Did you get enough love, my little dove
why do you cry?

Warnings: Mentions of r*pe, drinking and cussing.

I HAD NEVER FELT SO HOMESICK BEFOFE. For the first time in life, I wanted to be back in Boston. I wanted to be wasting hours locked in my room, only binge watching the Harry Potter Saga or listening to all of Taylor Swift's songs. But I knew that wouldn't happen in quite a while, things aren't that simple.

I opened the beach house's door abruptly, closing it right after, my crying echoing throughout the hallway. My eyes observed the house, looking only for Mom or Laurel, but they were nowhere to be found. I then remembered how Mom's car was not parked in the driveway, meaning they must've gone out somewhere. I cried even more by realizing I was alone and couldn't find any sort of comfort except for myself.

I ran outside to the backyard, taking a sit right beside the pool. My feet instantly dipping themselves in the cold water that surprisingly I didn't mind at the moment. My body jumped suddenly by the sound of a firework exploding really near the house, allowing me to realize tomorrow was the Fourth of July, already.

I kept rethinking everything that had happened tonight, also feeling the worst pain on my back over the impact I took against the wall earlier.

My eyes blurred even more as I realized what happened, making me glance up to the sky to try and stop the tears from flowing down.

My heart wasn't going to allow Tate, from ruining my summer or life included. As much as I wanted to tell everyone what happened, I couldn't bring myself to do so. I didn't wanted to ruin anyone's summer by telling them this, suddenly suing someone on this season sounded like the worst thing you could experience.

A couple of minutes later, I arrived to my room to instantly drop myself on top of the comfy mattress. I didn't even cared about showering or changing my clothes, I felt so drained that I only wanted to sleep. I fully convinced myself that tomorrow I would act like nothing happened today, that I wouldn't allow anyone to question me about the situation.

And that's what I tried to do...let's just say that it didn't work at all.

Belly: "Nova, wake up."

I opened my eyes slowly, looking around the room to see literally all of the siblings inside the space. Conrad, had the most worried stare out of all of them. I frowned my eyebrows as I felt my hand holding onto something, so I glanced to my right seeing a large bottle of tequila on my palm.

Belly: "Hey...you okay?"-she asked, taking a sit on my bed to brush a hair behind my ear.

I looked behind the girl, noticing all of the boys observing my room in complete shock.

Nova: "Wha-what happened?" -I stuttered, only feeling how dry my mouth was.

I swallowed saliva a couple of times, trying to make the feeling go away as best as I could.

Belly: "You sort of drank all of Susannah's liquors from downstairs, her collection is almost empty."

Nova: "What?" -I mumbled, searching for proof since I didn't believe her at all.

I scanned my room, seeing a bunch of bottles accumulated at the end of my bed. My eyes widened over the sight, making me sit up to feel my head hurting like hell.

Nova: "I-I don't even remember getting those." -I mentioned, pointing at all of the bottles.

Conrad: "Guys, help me clean out Nova's room."

Jeremiah: "Yeah, sure." -he agreed without hesitating, picking some of the bottles scattered on my bed.

Steven, did the same but didn't exchange any words. He was purely giving the silent treatment, probably because I was there.

Nova: "Mom, is so gonna kill me."

Belly: "That's not true, I'm sure Susannah, would understand that you had a rough night." -she reassured, handling me a cousins t-shirt she found on my drawers.

Nova: "I need you to head out of my room so I can change."

Belly: "You're already wearing your sport bra in front of us."

I looked down to my chest rapidly, making me put on my shirt as I heard the girl's comment. She only smiled slightly, helping me adjust the shirt that was sort of tight on me.

Nova: "What hour is it?" -I asked, glancing towards my window to see the sun barely being up.

Belly: "It's 6:30 right now, we came to check on you cause we need to wake up early."

Nova: "Are you being serious right now?"

Belly: "Yeah, today's the fourth, remember?"

Nova: "Shit." -I grunted, covering my face out of frustration.

I looked around my room once again, sighing constantly over how stressed I was feeling already. Conrad, eyed me concerned, dropping the trash bag that was being filled with the bottles of alcohol.

Conrad: "Guys, would you let me alone with Nova, for a couple of minutes?" -he asked, brushing his hair back.

Belly, looked for approval, only for me to nod my head slowly. She then walked out of my room accompanied by, Steven and Jeremiah.

The door closed shortly after, leaving the most uncomfortable silence surrounding my bedroom. I rubbed my arm nervously while watching Conrad, take a sit right in front of me. I could feel his eyes stuck onto me, making me look at him as well.

Conrad: "I'm really sorry, Nova."

Nova: "I know." -I mumbled, watching his eyes get teary.

I grabbed his hand, tightly holding onto it so he wouldn't cry.

Conrad: "Can I...can I give you a hug?" -he stuttered, avoiding to look at my eyes, seeming nervous to ask that.

I quickly pulled him in, hugging him tightly while hearing his deep breaths against my shoulders. He placed his hand on the back of my head, gently rubbing my hair in the process.

Nova: "I'm sorry for the way I treated you, Connie."

Conrad: "You don't have to apologize for that. You were right, I shouldn't be controlling what doesn't belong to me."

Nova: "We both said awful things to each other, both of us deserve the apology." -I spoke, pulling him away to grab both of his hands.

Conrad: "Yeah, I know. But I used your biggest insecurity against you...I know that hurt a lot."

Nova: "It's fine, besides, you were right about, Tate. You always have been right about him, I'm just so stupid."

Conrad: "You're not stupid, you're just in love." -he mentioned, rubbing my cheek softly.

Nova: "I was in love...not anymore. We broke up, yesterday."

He stayed quiet for a couple of seconds, later on slightly opening his eyes.

Conrad: "Is that why you were crying yesterday at the party?"

Nova: "Mhmm." -I mumbled, obviously lying due to me not wanting to worry the boy, more.

He sighed, pulling me this time for a hug. I allowed him to do so, feeling his hand rub my back.

Conrad: "You should take a shower. Today Steven and Belly's dad is coming over as well. Mom, wants everything to be perfect."

Nova: "The usual." -I mentioned, receiving a smile from him.

He then stood up from my bed, walking over to my room's exit. I smiled watching how he opened the wooden door, only for the rest of the group to almost fall onto the floor while trying to hear our conversation.

Jeremiah: "Uh, Conrad, I need your help downstairs." -he smiled, scratching his hair while pretending like nothing happened.

Steven: "I'll go help as well, yeah, uh, see you later."

The pair ran downstairs, leaving Belly, looking around my room awkwardly. Conrad and I, stared at her trying to hold our laughs, which she didn't noticed at all.

Belly: "Nova, do you need any help finding clothes or something?" -she asked, pointing towards my closet.

Nova: "No, I'm good...thanks though. Mom, already had my outfit planned out."

Belly: "Okay, see you downstairs."

She didn't waste a second and ran rapidly out of my room, leaving me once again with Conrad, who instantly started to laugh right when we stared at each other.

Nova: "They're so stupid."

Conrad: "Yeah, they are." -he said, walking out of my room officially leaving.
________________________________

After getting ready finally, I spent a while staring at myself in the mirror. Wondering if my outfit was good for today, it was sort of a long dress but not too long. I decided to not wear the dress Mom, got me since I wanted to leave it for a better occasion than today. I wore one I found on my closet, this one being yellow.

Underneath I wore a yellow swimsuit as well, just in case I wanted to take a swim on the pool later. I realized I've been wearing yellow a lot lately, making me question if that was actually my favorite color or not.

Then I heard a knock on my door, making me turn to see Mom, looking over to me with a giant smile on her face.

Susannah: "Oh, honey...you look beautiful." -she grinned, walking over to me.

Nova: "I'm sorry about not putting on the dress you bought for me, I just-"

Susannah: "Save it, I know what you'll say already...and it's fine." -she interrupted, grabbing my hand to twirl me around slowly.

I laughed as she continued to smile at me, hugging her gently later on. I then remembered how I drank half of her alcohol bottles, making my eyes winded.

Nova: "Mom, are you mad at me for drinking all your favorite liquor bottles?" -I questioned, not pulling away from the hug.

I did this to not look at her face, fearing that disappointment would grow on her happy expression.

Susannah: "No, I'm not mad. Why would I be mad if I did the same when I was young?" -she laughed, tapping my back to reassure me.

I sighed out of relief, pulling back to look at her.

Susannah: "Just be careful next time you drink, okay?"

Nova: "Of course." -I replied, walking beside her to head downstairs.

We then arrived at the hallway, looking around the space to see how weirdly organized it seemed. Mom, has always been organized, but not as organized as the way the house looked. We heard someone speaking at the kitchen, making us walk over to the voice. We met eyes with Laurel, who smiled and waved as she spoke to someone on the phone. She also was organizing the kitchen at the moment, Mom, only smiled while heading towards her.

Sometimes I looked at the two of them, wondering if this is how Belly and I, would look like once we're older. They had probably the best friendship ever, they've never fought in front of us which honestly makes me think they have never fought.

Nova: "Where's everyone at?" -I asked, sitting down on the kitchen bar.

Susannah: "They're getting the final touches ready, they'll be here soon."

I nodded as I ate from some leftover cookies that rested inside of a box, eating one final crumb before Mom, took it away from my hands.

Susannah: "Those are old, hun. Here, eat these." -she mentioned, passing me a bowl of fruits.

I smiled awkwardly as I grabbed some strawberries, watching how Laurel and Mom, continued to speak. Then the black haired woman, finished the phone call with a smirk.

Susannah: "Steven's portrait came out so pretty, I need to make Nova's soon."

Nova: "Can we do it today?"

Susannah: "Today's gonna be pretty busy, sunshine." -she laughed over my excitement, placing her hands gently on top of her waist.

Nova: "I know, maybe we could do it at night?"

Susannah: "We'll see." -she replied, soon after getting startled over a honk outside.

Nova: "Is that them?"

Susannah: "Yeah, come on."

Laurel: "Belly!"

We walked towards the house's entrance, but my tracks were stopped by Mom, who adjusted my dress and told me to wait there accompanied by the rest.

Susannah: "I'll be right back." -she winked, exiting the house with Laurel, aside.

I waited patiently for the group to arrive, seeing how they all came downstairs quickly. All of them not wasting any second to peek through the door's window, instantly opening their eyes widely by the sight.

Jeremiah: "She's hot."

Steven: "Dude."

Nova: "Jere, what the hell?"

Jeremiah: "What? I'm just saying what everyone else is thinking." -he spoke, raising his hands up in surrender.

Belly: "I wasn't thinking that."

I only laughed while peeking through the door, suddenly getting startled by Conrad's hand grabbing my shoulder.

Conrad: "Yo, that could be their future stepmom." -he said, looking over to me with a smirk, knowing his comment would get Steven, annoyed.

Steven: "Dude, what the hell?"

He pushed Conrad, making him turn around with a wide smile that almost reached his ears.

Conrad: "Don't push me."

They started to fidget around playfully as me and Belly, continued to look over to the moms. The group outside started to head towards the door, making our eyes open.

Belly: "Guys, they're coming, they're coming." -she panicked, pushing the boys back.

Steven: "Go, go, go, go."

Jeremiah, grabbed my hand, pulling me with Conrad, aside. Entering the living room so we could quietly hear what they were beginning to say.

Our Mom suddenly appeared in front of us with Laurel, smiling as soon as she noticed us together. We watched them enter the kitchen, only for us to head outside, as soon as we heard John and his girlfriend, entering as well. We were trying to avoid being asked about our lives at all cost, literally.

Nova: "Awww, this looks so cute." -I laughed, pointing at all of the decoration placed on the backyard.

Conrad: "You know Mom, goes all in."

Jeremiah: "Exactly." -he agreed, grabbing a plate filled with cookies.

A while later the backyard was already filled with basically everyone that was invited, I sat my feet inside of the pool as I glanced around the space. Everyone laughed and talked amongst each other, I felt bored over not having a conversation with anyone.

Jeremiah sat down with Victoria, Belly and Steven's stepmom, literally flirting like there was no tomorrow. I cringed by the sight, glancing the other way to see Conrad and Nicole, making out without caring about anyone seeing them.

I stood up from the floor, heading towards Laurel, who was passing food to everyone. As I arrived, John, also came towards the woman.

Laurel: "Hey, sweetheart."

Nova: "Hi." -I said, grabbing a sandwich that rested on the table.

John: "You've grown so much, Nova."

Nova: "I think I look the same, Mr. Conklin." -I laughed, trying my best to cover how nervous I felt while talking about me.

Laurel: "There's Steven and I suppose..."

Nova: "Shayla." -I mumbled, watching how the pair approached us, both smiling ear to ear.

I rubbed my arm uncomfortably, pretending to not notice them at all. But that was cut short by the girl, quickly gasping after seeing me.

Shayla: "Oh my, God! Nova, that dress looks gorgeous on you." -she exclaimed, pulling me into a hug.

I laughed nervously, looking over to Steven, who was already staring at me awkwardly. I knew what he was thinking, I knew he fears I would tell Shayla, what I saw at the party. And to be honest, I wanted to tell her. I wanted him to feel how I felt last night, I wanted him to regret what he did.

Shayla: "How are you, gorgeous?"

Nova: "Uh, I'm good. Just kinda hot, not a big fan of the hotness to be honest."

Shayla: "Yeah, same. It's always good to see you, we all miss you at the debutant classes." -she mentioned, rubbing my shoulder gently.

I smiled at the girl, glancing up to Steven, who approached her from behind.

Steven: "Babe, this is my Mom and Dad, they've been expecting to meet you."

Shayla instantly smiled by the sight of Laurel and John, stretching her hand towards them. Each of them took their time to shake hands, continuing to speak soon after.

I felt like I was invading the conversation, I didn't wanted to be there but at the same time I wanted to see Laurel's reaction towards Shayla, I wanted to hear if she sounded slightly uncomfortable or treated her nicer than me. But I knew I just looked stupid and out of place, so I walked away without exchanging any words.

I entered the beach house again, noticing Jeremiah, siting at the kitchen bar alone. I approached him carefully, grabbing his shoulder suddenly to try and startle him.

Jeremiah: "You didn't scare me."

Nova: "Great." -I mumbled, taking a sit beside him.

He moved a little to look at me, placing his hand on my cheek suddenly. I frowned my eyebrows, seeing how his were frowned as well.

Nova: "What?"

Jeremiah: "You look sad...what's up?" -he spoke, rubbing his thumb across my cheek.

Nova: "Nothing, I just...I'm just a little bored. Fourth of July, never felt this way for me before."

Jeremiah: "Well, maybe my firework show would cheer you up."

Nova: "Maybe...why are you feeling sad too?"

Jeremiah: "I-I'm not sad?" -he stuttered, rubbing his neck rapidly.

I laughed over his nervous tone, ruffling his hair quickly to get him mad purposely for lying. He flicked my hand off, grinning his eyes at me.

Jeremiah: "Don't do that."

Nova: "Then tell me, what's up?" -I whispered, pinching his arm.

He grunted while rolling his eyes, letting out at sigh out of defeat. Silence filled the room after his sigh, only for him to adjust his body towards me.

Jeremiah: "You know how at the party...me and Ethan, kissed right?"

I then remembered what happened, and everything that I went through last night. But then the memory of seeing Jeremiah and Ethan, kissing popped up in my head.

Nova: "Yeah, I remember."

Jeremiah: "So, look, I like him...he's a very nice guy and has one of the best personalities I've ever seen."

Nova: "But." -I mumbled, finishing his sentence, since I was already sort of getting an idea of where this was going.

Jeremiah: "But I don't want to hurt him when he finds out I like someone else, I can't get this other person out of my head."

Nova: "Jere-"

Jeremiah: "No, let me talk, please." -he pleaded, looking over to me.

I nodded, getting my hand grabbed by Jeremiah, who's body temperature was warm.

Jeremiah: "Ethan...deserves someone who doesn't think about someone else while he's being kissed."

Nova: "And who's this other person that you're thinking about?" -I asked, sighing out of sadness over the boy's words.

Jeremiah: "It's-"

Victoria, entered the kitchen suddenly, making Jeremiah's words get cut off. She smiled our way, placing some pomegranates down on the marble table.

Victoria: "Does someone want pomegranate margaritas?" -she asked excitedly, smiling as soon as she saw Belly, approaching as well.

Jeremiah: "Hell yeah."

I glanced over to him cover in wonder, then seeing how he glanced at Belly, with nothing but love. I could've sworn he had hearts blooming on his pupils. I nodded a couple of times as I figure out everything, rubbing my temples out of frustration.

A couple of minutes passed and we had talked with Victoria, for a while. Well, Jeremiah and Belly, did. I wasn't in the mood to have a conversation after what I had figured out, my family is filled with drama somehow. I mean, I wouldn't mind Jeremiah and Belly, dating. But, I would feel weirded out since I've known about Belly's crush on Conrad, for years.

Victoria: "Are your parents good with that?"

I was brought back to reality by the woman's question, making me glance towards Belly, who instantly got red.

Belly: "Yeah, yeah, no, they don't care."

Victoria: "Oh, then, sure." -she replied, completely clueless over Belly's lie.

I widened my eyes her way, making her shrug her shoulders. Later on she smiled at Jeremiah, who grinned her way in a devilish way.

Victoria: "I'm gonna take this to your dad. Do you mind taking those out to Susannah and your mom?"

Belly: "Yeah, sure."

Victoria: "Thanks, love."

The woman walked off with two drinks in hands, leaving me and the pair alone as they watched the margaritas with temptation. Belly, only grabbed it as soon as the coast was clear.

Nova: "Belly what if Aunt Laurel, sees you?"

Belly: "Relax, she won't." -she replied, sipping onto the drink.

I sighed while crossing my arms nervously, looking over to Jeremiah, who didn't look worried at all.

Jeremiah: "Oh, well, how is it? Strong?"

Belly: "That is amazing. Yeah." -she laughed, pointing at the glass filled with surprise.

Jeremiah: "Is it?"

She passed the margarita to the curly head, seeing how he drank.

Jeremiah: "Mmm. No wonder you like it. It tastes just like a Slurpee."

Belly: "Yeah, exactly. Nova, want to tr-"

Nova: "No, I can't drink any other drink with alcohol in it. My stomach and head are both throbbing." -I quickly interrupted, rubbing my stomach.

They both laughed, nodding in agreement soon after.

Belly: "I have an idea."

Jeremiah: "Oh, no."

Belly: "Sous-chef, I'm gonna need some more pomegranate juice." -she said, walking over to the kitchen's cabinets.

Jeremiah: "You got it."

Nova: "Oh, God. You are both gonna make my headache worse." -I complained, grunting soon after over how much my head hurt.

Jeremiah: "I'm sorry we're such a pain in the ass."

Belly: "We're the best pain in the ass though." -she joked, hearing my laugh soon after.

I turned as I heard a couple of footsteps approach, spotting Conrad, entering the kitchen. He smiled over to me, later on frowning his eyes.

Conrad: "What are you guys making?" -he asked, looking down at Jeremiah, who placed the pomegranates on the blender.

Nova: "Something pretty stupid."

Belly: "Not true, we're making pomegranate margaritas, but with a twist." -she explained, raising her eyebrows once she finished her sentence.

Conrad: "Well, you got to use the good blender."

My eyes widened by his words, darting quickly towards Jeremiah, that had the same exact expression.

Jeremiah: "Oh, I-I haven't used that thing since the great Kool-Aid debacle of 2011."

We all chuckled by his comment, watching how Conrad, still grabbed the blender. He placed it on the table, beginning to set it up as we watched.

Conrad: "I remember, the counters were sticky for...two summers?"

Jeremiah: "Yeah. Just about."

Nova: " I almost got blamed for it as well." -I mentioned, making Belly, laugh as she remembered.

Jeremiah: "Dad kept his, uh, briefcase in my room for a year. "As a reminder that all mistakes are not reversible."

Belly: "Wait, won't he be mad if he finds out?"

Conrad: "Well, he's not gonna find out. He's not coming." -he smirked, hearing Belly's chuckle.

I suddenly went completely serious after hearing Conrad's words, feeling saddened but at the same time relief. I don't have a good relationship with him, and he's always tried to make it better but never works out.

Belly: "Okay."

Conrad: "Yeah!" -he cheered, continuing to make the margaritas alongside the pair.

I stood quiet as I watched everything happen, they kept joking around, constantly laughing as they placed the ingredients and a whole lot of alcohol. I kept on thinking of a way to tell them what happened last night, but nothing was coming up. My fear is them finding out about this with Cam, or someone that miraculously saw what happened telling them. I don't want them to fight Tate, I can't see arguing anymore.

Conrad: "Man, you know what I miss?" -he questioned, catching my attention instantly.

Jeremiah: "Huh?"

Conrad: "Watching Laurel put Dad, in his place. You know, she'd walk in, she'd be like, "Adam."

I instantly opened my eyes as I saw Dad, entering the kitchen. Standing up from the chair with my mouth fully opened, I then suddenly heard Laurel's voice behind me.

Laurel: "Adam."

Nova: "D-Dad?" -I stammered, feeling the ambiance tense up.

Laurel: "You came."

He smiled at everyone brightly, placing his hands up excitedly.

Adam: "Happy Fourth."

Jeremiah: "Dad! You came." -he cheered, running towards him.

They both hugged tightly, everyone else just smiled except for me and Conrad, both of us staring at each other displeased with his presence.

Adam: "Hey, guys. Hey, Connie."

Conrad completely ignored Dad's presence, making him glance over to me.

Adam: "Hi, Merl."

The group glanced up my way, seeing how I sighed. I tried hiding how uncomfortable I felt with a smile, waving over to him awkwardly.

Adam: "I'll have a little of what you're mixing up there."

Belly: "Yeah, sure." -she chuckled, passing him a glass shortly after.

Adam: "Hey, thanks, Belly."

I made eye contact with Conrad, signaling him to follow me. The boy didn't stood up, instead, he just listened to the conversation everyone was having.

Susannah: "Where'd everyone go?"

Adam: "Hey."

My vision because blurry over mom's expression, her whole bright smile had faded away and now she looked uncomfortable and not like herself. All because of my own father who instead of being considered my hero, he became my enemy.

Susannah: "Adam, you managed to get off work."

Adam: "Yeah, couldn't miss the Fourth with my family."

We all stayed quiet as he chuckled, making me walk off the room without saying any words. Mom, tried to stop me by grabbing my hand, but I was quick to push it away gently.

Adam: "Mer-"

I closed the door not even caring how loud the bang was. Soon after I spotted Ethan, a few steps away from me. He had arrived just now to the house, and already had his swimming trunks on.

My steps were fast and I didn't even let him react, I pulled him with me towards the beach's steps, hearing how he grunted over my tight grip.

I kept pulling him down the wooden steps, eventually arriving at the beach that was more windy than ever.

Ethan: "Okay, chill out!"

I turned around abruptly, tears already flowing down my cheeks. His eyes widened instantly, only to then feel his hands grab my shoulders.

Ethan: "Nova, what's going on?"

Nova: "I think you fucking jinxed it, man. This is probably the worst summer ever and a lot of boys have ruined it." -I sobbed, throwing myself towards the sand.

He sat down beside me rapidly, placing his arm around me. I felt his lips touch the side of my forehead, making me close my eyes shut.

Ethan: "Is this because of the party yesterday?"

Nova: "Yes, and...today too."

Ethan: "Okay, do you want to tell me what happened?" -he asked, grabbing my face lightly, as his hands shook nervously.

I glanced towards the distance, feeling how hot my body was getting over the warm sand beneath me. I could feel my eyes going blurry by the second, eventually dropping more tears.

Nova: "He...he tried to rape me."

I then was pushed away slightly, seeing how Ethan, tried to find a lie in my face. But he knew I would never lie about something like that, he already believed me but was in denial.

Ethan: "Who? Who tried to?"

Nova: "T-Tate." -I cried, quickly getting pulled into a hug.

Ethan: "Oh, honey. I'm so sorry, I-I'm gonna find that son of a bitch and I'm gon-"

Nova: "No! You can't do anything, Ethan."

Ethan: "Yes I freaking can!? No woman or man deserves to go through something like this." -he declared, cracking his knuckles in the process.

Nova: "It'll pass soon."

Ethan: "You can't sit here and continue to suffer without making him suffer as well." -he whispered, rubbing my shoulder then.

Nova: "I just don't know how to tell them."

Ethan: "I can help out, Nova. You're not alone, you'll never be alone."

I glanced at my hands suddenly finding them interesting, only because I was trying to disperse my mind over what had happened. I didn't wanted to ruin Ethan's day with this news, but he was the only person I trusted fully in telling this.

Ethan: "Does anyone else knows?"

Nova: "Cam...he was the one that saved me."

Ethan: "Cam as in Belly's boyfriend? -he asked, sounding completely surprised.

Nova: "Yeah...him."

We both stayed silent, hearing how the waves broke right as they arrived to shore. Thankfully calming me down more, as I was hugged by Ethan, still.

Ethan, turned around as he heard a group of voices approaching the beach, making me turn around as well. Spotting Steven and Shayla, coming over with more friends. Belly, was already showing off her pomegranate margaritas to everyone. And then there was Jeremiah and....Cam, who noticed me really fast.

Nova: "Shit."

Ethan: "Oh, shit." -he mumbled at the same times as me, looking over to my eyes completely nervous.

Belly: "Hey, guys! Come over with us, we're doing a drink race!"

Ethan: "We'll be there in a bit, you guys play!"

I glanced back at the beach completely scared that Cam, would say something. My heart beat was pounding rapidly, almost feeling like it could come out of my chest.

Ethan: "Everything's gonna be fine, I'll talk to, Cam."

Nova: "Wait, you can't do it in front of them."

Ethan: "I know, don't worry." -he reassured, standing up from the sand.

He ruffled the sand away, stretching his hand my way.

Nova: "I'm not gonna go with them."

Ethan: "We're not going there, we're going...there." -he spoke, pointing towards the ocean.

I smiled slightly, suddenly getting grabbed by him. He placed me on his shoulders easily, making me look like a potato sack being dragged to the ocean.

Nova: "Wait, wait, wait!"

Ethan: "What?" -he asked, putting me down rapidly.

I took off my dress, throwing it far down into the sand so it wouldn't get wet by the waves.

Nova: "Now we're talking."

We both ran towards the water, laughing in between jumps over how we kept bumping onto each other over the waves.
________________________________

After being in the water for half of the day, we both headed out of the ocean to see the group already being gone. We decided to head home, searching desperately for food that we knew rested at the table outside.

Belly sat down on the dock accompanied by Cam and the girls, laughing as they all spoke amongst each other.

Ethan: "I'll be right back, I'm gonna try getting Cam, to talk to me privately."

Nova: "Yeah, sure."

Jeremiah and Conrad, both were playing football on the field. They were smiling extremely bright, reminding me of old times instantly. Suddenly Dad came from behind and took the ball away from Conrad, making their smiles fade away including mine.

A hand grabbing my waist made me turn around, only for the plastic cup on my hand suddenly be dropped by me as I saw who it was.

Nova: "What the hell are you doing here?" -I whispered, beginning to heavy breathe as Tate, stood right in front of me.

He had brought flowers with him, this ones accompanied with chocolates surrounding it. I grabbed his wrist tightly, dragging him down the steps that led to the beach.

We arrived quickly since I was walking really fast...probably even running. My whole body shook uncontrollably, but I wasn't going to let fear take me down.

Nova: "You need to get the hell out of my house before I tell everyone about what you did." -I fumed, pushing him back abruptly.

Tate: "Oh, really? Babe, you're still mad about that? You know you wanted it, besides I was invited."

Nova: "I don't give a fuck if you were invited, that is long gone now. Get. Out. Of. Here." -I snarled, pointing at the beach's exit.

Tate: "I don't understand why are you so mad? I literally just wanted to have fun with you, love."

Nova: "You tried to...you tried to-"

Tate: "What? I tried to what?"

Nova: "You tried to rape me!" -I shouted, pushing him back aggressively.

He fell towards the ground, falling right on top of the base that was filled with flowers and chocolates. My heart sped up as I saw him standing up quickly, he then grabbed my shoulders harshly beginning to shake me around.

Tate: "Who the fuck do you think you are?! Huh?! You're mine, you're mine only!"

Nova: "Let go of me!" -I shouted, trying to get his arms away from me.

Tate: "No! You listen to me you little bitch, if you say that one mo-"

I gasped as soon as I saw a fist bumping into his jaw, making me step back completely shocked. Two seconds later I was grabbed by a pair of arms, which belonged to Jeremiah who watched Conrad fighting, Tate.

Nova: "Conrad, stop!"

He had made the other boy's face look disturbing over all of the blood covering him, I kept trying to get Jeremiah's grip off of me but he wouldn't let go.

Nova: "You're gonna kill him! Jere, do something!"

I began to cry over what was happening, feeling much worse seeing him get what he deserved. That's what I wanted all along though? Why was I so sad still?

I watched how Conrad, gave him one last punch, stepping away from him to look over to me. He was about to pull me into a hug but Jeremiah, stopped him as he saw all the blood on his fist.

Nova: "Let go of me." -I mumbled feeling completely numb, his arms backed away from me later on.

I ran towards the beach's steps, hearing my name being called many times by the two boys. I couldn't feel my body, it almost felt like I was a ghost. As I reached upstairs nobody was around anymore, not even Ethan or Belly, that I just cried even more by the sight. My hands reached for the sliding door, barely having the energy to slide it but I did.

Adam: "Sweetheart, why are you crying?" -he asked as soon as he noticed me, walking over quickly.

I stopped my tracks embarrassed, just feeling his hands grab my shoulders. Steven, watched from afar, fully worried for me.

Nova: "I drank some of the margaritas and I think they gave me allergies, it hurts so much, Dad." -I lied, grabbing onto my stomach suddenly.

Adam: "Oh, hun. Do you want me to tell Mom, just in case?"

Nova: "No! No, don't. She'll get really worried and the spark of the fourth would leave."

Dad, looked around the room completely frustrated, staring at Steven, with hope. Then pulling me in front of him quickly.

Adam: "Steven could you take Nova, to her room upstairs? I need her to take some rest, she's gonna need it."

Nova: "No, that's okay...I can go by my-"

Adam: "Please, Steven."

He quickly nodded in agreement, I watched how he walked towards me to grab my arm. He placed it around his shoulder, soon after carrying me like a bride after getting married upstairs. We were both quiet, probably not knowing what to say at all...cause that's what was happening to me.

He kept side eyeing me shortly after I took a glance at him, he looked behind him suspiciously and then I was placed down on the ground. I was seeing how his hands stopped on his waist, making him look like a father.

Steven: "You haven't drank anything today, why are you lying to, Mr. Fisher?"

Nova: "That's none of your business." -I replied, entering my room that was right behind me.

He followed me inside, closing the door slowly. I stared at him with frowned eyebrows, taking a sit on my bed.

Steven: "Nova, I just want to say that I'm really sorry."

Nova: "For what?"

Steven: "For yesterday and all of the days before." -he replied, sitting down beside me.

I sighed while pushing some strands of hair back, observing the sunset through my window. The silence was slapping me around, it was getting me so frustrated. I wanted to push him out of my room, but I kept feeling his gaze on top of me that I just couldn't move at all.

Steven: "Do you...do you actually have feelings for me?" -he asked, shuffling his body closer to mine.

My shoulders tensed up by his question, not even daring to move. I was scared of looking at him and responding with just my glance, I knew it would give it away. His hand touched my shoulder softly, turning me his way.

Nova: "Steven, I-"

Steven: "You don't have to feel nervous about responding, I'm not gonna say anything bad."

Nova: "I know you're in a relationship so of course...you're going to say something bad." -I commented, scratching my neck nervously.

Steven: "No, I-I think we should genuinely try something out. I feel like it's the right thing to do, but I'm not sure."

Nova: "Steven, what do you mean?" -I asked, rubbing my temples out of frustration.

His hands grabbed my face gently, suddenly making me feel like my heart stopped. I glanced at him with eyes completely widened, unexpectedly being pulled onto his lips.

My hands quickly searched for his face as one of his arrived to my neck, he was kissing me roughly which was making me lose my breath rapidly.

I couldn't believe what was happening right now, my first kiss with Steven Conklin, happened. Only right after I watched my brothers beat the shit out of someone that hurt me deeply. I tried to disperse my mind of what had happened, feeling how his hand reached for my leg. His grip made me get lifted onto his lap, continuing to be kissed like there was time running out.

My hands roomed through his hair carefully, feeling his as well doing the same. His lips were extremely soft, almost as if he had used chapstick for years and the effort for soft lips paid out the great result. But maybe that's what actually happened, I had seen this boy, applying chapstick his whole life.

I pushed him off to take a look at his features, he held me tightly against his warm body, only sending shivers throughout my whole back.

Steven: "Are you okay? Was I too aggressive?"

Nova: "No, you're fine. It's just...that was very sudden." -I whispered with a hoarse tone, feeling his breaths hitting my lips in the process.

Steven: "Do you want to keep going?"

I stayed looking at him silently, wishing he could know how much he means to me. I love this guy so much that it's become impossible not to think about him. I pressed my forehead against his, feeling him embrace me fully into a hug.

Nova: "I lo-"

Jeremiah: "Nova, come downsta-holy shit!"

Steven: "Shit." -he mumbled, helping me out of his lap quickly.

Jeremiah: "What the fuck?"

Nova: "Jere, why didn't you knock?" -I asked, cleaning some of my lipgloss that had been smudged by, Steven.

Jeremiah: "Because I was not expecting to see you with Steven, having sex."

Steven: "We weren't doing that, man!" -he exclaimed, panicking over the boy's comment.

Jeremiah: "That was midway into it, I can feel how hot it was in here."

Nova: "Jeremiah, stop it." -I grunted, pushing my hair back.

Jeremiah: "Dude, you were literally with Shayla, today. What are you on?" -he argued, pointing at Steven, who then looked over to me.

I glanced down at the ground, pretending to not be hurt by the question. I heard him sigh, only to then hear his footsteps move slightly away from me.

Steven: "Me and Shayla, broke up today."

Nova: "Wait, what?" -I asked, looking up to him as I slowly realized.

Jeremiah: "And now you're making out with my sister?"

Steven: "No, Jere, stop."

Nova: "Was I just a distraction from your break up?" -I seethed, crossing my arms defensively.

Steven: "Nova, no. I would never do that, please listen to me."

Nova: "No! I've been told that many times...I don't want to hear it again. Get out of my room, right now." -I snapped, pushing him towards Jeremiah, who grabbed him once he was about to fall.

Steven: "Nova, come on."

Jeremiah: "Leave her alone, come with me." -he demanded, pulling him out of my room completely.

The door closed quickly, followed by their footsteps that headed downstairs. I covered my mouth to avoid anyone from hearing my sobbing, I threw myself back instantly after it got even worse.

Why were things going worse by the time passed, how could everything go back to normal after this? Would it actually be normal soon?

End of chapter.

Sofia's notes:
This is such a bittersweet chapter, I'm so sorry for the wait guys!! I just started school once again so it's been kinda hard keeping up, but I'll try my best I promise 🫶🏼

I made my girl suffer a lot in this episode omg 🥲 I'll try to make it up to you guys next chapter!! See you soon, love you all 🩷

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