SUNKISSED - Jeremiah Fisher

- 10 -

- Sarah -

We pull up to the drive-in, parking beside a car, and the second Steven starts laughing, I know something's up. I glance out the window, and sure enough, we've managed to park directly next to Belly and Cameron. The irony is not lost on anyone.

"Seriously?" I groan, sinking deeper into my seat, trying to disappear behind Jade. "Steven!" I whisper harshly, feeling a knot in my stomach. Things have been weird enough with Belly lately, and crashing her first date isn't exactly going to help.

But, as usual, the boys ignore me. Jeremiah and Steven are already in full mocking mode, pretending to reenact the awkward moment when they interrupted Belly and Cameron's attempt at a kiss. They're doing exaggerated gestures, leaning in way too dramatically, and laughing so hard that I'm surprised the whole drive-in can't hear them.

Conrad, sitting next to Jade, chuckles softly, and I can feel Jade shaking with laughter beside me. Normally, I'd be laughing too, but I know how Belly's going to take this. She's not the same little girl who would brush this off—she's grown now, and more guarded.

Right on cue, Belly bursts out of Cameron's car, slamming the door shut so hard it echoes across the lot. She's fuming. "What the hell do you think you're doing?!" she shouts, storming toward our Jeep.

Steven, still caught up in his own amusement, somehow manages to answer through his laughter. "Uh, just catching the end of our favorite movie."

Belly's eyes narrow, her anger simmering just below the surface. "You have no right! You have to go!" she snaps, pointing back toward the exit. She's livid, and I can't say I blame her. This wasn't just any night for her.

Jeremiah, ever the joker, tries to smooth things over. "Oh, Belly, relax," he says, chuckling. "We were just joking around."

But Belly's not having it. She turns her full fury toward Steven, and in a moment of sheer genius, pulls out the big guns. "Steven, if you don't leave right now, I swear to God, I will send everyone in this car your Dramione fanfic."

That brings the whole car to life. The second she says it, laughter erupts from all sides. Even I can't hold it in anymore, burying my face in my hands as Jade practically doubles over beside me.

"You wouldn't," Steven says, his tone daring her to follow through.

"Oh, I would," Belly counters, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "And let me remind you—there's an entire chapter dedicated to Draco's wand. His wand, Steven."

The laughter explodes again, Conrad and Jade losing it beside me. The car is filled with a chorus of "Oh my god"s, "No way"s, and "Are you serious?" Steven's face turns bright red, and he tries to defend himself, but it's no use. The damage is done.

"You know, don't be embarrassed," Jeremiah says through his laughter. "Draco's hot."

"Drop it. Just drop it," Steven groans, though his voice lacks any real heat. He knows he's not going to live this down anytime soon.

But Belly's laughter fades, and suddenly her voice softens as she turns her attention to Conrad. "Hey, seriously?" she says, her tone almost pleading. "Please leave."

Conrad's smile drops instantly, his expression shifting from amusement to something more neutral, even serious. He takes a deep breath and turns to the rest of us. "Let's go," he says quietly, his voice low but firm.

The car goes silent, everyone thrown off by the sudden change in his mood. Steven, Jeremiah, and I exchange confused glances. Even Jade's smile falters.

"What? Conrad, you're the one who wanted to come," Steven says, still trying to make sense of the situation.

"Steven, drive the car," Belly repeats, this time more assertive. Her tone leaves no room for argument.