"I got the plates Laurel" I said, setting the table for Belly's birthday breakfast. I was excited for today, because I found the perfect gift for Belly a couple months back. Her birthday here in Cousins was basically like a holiday since it was the only birthday out of all five of us during the summer.
Steven was helping me set out the silverware and napkins. Even though they had a love hate relationship most of the time Steven did really well with making the day about Belly.
"Morning, everyone" Belly spoke, surprising us all with her presence.
"Happy Birthday" we all said in unison once she entered the kitchen fully.
Which put the biggest smile on her face.
"There's the birthday girl looking like a vision in floral. Happy Birthday!" Susannah spoke being the first one to hug Belly.
"Happy sweet 16, Bells" Jeremiah said giving her a hug
"Now Belly Button's getting old finally" Steven sarcastically commented "Happy Birthday!"
"Happy Birthday Belly. We have to watch Sixteen Candles later today!!" I said excitedly, bringing her into a hug. Sixteen candles was the movie we both ended up watching on my sixteenth as well. She took the bus to come see me because my mom was busy with work at the time. We both vowed that we would watch it on hers too.
"I remember! We definitely will" She said, breaking the hug and smiling at me.
Then Laurel was the last one to give her little girl a hug. It was a bittersweet moment, knowing how hard it was for her to watch her youngest grow.
"Your mickey mouse pancakes are ready"
"Actually, I'm not really, uh, hungry" Belly said, surprising us all. There was an awkwardness at first, but again Susannah came to the rescue.
"Shall we open gifts"
***
The gifts were all sweet and sentimental. Laurel got her a first edition book with Susannah's favorite poem in it. It hurt watching her open that one because she didn't know the true importance of it just yet. Susannah gave her a gorgeous pearl necklace that her mother gave her when she was 16. They gave Belly a different kind of glow, she really looked like an angel in them. Jeremiah's gift was sweet, a good luck charm for her drivers test. Steven's gift was also really sweet; it was a Princeton crewneck.
When the time came for me to give her my gift I was basically bouncing off the walls. The gift was one of a kind thrift find. I found it one day out of the blue and knew it would be the perfect gift. It was a vintage varsity jacket for volleyball, and it fit today perfectly because the number it wore was 16!
"Oh my god what!?" Belly half screamed when she saw it fit her perfectly. "This is amazing thank you so much Ray"
That excitement was quickly washed away when Conrad rudely said he forgot Belly's birthday. You could tell she was hurt by the comment, but quickly brushed it off.
Jeremiah saved the mood when he mentioned taking Belly out to practice driving. She said yes, and went to get ready to go out. So I took that as the opportunity to go up to Jeremiah.
"Hey ... uh ... do you think we could you know talk later" I said shyly
"About what" Jeremiah said, not meeting my gaze. He didn't say it dismissively. He said it more so nervously, but it still sucked either way. I was ready to face my feelings head on, but I don't think he was.
"Never mind" I dismissed the conversation, turning away from him when I heard Belly coming down the stairs. "Have fun you two"
It hurt. This back and forth. Truly, I don't think he knew what he wanted. Last night he showed me a glimpse that he wanted this, but he is scared because once we cross that line everything would be different. Hell I was scared too, but the difference is I knew what I wanted and I've finally accepted that it's what I've wanted for a while.
***
I was out near the pool for what felt like the first time since I've been in Cousins. Steven kept me company as I did so, and I must admit he's interesting company when trying to tan. He kept changing his position on the chair numerous times, and he would often find himself in awkward positions.
"My lord Steven, are you okay" I said when I had it with his constant movement.
"I don't know how girls do it! This tanning shit is so goddamn boring"
"Well speaking of girls, how was your date with Shayla?" I asked, trying to keep him preoccupied so he would sit still.
"It was great! Until she showed me my tux she was thinking about me wearing, and it was almost five thousand dollars. I about almost shit a brick"
"Well, did you tell her you couldn't afford it?" I asked
"Technically no I didn't have to say it. She could tell by my reaction. Though she's just so down to earth she understood and let me know it was alright in her own way"
"That's cute. I met her at tea, and she seemed really nice. I think you got yourself a good one"
As soon as I finished my sentence Jeremiah came bolting out of the house. He looked like a man on a mission, and that mission was heading towards me. Once he was close enough he took the liberty of jumping into the pool with a big splash. I got up just in time to miss any water getting on me, but my luck ran out when I felt Steven push me from behind.
"I hate you two" I said once resurfacing. As I said that I felt two more bodies jump into the pool behind me. I looked over to see Belly and Taylor.
"Taylor!"
"Hey girl" she said excitedly
The rest of the time in the pool was spent just having fun. Even Conrad and his summer fling were there and they seemed to be enjoying themselves as well. It was a time everyone was just letting loose, and in the deepest part of my brain I couldn't help but think this is exactly what Susannah wanted summer to look like for everyone.
YOU ARE READING
Just Keep Driving - Jeremiah Fisher
Fanfiction"can we just keep driving ... I don't want this moment to end"
