Forever And Ever - Steven Conklin

Cruel Summer

"I cried like a baby coming home from the bar, said I'm fine but it wasn't true.."

——

08

When the next morning rolled around Cameron knew she would see Steven once again. Today was the volleyball charity event and she promised Susannah that she would participate. She was going to play with Steven but now it looks like she would have to scramble to find another partner.

Cameron braided her hair back into two ponytails before applying sunscreen to her face. The girls outfit consisted of black spandex and her team shirt that sail Dall on the back.

"Cam come on we're leaving" Shayla called from down stairs

"Coming" the girl yelled back before looking at herself in the mirror. You got this cam she thought to herself just stay away from him for a couple of hours. It was easier said than done, she knew how persistent Steven was, if he wanted something he made sure he got it.

_____

At the Fisher's and Conklin's there was a weird energy flowing through the house. It had been quiet with out Cameron there and the fact that Taylor was back and Steven was sulking didn't help. When they arrived at the beach Steven immediately looked out in the crowd as he searched for Cameron.

"Hey i'll be back" Belly said leaving the group. She had texted Cameron earlier after not hearing from the girl. And Cam replied with 'meet me by the bathrooms once your on the beach'

Belly made her way and engulfed Cameron in a hug once she saw her, "I'm so sorry cam,I - I just got drunk and started talking and-".

Cameron let go of the girl giving her a small smile "It's not your fault Belly"

"Taylor's here" Belly whispered "She's my partner but if your not comfortable I can always ask Jeremiah to switch"

Cameron let out a small laugh as Belly mentioned Jeremiah "Belly Jere can't play volleyball for shit. And I'm not mad at Taylor, I'm a little disappointed but not mad. Taylor's your best friend, don't break that bond because of me"

Belly groaned towards the girl "Ughhh how are you always so nice?" she asked making both of them laugh, a moment of silence passed between the girls "Steven's looking for you" Belly whispered

Cameron let out a sigh as she looked towards the ocean "I know I saw him looking around, I-i just don't think i'm ready yet you know." she responded making the younger girl nod

"So who's gonna be your partner?"

"Peter has a friend that was willing to replace Steven, his names Will" At the mention of another boy Belly's heart sank.

"Are you- are you and Steven gonna like... break up?" Belly questioned, she felt guilty as she thought it was her friend and her big mouth that had caused a drift between the couple

Cameron turned towards belly "I don't know Bells, I mean I love your brother a lot but- I don't wanna be put in this position ever again." silence took over the pair again "Hey we should get going the match is gonna start soon" Cam spoke up

The two girls walked towards the volleyball nets, Cam's arm slung over Belly's shoulders. Belly made jokes to try and cheer up Cameron which ultimately worked. Cameron laughed down at the girl who was making stupid remarks

At the sound of Cameron's laugh Steven's head snapped up quickly. His eyes roamed the crowd before stopping on the girl that had always made his heart skip a beat. Before he knew what he was doing he felt himself pushing past people just to stand in front of her. The two didn't say anything as Cam's eyes fell to the sand, but Steven's eyes stayed glued on her.