SUNKISSED - Jeremiah Fisher

- 5 -

- Sarah -

"Sarahhh!" Jeremiah sang out, spinning me around in the soft sand. His smile was infectious, and despite my best effort, I couldn't help but laugh along, trying to hide the blush creeping up my neck.

"How's your night going?" he asked, his grin wide, eyes sparkling under the moonlight.

I sighed, my laughter fading a bit. "I've had better," I admitted, glancing briefly over his shoulder to the bonfire, where Belly sat, her arms crossed tight over her chest.

Jeremiah frowned slightly, his usual playful expression turning concerned. "Is it because of Bells?"

I shook my head, wanting to be honest without letting my frustration completely show. "It's not her being here that's the problem. Actually, I'm glad she's old enough to really hang out with us now. It's just..." I trailed off, trying to organize my thoughts. I didn't want to sound petty, but the situation with Belly had gotten under my skin. "She caused this huge scene earlier. It was so unnecessary. And when I tried to calm her down, she lashed out at me. I was just trying to help."

Jeremiah tilted his head slightly, his soft gaze never leaving mine. He reached out and placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Hey, whatever she said, don't let it get to you. You did the right thing trying to help her. Besides, I'm really happy you're here." His smile returned, warm and genuine.

Those words somehow melted away the tension I'd been holding onto. Like Belly's outburst didn't matter anymore. Jeremiah had a way of making everything feel lighter, less complicated. I smiled back at him, suddenly grateful I'd come over to talk to him.

"Thanks, Jere," I said softly, feeling a sense of calm wash over me. For the first time that night, it felt like everything might be okay. Maybe Belly was just having a rough night. We all had those.

Jeremiah glanced around, his brow furrowing slightly. "Where are your girls?"

I turned and pointed across the fire pit where Amelia and Jade were still chatting animatedly with some people we'd met earlier in the evening. "They're over there, still mingling."

"Looks like they're having fun," he said with a chuckle, then leaned in a bit closer. "Is that why you wandered over here? To escape?" His teasing tone made me laugh.

"Something like that." I smiled, grateful for the distraction he was giving me, but before I could say anything else, the sound of raised voices grabbed my attention. I glanced over my shoulder and my heart sank. Jumper and Conrad were pushing each other back and forth, their bodies tense, fists clenched, beer sloshing in the can as they struggled for control.

"Are you kidding me?" I muttered under my breath, feeling a familiar dread creep in. What now?

Nicole was standing beside them, trying—and failing—to calm Conrad down. She looked completely overwhelmed, her arms thrown up in defeat. "Sarah! A little help here!" she yelled, her voice carrying over the fire.

Jeremiah and I exchanged a look before quickly heading over. As we approached, the shouting got louder, the tension thick in the air. Conrad's face was flushed with anger, his hands gripping the can tighter as Jumper shoved him again.

"Guys, come on," I tried, stepping closer, but neither seemed to notice.

Belly was standing just behind Jumper, her expression a mixture of fear and confusion. I hadn't even realized she'd been there this whole time.

Before I could step in further, things escalated. Jumper, in a drunken haze, yanked the beer bottle harder, pulling his arm back with way too much force. In the chaos of the moment, his elbow swung wide—and connected squarely with Belly's face.