Worlds Colliding (The Summer I Turned Pretty) Book One

chapter 3 - Summer Nights

Outfits Link

https://urstyle.fashion/collections/220725

Flashback 1 - Childhood

Day - Beck House - Kitchen

The Fishers, Jalalis, Smythes and Conklins, and Boaz, were all gathered for Belly's birthday, all of them happy, and starting with Mickey Mouse pancakes that Laurel set in front of Young Belly.

Young Belly was wearing a birthday tiara.

The kids were cheering. "Cake, cake, cake, cake, cake!"

Susannah, Adilah, Khalid, Helaena, Reagan and Laurel smiled, laughing.

Belly: (voice over) "Every birthday I've ever had has been here, in this house. It's always the same. Mom makes me Mickey Mouse pancakes. Everyone gives me presents."

Everyone was singing. "Happy birthday... Dear Belly."

Belly: (voice over) "It's the one day the boys have to include me in everything, while AJ always tries to, even when she's sick. It's my favorite day of the year."

Everyone was still smiling and having fun for Belly's birthday as she blew out her candles on her pancakes, making everyone cheer.

♾️

Now

Day One

Morning - Beck House - Hallway

Conrad couldn't get the image of AJ crying in pain as she tried to breathe out of his head, remembering how pale she had been, her broken breaths shaking her to the core. It reminded him of all the asthma attacks she had as a child, but those had begun to fade as she grew older.

Yet this attack was far worse than any of them had ever seen, and none of them knew what to expect now.

Finally, AJ was able to return home, and the kids were talking in the hallway.

"How's AJ?" Jeremiah asked.

"Better but moody," Percy answered. "We gave her a lot of meds at the hospital to open her airways, and I think we need to give her some space today. Think you can do that?"

"Yeah, yeah," Steven answered.

"Absolutely," Jeremiah agreed.

Belly nodded. "Of course."

Conrad nodded tensely. "Whatever she needs."

"The parents are waiting for us downstairs for your birthday, Belly," Steven told her.

Belly gave a smile, nodding. "Let's go."

As the other kids walked downstairs, Conrad hesitated, looking toward AJ's room in concern, frowning, turning to the stairs.

Only to stop when he heard the door behind him open.

(Song:) Little Did I Know - Julia Michaels

AJ slowly stepped out of her room.

Conrad looked over his shoulder toward AJ, looking relieved to see her upright, speaking softly. "Hey, AJ."