The Summer When Everything Changed

Chapter 6

The tea finally finishing up. That was something that Belly thought would never happen. She exhaled as she got changed into jeans and a tank top when she saw how Shayla came out of the huge building. She had smiled at her while Shayla could tell that the girl was nervous.

"Waiting for Conrad or can I offer you a lift back home?" Shayla asked.

"No, thank you. I'm waiting for my step-father-to-be," Belly said as Shayla smiled at her.

"You did good today, Belly. I know a lot of people will say different, but just stand your ground with Nicole," Shayla said as Belly exhaled.

"What's her problem anyway?" Belly asked as Shayla just shrugged her shoulders.

"She thinks she can do what she wants because of who her father is. Nicole and Conrad dated last summer," Shayla said.

"I know. I've known Conrad my whole life," Belly said.

As kid, Belly always imagined being the next Mrs. Fisher. She loved Conrad since she was really young, and she hadn't stopped. She felt lost in who she was, but she definitely didn't lose those feelings that she once felt.

"What do you know about Nicole?" Shayla asked.

Belly had to admit that she didn't know a whole lot about Nicole or any of Conrad's loves. She knew that during the summer he would date various girls so he could have the feeling of being young and in the winter he was very focused on his schoolwork. Sometimes, Belly was even jealous about the amount that Conrad did date.

"Conrad never really shared his loves. I knew about them. That he dated during the summer more than any other person that I knew. But also that he was just some person who had feelings. I knew about his relationship in the year with Aubrey and then again with Nicole. Other than that, I truly do believe I don't know a lot about anything," Belly said.

"It was never really serious. Conrad didn't want it to get serious. It was just one of those things. Nicole, on the other hand, was determined to make it as serious as she could," Shayla said as Belly just nodded.

"Do you think things will ever be the same? I acted like a huge jerk last night," Belly said.

"I'm sure they will," Shayla said as Belly saw how a Jeep pulled up.

"It's him. I'll see you around, Shayla," Belly said as she walked towards the car.

The man got out and instantly Belly ran into his arms. Cleveland wasn't just some man to Belly. Not anymore. He was like a father to her. Much more involved than her own family.

"Whoa, Belly. It's good seeing you too, kid," Cleveland said as Belly just smiled.

"I am really glad that you are here, Cleveland," Belly said as Cleveland smiled.

"Your mom states that we need some time. She says you went a bit overboard yesterday," Cleveland said as Belly nodded.

"More than just a bit, and I want to make things right. I'm starting slowly," Belly said.

"Come on. Let's get going then," Cleveland said as Belly jumped into the car.

Cleveland stopped the car at a little shop in town. He grabbed himself a coffee while Belly got a milkshake. Cleveland saw Belly and Steven as his own kids, especially since he never had kids. But he also saw how hard Belly was struggling with a lot of things. He looked at the girl sipping her chocolate milkshake while he shook his head.

"How have you been, kid? Your mom says you went out to a party last night," Cleveland said as Belly nodded, slightly feeling embarrassed about it all.

"To my biggest regret, yes. Conrad had to drag me away from there drunk. I feel so embarrassed about it now," Belly said.

"Okay, what did you learn then?" Cleveland asked.

"I'll rather stick with playing card games or watching movies at home," Belly said.

"You and your brother are like my children, Belly. I always want to make sure you guys are okay. It means a lot to me," Cleveland said as Belly smiled.

"Are you and my mom having a short or long engagement?" Belly asked.

"I asked the question very fast to your mother. I barely got the opportunity to get to know you or your brother. If it's up to me, a long engagement of at least a year. But don't worry about that. This Conrad guy your mom sent after you last night," Cleveland said as belly just smiled.

"How is he like?" Cleveland asked as Belly smiled.

"How much time do you have?" Belly asked.

"Go ahead. Talk. We have the whole afternoon," Cleveland said.

Conrad was sitting on the couch with Steven and Jeremiah playing video games. The boys had decided to take the afternoon for themselves as Belly would be at the deb tea and after that she would be with Cleveland.

"What time are you picking Belly up?" Steven asked as Conrad looked at him.

"I'm not. Cleveland is taking her out for a bit. Your mother thought it would be good for her. It wasn't needed to grab her this morning. She's going through a lot," Conrad said focusing back on the game.

"She's a brat, that's all she is," Steven said.

"Nice talking about your sister," Cleveland said as Steven turned his head to face his sister and Cleveland.

"Hey!" Steven said jumping up as Conrad walked towards Belly.

"Hey. Conrad Fisher," Conrad had introduced himself.

"Cleveland Castillo. You're the guy teaching me about sailing," Cleveland said as Belly just smiled.

"You couldn't have asked for someone better, Cleveland. Conrad is amazing at sailing," Belly said.

"How was the tea? Did Nicole give you trouble?" Conrad asked as Belly nodded.

"Shayla helped me though," Belly said.

"Glad to hear my girlfriend is helpful," Steven said as Belly just looked at her brother.

"She is," Belly said.

"Cleveland," Laurel said as Cleveland kissed her.

"When did you get here?" Laurel asked.

"Me and Belly just got back actually," Cleveland said.

"That's good. Come on. Let me introduce you to Susannah," Laurel said as they disappeared in the backyard.

"He seems nice," Jeremiah said as Belly smiled.

"He is," Belly said.