Just Keep Driving - Jeremiah Fisher

002

"Conrad" I said his name as I reached for his shoulder. He flinched as soon as I made contact. Once he turned and saw who it was, a look of shame took over his features.

"Ray, what are you doing here?" he asked, confused. He was huddled into himself like he was trying to hide from the world. It was such a heartbreaking sight, I can't imagine how he must be feeling.

'"I just ran away from home" I said with a slight laugh trying to make light out of this awful situation. Conrads confused face cracked me up even more. I don't really know why I was laughing, I suppose my body was trying to regulate its emotions. I was on overdrive right now and something in my gut told me this is how I would feel all summer. Especially since Susannah said she didn't want me telling her boys. I couldn't keep anything from Jeremiah nor did I want to. Especially something like this.

"Are you okay?" Conrad asked, breaking me out of my thoughts. I think he could see my red rimmed eyes, and tear stained cheeks.

"I know" I said laughing again, but this laugh turned into a full on sob. Before I could say anything else Conrad engulfed me. His hug told me he understood everything without me even saying anything. "I'm so sorry"

"It's not your fault, it's her choice" He said shakily on the verge of tears as well. "It makes me feel better I don't have to bear this alone anymore"

"O Conrad I can't imagine how hard this is for you" I said embracing him again. In that moment an idea popped into my head. I stepped away from him and wiped my eyes. Then my line of sight went directly towards the beer and half finished joint.

"Wanna get high"

Conrad couldn't help but let out a chuckle.

"Yeah, I'll get high with you Rachel Thompson"

***

Conrad and I decided to walk back to his house in hopes to sober up. The walk was filled with a lot of jokes, catching up, and giggling. At that moment I felt like summer finally began. Of course Susannah's future will weigh heavy on my chest, but I will fulfill her promise of making this a summer to remember for the boys.

As we neared the house my nerves started getting the best of me. I would have to face all three of the older women I just ran out on. I would also be seeing the Conklin siblings who I haven't seen since last year. I will also be face to face with Jeremiah again. Oh boy I don't know if I was ready for that.

The moment I entered the house I heard footsteps trampling over each other coming towards the front door. The Conklin siblings are who embraced me first.

"RAY" they both yelled as they both squeezed the air from my lungs.

When they both released Steven was the first one to speak up.

"Man Rachel when did you get boobs" that's when Belly knocked him in the back of the head and the Fisher brothers both whisper yelled DUDE at him. I know the comment was a bit much, but it was normal coming out of Steven's unfiltered mouth.

"Man Steven, when did you get muscles? Oh wait ..." I said, grabbing his flimsy bicep.

"Heyyyy man" he said, recoiling from me in a fake offense.

"Belly you're looking beautiful as ever. Your little glow up is going to make all the boys fall to their knees" I said in light heartedness, and I saw Belly's cheeks turn a shade of deep red. I put her hand in mine giving it a little squeeze. She is one of the most kindest souls, and it was nice to have her as a sister role in my life. 

"Okay, Okay it's my turn for a hug now" Jeremiah said, pushing past the Conklin siblings. Being face to face with him put a pit in my stomach, and my hands went clammy. I wanted to blurt out this secret I had right then and there but I knew I couldn't.

Though as soon as we embraced each other every thought drifted away. As cheesy as it sounded it was true. Jeremiah brought me a different kind of comfort no one else could.

"I missed you" I whispered, and his embrace got a little tighter before letting go. He gave me a little nod signaling he felt the same.

Of course our little moment got ruined by Steven and his loud mouth.

"Wait a minute were you and Conrad together before you came in! What were you guys doing? '' He said in a hinting tone which made me roll my eyes.

"Just by coincidence, idiot. I just got back from a walk as Rachel was coming over for dinner" Conrad covered thankfully. Though I looked over at Jeremiah in time to see a look of discontentment which made my heart sink.

"CHILDREN DINNERS READY"  Laurel called from the dining room.