𝐌 𝐀 𝐓 𝐈 𝐋 𝐃 𝐀 ; 𝐣𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐚𝐡 𝐟𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫

𝟖: 𝐓𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝟒𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫

I woke up bright and early this morning. The sun came up and I woke up with it. I don't know if it was because of the leftover jitters from last night with Jere or the fact that today was Belly's birthday.

I loved Belly's birthday. Maybe more than my own, which sounds strange I know, but I've never been a fan of my own. Hers was during the summer which made it even more fun. Mine was in December on the 31st, which sounds nice. But at my house, I dreaded holidays. Most of the time I'd be with the Conklin's during those times.

I got up and pull out my gift for Belly. I had to think of something I hadn't ever got her before. This was her 16th birthday, a milestone for that she deserved to celebrate. I had worked on this all year before we came down to Cousins for the summer.

It was every picture we had ever taken together glued onto a little fold out cardboard box. At the center, there was a locket. It wasn't those easy heart ones because Belly and I always thought those were cheesy.

It was a gold seashell that had a dusty pink pearl attached to it. Inside the locket was a picture of us when we first met. The very first day of kindergarten. Belly was sitting by herself and Ms. Herbert had put us together because we both didn't talk in class. We mainly communicated through drawings and pointing at first. Then we started to talk, and it seems like the rest was history.

I walk to the bathroom and close the door. I brush my teeth and wash my face, taking my time to get ready. I take my hair out of the braids I slept in. Combing through it, I let it hang loose. I change into my dress which is short white dress with colorful flowers and leaves all over. The spaghetti straps tie at my shoulders and there is a small cutout tie in the chest area.

I apply light makeup. I didn't like getting dressed up often. It was just too much, but on days like today, it made me feel like I had my life together. And to see Belly all dressed up like too made it even better.

I'm applying mascara when the door nudges open and hits my hip. "Ow!" I catch myself on the shower door just before I fall.

"Oh my gosh, um, Tills-" Jeremiah stands at the doorway laughing at my tumble. I take a towel and smack his chest.

"You pushed the door on me you know?" He laughs and steps into the bathroom and closes the door. I'm looking back in the mirror, re-doing my mascara.

"I'm sorry." He chuckles, wrapping his arms around my waist.

"Are you ok?" I sigh and turn to him. I set my makeup down and rest my arms on his shoulders.

"I'm fine. But you owe me." I pout.

"What do I owe you?" He raises an eyebrow.

"That's for you to decide." I take a breath and turn around to do my lipgloss.

"So what did you get Belly?" He looks around like the gift is in here.

"I'm not telling you."

"Why not?!" He whines as I laugh. I put my makeup away and squeeze his cheek.

"You'll just have to wait like everyone else." I'm about to put my hand in the door handle to leave when he pulls me back. He traps me between the counter and his body.

Leaning down, he puts his lips on mine. Our kiss is soft and longing. I kiss him back, still not believing I get to do this. I smile and pull away.

"You're forgiven for hitting me with the door, but I'm still not telling you what I got Belly." I walk out the door and into my room.

"Who were you talking to?" I turn and see Steven looking at the door.

"Hm?"

"In the bathroom." He nods.

"Oh, no one." I shut my door and grab Belly's present before walking downstairs and setting it with the rest of the gifts.

"Morning!" Everyone greets me and I grab a plate and load it up with pancakes.

"Did you bring down your gift for Belly?" Laurel asks. I nod.

"Put it in the living room." We all make small talk and eat. Belly comes down not long after.

"Morning guys!" Everyone choruses happy birthdays and gives her hugs.

"Happy birthday Bells!" I smile, hugging her tightly.

"Thanks." She smiles as Laurel hands her a plate.

"Mickey mouse pancakes. Your favorite!" She smiles excitedly. Belly sighs.

"Um, I'm actually not really hungry."

"Oh." Awkward tension fills the air and Jeremiah clears his throat. I give him a glare and he puts his hands up.

"What?" He mouths.

"Why don't we open presents?" Susannah asks, keeping up the mood. I nod.

"That's a great idea! What do you think Bells?" She grins.

"Sure." We all walk into the living room taking a seat on the couch or seating around the coffee table.

I'm walking through the small space to get to the chair when I'm pulled down by my waist onto someone's lap. I see Jere grinning, showing all of his pearls.

"Jere let go." I whisper. He shakes his head.

"No thanks."

"Jeremiah I swear-" He puts a finger up.

"What? You swear what?" I take my hand and smack him on the back of his head. He releases me and rubs his head.

"Owwww! Mommm, Tilly hit me!" He frowns. We all laugh.

"Jere you have that six pack now. You should be able to handle a smack." Steven retorts to him.

"You'd actually be surprised how strong she is." Jere shrugs causing eyes to look at him.

"Jeremiah! Are you trying to steal Tilly from me?" Belly asks, dramatically. I sit next to her and we link arms.

"Yeah don't be jealous, I know I'm a catch, but it's #Telly4Ever Jere. Sorry." I shrug and fake pout as he laughs.

"That's not what you were saying last nightttt." He sings as he averts his eyes from everyone. I take a pillow and aim right at his head. Belly also takes one and throws one at him.

"Wait wait wait-go back, what happened last night?" Laurel redirects with a stern look. And my face goes red. I take another pillow and chuck it at his face.

"Oh my god Jere-I'm gonna kill you!" He starts laughing, everyone joining in sooner or later, after getting over the fact that Jeremiah just openly announced that something was going on between us.

"Ok so who's up first?" Susannah asks, leaving the topic behind. I look at her with a thankful expression. She nods with a smile.

"You are so spilling later." Belly whispers before we start opening gifts.