summer of us

2

"So I heard you got picked up by the police last night." My dad says as he comes into my room with Phoebe running behind him. "Maybe we shouldn't head home quite yet." He tells me and I sit up and give him a look.

"If you and Phoebe need to go, it's fine. She has her summer camp with her friends starting next week, and I know you want to get back in time to get your assignments ready for your 8 week classes." I tell him as I move towards my vanity.

"I'm being serious, Iris. Are you going to be okay here by yourself?"

"Dad, I won't be by myself. There is a whole house of people here." I remind him and he nods.

"I just mean..."

"I know what you mean. I'll be good. Trust me, I want to be here. Thank you for letting me come here." I tell him and he nods, as Phoebe moves to my lap.

"We'll be back for the 4th weekend, and we'll be back for your ball. Here's the emergency card if you need anything." He tells me and hands me the credit card.

"Dad, you're not leaving until tonight." I tell him with a laugh but put the card in my wallet.

"I know, I just want to make sure you're going to be okay." He tells me and I nod and brush Phoebe's hair.

"I'll be good. I'll listen to Susannah and Laurel, and I'll have the car, since you guys are flying out. It'll be fine." I tell him and he nods and kisses my head.

"Okay, why don't you come down for breakfast soon, okay? Pheebs, muffin time." He tells her and she jumps off of me to follow him.

"Traitor!"

After a moment I follow them downstairs. When I get to the kitchen Steven and Jere are leaving on their way to work, Conrad is outside, and my dad is cutting a muffin in half for Phoebe.

"Perfect timing, I saw your note accepting the Debutante. We're going shopping!" Susannah tells me and I look between my dad and Laurel before smiling.

"Sounds fun, do I have time to eat first?" I ask and she nods and I grab a bowl of cereal, and sit down next to Phoebe. "Maybe you want to go with us? Since I won't see you for a few weeks?" I ask Phoebe and she smiles and nods. "All the girls, and dad, if you want to come?" I ask him and he shakes his head.

"I'm okay sweetheart. I need to finish the last of the things around the house before we head out tonight. Take my card."

"No, it's on me. I am the one who put this all together." Susannah tells him and pushes his card back to him. "Just the girls then."

"Oh, it's beautiful." Susannah tells me as I turn around in the 100th white dress I've tried on.

"You look like a princess." Phoebe tells me from her chair.

"It's heavy." I tell her with a smile and Susannah laughs as she comes up behind me in the mirror. Instantly I feel a rush of sadness come over me. "Actually, you know what, I think this one is it. We should get this one." I tell her and make my back towards the dressing room. Pulling the dress off, I quickly get changed into my clothes.

"I am so sorry, but I am just so tired. We've got everything we need right? Anything else, I trust you Susannah. And I totally forgot about something I had to do." I tell them and grab my purse.

"Hey, are you alright?" Belly asks me as she grabs my arm.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I'm great, I just have something I forgot about... I'm so sorry, Laurel, Susannah, I'll see you back at the house? Phoebe see you later, bubba." I ask them and they both share a look and nod.