folklore; conrad fisher

14: stars around scars

The room was lively with conversation, as people awaited the ball to begin. I was sat around Laurel, Susannah, John Conklin, Cleveland Castillo, and Conrad Fisher. Cleveland was excited to see the two of us, and of course I pressed him and Laurel about their budding romance, much to their own embarrassment.

"Well, not to be weird," Cleveland chuckled, "But I thought you two were going to be a bit of trouble for me, too."

I raised an eyebrow, "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Well, when you put two kids to spend the night on a boat, there is a thought in the back of your mind..."

Laurel objected, "You left them alone on the boat overnight!?"

"Nothing happened, Laurel," Conrad assured her.

"They're responsible kiddos." Cleveland said.

Susannah looked at me, "I always thought you and Steven were going to be an item."

Laurel and I both gagged as soon as she said that, causing the rest of the table to laugh.

"When you've watched someone collect their boogers so they can have an 'extra big snack for later,' any thoughts of dating them go out the window." I joked, eliciting a harder roar of laughter from the table, including Conrad.

Laurel squirmed, "Oh my God, do not remind me about that!"

Our lively conversation was cut short when the lights of the ballroom dimmed, a spotlight now shining in the center of a large, white floral arch standing in front of the pink curtain covering the stage. A woman came up to the podium to announce that the ball would commence in a few minutes, urging guests to silence their cellphones, and avoid using flash photography. Conrad got up really quickly, saying he was going to wish Jeremiah and Steven good luck. I would have joined him, but I was sure they were still in the men's dressing room, where I would certainly not be allowed in. Besides, it meant more time with Conrad, which was something I didn't particularly want at that moment.

He came back rather quickly, and just in time for the debutante ball to begin. The woman from earlier returned to the podium to introduce each one of the girls. The first girl to come out with her escort looked stunning, smiling in a large white ball gown while the announcer informed the crowd of the girl's name, highschool and activities, and the amount of money she'd raised during her time as a debutante.

Belly was the next to be called onto the stage. She walked onto the stage and linked arms with Jeremiah, who whispered something in her ear that made her let out a slight giggle.

My eyes burnt up as I saw her up there. She looked absolutely magnificent. Her gown was perfectly tailored to her, a pretty white, satin dress with a sweetheart neckline and a wide skirt. She carried one of the rose bouquets in between long, satin glove covered hands. She wore the pearls Susannah gifted her for her birthday, and a matching pearl headband to top off a perfectly done low-bun. More than anything, Belly looked grown. I'd realized how quickly time had passed, and how much she'd changed from the little girl singing Taylor Swift in a car seat. Belly was a young, beautiful woman.

Jeremiah led her down the stairs as photographers took shots of them. They walked towards our table where Susannah and Laurel were beaming at her. She hugged the two of them tightly, only to give Conrad and I an awkward nod afterward. Belly handed Laurel her bouquet before rushing back to hook arms with Jeremiah, curtsying afterwards.

The announcer then called Shayla, who came out with Steven. She looked perfect. Her dress had a drop waist and adorable spaghetti strap, detailed neck. When she walked over to Steven, her ponytail delicately bounced behind her. Steven looked thrilled to be standing next to the most gorgeous girl in the room. He gave her a big, toothy smile as she took his arm, looking proud as ever to the audience as they emerged past the archway.