𝐈𝐝𝐟𝐜 | 𝐉𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐚𝐡 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫

seven

"I'LL BE RIGHT BACK,"

steven said to molly before jogging off.

she began to pick up the small little shells that washed up by her feet, smiling to herself when she'd find the really pretty ones that almost looked fake.

she'd spent most of her first day back in the water with steven after she found him pouting when no one else would go in with him.

conrad had spent most of his time inside with nicole, jeremiah and belly swimming in the pool for hours together, and the moms going out on whatever mysterious adventures they used to go on when they were younger.

she hadn't spoken to jeremiah since she'd walked out, hadn't even passed him at all. she'd somehow managed to sneak out without him noticing and head down to the beach with steven.

it wasn't that she didn't want to talk to him, because really, she wanted nothing more than to be on good terms with him. but she didn't want to risk upsetting him even more and then losing him.

so she chose to wait it out a little longer in hopes of him cooling down.

though she wouldn't ever mention it, it was breaking her heart that he wouldn't talk to her. it was a dull ache in her chest. she just wanted to talk to her best friend right now.

but what was even worse, were the thoughts that were slowly creeping up. she never liked being alone. the silence always allowed the negativity to overshadow anything good that had happened. and here she was, alone and being reminded of everything bad that had happened this week.

she was so deep in thought, she hadn't even heard the thump of someone taking a seat next to her.

she was still absentmindedly playing with the sand, crumbling it in her hands and letting it fall through her fingers.

"molly," jeremiah said, trying to bring her out of her trance.

she stared out at the waves, a lump forming in her throat. she didn't know what to say. she had nothing to say at all.

"i'm really sorry," he began. "i never meant to get all snappy with you and throw around accusations. i was just upset cause i wanted to be the first to see you. i know how selfish that sounds but, i should've never acted that way towards you."

she shook her head and gave him a tight lipped smile. "it's okay. you had every right to—"

"don't do that, molly. please," he said softly. "the way i acted wasn't okay. i know it wasn't. i was overreacting for no real reason." she sighed and leaned her head on his shoulder. he returned the gesture, his head resting against hers. "i just don't want to see you with anyone else."

she felt her breath hitch in her throat.

her body began to feel stiff and her mouth went dry. it was like she forgot how to speak. she didn't know what to say. what is there to say?

so instead, she took the easy way out.

"how was your pool day with belly?" she asked quietly.

she could hear him huff out a breath. "it was good. we had a lot of fun."

"that's good," she replied. the silence that followed made her uneasy. "i think i'm gonna head inside and shower."