"Steven, I swear to God, if you look at that phone one more time, I'm putting it in the screen basket" Laurel said through her teeth.
"It's just, we want to see your beautiful faces. Can dinner be a screen-free zone? You know like the olden days" Susannah chimed in making my stomach churn. Suddenly dinner didn't look so appetizing anymore. I was too lost in my thoughts to even realize the chaos unfolding at the table. The next thing I knew a phone was flying by my face, and an awkward conversation was unfolding.
"Uh, he quit football" Jere said making everyone fall silent, and looks were shared across the table.
"Wait really? You quit?" Steven asked in confusion while Conrad mhmed back. The pit in my stomach grew even more. God I truly can't take this much longer. My heart went out to Conrad because he was then bombarded with questions. If they only knew, I thought, they would definitely cut him a break.
Susannah redirected the conversation away from Conrad. She was now shedding light on myself and Belly.
"Oh! Rachel, Belly, I almost forgot. I have a surprise for you guys" She said all giddy. The next thing I knew I was being handed an envelope.
"Susannah you did not!" Evelyn spoke in excitement "Oh Belly and Rachel you have to do it. You two would steal the show with your beauty. I know your mother did when she was your age Rachel"
"I don't even know what this is" I said bluntly
"Is that the thing where the girls wear white dresses and curtsy" Belly asked
"It's when a girl comes of age and is presented to society. I know it sounds silly but I swear it's fun. Girls come from all over New England too Cousins just to be a part of it. You guys will make so many new friends" Susannah explained.
"I cannot believe you are still holding on to this archaic dream" Laurel said frustratedly and left the table. Susannah then tried to explain that it is not like that anymore, but she then turned back to Belly and I to try sell it even more.
"I for one agree with Susannah and believe you both should consider doing it" my grandma spoke, but Conrad countered her.
"The whole deb scene is bullshit. It's for sheep"
"No it's not. It's when a girl has a coming out, it's a recognition she's reached maturity." Susannah said
"Yeahhh Susannah you're not really selling the whole deb thing to me" I said with a bit of a laugh. My grandmother nudged me under the table signaling I should stay quiet. While this happened Steven and Belly were bickering across the table.
"Girls! Don't you want to get all dressed up?" Susannah tried to persuade.
Belly and I shared glances across the table.
"We will think about it" I said ending the conversation
My grandma and Laurel gave us disapproving looks, but definitely for different reasons.
***
I snuck into the open bathroom where Jere and Steven were getting ready.
I had a cup of ice cold water in my hand with a devious plan. I smirked at Jere through the mirror, and put my finger up to my lips to signal him to be quiet. I then made a b line for the shower, and poured the ice cold water on top of Steven. Once he felt it, he hit a very I mean very high note of the song he was singing.
"What the hell, Jere" Steven said angrily. I tried my hardest to keep my giggling to a minimum, but one just got away from me and that's when Steven heard me. "Aw man fuck you Rachel"
"It's good to have you back Ray" Jeremiah said as his laughter died down. His simple comment made me blush.
"It's good to be back" I said while looking into his eyes. He then reached for my hand and twirled me around. This is what I meant by Jeremiah's flirtatiousness, he does it with everyone but it still sends my heart to the races.
He then pulled me to him so we were face to face. To think my heart couldn't beat any faster.
"You coming tonight" he asked
"If you want me there, I'll be there" I said, playing into his own game. He smiled even brighter and tilted his head.
"Are you flirting with me Miss Ray?" he said teasingly.
Though before I could answer Steven and his loud mouth interrupted.
"Okay okay you both of you better hit the road before I flash you guys"
"Don't tempt me with a good time, Steven" I said sarcastically back to him
"Ew gross Rachel ... GET OUT"
YOU ARE READING
Just Keep Driving - Jeremiah Fisher
Fanfiction"can we just keep driving ... I don't want this moment to end"
