the summer you noticed me ↠ conrad fisher {1}

s i x t y - t w o

Disclaimer: this chapter isn't going to be word for word of the Deb ball. I can't write every single thing because that would make the chapter forever so just bare with me lol

      "Who is Belly's escort?" I whisper to Susannah.

      Her eyes flash to Jeremiah to make sure he isn't listening, before she looks back at me. "I think it was Cam, that boy who came to dinner on her birthday. Sweet boy, just very last minute. I hope he knows the dances," she says.

      I give her a shrug, because I didn't even know Cam Cameron was her date until right now. So I have no idea if he knows the dances. As the ball starts and the girls start being presented with their dates, Conrad's hand settles on my thigh.

     He's making it so hard to focus on anything but his hand as he gently draws shapes on my knee. I almost miss Belly's name being called because oh how distracting it was.

I let out a small cheer for her and Cam, and the same for Shayla and Steven who are right after them. I zone out the rest of people because I don't know anyone else here and just appreciate being with Conrad.

      We take a small break, before they have to dance and I excuse myself to use the bathroom. Just as I'm coming out of the stall, I pause seeing Nicole at the sink already washing her hands.

      Breathe, Claire. Breathe. You got Conrad. You don't have to stoop to her level.

     I lift my chin and go to wash my own hands and get the fuck out of here. My heart is beating so fast and I can't stop my hands from shaking. I hope she doesn't notice. Just as I go to grab the paper towel, Nicole does too. I stop and back up, letting her go first.

      "See you're here with Conrad. Kinda a shock," she says.

      "I think you lost the right to talk about my boyfriend a long time ago, Nicole." I say attempting to keep my voice level.

     "Really? You think?" She asks. "I think I earned that right back the second he kissed me last month." She smiles, but it isn't nice. I can feel the evil coming off of her.

     "Oh, right. I remember that. The time you paid someone to try and record that. Isn't it funny though, he pushed you right off and then didn't contact you after!" I remind her. "Didn't you wonder why he didn't reach out confessing his undying love for you?" I question, fake sympathy in my voice. "Yeah, it's because he found me and confessed his undying love to me. Get out of my face Nicole. You're actually pathetic." I'd rather air dry my hand then have to deal with her for another second. I walk past her, not bothering to look back. I'm over her and her games.

     I think I'm finally over the Nicole situation. I held my ground back there and I'm proud of myself for sticking up for my relationship. I'm so flustered from the conversation with Nicole, regardless of how cool and collected I seemed and walked straight into someone.

     "Ouch," I groan. Rubbing my arm, because I had banged it on the wall.

      "Hi guys," Laurels voice says from the other side of this tall person. I look up and realize it's Jeremiah. "What are you doing over here?" She asks.

      "Uh the dance is about to start Belly didn't want you to miss it." Jeremiah said but there is a distance in his voice.

      "Okay yeah, we'll be in." Laurel says as Jeremiah nods and the second Laurel is back in the room Jeremiah turns and stalks off.

      "Jere?" I call out. "Jeremiah, what's wrong?" I say jogging up to him. But it's hard because I'm in heals, and he's fast.

      I run into his chest this time because he abruptly stops in the doorway of the hall where the ball is behind held. I can't tell what he looking at at first, until I see it. He's staring at Susannah.

     "Jeremiah?" I say again. "Are you okay?" I ask.

     He looks down at me, "I just overheard Laurel and Adam talking. It sounded like something is happening with my Mom, Laurel sounded really upset." I can't let him know I know.

      I bite my lip, looking over at Susannah. Thank God he isn't looking at me, he'd see it right across my face that I know something he doesn't. "What do you mean?" I ask.

       "I don't know, she was just really upset. She has been sleeping a lot, and I don't know," he says his eyes glued to her as if she will disappear right in front of our eyes.

     "Hey," I say grabbing his hand. "Look at me," I say gently. It takes him a second but he finally manages to pull his gaze away from his Mom. "Let's enjoy right now okay? Look at her, she's so happy right now. Why don't we let her have this before we get all worked up okay?" I ask.

      I hate myself. I hate myself. I hate myself. I just can't be the one to break this to him.

      "Yeah, okay. Your right." He agrees. He gives my hand a squeeze, and looks down at me.

     "Knew I picked the right company tonight." He grins. "I'll pretend you aren't actually here with my brother but still, I'm glad you're here."

      I wrap my arms around his waist, "I love you. I'll always be here, I promise."

      He kisses the top of my head, "I know."

      "Okay come on let's go before they start! I'm excited to see Steven dance!" I cheer.

       "I can't wait to see this," Jeremiah laughs tagging along after me.

*  *  *

Someone taps a glass signaling it's time for the dance. "Have you seen Cam?" Belly asks us. We all shake our head no. She goes up to another couple on the dance floor and they also shake their head no. 

I scan the room, but there is no sight of him. I can feel the anxiety radiating off of her, after all this time she really doesn't get to finish this out. Just as the music is about to start playing, and everyone's lined up Jeremiah stands up sharply.

      I watch, gripping onto Conrad's suit jacket. "What is he doing?" I whisper.

      "I think he's gunna dance with her," he says pointing out the obvious.

       I clasp a hand over my mouth to cover my squeal. "Oh my god." I whisper. Belly stops when she sees him. It's as if time freezes when Jeremiah stands in line across from her. When the music starts and Jeremiah knows exactly what to do I'm shocked. "How does he know the dance? He didn't go to any practices?"

       Conrad smirks back at me. "I may have taught him a thing or two," he shrugs.

       "You're so cute," I whisper grabbing his hand under the table.

       The dance is magical. You can see the love between the two. The entire dance their eyes are locked on one another and it seems so intimate that we shouldn't even be watching, but it's also so beautiful I can't look away. The song ends and Jeremiah whispers something at her, and she just smiles and tells him he was perfect.

        I can't stop smiling watching them. I hope the volleyball game yesterday and Jeremiah stepping up today changes things for them. They deserve to be happy. I want them to be happy.