When August Ends

Chapter 9

Y/N

I woke up early the next morning and got in the shower. No one else was awake in the house.

I got out and started doing my skincare routine and fixing up my hair in loose curls.

As I was applying makeup there was a knock on the door.

"Yes?" I say.

"I need too pee" I hear Conrad's voice.

I sigh and open the door. I look at him, his eyes are puffy and tired.

I walk past him, allowing him into the bathroom.

In less then a minute I hear the sink run and then the door open.

"You smell good" He says to me smelling my hair as he walks past.

"Thanks" I say quietly.

"I'm sorry for being an asshole" he says stopping and walking slowly back toward the doorway to the bathroom where I am standing. "I'm just dealing with a-lot right now"

"That doesn't give you a right too be so cruel to me. Everything you say kills me Conrad." I breathe out. "I never know with you. Everything is so confusing"

"I know and I'm sorry- I just-" he stands there for a moment trying to find the right thing to say. "I guess I don't really know either"

"Connie you can always talk to me. You know that. I'm just so sick of being treated like shit." I say.

He looks at me sadly for a moment and opens his mouth to say something.

"Have fun in Boston" he says then turns around and goes into his room shutting the door.

I let a frustrated sigh out. He was the most confusing man ever.

I finished getting ready and went downstairs popping a strawberry from the fridge in my mouth.

I hear a car pull up in the driveway and rush outside. Jack is standing there with a bouquet of flowers.

"Jack!" I say excitingly and go up to hug him. He picks up me up spinning me around.

"I want to come wish you good luck today on your tour" he says holding me and then kissing me.

"Aw Jack that's so sweet! I have a few more minutes before I have to get going. Come inside,
I'll put the flowers in a vase" I say taking them from him and grabbing his hand to bring him inside.

Once we get into the kitchen he sits down at the counter as I grab a vase to fill up with water.

"Are you free tomorrow afternoon?" Jack asks scrolling on his phone.

"I think so" I say.

He nods as I hear footsteps pound down the steps. Conrad. I've memorized how everyone who lives in this house walks down the stairs. It especially helped when I was drinking.

"Morning" Jack says to him holding out his hand. Conrad sneers at him.

"What are you doing here?"

"Coming to wish my girl good luck" he says cooly.

"she doesn't need luck. It's a college tour." Conrad rolls his eyes grabbing a bottle of juice.

"He's wishing me luck that this college might be the one. Although I'm not so sure I'd wanna go to one so close to you. You are such a fucking asshole" I say.

He looks at me for a moment then back down at his juice.

"Cmon Jack I'll walk you out" I say grabbing onto his arm.

We walk outside and I shut the door. "I'm sorry about him"

"He's got a thing for you" jack shoves his hands in his pockets.

"Conrad? God no. He hates me" I say "I don't really know why"

"You can tell by the way he looks at you. He wants you" Jack nods slowly.

"Well I assure you I want you Jack. Not him. He's nothing compared to you" I say smiling at Jack.

He smiles back pulling me in for a hug. He kisses my hair and I smile.

"Have fun and good luck. Text me if you need anything" he says before releasing and kissing me.

"I will." I say and he gets into his car and I get into mine. He pulls out first then I follow.

CONRAD

As I listened to their conversation outside from the other side of the front I thought I was going to be sick.

"He's nothing compared to you"

She was right. I'd never be a Jeremiah. I'd never be a Jack. I'd never be what she wanted or needed.

When I finally heard her call pull out I walked back to the kitchen and finished my cup of juice.

Steven came down a few moments later. "Wanna hit the beach?"

"Uh I promised Cleveland I'd do boating lessons today" I say "but maybe tomorrow?"

He nods and I walk past him up the stairs.

I wanna throw myself out the window. I mean I had her this morning. She seemed like she wanted me. I could've kissed her and this would've been different now. But I didn't.

I grab a new t-shirt and some khaki shorts and place them on, running my hand through my hair. I go into the bathroom and brush my teeth and then grab the car keys walking out the front door.