The Summer Everything Changed

Truths

It's finally here. My favorite day of the year, 4th of July also known as my Birthday. Fourth of July at Cousins is different, the dads come up, Susannah decks out the deck in party stuff, and the boys shoot off fire works.

Jeremiah and I have talked some since Syd left, but it's still not resolved. I plan on talking to him after tonight, I miss having him as my best friend.

I'm sitting in the kitchen when Jere walks in. "Happy birthday B," he says when Steven and Susannah walk in.

"Thanks."

"Are we done with the portrait? Steven asks Susannah.

"For now, but you look good in a dress shirt Steven. Which makes me think that if B doesn't find a date for the ball soon, that you could take her." She says looking at me. "Happy birthday sweetheart."

"Ew. No way." I say without hesitation. "Would rather go alone than with Steven."

"Yeah, and I'm already going with Shayla."

"To the debutante ball?" Mom asks walking in.

"Yessss."

"As an escort?"

"Yes mom, wrap your head around it. Shaylas coming today with Nicole and Gigi so you'll get to meet her."

"That's wonderful." Susannah says. "And don't forget Ms.Covingtons first dance rehearsal is tomorrow so tik tok."

"Great." I say putting my head on the table.

"I don't know my kids anymore." Mom says and I look up at her.

"Are you wearing makeup mom?" I say examining her.

"Yes she definitely is," Steven says.

"Oohhhh!!!" Jere says.

"So what? We're having a party. And it's B's birthday."

"I'm sure it has nothing to do with John coming to the clam bake," Susannah says.

"Oh please. The husbands always come for the fourth."

"He's not your husband anymore," Belly says walking in.

"Oops, yeah, ex husband."

"I still don't understand why you invited dads girlfriend." Steven says.

"Her name is Victoria and your father wanted us all to meet her." Mom says like it's normal. "Belly I need you to make up the guest bed."

"Wait. Dad and Victoria are staying here?" I say and she shakes her head yes. "In the room next to mine."

"Yeah."

"Ughhhh, this can not be happening."I say.

"Speaking of dads, your called," Susannah says looking at Jere. "He's closing a deal so he can't come."

"What?" Jere says. "Did you say dads not coming." She nods her head yes. "But I got some serious fireworks for the show this year."

"We'll take a video." She says trying to comfort him.

"It's not the same." Jere says leaving the table. I follow after him as he goes outside.

"Jere, are you okay?" I ask and he stops turning around to face me."

"Yah, I'll be fine."

"Are you sure, do you wanna talk about it."

"I'm fine, I'm just gonna go on a walk to clear my head." He says turning around.