"Didn't think I'd turn around and say,
that it's too late to apologize."

THE TOURNAMENT, one of mom's favorite activity at, Cousins. She says it makes her happy, she loves the happiness shining across our faces. I was excited to see all of the siblings playing, it's my first time not participating on one of these.

I was wasting time by adjusting some chairs around the area, since I knew the bleachers were gonna get full sooner or later. Mom, on the other hand spoke to one of the judges, they both just laughed while looking around the court.

My feet touch part of the court's sand making me wince over how hot it was, I took a sit after the burning feeling turned down a bit, proceeding to look around to spot, Conrad. He smiled over to me, walking my way as soon as I smiled back.

Conrad: "You okay?" -he asked, rubbing my shoulder.

Nova: "Yeah, the sand is just really hot. I don't know where I put my shoes at."

He chuckled after my comment, getting his right arm out from behind his back. There they were, my shoes hanging out on his palm.

Nova: "Oh."

Conrad: "Make sure you don't lose them next time." -he grinned, ruffling my hair suddenly.

We both looked around the area silently, just hearing the amount of laughter coming from the judges that talked to, Mom. Conrad, then glanced back at me with a cringed expression, making me laugh after noticing it.

Conrad: "I'm gonna go adjust some of the umbrellas, if you need anything let me know."

Nova: "Yeah, same goes to you." -I replied as I stood up from the chair and watched him walk off.

I placed my shoes inside of my bag, taking out the flip flops I had packed just in case. Then I continued doing my previous work for a while, just waiting for everyone to eventually arrive.

An hour later the whole place was already sort of crowded, the rest of my family had arrived as well. I was now eating a bowl of açaí carefully, watching people's every move even if that looked weird...it sounds weird and creepy now that I realize. I quickly stopped looking around and payed attention to the bowl of fruits in my hands, I was sort of mesmerized by the way everything tasted.

I then heard what sounded like someone taking a seat beside me, receiving my attention fully.

Jeremiah: "Hey, sunshine." -he grinned, grabbing a piece of strawberry from the bowl.

I gave him a glare after what he did, seeing how he chuckled with the piece of fruit inside of his mouth. Once he swallowed the small piece, he smiled brightly my way.

Jeremiah: "Sorry, I'm hungry."

Nova: "Maybe you should've just asked me to get one for you too." -I mentioned, seeing how he lifted his shoulders up.

Jeremiah: "Sharing is caring, sis."

Nova: "Not when it's with someone that hates sharing food."

Jeremiah: "I like sharing food, what do you mean by that?"

Nova: "Not with me." -I whispered, pointing at him with my index finger and soon after laughing.

He then took another piece but I ignored it after spotting Taylor talking to Steven and Shayla, on the distance.

Nova: "That's just...great and awkward."

Jeremiah: "What is?" -he asked, poking my arm suddenly.

I jumped by the sudden motion, looking over to him while I nervously chuckled.

Nova: "Uuhhh...did you know that Ethan, is probably dating your ex?" -I asked, bringing the only topic I could think of to not talk about, Steven.

Jeremiah: "Which one?"

Nova: "The only one you were practically serious with?"

Jeremiah: "Pearl?!" -he whispered almost in a shout, looking around the court in search for Ethan, probably.

Nova: "Yeah, I don't really know if they're actually something but that's just my suspicion."

Jeremiah: "Well...yeah, that's actually really awkward."

Nova: "True." -I mumbled, placing my açaí bowl on a small wooden table beside me.

Jeremiah: "Is she he-"

Pearl: "Jeremiah?!"

We both turned around instantly by the mention of the boy's name, opening our eyes widely after seeing the girl right behind us. She had a bright smile formed on her face, which to be honest...it wasn't expected.

The both of them ended kinda harsh, she found out Jeremiah, was kissing another girl at some party. So she did the same right in front of him, which ended with them arguing outside of the house in front of, me and Conrad.

Jeremiah: "Pearl? Hey...it's so good to see you." -he greeted, standing up from his chair to go hug the girl.

She embraced him gently, rubbing his uncovered back in the process. They then pulled away and stared at each other awkwardly. I stood up from my chair and walked over to Pearl, handling her a bottle of sunscreen.

Nova: You were looking for sunscreen, right?" -I asked, seeing her surprised expression.

Pearl: "How did you know that?"

Nova: "I remember you hated going under the sun without any sunscreen." -I chuckled, watching how she started to apply the liquid on her arms.

Jeremiah: "You look-"

Pearl: "Different? Yeah...I know."

Jeremiah: "Different is not bad."  -he mentioned quickly, making me cringe by the way he was staring at the girl.

Pearl: I guess...are you playing today at the tournament?"

He looked around the court slowly and proceeded to sigh after, I frowned my eyebrows and glance at Pearl, who just waited for his reply patiently.

Jeremiah: "I'm not...I just came here to watch."

Pearl: "That's odd, you never miss a tournament."

Jeremiah: "I just don't really feel like it, I'm watching my girlfriend play though." -he said, looking over to me after finishing his sentence.

Nova: "Girlfriend?"

Pearl: "That's great, I came to play with my boyfriend."

Jeremiah: "Boyfriend?" -he asked quickly, avoiding my question.

The short hair girl chuckled, pointing at the players bleachers. We all spotted Ethan, automatically nodding.

Nova: "I knew it." -I smiled, watching Jeremiah's stunned expression.

Pearl: "He's really nice, I'm glad being with him brought us together again. I've missed you guys a lot."

Jeremiah: "Yeah, that's really nice."

We then stayed quiet for a bit, awkwardly looking around the space.

Pearl: I'm gonna go stretch, talk to y'all later?"

Nova: "Yeah, of course." -I grinned, watching how she waved goodbye and approached, Ethan.

From the corner of my eye I saw how Jeremiah, tried walking away but I was quick to stop him. He turned around with eyes shut, opening them slowly to look at me.

Nova: "Who is that "girlfriend" you were talking about?"

Jeremiah: "Um...Belly."

Nova: "Belly?!"

Jeremiah: "I mean, it's not really confirmed we're boyfriend and girlfriend but I feel like we might be something." -he quickly explained, grabbing my shoulders.

Nova: "Is it because you two were basically eating each other up yesterday at the pool?"

His eyes opened widely after my question, quickly then darting around the area in search for something.

Jeremiah: "Don't tell anyone, please?"

Nova: "Who are you afraid of?" -I asked, looking over to where he was glancing.

I then noticed Steven playing with Shayla, this ones accompanied by another pair that were previously playing against, Belly and Taylor.

Nova: "Steven?"

Jeremiah: "Yes! You know how overprotective he is over, Bells."

Nova: "Okay, fine...I won't say anything." -I reassured, smiling over to him.

He grinned quickly, grabbing me by the waist and twirling me around while hugging my body.

Jeremiah: "Thanks, I'm gonna go see the girls play."

Nova: "Okay."
________________________________

After a whole lot of beach volleyball I decided to read one of the books I had bought, but my attention was brought by feeling a tap on my back suddenly. I looked back, spotting Taylor, with a cup on her hand.

Nova: "Hey, why aren't you on the court?"

I then turned to look over to the playing area, seeing Jeremiah and Belly, together now.

Taylor: "There was an issue."

Nova: "What do you mean?" -I asked, watching how she took a sit right beside me.

Taylor: "I sort of twisted my ankle."

I glanced down at her ankle and spotted an ice bag taped onto her feet, but then a smirk appeared on the girl's face.

Taylor: "Don't worry...I'm fine."

Nova: "You faked and injury just so Jeremiah could play with Belly, right?"

Taylor: "That's right." -she chuckled, flipping her ponytail back sassily.

I nodded while smiling and looking over to the court, but my eyes were quick to notice how bad Jeremiah, was playing.

Nova: "What is wrong with him?"

Taylor: "Is he not good at the sport?"

Nova: "He used to be, but only because Conrad, was sort of slow for him when they played together." -I mentioned, later on drinking from the soda.

Taylor: "Oh."

She then turned to look at me seriously, sighing out loud in the process. Her expression seemed different now, sort of as if she was thinking of a way to spat out some words.

Nova: "Everything okay?"

Taylor: "Yeah...I just have a question."

I nodded for her to continue but the girl, still continued to look around the court nervously. Her hands darted to her ankle, taking out the ice bag right after.

Taylor: "So, I'm not stupid or anything like that."

Nova: "Okay?"

Taylor: "I see the way you look at...you know who." -she paused, glancing at Steven, who was  now coming out of the court.

Nova: "Oh, that's just no-"

Taylor: "You guys are dating, he told me."

Nova: "He told you?" -I asked, seeing how she nodded and smiled after.

I then grabbed her hand and looked directly at her eyes, as she just smiled faintly my way.

Nova: "I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings by dating him, it was never my intention...I never knew you liked him."

Taylor: "It's fine, Nova. I'm happy for you, you both deserve each other." -she mentioned, rubbing my palm carefully.

Hours and hours kept passing by and Jeremiah, was still doing pretty bad. I could tell Belly, was on the verge of probably slapping him. Everyone was now cheering for the other team over how bad hers was doing, I felt bad for the both of them.

I then saw how Belly asked for the game to be paused and quickly looked at, Jeremiah. She began to talk to him with apologetic eyes and soon then glanced at Conrad, who watched everything carefully.

Belly: "Conrad, I need you to sub in."

Nova: "Oh...wow." -I mumbled awkwardly, watching how Taylor, opened her mouth widely.

Taylor: "I'll be right back."

She then walked towards the court's exit, waiting for Jeremiah, to arrive. Jeremiah threw his shirt to Conrad and walked to Taylor,  soon after.

They then proceeded to play together for more time, closer and closer getting to the point of victory. I continuously cheered for the pair and watched them now play against Ethan and Pearl's team. I didn't wanted to pick a side but secretly I was rooting for Conrad and Belly, just don't tell anyone that.

Steven: "Hey."

I smiled by hearing the familiar voice, peeking up to see Steven, right beside me. He smiled instantly, placing a kiss on my forehead quickly.

Nova: "Excited to play?" -I asked, closing my book to move aside, this so he could take a seat beside me.

Steven: "Yeah, I wish we could play together though."

Nova: "Nah, I'll just make us lose the game." -I replied, hearing him chuckle as he took a seat beside me.

Steven: "Don't say that."

Nova: "It's the truth though."

Steven: "Maybe we can practice at the beach once the tournament finishes, what do you think?"

I smiled by his request, quickly nodding in agreement as soon as I visualized everything happening in my head.

Nova: "Sure."

Steven: "Oh, wait...shit." -he mumbled, closing his eyes shut.

Nova: "What's wrong?" -I asked, quickly worrying over the boy's expression.

Steven: "I was sort of invited to this party and I said that'll be there. It's a 8:00...wait, what if you go with me?"

I frowned my eyebrows after his question, instantly feeling nervous by the thought of going to a party.

Steven: "Come on, it'll be fun. We could hang out by the pool of that house or something. Conrad and Jeremiah, are invited."

Nova: "What about, Belly?" -I asked, scratching  the back of my neck.

Steven: "Belly has plans with Taylor, I think."

Nova: "My brothers would kill you and I if they see me at that party."

Steven: "Don't worry, I'll convince them." -he winked, looking over to Jeremiah, who was focused on the volleyball game currently.

I laughed after seeing Steven's frightened expression, hitting his arm gently.

Nova: "Good luck with that."

Steven: "Thanks." -he mumbled, placing a soft kiss on my lips.

He then pulled away and stared at the distance behind me, I looked to where he was looking and spotted Shayla, approaching us.

Shayla: "Hey, it's time for our match."

Steven: "Sure." -he said, smiling at me and walking off with the girl quickly towards the court.

I watched how they began to play against  Belly and Conrad, both teams being pretty good. I could tell that Steven and Shayla, were trying their best to win as well.

Times passed by pretty quickly and Conrad and Belly, won. Everyone cheered for the pair, as the two of them hugged tightly. Jeremiah, on the other hand still seemed slightly sad by the victory. Maybe the moment felt bittersweet to him.
________________________________

Belly: "Hey, I'm gonna go out with, Taylor. Nicole, invited us to this boat...want to come with us?"

The girl asked while peeking through my room's door frame. I glanced up at her with saddened expression, looking over to my window right after.

Nova: "Sorry, I can't go. I sort of have plans already with Conrad and Jeremiah, they want to go to this party."

Belly: "Oh...that's fine. I'll send you the address just in case you still want to go later on." -she smiled, grabbing her phone to probably text me the address.

Nova: "Thanks, have fun though."

Belly: "I will, see you later."

She then walked off, allowing me to stand up from my bed and proceeded to search for clothes for tonight's party. I had already used half of my party clothing for this summer, so I decided to go a search in my old drawers at the beach house.

I ended up finding some simple clothes and put it on after showering, I felt nervous to say the least. Throughout my whole life I had never been to a party at Cousins, it would always be parties at home. I finished my makeup and hair even if my annoying shaky hands wouldn't stop.

My attention was brought by a pair of laughter coming from downstairs, so I quickly headed down after finishing getting ready completely. I then realized it was Conrad and Steven, talking.

Nova: "Hey guys, I'm already done getting ready."

Steven: "Wow." -he mumbled, suddenly getting red while seeing my outfit.

I chuckled by his expression, taking a quick look at Conrad, who smiled over the conversation currently happening.

Conrad: "Steven, I'm seeing the way you're looking at my sister."

Nova: "Conrad." -I firmly said, hearing a small laugh from, Steven.

I then looked around the living room, noticing Jeremiah, was nowhere to be found. He wasn't even in the kitchen as well.

Conrad: "He's not coming."

I stared back at Conrad, confused. Seeing his expression too, I think he felt disappointed or saddened.

Nova: "Why not?" -I asked, clenching onto the handle of my purse.

Steven: "He said he doesn't really feel like it, maybe he'll show up later though."

I nodded in agreement, glancing back at the tv to see the boy's favorite video game playing behind me. I smiled while rolling my eyes, taking a look at the again.

Nova: "Can we go now?"

Steven: "Sure."

We then exited the house right after Steven, shut off the tv. Then right after we drove to our destination, my nerves were still eating me up. I was scared of feeling out of place on the home, I felt even more nervous after figuring that the party was happening at one of the richest neighborhoods in, Cousins.

Steven, constantly kept glancing over to me reassuringly. It felt like he knew what I was feeling, unfortunately he couldn't do anything related to affection since it felt awkward doing it right in front of, Conrad.

Eventually we made it to the party, meeting up with the sight of judgement coming from different people. Steven and Conrad, walked beside each other while I slowly did the same but in front of them.

Steven: "Oh, my God, I knew my boy'd rally! Yes!" -he cheered, making me look over to the location he was glancing at.

I then noticed Jeremiah, drinking some tequila out of what looked like an ice fountain. I opened my mouth surprised by the sight, watching how he then hugged a girl right after drinking the tequila.

Conrad: "Yo, who's Jeremiah hooking up with these days?"

After hearing Conrad's question I heard Steven telling him something about Belly and Jeremiah, supposedly having something. I held in my laugh after hearing how disgusted they sounded over that "theory" that was actually true.

On the distance I then spotted Shayla, she was talking to a group of girls that sort of intimidated me.

Jeremiah: "Yo, boys! Hey, check it out! It's an ice luge!"

Nova: "Are y'all actually...trying that?"

Jeremiah: "Come try it! Steven, come on!"

I stared back at the pair, seeing a smile form on Steven, instantly. He approached Conrad, tapping his chest repeatedly.

Steven: "Dude, I got to go." -he said, making me frown my eyebrows.

Nova: "Wait, didn't you wanted to hang out by the pool outside?"

Steven: "We'll do that in a bit, I'll be back soon." -he mentioned, kissing my cheek and later on walking off quickly to, Jeremiah.

I took a peek at Conrad, soon after. He was staring at me pitiful, only making me sigh as I walked off to the kitchen in search for a drink. I entered the house's kitchen, instantly taking a hold of beer.

Time kept passing by pretty fast, we had all been there for hours and I had drank a couple of beers already. My gut was telling me Steven, wasn't going to come back. I didn't wanted it to feel like that was the case...but it unfortunately felt that way. I was still at the kitchen, as I was about to reach for another beer my hand was grabbed before I could touch the drink.

Conrad: "Let's not keep doing that for today, please?"

Nova: "Why not? It's a party." -I mentioned, pushing his hand away.

Conrad: "Because you don't need to do that when you feel sad or disappointed with something."

Nova: "Says the one that literally does it every single day, take what you just said as your own advice, Conrad."

He stared at me disappointedly, making me sigh as I realized what I just said. I crossed my arms nervously, looking around the kitchen with embarrassment.

Nova: "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that."

Conrad: "It's fine, Nova. I deserve to hear that, specially from you." -he said, looking down at the ground.

Nova: "Don't say that."

Conrad: "It's true...wait, what's going on with you? Why are you suddenly sad?"

Nova: "You don't know why?" -I asked, frowning my eyebrows in the process.

Conrad: "Uhhh no?"

Nova: "This whole time I thought you knew."

He then frowned his eyebrows as well, taking a look around the space we were in.

Conrad: "Knew what?"

Ethan: "Why aren't you currently making out with, Steven Conklin?"

I quickly darted my eyes towards my right, spotting the pink haired boy approaching us. He's eyes then open widely after realizing Conrad, standing literally right in front of me.

Ethan: "Shit."

Conrad: "Uh...was I....suppose to know that or no?" -he asked awkwardly, beginning to scratch his neck.

Nova: "That's what I thought you knew."

Conrad: "Not at all. I mean, I saw the signs but thought y'all were just playing around."

Ethan: "How the hell do you think that's just them playing around?" -he questioned while raising his hands midair, looking at Conrad, with judgement.

Conrad: "Steven, is a really flirty guy."

Ethan: "Yeah, good point...kinda."

Nova: "I'm gonna go outside, is that okay?" -I asked feeling completely embarrassed, receiving a nod from, Conrad.

I then walked off, suddenly feeling an arm interlace with mine. I knew it was Ethan, he's the only person that I know that wears like 6 rings on one hand.

We headed outside of the house through the backyard door, meeting up with the beautiful large pool the home had. It was tempting to jump in, but I didn't knowing the after circumstances that I would experience.

Ethan: "So, remember what I asked you earlier?"

Nova: "Yes."

Ethan: "Well?" -he mumbled, hitting my elbow gently.

Nova: "I think he just technically ghosted me or I don't even know."

Ethan: "Want me to beat him up?"

Nova: "No! God, no...please, no." -I quickly demanded, holding his arm tightly while hearing his chuckling.

Ethan: "Well, if you say so...why would he do that?"

Nova: "I don't know, he invited me here to have sort of a cute date but now he said he would see me later."

He stayed quiet for a bit, looking at the distance with an expression I was able to distinguish instantly. He knew something...something he wasn't telling me.

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

Ethan: "I think I saw him going to Liam's basement, they sort of play poker there and stay for hours."

Nova: "He didn't talk about that." -I said, glancing at the pool's water slightly feeling disappointed.

Ethan: "Hey, maybe he forgot or was invited just now. Don't worry, he'll come by soon."

I smiled by his sentence, hearing a pair of footsteps approach us from behind. We both turned around, noticing someone I wasn't expecting to see again...not even prepared to see actually.

Tate: "Nova."

Ethan: "Stay away from her, Tate." -he demanded, quickly standing up from the pool's ledge.

The boy quickly placed himself in front of me, as I held tightly onto his arm.

Tate: "I'm not planning to harm her, okay? I'll never do that again."

Ethan: "Stop talking, she doesn't want to see or hear from you ever again." -he argued, pointing at the boy with his index finger.

Tate: "Look, I just want to say that I'm sorry. If I could go back to the day I did what I did...I wouldn't have done it."

I closed my eyes shut after hearing his comment, remembering what happened that night.

Nova: "It's too late to apologize, Tate."

Tate: "I know."

Ethan: "Then leave." -he firmly said, pointing then towards a wooden gate.

He nodded in agreement, walking off towards the pointed gateway. The curly head suddenly turned around, looking over to me pitiful.

Tate: "Just so you know, I saw Steven being really close with Shayla, just now. You guys are dating, right?"

Nova: "Is this a way for you to try and ruin my life again for not accepting your apology?" -I asked with rage, stepping away from, Tate.

Tate: "No, Nova...go check for yourself."

He then walked off, leaving me with Ethan, as the both of us stared at each other confused. We then quickly walked inside of the home again, our eyes looked around the large place desperately.

I then peeked through a hall that led to the living room, spotting Steven and Shayla...kissing. My eyes instantly filled with tears, stomach getting as tight as knot could possibly get. The pain and betrayal I felt was purely insane, it didn't felt real.

I walked towards the pair just to see Steven suddenly push Shayla, away. They stared at each other differently, the boy stared at her with horror and she on the other hand with happiness.

Nova: "What the hell is wrong with you?!" -I shouted, throwing a nearby drink at him.

Steven: "Nova? Shit...it's not what it looks like."

Nova: "Shut up?!"

I ran off towards the outsides of the home, reaching the ginormous garden in front. I pushed a group of people out of my way, hearing the muffled party music echoing behind me. But most importantly, rapid footsteps trying to reach me.

Steven: "Nova, wait!"

Nova: "Just leave it, Steven!" -I shouted, suddenly turning around to face him.

He was crying desperately, while I just radiated rage and disgust towards him. My body shook over how angry I felt, I needed to get out of there before I did something stupid.

Steven: "Nova, she kissed me!"

Nova: "But you still kissed her back! It took you so long to fucking push her back. How long were you gonna try to hide your feelings for her and use me, huh?!"

I constantly pushed him back as I shouted, seeing how he closed his eyes shut as tears fell down his cheeks.

Nova: "I thought you loved me, I thought we loved each other!"

Steven: "We do, Nova. Please, let me explain!"

Nova: "There's nothing to explain! You ghosted me throughout this party for literally hours and never came back."

Steven: "I'm sorry, I know I shouldn't hav-"

Nova: "I needed to find out what you did over my ex boyfriend who is literally the worst person possible." -I interrupted, finally feeling the sadness hit me instead of the anger.

Steven: "Please, Nova."

Nova: "No! We're done, there's nothing here for us anymore." -I sobbed out loud, seeing how some people looked at us while whispering.

I backed away from him but was quickly grabbed by the wrist and turned around. I then saw how he was pushed away by Ethan, seeing Steven's expression change into a nervous one.

Ethan: "Get the fuck away from her." -he demanded, pushing me gently behind him.

Steven: "Ethan, please listen."

Ethan: "No, you promised me. You promised me you would take care of her...you know that."

I was taken aback by his comment, instantly wondering what he meant by that. They had talked about me before? And I didn't even knew.

Steven: "Yeah." -he mumbled, glancing down at the ground with eyes already puffed over his crying.

Ethan, then turned to face me, grabbing my hand to pull me away from the area. I glanced back at Steven, one last time seeing him already staring at me.

And in that moment...it all felt like actual pain. That dream I had since a little girl, that was crushed by the person that builded my dream. Steven Conklin, was just...different than what I hoped.

I remember all the things I thought about him, I thought that he looked like an angel. I wanted to kiss him in the rain, I felt magic since I met him and I couldn't help myself from falling in love.

I held onto those feelings for him for too long, and I never got to say the things I wanted to say to him since little. Only because he used me, and I let myself get fooled by that dream of the perfect guy Mom and Laurel, used to talk about.

I don't understand. Love is...too confusing.

End of chapter.

Sofia's notes:
IS THIS A MIRACLE CURRENTLY HAPPENING? AN UPDATE? YES THIS IS NOT A DRILL!!

did I came back just to break y'all hearts? YES. Am I sorry? Of course 🥹

this chapter is not proofread so I'm really sorry if there's some writing mistakes!! I'll try editing it as soon as possible after I'm done with school work. But I hope this chapter helped with missing y'all's favorites<3

I'll try updating again as soon as I can!! I love you all sm 🫶🏼

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