sun, sand, and summer

chapter 3

Of course, the high didn't last long, as I passed by a mirror on the way upstairs and quickly was reminded that he liked Belly for a reason. But was I seriously crushing on the boy in love with my best friend?

As I lay on my bed, I couldn't seem to think of anything else. That was, until Belly ran in, out of breath.

"What's going on?"

"There's a bonfire tonight. I'm sneaking out, you're coming. Be ready in 20!"

"Wait, Bells-" but she was already gone. I sighed. Apparently, it was time for my first party. I changed into a black minidress, which was the only party-like clothes I had brought. I put on concealer, blush, mascara, and light pink lipgloss. I walked outside, and found Belly about to come in.

"Ready?"

"Ready as I'll ever be." We tiptoed down the stairs, behind the moms, and out the front door.

We looked at each other nervously as we started to walk to the beach. "So, how's Connie?" I teased. 

Belly frowned. "Actually, I don't know. He's always kept to himself, but this year it's different. I feel like he's hiding something."

"Well, if anyone can get him to open up, it's his future wife," I said with a smile.

"Shut up, Eves," Belly said as we laughed. We stopped walking as we got to the edge of the party. Belly and I had never been to a party before. Call us goody-two-shoes, but it just wasn't our scene. But here we were.

We kept walking over to the drink area, and while I looked around nervously I heard Belly gasp.

"What's wrong?" I turned my head to see where she was looking. Conrad was making out-like really making out- with some girl in a Red Sox cap. That absolute jerk.

He noticed us as I grabbed Belly's arm and started to leave. They just stared at each other, and finally Conrad said "Belly, what are you doing here? And what are you wearing?"

"Holy crap, Conrad. You're not my brother, and you don't care about me, so stop acting like it!" Belly had tears running down her face. Thankfully, Steven was nowhere in sight.

I dragged Belly over to a more secluded area to get away from everyone. Once she stopped crying, we went back to the party.

"Flavia?" A cute boy was walking over and smiling.

"Um, sorry, I don't think-" I began to tell him politely to leave us alone.

"Oh my god. Sextus? Sixth grade Latin convention?" I was so confused.

"Belly, do you know him?" I whispered.

"Yeah, yeah! Actually, would you mind..." she replied, blushing.

"Oh! Yeah, of course. Have fun," I said with a wink. 'Sextus' seemed nice enough, but I'd still be sure to keep an eye on them. I walked over to the fire to warm my hands. Jeremiah sat down next to me.

"Hey. Enjoying the party?"

"Yeah, it's... interesting," I said smiling.

"Parties not really your thing?"

"This is actually my first," I hoped he couldn't see me blush. "Belly had her heart set on sneaking out, and I didn't want her to come alone."

"Gotcha. Who's that guy she's talking to?"

"Sextus."

"Sex what??"

"Something about a Latin convention," I said with a laugh.

"Oh, okay." Jeremiah relaxed.

"She's really special to you guys, huh?"

"Yeah, yeah. She's like a part of the family," he said. I noticed he said 'part of the family,' not 'like a sister.' "Got a boyfriend back home?"

I tried not to look shocked. "No, I haven't met anyone yet."

Suddenly, there was yelling by the ocean. We turned to see Conrad about to get in a fight. Belly got there before we did, but got elbowed in the face trying to separate them. I ran to her as Jeremiah dragged Conrad away. 

As we all got in the car, Jeremiah realized Steven was missing and ran back to grab him. I was in the back with Conrad, and Belly was in the front.

"Your hair's like a little kid's, the way it's always so messy," Conrad whispered while touching Belly's hair. I could see Belly's shock in the reflection of the mirror. Right then, Jeremiah and Steven got back in the car. Thankfully, the cops were too busy breaking up the party to follow us.

Steven helped Conrad out of the car, and I was about to open my door when I saw it swing open. I stood up to see Jeremiah holding the handle.

"Thanks," I said with a shy smile.

"Gotta be a gentleman, right?" he said, winking. Belly walked around to our side of the car, breaking the moment. What moment? If he had been closer to Belly's door, he would have opened hers. That's just how he is, I reminded myself.

But when I tried to fall asleep that night, I couldn't stop myself from imagining that it was something more.