Lover (Conrad Fisher)

6

The cops ended up bringing Carson and I back to our uncle's house, and Belly and the rest to Susannah's house.

Let's just say the look on my parents' faces was not a pleased one. But, my mother just walked back upstairs to bed. My father scolded us for a few minutes, telling us we were lucky to have an uncle like Bobby, who could get us out of just about anything.

However, Uncle Bobby wasn't mad at all. He sat us down in the living room, telling us stories of his high school days, and how much trouble he used to get into. He made us laugh and reassured us that it wasn't the end of the world. Shortly after he sent us to bed.

I layed in my bed, staring at the ceiling. I kept replaying the moment in the car with Conrad. How I felt instant heat reach the spot on my shoulder where he picked up my hair. How I got butterflies from the way he was looking at me.

I knew I shouldn't be thinking about it. I should be thinking about my almost kiss with Gavin. But, I just couldn't get Conrad out of my head.

Eventually I flopped over and drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, there's tension in the air. I walk in saying, "Good morning."

"Hey kid." My uncle spoke up first. "How'd you sleep?"

"Like a baby," I respond. I make my way over to the cupboard, picking out my breakfast that consists of lucky charms.

"So," my uncle says as he walks over to me.

'So?" I ask.

"Susannah wants you to go shopping with her and Belly. To get ready for the debutante events all summer."

"Oh," I respond. "I don't really have a lot of spending money. I'm saving most of it for college."

"I know." My uncle says with a big smile. "I've got you covered kid."

"Bobby," My mother says. "Absolutely not." She gets up out of her chair walking over to me, placing two hands on my shoulders. "Sweetie you don't have to do this if you don't want to. We can always tell Susannah you changed your mind."

"No, no, I want to." I say nodding my head. "If Belly's doing it then so am I."

My mother sends me a tight smile. "Okay, if you're sure."

"I'm positive."

After breakfast, I change into jean shorts and a cute orange crop top, and make my way over to Susannah's.

As I walk over, I can't help but replay the night over again. My almost kiss with Gavin, Belly getting hurt, and the moment with Conrad. I couldn't help but wonder when I would see Conrad again.

As I approach the door, it swings open, Belly running out.

"Hailey!" She yells as we collide in a hug.

"Belly!" I say squeezing her. As we break away I notice the huge bruise on the side of her face. "Damn! Look at that shiner."

Belly laughs, reaching her hand up to touch her face.

"Does it hurt?" I ask.

"No not really," She answers. "Only if I touch it."

"Well then don't touch it."

"Come on," She says, grabbing my hand and pulling me with her. "It's time to shop!"

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The next few hours are spent shopping with Belly, her mom, and Susannah. We go to what seems like fifty different stores. Eventually we get to the final one.