SUNKISSED - Jeremiah Fisher

- 11 -

- Jeremiah -

The credits roll on the screen, and I stretch my arms out, feeling the stiffness in my shoulders from sitting too long. Glancing around the room, I notice Jade and Sarah are both fast asleep, curled up on the couch like two kids after a long day at the beach. I smile at the sight—they always seem so peaceful when they're together, like sisters more than anything else.

Steven bailed on us about halfway through the movie, rushing out as soon as Shayla texted him. I can't blame him, though. The guy's whipped, and he didn't even hesitate. He just grabbed my keys and took off, promising to return later, though I seriously doubt we'll see him again tonight.

I look over at Conrad, who's still awake, scrolling aimlessly through his phone. He hasn't said much since we got back from the drive-in, just the occasional nod or chuckle, but I know he's still thinking about Belly. 

"Con," I call out quietly, trying not to wake the girls. "Grab Jade and take her upstairs. I'll take Sarah."

Conrad looks up, giving me a nod. Without a word, he sets his phone down and walks over to Jade, gently nudging her awake enough to guide her upstairs. I watch as he lifts her easily, carrying her like she weighs nothing, and I follow suit, moving over to where Sarah's curled up on the couch.

"Hey, Goldie," I whisper softly, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "Come on, hop on so I can carry you upstairs."

Sarah stirs a little, groaning in that sleepy, half-awake way she does, before slowly sitting up. Her arms reach out for me without a word, trusting me like she always does. I smile as she wraps her arms around my neck and her legs around my waist.

"Alright," I whisper, adjusting my grip on her. "Up the stairs, we go, Goldie."

She's so light in my arms, her head resting on my shoulder as I make my way upstairs. It's moments like these that remind me how much I care about her, how close we've been for as long as I can remember. Carrying her feels natural, like it's something I've always done, something I'll always do.

As I reach the top of the stairs, I hear Conrad chuckling to himself in front of me. "You two are ridiculous," he says, amusement lacing his voice. "Might as well get married at this point."

I roll my eyes, but I can't help the smile tugging at my lips. Conrad's been on this kick all day, teasing me about Sarah, and making little comments whenever he gets the chance.

"Oh, wait, you did get married," Conrad continues, his voice dripping with mock realization. "What was it? Kindergarten? I love seeing five-year-olds in love. But wait, that means..." He gasps dramatically, slapping a hand to his chest. "You've been unfaithful your whole marriage! Scandalous."

"Will you shut up?" I groan, trying to hold back a laugh as I ignore his theatrics. "You're such an idiot."

Conrad just grins, clearly pleased with himself as he stands outside the door. I shake my head, still smiling, and carry Sarah into her room, the dim light casting soft shadows on the walls. I lay her down gently on the bed next to Jade, who's already fast asleep again, curled up in the blankets.

"Come on, Goldie," I whisper as I adjust the covers around her, making sure she's comfortable. Her eyes flutter open for a moment, just enough for her to give me that sleepy half-smile she always does.

I lean down and kiss her forehead, smoothing her hair out of her face as she snuggles deeper into the pillows. "Goodnight," I whisper softly. "I love you."

"Mmm, I love you too, Jere" she mutters, her eyes still closed, voice barely audible as sleep pulls her back under.

I stand there for a moment, just looking at her, feeling that familiar warmth in my chest. There's something about Sarah that's always been comforting to me, like home. I never have to question where I stand with her, or how much she means to me. It's just... easy.

I step back quietly, glancing at Jade, who's already fully asleep. For a second, I wonder what Conrad meant by his teasing. Yeah, we've known each other since birth, and I'd do anything for Sarah, but it's not like that. Or is it? I push the thought away and leave the room, pulling the door closed behind me.

Conrad is waiting in the hallway, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. He raises an eyebrow at me, a smirk still on his face. "You good, bro?"

I give him a look, shaking my head. "Go to bed, Con."

He chuckles, turning toward his own room. "Whatever you say, man. Just don't act all surprised when she figures out you're in love with her."

I don't respond, because honestly, what can I say? Maybe he's joking, maybe he's not. Either way, I don't have it in me to figure it out tonight. All I want is to crash and get some sleep.

"Goodnight, Jeremiah," Conrad calls over his shoulder as he disappears into his room.

"Yeah, night," I mumble, heading for my own.

I collapse onto my bed, the weight of the day finally catching up to me. As I stare up at the ceiling, Conrad's words echo in my head. Am I in love with Sarah? I mean, we've always been close—closer than anyone—but it's never been more than that. Has it?

I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts. It doesn't matter right now. What matters is that she's across the hall, safe, and we're all together, just like we've always been.

But as I drift off to sleep, I can't shake the feeling that maybe Conrad was onto something.