Cam Cameron // The Oceans in our Hearts

4

The next day, I have breakfast with my family. It's my mom, my dad, my brother Liam, and our cat Quincy. We have carne asada and zucchini that my dad grilled in our backyard. I make sure to fill Quincy's bowls before we sit.

We talk about the bonfire (omitting the cops and fights of course). To our parents, it seemed like an uneventful night.

"Oh Gracie! I almost forgot!" My mom stands and grabs something from a drawer in the kitchen and hands it to me.

"What's this?" I ask.

"Well, I was talking to Susannah, and she wants Belly to be a debutante and I thought it would be fun for you guys to do together!" she exclaims.

"What's that?" my dad asks before taking another big bite.

"Its that ball thing at the country club right?" Liam asks.

"Yeah, Susannah says it's when young girls are presented to the world and they're super fancy and you can raise money for charities too!"

I think about the charity part and actually consider it.

"Yeah do what your mom says," my dad chimes in. I'm not fully convinced he knows what's happening still.

"Um, yeah, I don't see why not? I mean if Belly's doing it then it should be fun," I smile.

"Oh perfect I'll tell Susannah!"

"Haha does this mean I'll see you in a poofy dress and heels?" Liam laughs.

"I guess so," I shrug not really bothered by his lame sense of humor.

"Oh and you'll need to find an escort, anak," my mom adds.

"What?" My dad and I ask at the same time.

-

As I help my mom wash dishes, she asks me about my job at the bookstore.

"So they're letting you come back this summer right?"

"Yes, mom, I start Monday," I reassure her.

"Okay, good," she smiles at me as she hands me a plate to dry. I take it, wipe it down, and put it away.

"When does your kuya Liam start at the Country Club again?" She asks me. I laugh a bit.

"Uh I think Monday too," I guess.

"Okay, good," she says pleased. "I'm glad you guys are doing stuff. Did you meet any boys at the bonfire?" my mom asks mischievously.

"Mom!"

"What?" She laughs. "I'm just asking. I don't want you to die lonely," she jokes. I think.

"Mom! I'm not gonna die lonely." I take a breath wondering if I should tell her about Cam.

"What's his name?" she asks.

Defeated, I just answer. "Cameron," I respond.

"Is he nice?"

"Very."

"Why don't you ask him to escort you?"

"I have a feeling he'll be escorting someone else," I sigh.

-

My mom and I go shopping with Belly, Susannah, and Laurel to find dresses for the ball and for the first tea party. We try on a few and ultimately focus on what to wear to the tea party. Susannah picks out a dress and fascinator to go with it for Belly. My mom and Laurel put together an outfit for me, and though I feel ridiculous, I'm sure it's right for the occasion.

Afterwards, Belly and I stay out for ice cream while the moms go back to Susannah's to discuss more deb plans. Belly gets a vanilla cone and I get a chocolate cup and spoon. Simple for a hectic day of shopping. We sit in a booth and laugh about the clothes we've tried on.

"So, what happened with you and Cam at the bonfire?" I ask.

Belly looks down smiling and blushing a bit. She hums with a grin before spilling. "I don't know he just recognized me from this stupid latin convention and he was really easy to talk to." I nod. I get the feeling. "I don't know," she continues. "Taylor thinks I should get under someone else to get over..."

"Conrad?" I finish for her raising my brows. She laughs and nods.

"Yes, Conrad Fisher," she sighs.

"Do you like him?" I ask yearning for an answer I know I wont get.

After a second she answers, "Um, I don't know. I guess we'll see. He's nice, ya know? Sweet," she trails off. "What about you and Jeremiah?" she giggles changing the subject.

"Oh please," I roll my eyes with a smile.

"What? I'm just saying, you guys looked cozy!"

"That boy will be the death of me," I laugh. "And not in a good way," I clarify. "In like a, pain in my ass way." Belly cackles as we reminisce.

We finish our ice cream and head home after a long day. We take the night to mentally prepare for the tea party tomorrow. God I hope this wasn't a mistake.