Cam Cameron // The Oceans in our Hearts

1

another summer begins

I am completely elated to be back in Cousins. My family got here a few days ago and the Conklins are meant to be coming in today. I walk down the stairs and spot my mom on the couch watching a K-drama. "Hey Mom, I asked Jer if I could go over and wait for Belly to get there, is it okay if I go?"

"Yeah I don't see why not," she replies with a smile.

"Thanks, mom. Be back soon!" My mother was never too strict. She's a Filipino 5ft woman with a big heart that is also somehow made of stone. I go to rush out the door and she calls out for me to be safe. I bump into my brother, Liam.

"Where are you going?" he asks, annoyed from the small collision.

"Fisher house, wanna come with?"

"Uh, nah i'll see them at the bonfire," he responds. He's a 5'10, dark short-haired, light skinned 17 year old boy who resembled our mom a lot. I looked like whichever parent I stood next too. I am about an even blend of them with long dark brown hair, tan (but not very tan) skin, dark eyes, and standing at about 5 feet and 3 inches. I wear glasses but only when I need to. I've started wearing them less recently, though. I also finally discovered lash extensions and a nice lipgloss shade and how far that can take my self-esteem. I would say this summer is the best I have looked so far.

I walk a few houses down to the Fisher's. I go to knock and almost immediately the golden retriever himself answers.

"Hi Gracelyn..." he says dragging it out with his charm.

"Hello Jeremiah..." I do the same. He hugs me and twirls me around to get a good look at me.

"You look beautiful as ever," he flirts.

"Does the flirting ever end?" I giggle.

"Not with you," he responds slyly. We go in and I greet Susannah and Conrad who is quietly on the couch.

"Are you ready for a great summer Gracie?" Susannah asks.

"Of course! Expect to see me here everyday!"

"I always love when you are," she laughs. We hear a car pull in and Susannah announces that it must be them. We all head out to greet the Conklins.

A small excited scream escapes from both me and Belly as we run towards each other for a hug. "I'm so excited for this summer!" I shriek.

"Me too!" Belly returns the energy. I high five Steven and give him a hug.

"Ready to get your ass beat in Mario Kart all summer?" he challenges.

"Pfft, you couldn't beat me even if I was blind! Well like, more blind," I laugh. I go over to Laurel and give her a hug. "So happy you guys are here," I say.

"And by 'you guys' you mean Belly, right?" She jokes. We laugh and suddenly we hear the beginnings of a Belly Flop arise. I follow the boys as they carry her to the pool and watch her fly into the water.

"Oh don't think you're getting away that easy, G-Lyn," Steven says.

"Huh?" is the last thing I say before I am lifted by Jeremiah and thrown into the pool.

"Sorry, lovely," he says sweetly trying to win my forgiveness.

"Ha. Ha. Very funny guys," I say sarcastically.

"Well at least we're together," Belly and I say in sync leading to a burst of laughter. This is going to be a great summer.