The Conklin's have been coming to my family's beach house in Cousins for as long as I can remember, before I was born I think. The beach house is the place we all see more as home and summer is all of our favourite time of year.
Gracie's room
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I'm currently in my room just freshening up before the Conklin's get here whilst my mom is tidying up the kitchen, Jeremiah is impatiently stood by the stairs and Conrad is sitting outside. My oldest brother Conrad has been acting very off lately, it seems like something is wrong. We have all tried to talk it out of him and see what's wrong but he just doesn't want to tell us. I really hope he is okay though.
I finished brushing my hair and sprayed some perfume before I heard a car horn and my mom shout "They're here!" I bolted downstairs and out the front door to see Jeremiah hugging Laurel so I ran straight over to Belly. "Belly!" I ran to my best friend and hugged her. "Gracie! Oh my gosh look at you!" Belly replied smiling. "Look at me? Belly look at you, you're gorgeous!" "Aww thank you, CiCi!" My nickname is CiCi or C which is what my family and the Conklin's call me.
Jeremiah and Belly greeted each other so I ran over to Laurel who squeezed me so tight and kissed my forehead. "Aww sweetie look at you. You look just like your mother." Laurel said. "Thank you Laurel!" I replied. That's when I saw him. My childhood crush. The one boy I've only ever had eyes for. The one boy I've always loved. Steven Conklin. "There she is. There's Cici." He smiled and hugged me. "Hi Steven!" I grinned. He smelt so good. "How've you been?" He ruffled my hair. "I've been good, how about you?" "Good thanks, junior year went great. How was your freshman year?" "It was amazing. I met lots of new friends." I lied. Steven can't know that I'm a friendless loser. "That's great! Are any of your new friends coming to visit over the summer?" He asked. "No, uhm they're all busy." "Oh okay." He replied before rushing off to see Jeremiah and Conrad.
I smiled around, taking in the smell of the salt in the air and the warm breeze that floated in the bright blue sky. I loved this place so much. I can't wait to see what this summer has in store for us.
I looked over to Steven and Jeremiah to hear them say: "You know what, I think it's time for a Belly flop!" They yelled and started chasing Belly. Conrad and I helped catch her and we all lifted her to the pool before chucking her in. She complained of having hurt her ankle but it was a trick to drag Conrad in with her. I laughed at the sight of my oldest brother getting pulled into the pool head first. That was a mistake however. It made Steven and Jeremiah notice me, leading them to chase me around the pool, whilst I screamed and they laughed, and chuck me in too! "Hey what did I do?" I laughed as I emerged from the water. "Don't worry we didn't forget about you, CiCi!' They laughed in unison.
I saw Belly start to walk inside so I followed her. I walked in to hear my mom, Laurel and Belly talk about how much Belly has grown which honestly she really has. She is gorgeous and I hope she can give me some advice. "Hey sweetie, are you hungry or anything?" My mom asked me. "No I'm okay thanks mom. I was just gonna ask if Belly wanted me to help her unpack?" I replied. "Yes that would be great thanks C!" Belly got up from her seat and we headed upstairs. "I put your bags on your bed Belly!" Laurel called after us.
