The Summer I Turned Pretty • Gracie Fisher

Love Confessions

The next day, I woke up at 7:15am. I brushed my teeth twice, flossed and took a whole hour in the shower: washing my hair, shaving and making myself smell nice with all sorts of lotions and potions.
I curled my hair and styled it to how I felt. And I wore a cute summer dress that I had picked out the day that Mom took me summer shopping.
I completed my skincare routine and wore concealer, a bit of blush, mascara and a little bit of highlighter. Also, drenching myself in perfume.
The hair

The outfit

Once I felt content with how I looked, I headed downstairs with a spring in my step.
Steven asked me to hang out him today, so I had to look cute. I have no idea what he has planned, but I can't wait.
I waltzed into the kitchen, beaming with happiness as my mom grinned down at me.
"Don't you look just like a dream." Mom giggled with joy as she embraced me.
"Thank you, Mom." I smiled back. She winked at me, I had told her about Steven and I: the moments we had, how his hoodie was in my closet, and today.
"Where are you going all dressed up?" Jere chuckled. "You look really pretty, CiCi."
"Thank you, Jere." I grinned.
I felt everyone's eyes on me: my mom, Laurel, Conrad, Jeremiah and Belly. I don't know how I feel about receiving attention. This was good attention, but it sure was overwhelming.
"Look at you, bumblebee." Conrad smiled, chuckling how Jeremiah did.

"CiCi, I made you a fruit and yoghurt bowl. They were always your favourite when you were little." Laurel pushed the bowl towards me, slipping in a spoon.
"Thank you, Laur." I nodded. The room went quiet, eyes watching my every move.
I picked up the spoon, swishing it around the bowl for a moment.
My throat felt all choked up as the tears beaded in my eyes. There was no way out. No way in which I could excuse myself of eating.
I scooped a chunk of apple soaked in yoghurt onto my spoon. I, hesitantly, brought it to my mouth where I nearly gagged.
I managed to swallow it, but I already felt full. I didn't want to be all bloated, especially not before seeing Steven.
"Are you not hungry?" Belly furrowed her brows at me. I caught sight of Laurel sending her a glare.
"I-I-." I couldn't answer. The tears were about to roll down my cheeks and the air in my lungs felt heavy and suffocating.
"You don't have to, baby. It takes time. If today isn't the day, that's okay." Mom whispered, planting a kiss in my hair, as she had walked over to me- blocking out the other eyes.
"Thank you, Mom. I'm sorry." I choked.
"You have nothing to be sorry for, darling girl." Mom gave me a small smile, her sweet scent floating into my nose as she embraced me once more.
"Good morning." A familiar voice sang with cheer, as he entered the room.
"Good morning, Steven." Mom grinned at him.
I turned to him; he was wearing shorts and a dress shirt. His hair had clearly been washed and gelled and he, inevitably, must have soaked himself in cologne as his scent lingered in the air.
Our eyes locked as we exchanged smiles, admiring each other's appearances and the efforts we had both made.
"Why is Steven wearing a dress shirt? He never wears a dress shirt." Belly remarked.
"It's none of your business, dork." Steven glared in his sister's direction.
"You got a date with Shayla?" Belly laughed.
"No. Just back off, Belly." Steven flushed, looking for my reaction when Belly mentioned Shayla.
I didn't give a reaction. I was more so in thought about what was going on in Steven's mind according to his feelings about Shayla and me.
"Whatever, loser." Belly rolled her eyes.
"Want some cereal, Steven?" Jere broke the awkward silence.
"No, I'm good man." Steven shook his head.
"Okay." Jere nodded.
"What's everyone doing today? If anyone's free, who wants to come to the beach with me?" Belly asked, slurping her orange juice.
"I'm good, seeing Cleveland today." Conrad said.
"Laurel and I are going grocery shopping. We'll pick up some candy for you kids." Mom smiled.
"Thanks, Mom." Jere grinned. "I'll come to the beach with you. I might bring my surf board."
"Okay, great!" Belly smiled.
"Are you not working, Jere?" Steven asked.
"No, the pool is closed. The club is getting ready for the deb ball." Jere told him.
"How exciting!" Mom clapped her hands.
"Yeah. Um, Jeremiah is my escort." Belly informed us. Weird, I thought Conrad asked her. Why would she say no to him? I'm happy for Jere since he must like her, but still, poor Connie.
"Wow, really!" Mom smiled, her hands clasped with joy.
"Yeah." Jere grinned. I gave him a supportive smile as he does look so happy, it makes me feel happy for him.
"That's wonderful!" Mom said.
"Have you got yourself an escort yet, Gracie?" Laurel turned to face me.
"N-no, not yet." I shook my head. I'm actually starting to panic, I need an escort.
"You need to hurry. The deb ball is only in a couple days." Belly raised her brow.
"Yeah, I-I know." I nodded.
"I'm sure our little CiCi will find someone." Mom said, I caught her turning to Steven with a slight smirk. He didn't quite seem to understand, though.
"Anyway, you ready to go?" Steven smiled at me.
"Yeah." I tried to contain the joy in my voice.
"Where are you going?" Belly furrowed her brows at us.
"Out." Steven shrugged her off.
"Dressed like that?" Belly snorted at her brother.
"Shut up! It doesn't concern you, dipshit." Steven snapped.
"Steven! Belly! Watch your language and you." Laurel pointed to Belly. "Stop annoying your brother."
Belly scoffed and stood up to wash her bowl.