𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐨𝐫 • conrad fisher

𝟐

summer followed her mother's car into the parking lot of the gas station and pulled up next to one of the gas tanks.

after parking, she got out and began filling up the gas tank while steven went inside and grabbed snacks for them.

as she began filling the car up with the gas, her phone began buzzing.

she pulled it out of her pocket and saw that it was conrad calling her.

she smiled and answered the call.

"hey, you."

"how far are you guys?" he asked.

"at the gas station just before the 'welcome to cousins' sign." she answered.

"ah, i see. any good snacks?" he asked.

"uh, i dunno. belly's on snack duty and steven's trying to help her while laurel is just...being laurel." she replied with a small laugh.

conrad chuckled. "well that's good. belly always picks out the best snacks."

"that she does."

it was silent between the two for a moment.

"you know, when i talk to you i just feel so...happy. like despite the shitty feelings i've been having recently, talking to you has made everything seem okay." conrad shared.

summer bit her bottom lip, trying not to smile.

"connie." she muttered.

"i'm being serious, sums. you're...you're my best friend. although...never mind." he whispered.

"although what?" summer asked as she finished putting the gas in the car.

"it's nothing, don't worry about it. um...yeah." he said.

"o-okay."

it was silent again and she got back in the car.

"so, what are these 'feelings' you've been having about?" she asked.

"i—." he sighed. "i have to tell you in person. i can't tell you over the phone. it's too heavy, but i need someone to know. someone who truly understands me."

"conrad, you're scaring me. what is it?" she questioned, her heart rate quickening.

"i'll tell you after dinner, while we're smoking? okay? right now, just focus on getting down here and getting unpacked." conrad replied.

summer nodded. "okay. i'll see ya soon, con."

"see ya, sums."

they then hung up just in time for her siblings and mother to exit the gas station.

they then left the gas station parking lot and continued their way to cousins beach.

they passed the welcome to cousins sign and summer rolled down her window.

she felt the summer breeze hit her face and inhaled the beach air. it was exactly like how she remembered.

god, how she loved cousins.

after about ten more minutes, they arrived at the fisher residence.

as soon as summer parked and jumped out of the car.

jeremiah was first to come outside.

he ran over to laurel and hugged her, then hugged steven as susannah ran out to hug laurel.

summer was patiently waiting. for him.

then, he came out and she smiled even wider.

"connie."