The lucky one, Conrad Fisher

009. A BIRTHDAY NIGHT TO REMEMBER FOREVER

Chapter nine

"A birthday night to remember forever."

Laying in her bed, Hannah was holding junior mint in her arms, as she heard the door to her room open and close "I don't want to talk about it." she told whoever it was, as Susannah sighed, climbing onto the bed next to her and putting her arms around her "you know, Connie's just been going through one of his moods, you know? He would never forget your birthday." she told her, as she moved her hand through her hair, Hannah smiled "it doesn't matter. I love all the gifts everyone else gave me." she shared "I know, but Conrad's always meant something special to you so him not giving you one hurts more." Susannah shared.

As Hannah felt like she was gonna cry again "I'm gonna miss you." she told her, as Susannah chuckled, leaning down and kissing her on the side of the head "I'm gonna miss you too, my beautiful girl." she shared, starting to cry, and as she did, Hannah started crying again, as she let go of junior mint and turned hugging her, and as she did, Susannah leaned her head on top of Hannah's, and Hannah wished she could stay in this moment forever "Conrad just doesn't realize how lucky he is to have you." Susannah shared, running her hand through Hannah's hair, she kissed Hannah on the top of the head, she pulled her closer to her, as she let out a breath.

Meanwhile, Brooke and Laurel were out on the town "I can't believe Conrad forgot Hannah's birthday gift." Laurel shared, as Brooke scoffed "he didn't forget. Did you see the two today? They'll barley even look at each other." she shared "yeah, but I think you should've gone with Beck to check on her." Laurel shared, as Brooke shook her head "no, after all the gifts that were given to her and her knowing how special this birthday is along with the rest of the summer. Her wanting to get away wasn't just because of Conrad. And Susannah wanted to take care of it." she shared.

As the two walked down the street "what's happening at the bookstore?" Laurel asked "well, there's only one way to find out." Brooke shared, as she stepped towards it "excuse me." she told the people as her and Laurel stepped through, looking in and seeing Cleveland Castillo "why is he here every time we come here now?" Brooke asked, as Laurel chuckled "you think that's crazy? What about me thinking he looks..good?" she asked, as Brooke raised her brows "no, it's the celibacy talking. And you are so not the right friend for me to be suggesting this too." Laurel shared.

"Oh, come on, he's the only male you've talked to and actually seemed interested in, in how long? Which means he is the perfect guy for you to hook up with since your divorce." Brooke shared "see this is what I'm talking about." Laurel shared "oh, come on, you told me and Beck that you devoured his book in like a day? What's the big deal?" Brooke asked her "because I read his essay in the New Yorker about his ex. He's gay." Laurel shared, as Brooke gasped "Laurel that is so not true! If anything he's bi which means you still have a chance. Unless that makes a difference for you?' she asked her.

"Of course not." Laurel told her "then I repeat what is the problem with a summer fling in cousins like the old days?" Brooke asked her "I'd rather be here with you and Beck." Laurel shared, as Brooke turned to her and put her hands on her face "Laurel, if Susannah was here she would tell you the same exact thing I am, which is to live a little." she told her "excuse me. Excuse me." Conrad's voice could be heard, as the two turned their heads "Connie." they told him "sorry, I'm late." Conrad told them, as he headed inside the bookstore, the two watched as Cleveland Castillo began his interview, where the two sighed, realizing what Conrad meant by he was late.

Later on, Susannah was downstairs with Brooke and Laurel, as they all started dinner, Conrad was helping them out "I thought we were keeping dinner simple." Laurel shared "it's Belly's sweet sixteen and Hannah's eighteenth birthday. Is Connie done shucking the corn?" Susannah asked from the fridge while Laurel mixed something, Brooke looked out the window "no, he's still at it. How's Hannah?" she asked her "a wreck. I mean he's been shut down like this since April but I thought Hannah was the one to bring him out of it, you know?" Susannah asked, as she stepped next to them "he won't talk to me about it. I just, I want to make sure he's okay." she shared.