Everyone runs off in different directions shouting. I feel someone tugging on my arm, signaling for me to go. I look up and see Jere. I reach out and grab Belly's hand, pulling her up and running.
We all make it to the car and take a moment to catch our breaths. Jeremiah leaves to go find Conrad, muttering something about him being a "pain in the ass." I look up and see the boy that I was talking to walk over to Jeremiah's car.
"I never got your name." He says with a smile.
"And I never got yours. I'm Syrena." I joke back.
"A pretty name for a pretty girl. I'm Christian."
"Oh, here! I forgot to give you your hoodie back." I say, reaching to take it off.
"You can give it back to me at the docks tomorrow at 12."
"Is that your way of asking me out?" I laugh
"Only if you say yes."
"Okay Christian. I'll see you tomorrow at 12."
__________
We talk for a little bit longer until I see Jeremiah coming back with a wasted Conrad. Typical. I see Jeremiah give Christian a disgusted look.
"Rena. Let's go. Get in." He says.
"Chris can give a ride home. Right, Chris?"
"Yes, that's no problem." Christian replies
"Okay. No offense, but absolutely not. Get in the car now Rena.
I roll my eyes before turning to Christian and saying, "I'll see you tomorrow at 12." before kissing him on the cheek.
I hear a gagging noise coming from Jeremiah before I open the car door and sit down. What is his problem? Why can't he let me be happy? He's made it very clear he doesn't want me.
The car ride home is spent in silence except for Conrad drunkenly flirting with Belly by saying she has messy hair. What a charmer.
____________
I decide to sleep at my own house for once, but not before checking on Belly. I grab a bag of frozen food from the freezer and take them to her room. She's cuddling Junior Mint, the stuffed polar bear she's had forever. As I'm walking down the hallway to leave, I can't help but look at Jeremiah's shut door, I want to talk to him about what happened tonight, but I decide against it.
The walk to my house is short and spent in silence. I just need space from Jeremiah.
I guess we both changed.
I walk into my bathroom and take my makeup off. I take my contacts out and put my retainer in. Funny. I look the same as I used to, yet I also look completely different. I sigh before turning off the light and walking into my room. Maybe meeting Christian was a good thing.
______________
I wake up earlier than normal. I shower, spend extra time on my hair and makeup, and pick out an appropriate outfit. We're going to be on a boat, so I decide on a skimpy black bikini with a button-up. Go big or go home.
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The walk to the dock is peaceful. The sun is shining and the birds are chirping. As I get to the dock, I see Christian waiting for me.
"Hey" he gives me a small smile.
"Hi," I say back.
"You look good," he says while leading me to his boat.
"So what's the plan for today?"
"I figured we could chill in the lake for a while and talk. I stopped by the store and grabbed food in case you're hungry."
As I step onto the boat, I see that he's made us an adorable picnic setup.
"I love it. Thank you, Christian."
____________
The date goes well and before I know it, I'm walking to the Fisher House to tell Belly all about it.
I walk in and see Jeremiah sitting at the counter and eating a bowl of cereal. We make eye contact and I see his eyes trail up and down my body.
"Please tell me you didn't wear that to hang out with Christian." He says, shocked.
"And what if I did." I roll my eyes before walking to the stairs. I stop when I feel him grab my wrist.
"I'm sorry Rena, and I'm not trying to hurt you but you need to stay away from Christian. He's bad news. He's just going to hurt you."
"It's funny YOU say that," I yell before turning around and walking up the stairs before he can stop me.
I walk into my Belly's room and I see her face drop. She must know something is wrong from my expression.
"What happened Rena?" She asks.
"I came here to tell you about my date but Jeremiah ruined it."
"What did that asshole do now?"
"He saw me walk in and started complaining about my outfit and then he got mad at me for hanging out with Christian. I don't know what his problem is."
"I'm telling you, Rena, he's jealous. Guys are assholes when they're jealous."
"Whatever, he was supposed to be my best friend but now he's like a stranger."
