Pretty Girl - Steven Conklin

5

The next day, Belly and I were in the kitchen, making breakfast, when Steven walked in, his eyes dark and tired. I could tell he hadn't slept much, and I felt a pang of guilt, knowing that he was struggling with what he'd confessed. Belly, ever observant, gave me a questioning look, but I just shook my head, not wanting to get into it.

We all decided to go to the local pool that afternoon, hoping the water would clear our minds and help us relax. JJ was more cautious than usual, keeping close to me, almost protective after the scare from the day before. Every time he looked at me, I saw the lingering worry in his eyes, and I squeezed his hand, trying to reassure him.

As we lounged by the pool, Belly chatted excitedly about the upcoming Fourth of July party, planning out our outfits and talking about the fireworks show. I laughed, trying to focus on the present, but Steven was never far from my thoughts. Every now and then, I'd catch him glancing at me, his expression unreadable.

When JJ went to get us drinks, Steven took the chance to slide over, lowering his voice so only I could hear. "Dee, about the other night... I meant everything I said."

I glanced around, making sure JJ wasn't nearby, before replying. "Steven, please. You know I'm with JJ now."

He reached out, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear, and my heart skipped a beat. "But that doesn't mean we don't still feel something, does it?"

His hand lingered, his eyes searching mine, and I felt the world narrow down to just the two of us. For a brief moment, I was back in last summer, before everything had fallen apart. But then I pulled away, shaking my head, trying to hold on to the reality of where I was.

"Steven, I can't do this. I'm with him," I whispered, my voice filled with conviction. But deep down, I couldn't deny the ache in my chest, the feeling that I was lying to myself.

JJ returned, handing me a drink and giving Steven a nod, oblivious to the tension between us. I plastered on a smile, determined to focus on him, on the life we were building. But as Steven walked away, I felt the unresolved feelings simmering just below the surface.