about the place where you first met me"

Katherine Conklin was eight years old when she visited Cousins for the first time. 

She had felt a bit scared and sad as they pulled up to the beach house. It was her first time visiting Cousins, and everything felt different without her parents. Uncle John and Aunt Laurel had promised to take care of her, but she couldn't help feeling a bit lost. 

As they got out of the car, Katherine noticed her cousins, Belly and Steven, running out at once with big smiles on their faces. They were excited to see be there, and she tried to muster a smile in support. But her heart still ached for her parents.

Standing nearby was a boy about Katherine's age. He had messy hair and on his face was the most mature expression she had seen on anyone her own age. Aunt Laurel introduced him as Conrad, her best friend's son. Conrad's family was there at the beach house too, and Katherine wondered if he understood how she felt.

"Hi, I'm Katherine," she said softly, feeling a little shy.

Conrad gave her a warm smile and said, "Hey, Katherine. Nice to meet you. I'm Conrad."

Aunt Laurel and Uncle John went inside the beach house to unpack, leaving Katherine with Belly, Steven, and Conrad. She felt a bit uncertain, unsure of what to do or say.

Belly broke the silence, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Want to come play with us, Katherine?"

Katherine hesitated, feeling a mix of emotions. But Conrad spoke up, sensing her unease. "It's okay, Katherine. I'll stay with you if you want," he said kindly, understanding that she needed some comfort.

Katherine nodded gratefully, appreciating Conrad's gesture. He seemed to know how she was feeling, even without saying much. All of them walked down to the beach together, while Conrad's family followed closely behind.

As Belly and Steven built sandcastles, Conrad stayed by Katherine's side. They started drawing shapes in the sand, finding solace in each other's company. Conrad's younger brother, Jeremiah, soon joined them, bringing a playful energy to the group.

"Are you having fun?" Conrad asked, his voice gentle.

Katherine shrugged, feeling a lump in her throat. But Conrad's mother, Susannah, approached them, her warm smile offering reassurance.

"She's just adjusting, Conrad. It's natural to feel a bit overwhelmed," Susannah said, her voice filled with understanding.

Conrad nodded, grateful for his mother's wisdom. He turned to Katherine and gently said, "Take your time, Katherine. We're here for you."

Katherine blinked back tears, feeling a sense of comfort in Conrad's words and his family's presence. They didn't push her to forget about her parents but showed empathy and support.

"Thank you," she whispered, mustering a small smile.

They spent the rest of the day together, playing on the beach and enjoying each other's company. Jeremiah, made Katherine laugh with his silly antics, helping to ease her sadness. As the sun began to set, Aunt Laurel called them back to the beach house for dinner. Katherine held Conrad's hand as they walked back, feeling a sense of belonging within their small group. Conrad's family, including his mom Susannah and his little brother Jeremiah, welcomed Katherine as part of their circle. With everyone she now could call her family, she knew she wasn't alone in her grief.

Coming to the bonfire was a huge mistake, Those were the first words Katherine thought when she looked around at the beach, a cluster of drunk teenagers, cheap alcohol and horrible music. She had taken a ride from the boys but everyone had gone separate ways as soon as they stepped outside.

She looked around at the scene, trying to find any familiar faces. There in one corner was her cousin, Steven, talking to Shayla, someone that Katherine was friends with from her deb days. Jeremiah was hanging out with his friends. Katherine walked up to Steven and Shayla but before she could reach them, her eyes stopped on another figure.

Nicole. Making out with Conrad.

Katherine felt like she might puke. She was right, coming to the party was a huge mistake. She walked up to her cousin, resisting the urge to poke her eyes out.

"Hey Shayla," she smiled at the girl, who looked as gorgeous as she did last summer, if not more, "How are you?"

Shayla's eyes opened wide when they noticed the young Conklin, glad as ever to see her old friend, "Oh my God! Katherine! I'm great, how are you?"

Steven made a face at his cousin, "How do you both know each other?"

Katherine rolled her eyes at the younger boy, "I am great, darling," to Steven she said, "Shayla and I met during the deb business last year."

Shayla took Katherine's hand's into hers, "Please tell me you're doing it again this year! We can be deb sisters!"

Katherine grinned, "I'm waiting for my cousin to say yes and if she does, I'm totally in!"

Steven looked behind Katherine and then nudged her shoulder, his words chosen wisely "How are you doing, with the break-up?"

Katherine knew he was talking about the scene that unfolded right behind her, Conrad's lips glued to Nicole's. Her heart was breaking, that was how she felt. "Oh, I am completely fine."

Confusion gnawed at her heart, questioning the past that she once had. Hurt tinged her thoughts, wondering if their connection was as meaningful as she had believed and betrayal seeped into her soul, causing her heart to fracture, leaving her feeling vulnerable and unsure of everything.

Thankfully, Katherine didn't have to spend a lot of time thinking about that, because just then she heard her name being called out–"Kathy! Steven!"

At first, Katherine doesn't recognize the small figure in a short dress but she does a double take when she realizes that it's Belly. 

Steven is just as surprised as she is, "What are you doing here? And what are you wearing?"

"I invited her." The guy says, and Katherine recognizes him as the guy who was the cashier at the gas station. "Who the fuck are you?"

"Her family, you pedo." Katherine glares at him, "She's fifteen."

Jumper, the gut, jumps away from her as Steven tries to drape his hoodie over Belly's shoulders and she flings it back at him. 

"I'm almost sixteen!"

 Steven frog marches her down the beach, over to their bonfire, evidently with force. Shayla and Katherine trail after them. 

"Let go of her, Steven, you're embarrassing her!" Katherine tried to reason but the boy didn't listen. He had always been this way, overprotective towards the girls.

"Steven, let go of me!" Belly tried to pull away, her voice filled with desperation, as Steven tightened his grip on her arm. She struggled against his hold, twisting and turning, determined to free herself from his grasp. In her frantic attempt to break free, her foot caught on a stray object, causing her to stumble and fall face-first into the soft sand.

"Belly!" Katherine rushed to help her cousin, who had grains of sand stuck to her wet cheeks, as she spit out the remnants. Slowly, Belly lifted her gaze, only to find that everyone around them had turned their attention toward her, their eyes fixated on the spectacle she had become.

The weight of their stares pressed down on Katherine, intensifying the embarrassment she was sure Belly felt. At once, she helped her cousin to her feet, her hands brushing off the sand from 

Belly's clothes, trying to regain some semblance of composure.

Perhaps fate had thought of this as an ill-timed joke, because right in front of them, Nicole and Conrad had stopped kissing and the latter was staring at Katherine in horror.

"Katherine?" He looks away from her to see the younger Conklin girl, "Belly?"

Belly stares at him incredulously. "But– but you hate the Red Sox!"

He looks at Katherine first and then looks away, embarrassed. Already regretful. 

"Who are you?" Nicole glares at Belly. 

"Who are YOU?!" the girl looks as if she is ready to pick a fight. 

"I met Conrad at the deb ball last summer when he went with Katherine. How do you know him?"

 Belly turns to Conrad, "I thought you said deb balls were bullshit, and all debs were sheep!"

 Nicole glares at Conrad, who is embarrassed, "You're a brat." 

Katherine steps in front of Belly, "Well, you're an asshole, Con."

 Everyone at the bonfire is staring at them, which is when Jeremiah ambles over. 

"Belly, you came! We can all hang out tonight!" He puts his arms around Belly and Katherine. Belly shrugs away from him. 

"I'm about to take her home." Steven interrupts them.

"Steven, chill the fuck out," Katherine steps between the pair, "What about Shayla? You can't leave now. Go hang out with her." Steven looks over at Shayla. Contemplating. 

"Just let Belly hang." Jeremiah also speaks up, "What's the big deal? She's already here."

Steven turns to Belly, "Stay right here and don't talk to anybody."

 Belly gives him the finger and wanders off. "Thanks, Kath."

"Always, Belly." She smiles at the girl before turning back to Conrad and Nicole, "Nice to see you, Nicole. Have a nice night with the asshole."

She walks off then, angered and still anxious. 

Katherine stood on the outskirts of the party, feeling somewhat out of place amidst the pulsating energy and joyful laughter. The events of the evening had left her feeling shaken, her emotions still raw from the encounter with Conrad and the subsequent embarrassment. But she was determined not to let it ruin her night entirely.

Taking a deep breath, she pushed aside her unease and forced a small smile, attempting to blend in with the crowd. As she scanned the beach, her gaze fell upon a young man standing near the bonfire, seemingly lost in his own thoughts. He had a disheveled mop of dark hair and a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. With a mischievous glint in his eyes, he seemed like a person worth talking to. She mustered up the courage and approached him, aiming for a casual 

conversation amidst the lively atmosphere.

"Hey there," she greeted, a hint of a smile on her lips.

The boy turned his head, surprise evident on his face. "Oh, hey, what's up?"

Katherine shrugged, trying to play it cool. "Just looking for some fun, I guess. And maybe a good story or two."

The boy grinned, his eyes sparkling. "Ah, a fellow adventurer seeking tales to tell! I'm Sebastian, your guide through the craziness of this event."

Katherine chuckled, appreciating his playful charm. "Nice to meet you, Sebastian. Lead the way, 

oh wise party guru."

They fell into an easy banter, trading witty remarks and funny anecdotes. Sebastian's quick wit and amusing observations kept Katherine entertained, momentarily distracting her from the 

earlier mishaps of the evening.

As the night progressed, Sebastian leaned in and whispered conspiratorially, "I have a secret mission to fulfill. I shall be back in a jiffy."

Katherine raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh, do tell. What's this secret mission of yours?"

Sebastian gave a mischievous grin. "Fear not, fair Katherine. I'm off to retrieve the holy grail of parties—a cold, refreshing beer just for you."

Katherine chuckled, playfully waving him off. "Go on then, brave knight. May your quest be successful."

Sebastian winked and vanished into the crowd, leaving Katherine to enjoy the moment on her own. She sipped her drink, taking in the sights and sounds of the party, grateful for the lighthearted encounter with Sebastian. In his absence, she couldn't help but anticipate his return, eager to resume their amusing banter and continue making memories amidst the chaos 

of the night.

"Hey there, pretty lady," Katherine suddenly looked up and saw a tall boy, a bit older than her smiling at her. An uncomfortable feeling passed in her stomach as she saw the way his eyes snaked her body.

"Hi," She walked a little further away from him, "I'm sorry I'm just waiting for someone."

He rushed after her, putting his arm around Katherine, "Come on, girly, you don't need to rush away from me. We can have so much fun together."

"Hey! Stop touching me," she glared at him, trying to step away but he was too strong. His hands moved to her waist, where they gripped her harder. She was sure he would leave bruises on her.

"We are just having fun, pretty girl," he brought his face near hers, clearly trying to go for a kiss. Katherine looked away, trying to get anyone to pay attention to them, to her so they could put a stop to this.

Before she could react, Conrad appeared out of nowhere and swiftly pushed the guy away from her. The force of Conrad's push caused the guy to stumble backward, momentarily disoriented.

Conrad stepped between Katherine and the guy, his eyes burning with anger. He spoke with a 

firm voice, his words laced with warning, "Back off, man. She told you to stop touching."

The guy regained his balance, a mix of surprise and hostility evident on his face. He glared at Conrad and took a step forward, clearly ready to confront him. But Conrad stood his ground, his 

body tense and ready to defend Katherine.

"Walk away," Conrad said, his voice low and menacing. "You don't want to mess with me."

"What if I do wanna mess with you, huh?" The guy doesn't back down, towering over Conrad, "Who the fuck are you?"

Conrad pushes him, "Stay away from her man, I swear to God, if you touch her again, I'll kill you."

The guy goes for a punch which Conrad blocks easily, "Oh sure man, I'm gonna kill your–"

Before he could complete his sentence, he ends up hitting Belly with his arm, the girl who was trying to get the fight to stop. Katherine rushes to her cousin at once.

Unfortunately, that didn't stop the fight. Jeremiah rushes to help his brother and just before the fight could get much more heated, sirens break up the party. Someone screamed, "COPS!"

Conrad watched the guy walk off, ensuring he kept his distance before turning his attention back to Katherine. As someone took Belly's hand and rushed her away, Conrad knelt beside Katherine, holding her face. "Are you okay?" he asked, concern etched in his features.

Katherine nodded, grateful for Conrad's timely intervention. She took his hand and let him help her regain her composure. "Thank you, Conrad," she whispered, her voice shaky. "I don't know what I would have done without you."

Conrad gave her a reassuring smile. Before he could say anything, Jeremiah grabbed both their arms, dragging them towards their car. Conrad was obviously as drunk as they came, his hand tightly holding on to Katherine's, as if making sure she doesn't disappear. Katherine was grateful for that, despite their... history. No matter how much she hated him sometimes, she still found comfort in his company.

Jeremiah somehow managed to get Conrad to sit in the backseat, right next to Katherine. He was determined to leave, urging the youngest Conklin girl to also to join them. However, Belly glanced at Cam, seeking an alternative. 

"Cam can give me a ride home, right?" Belly asked, hopeful.

Cam, somewhat flustered, replied, "Yeah, it's no problem. We actually know each other from the 7th-grade Latin convention, so we're not complete strangers."

Jeremiah immediately dismissed the suggestion, refusing to let Belly get into a car with someone she just met. Katherine, frustrated from the events of the day, chimed in from the back seat, "Just get in, Belly."

"Listen to Kathy," Conrad agreed drowsily.

Throwing Katherine and Conrad a disapproving look, Belly turned back to Cam. "You should go," she said, contemplating her options. "

The whaling boat I intern on leaves at dawn from the piers every morning. Would you maybe be interested in coming one day? I could introduce you to my favorite whale, Jonah."

Belly's excitement was palpable as she anticipated Cam's response. "Um, yes. Sure!" she exclaimed. "How else will you get back your hoodie?"

Their grins mirrored each other's, a mix of nervousness and delight. It felt like a serendipitous moment, filled with possibilities, and Katherine was glad at how much her little cousin had grown up. She was no longer the shy Belly with glasses and braces who hid behind Taylor. She had her own personality. 

Katherine watched as, in a burst of impulsiveness, Belly leaned up on her tiptoes and planted a sweet peck on Cam's lips before jumping into the car.

As the car pulled away, leaving Cam standing there in awe, the group of friends made their way home. That was until Katherine wondered, "Aren't we forgetting something?"

"FUCK! Steven!" Jeremiah abruptly hit the brakes, reversed the car, and parked before jumping out. He turned to Belly and Katherine. "Watch him. Make sure Conrad doesn't go anywhere."

Inside the car, Belly sat in front, her AirPods on as she ranted to Taylor about the night. Katherine leaned her head back, her hair cascading around her and Conrad sat right next to her, his gaze distant and unfocused, as if he was lost in a daze. The effects of the alcohol he had consumed were evident as his words slurred slightly, his movements unsteady.

Turning to Katherine, he began speaking, his eyes tracing her features with a hazy intensity. "You know, Kath, there's something about you... something I've always liked." He paused, his fingers absentmindedly tracing circles in the air. "It's... it's your eyes. They're like pools of deep color, 

drawing me in and leaving me mes-mesmerized."

Katherine's eyes widened slightly, her gaze meeting Conrad's briefly before he continued.
"And your smile," he said, his words tinged with a mix of wonder and confusion. "It's like a burst 

of light, lighting up the room. I like that smile so much."

As he spoke, Conrad's hand reached out, his fingers lightly grazing the curve of Katherine's cheek. His touch was featherlight, a hesitant caress, as if he was exploring a delicate piece of art.

"And your hair," he whispered, his voice barely above a breath. "It's like silk, falling down your shoulders in waves. Like a waterfall."

Katherine's cheeks flushed slightly, her breath catching at the intimacy of Conrad's words and touch. She remained still, allowing him to express himself, despite his dazed state.

"You're so beautiful, Kath," Conrad murmured, his voice filled with a mixture of awe and longing. "And- And I'm such an idiot because I–"

Unspoken emotions hung in the air, an uncharted territory between them but before the moment could fully unfold and the truth fully revealed, a knock on the window startled them.

A police officer stood outside, "Have you kids been drinking?"

AUTHOR'S A/N

SO GUYS HI! It's me, Anna, and I hope you guys are liking the book so far!! Let me know what you think <3 And if you want to see edits of Conrad and Katherine, hop over to my TikTok (the username is chrisevanstrash) !! Have a great day, lovelies <33