This Could Get Ugly / Conrad Fisher

And Here We Go Again

The next time I saw Conrad, it was an entire week later.

I wasn't expecting to see him for a long time. His party celebrating his graduation, while overdue, was set for the week after Jere came home. The only reason I knew about this was that Susannah had sent me a personalized invitation. While I wasn't big on the guy, I would definitely go just for Jere. And to be there for his family, of course. It also helped a tad bit that Susannah was absolutely perfect in every way and threw parties that were unreal.

Michael and Jeremiah lived really close to each other and on my way home from Mike's (After an intense round of stress-relieving Minecraft (I'm not even sure if intense and stress-relieving can be in the same sentence but you get the point) break from other parts of life) I ended up getting caught in the rain and could not see more than five feet ahead of me on the road. I thought I could just pay Susannah a visit since I was literally two minutes away from her house.

And maybe a small part of me wanted to see if Conrad was there.

I had done a surprise visit before and was welcomed with open arms. I couldn't imagine that I would have an opposite reaction as the last. She has told me that she had always wanted a daughter and it was like I was that daughter. Needless to say, she gets attached emotionally very quick to people.

I couldn't ignore how it was just about the nicest thing a person had ever said to me (That and smelling good. Isn't it just the best to get told you smell good? I thought so.) and the thrill it brought of the future with people who made me feel loved.

By the time I was let in by the house staff (who even has that these days?) (there's way too many parenthesis in my thoughts, what), I was soaked to the bone. While I waited in the foyer. I turned to look out the window at the storm. It was only picking up.

I always have loved the rain. It was calming. Not only the sound but the color that it made a room. You could still see the room, you didn't need any light, it was just that darker shade of light that gave me inexplicable comfort. It rarely rained here so it always felt like a treat. Cloudy days were the best. You could get so much done during them because you never felt that guilt to be outside instead of staying inside and moseying around all day.

I heard footsteps approach distantly but I didn't want to turn away from the window yet.

"Get caught up in the rain?"

At that voice, I turned around instantly. I mean, the possibility of Conrad being home was very likely and maybe I had even wanted that. However, I tend to dream of instances happening than rather hope for them to actually happen. All part of the plan to keep me sane of course.

I gave him a good once over. Sweatpants hung low on the hips so I could see his briefs band. Mismatched socks and a stupid smirk that let me know he knew what I was looking at.

"I was hoping your mom was home."

"She's out at lunch with dad. I hope they're out of this mess too."

"Your guys' house was the closest one when I couldn't get out of the storm." I say in an apologetic tone.

"It's fine." Conrad picks up on the words I never say. It's a bit weird. "Would you like anything to drink," he asks and starts walking towards the kitchen without another glance back at me. He's always sure and confident in his moves. I have no other choice but to follow him.

"Water would be great, thanks." I take a seat down at the granite countertop island.

"Mom would kill me if I didn't offer," he said with his back turned. My heart sunk at that, I have no clue why. I've stopped trying to learn all about myself. Focusing on those around you is more important.