The Summer I Changed | The Summer I Turned Pretty Fanfic

My Girl

It's been seven years since Conrad married Belly. Since my brother took the woman of my dreams for himself. Don't get me wrong, I date. I just don't have anything serious. I admit, I went back to Lacy Berone once, maybe because I was a little bitter. But I could never hate Belly, how could I hate the girl who meant so much to me for so long? I think I've moved on. Sure, I'm not married, and I don't have kids with Belly, but I'm definitely over her. At least that's what I tell myself. My nieces are amazing, absolute replicas of their mom.

The closest I ever came to a real relationship was with Belly's old roommate. We hooked up after the wedding, even though I had a date that night. It only lasted six months. She knew I wasn't over Belly, and we never spoke again except in passing conversations. I'm not perfect, and I'm not the most honorable man, but for Belly, I tried. I gave it my all. I really thought she was the one.

I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts. It's Madison's birthday today, my oldest niece. She's turning four. I grab the big pink box I wrapped for her. "Time to go," I murmur to myself.

I got her a mini-van Barbie playset, something I knew she'd love. I've been to every birthday party, every holiday celebration. But for some reason, today feels different. Maybe it's because Madison's birthday falls on the same day as my mom's birthday. Or maybe it's just a strange coincidence.

I've been working at my dad's company since I graduated from college. I don't make doctor money like Conrad, but I do pretty well for a "playboy bachelor," as Conrad likes to call me.

I pull up to the summer house. Conrad has kept the place in great shape; it looks exactly how it did when we were kids. They spend more time here than I do. As soon as I walk in the door, a tiny brown-haired blur tackles me at the knees. "Uncle Jeremiah!"

I scoop her up in my arms. "There's my favorite girl!" she squeals, hugging me tightly. Her brown eyes sparkle when she sees the box in my hands. "Is that for me?"

"Yep," I say with a grin. "Happy birthday, Madison!"

She rips into the wrapping paper with excitement. "I got it!" she shouts. The other kids come running to see what's inside.

"Thank you, Uncle Jeremiah!" she says, squeezing my knees again.

That's when I see her. Her hair is pulled back in a messy bun, escaping strands clinging to her damp forehead. A streak of pink frosting runs down her cheek, a testament to the birthday chaos. Despite the mess, her smile reaches her eyes, but they hold a flicker of sadness I can't quite place. "Jere, you made it." Her voice sounds strained.

"Of course I did," I reply, glancing down at Madison. "I got a long list of demands from the birthday girl a week ago."

Belly laughs, her eyes twinkling. "She says you're her favorite uncle."

I manage a weak smile. Today is definitely not going to be a good day for me. It's the way Belly looks - happy, exhausted, covered in frosting - that's really getting to me. "Where's Luna?" I ask.

Belly points toward the pool. "Soaking up the sun with Conrad."

I nod and gesture with my hand that I'm going to head that way. The house is decorated with pink streamers, Barbie balloons, and everything else a four-year-old girl could dream of. My mom would be so happy to see Belly making this house a home. I can practically hear her laughter echoing through the house.

I see Conrad in the pool, baby Luna bobbing happily in a colorful toddler raft. "Jere!" he calls, waving me over. "Check out this little beach babe!" Luna gurgles and splashes, her chubby arms waving excitedly. "She's too much," I reply, grinning.

Steven is tending to the grill, his brow furrowed in concentration. "Hey!" I call out, walking over. He slaps me a friendly pat on the back. "Good to see you, man!"