Pretty Girl - Steven Conklin

6

The morning of the Fourth of July dawned bright and clear, with the promise of perfect weather for a beach party and fireworks. Belly, Jeremiah, Conrad, Steven, JJ, and I all had plans to spend the day together—swimming, eating, and watching the fireworks show over the water. It was one of my favorite days of summer, and this year, Belly was more excited than ever. She spent the whole morning buzzing around the house, talking about her outfit, and plotting how we'd stake out the perfect spot on the beach.

"Dee, help me pick something out!" she called, pulling me into her room and holding up two different dresses. Her excitement was contagious, and I found myself smiling despite the mixture of nerves and anticipation I felt about seeing Steven.

"Wear the blue one," I said, taking the dress from her and holding it up. "It brings out your eyes."

She beamed, hugging me. "Thanks, Dee. And you should wear that new sundress. JJ won't be able to take his eyes off you."

As we both got ready, I felt a little spark of hope that maybe, tonight, I could just relax and enjoy my time with JJ, pushing away the tangled mess of emotions that Steven's confession had left me with. I glanced in the mirror, adjusting my dress and brushing out my hair. I looked different this summer—more grown-up, more confident. But the nervous flutter in my stomach reminded me that some things never really change.

By the time we got to the beach, it was already packed with people, but we managed to find a spot close to the water. JJ brought a picnic basket with snacks and drinks, and we all sprawled out on the blankets, soaking in the warm sun. Conrad and Jeremiah set up a volleyball net, and soon enough, we were all laughing, diving in the sand, and competing like our lives depended on it.

At one point, JJ and I took a walk along the shore, the waves lapping at our feet. He held my hand, and I leaned into him, savoring the feeling of his warmth beside me. JJ had this ability to make me feel grounded, like everything would be okay as long as he was there. But just as I was beginning to relax, I caught sight of Steven in the distance, his eyes fixed on us, his expression unreadable.

"What's up with him?" JJ asked, following my gaze. He seemed more curious than bothered, but there was an edge to his voice.

I shrugged, trying to play it off. "Nothing. He's just... it's Steven."

JJ nodded, squeezing my hand. "Well, he better get used to this." He grinned, pulling me close and pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. "Because I'm not going anywhere."

I looked up at him, feeling my heart swell at the conviction in his voice. JJ was steady, reliable, and he'd been there for me in a way that no one else had. The warmth of his hand in mine, his steady gaze, the way he looked at me like I was his whole world—it made everything else fade away, even the ache I felt around Steven.

"Delilah," he said softly, his voice barely audible over the crash of the waves. "I love you."

My breath caught, and I could feel my cheeks heat up. JJ's words hung in the air between us, heavy and sincere. This was a new step, one I hadn't been expecting but one that felt right. In that moment, I realized how much he meant to me, how deeply I cared about him.

"I love you too," I whispered back, feeling a surge of joy and relief. Saying those words felt like setting down a weight I hadn't realized I'd been carrying.

JJ's smile grew, and he pulled me closer, kissing me with a tenderness that made my heart flutter. In his arms, everything felt simple and real. I knew that whatever came next, we'd face it together.

As the sun began to set, the sky transformed into a canvas of pinks, oranges, and purples. The anticipation built as the beach filled with families, couples, and friends, all gathering to watch the fireworks. We settled back onto the blankets, JJ's arm draped around me, and Belly nestled beside me, her face lit up with excitement.

Finally, the first firework exploded in the sky, a shower of sparkling lights that left everyone in awe. Belly gasped, clapping her hands, and I felt myself relax, leaning into JJ as the colors lit up the night. It was a perfect moment—almost.

I glanced over and saw Steven standing a few feet away, his hands shoved in his pockets, his face illuminated by the glow of the fireworks. Our eyes met, and for a second, everything else faded away. I felt a pang of something deep and painful, a reminder of all the history we shared, all the dreams we'd once had. I looked away, forcing myself to focus on JJ, but the feeling lingered, gnawing at me.

Just as the final firework burst in the sky, JJ turned to me, his soft smile back. "Did you like the show?"

I nodded, reaching for his hand. "It was perfect."

He leaned in, kissing me gently, and I felt a rush of warmth, a reminder of the life we were building together. But as I pulled away, my eyes found Steven's again, and the sadness in his gaze was almost too much to bear. He looked away, turning and disappearing into the crowd, and I felt my heart twist, torn between the boy who held me and the boy I'd left behind.

After the fireworks ended, JJ suggested we go for a walk along the shore. I nodded, grateful for the distraction, and we strolled down the beach, hand in hand. JJ was quiet, and I could tell he sensed something was bothering me.

"Hey, Dee?" he asked, his voice gentle. "Is everything okay?"

I hesitated, unsure of how to answer. "Yeah, I'm just... it's been a long summer. A lot of memories, you know?"

He nodded, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. "I get it. But remember, I'm here. Always."

I smiled, leaning into him as we walked. But as the night went on, the memory of Steven's gaze stayed with me, a reminder that some things can't be forgotten so easily.