Just Keep Driving - Jeremiah Fisher

007

"Not going to lie, I'm already regretting this decision" I grumbled from the back seat of Laurel's car. She was pulling into the country club to drop us off for our first tea.

"Oh suck it up Rach" Belly laughed from the front seat as we made eye contact through the front mirror.

"How can I while wearing this 1950's fashion crap" I snapped back while adjusting my fascinator. It was an awful touch if I do say so myself.

Once Laurel parked I was the first one out of the car. I was ready to get this whole thing over with. I started to walk ahead of Belly so she could talk to her mom privately. That's when I ran into Jeremiah.

"Well well well look what the cat dragged in" Jeremiah said, placing the stack of towels down, and taking a good look at me. "I really can't believe your going through with this"

"Can't you just call me pretty, and get over yourself" I said jokingly while giving him a little twirl showing him my ridiculous attire. "Just kidding I know this outfit is god awful, but wait until you see my dress for the ball"

"I can't wait" He said shyly, not making eye contact which was unusual for him. He cleared his throat to try and recover. "I .. um ..I guess I'll walk you and Belly to the tea room"

As he said that Belly walked up next to us giving a shy smile.

"Jeremiah is going to walk us over" I said to Belly as we started our track. Once Jeremiah was in front of us I whispered to Belly.

"I thought he was supposed to be a lifeguard not a tool" I joked because of the lack of shirt Jeremiah had on.

"Heard that!" Jeremiah said from in front of us. "Don't pretend you don't enjoy the view sunshine"

Belly looked over at me and I looked away embarrassed. The awful part is he was right. I enjoyed it very much, but I would never admit it.

As we started ascending the stairs to where tea was being held Jeremiah linked arms with me and Belly. Which made for an awkward entrance when we entered the room. All the girls were giving us death stares because we were with Jeremiah, and the Mentors were giving Jeremiah one because of the lack of shirt.

"This is going to be so much fun" I whispered with an eye roll

***

Belly seemed to really hit it off with the other girls, but I just couldn't wait to go home. I didn't try and immerse myself in small talk because quite frankly I didn't care. I was doing this to keep Susannah happy, I knew how much it would mean to her to have both her girls all dressed up.

"So where did you run off to during the middle of tea time" I asked Belly as I made myself comfy on her bed.

"About that ... I kinda going on my first date later tonight" She answered trying to hide her smile.

"Shut the hell up! Yes Belly!" I cheered excitedly while giving her a hug "Please tell me it's with Cameron!"

"Yes, yes it is" Belly said beaming. I let out a little excited shriek.

"Did I hear date" Susannah said entering Belly's room. No doubt she eavesdropped on us to hear all about what happened at tea time today.

The next thing I knew Susannah was taking control of the whole situation. She went through Belly's shopping bags from earlier today and picked out a little boho outfit for her. She then scattered her closet for a pair of shoes that matched. Once she found them, she sat Belly down and went to town with some makeup products.

Laurel then entered the equation in time to see the finished product. That's when I took it as my cue to leave because I knew how Laurel is sometimes. She didn't want to let this image of her daughter go, but Belly is growing out of it quicker than expected. I couldn't bear the awkwardness so I made my way downstairs. That's when I found Conrad, Steven, and Jeremiah playing video games.

"I want in on the next game" I said hopping over the back of the couch next to Jeremiah. Jeremiah lost focus because he looked over at me which made his character die.

"Aw Rach look what you did" he said a little ticked off.

"I'm sorry" I said with a bit of a pout. This made his eyes go a little soft and he reached over and put his hand on my knee.

"No biggie, here" he said, handing me the controller since he died. Though all I could focus on was the heat coming from my knee, and the jungle going on in my stomach. "Are you gonna take it? If not I'll play another round"

"Oh, um, yes sorry" I said, taking the controller from him. His hand was still resting on my knee and the heat from my knee spread through my whole body. Remember I mentioned anything this boy did made me fold, well this was one of those times. I wasn't sure if I would be able to focus on the game at all.

"You got this" He said with a cheeky smile, and brushed his thumb up and down. Oh. Gosh. This boy really had a choke hold on me, I thought I was about to burst.

I was saved by Belly saying goodbye to everyone. All the attention was turned to her which let me settle down. I let out a shaky breath, and smiled.

"Damn" Jeremiah said, getting up walking over towards Belly. He then grabbed her and spun her around. "You ... Look ... Hot"

That was the moment that all the butterflies died in my stomach. How could he go from making me feel so special to unseen in just a second?

Rachel it's not the end of the world ... I thought. I know I shouldn't feel this low about Jeremiah being Jeremiah. I just couldn't help to selfishly wish I was the only one he was this way with.

"I'm not going to the book party" Belly said nervously "I'm going to the drive in"

"With who?" Conrad asked in disgust

Belly didn't answer, she made her way out of the house. Leaving all the boys speechless.

"How about you guys pick up your jaws, don't want to catch any flies do ya?" I said jokingly.

"I can't believe she's going out with that douche bag" Conrad grumbled

"Can you just shut up, and be happy for her" I said, shaking my head at the Fisher boy. Annoyed with his actions at the moment.

"Cam, Cameron what a lucky guy" Jeremiah said thinking out loud. The comment made my stomach churn and I looked away from him biting my lip. I don't know how much more of this I can take. Did he like Belly, or was he being a proud brother?

I have to tell him that I like him soon. This confusion and hurt is going to follow me until I come clean. I can't keep playing into his flirting either. He keeps dismissing it as a joke because we're best friends. I want him to know because the more I keep inside the more it's going to blow up in my face.