Strangers ~ Conrad Fisher

four

I got upstairs and glanced at my phone.

The time read 9:02. Shit, the bonfire.

I placed my phone down and started getting ready. I put on a short tank top and a pair of low rise shorts, showing my bellybutton piercing that I got a few months ago.

I quickly straightened my hair and threw on some makeup and jewelry.

I grabbed a grey zip up hoodie and headed downstairs to leave for the fire.

As I walked outside, I saw Conrad sitting on the edge of the pool smoking. He looked zoned out, out of touch with reality almost.

"I thought you said smoking was bad, and that it ruined your brain." I blurted out, mocking what he used to preach years ago.

"So does your phone." He responded, not looking up from the pool.

I walked towards him and sat down somewhat close to him. He finally looked towards me, but not for too long.

"Since when did you start smoking?" I asked.

He didn't say anything for a few seconds. "Since I quit football."

"Why? You love football. It's been your favorite thing since you were little." I asked.

"It got boring." He said with no other explanation.

It got silent. I was about ready to get up until he started talking.

"Since when did you get this," he said touching my bellybutton piercing. His touch gave me butterflies, but i tried to ignore it.

"I got it a few months ago with my friends, it was a dare. Plus, i think it looks pretty."

"I never would've thought you'd be the type to get one," he said impressed, "laurel must of been mad."

Why would he think that? What did he mean by "the type to get one?"

"Yeah I tried to hide it for a while under my clothes, but she saw it once I guess and was pissed. I was grounded for a month." I said smiling.

He let out a laugh.

"Sometimes I wish Susannah was my mom, everything would be so much better." I said.

His smile quickly faded. "You're better off with laurel. Trust me."

I scoffed. I wish he understood. I got up and started to walk away.

"Where are you going?" He asked.

I continued walking. "The bonfire."

He didn't respond. Typical. I kept walking down the beach.

I decided to walk instead of drive, it gave me time to think. It was only a 15 minute walk to where they were having it anyways.