Chapter 3

In the next hour Anika and I had showers, got dressed and I explained to her what Taylor had done. 'That freaking scumbag' Anika had commented making me feel better before asking, 'Iz, what's going on with you and Conrad?'
'I don't know.' I told her, 'we had a moment but I never know what to think with Conrad, he's always been a mystery, I guess that's why I like him.'
'So you do like him?' She replied.
I sighed and responded, 'I think I always will An, it's Conrad after all.'
Anika didn't reply to that, just left me to think. That was one of the best things about Anika, she knew when to stop asking questions. When we were ready we shouted we were leaving to Taylor but didn't go check on her as none of us particularly wanted to face her before walking along the beach to Clays. It was only the first day and already so much drama had happened it felt nice to be able to relax and be by the sea. We walked along as a four, laughing, soaking up the sun, completely erasing the last few hours from our minds, as if the day had gone from arrival to the pool to now. Bliss.

When we got to Clays around 8:30 the party was in full swing, people were dancing and singing karaoke while we started to introduce Anika to everyone. She seemed to be enjoying herself talking to the guy who runs the convenience store so I left her too it. She was brilliant at meeting new people. I'd lost Conrad since we'd arrived so went off looking for him, things actually seemed to be going well with him, we were getting along for once!

As I was searching for him through the house I spotted Jere talking to some guy who had his back to me. I went over to him to chat but realised too late the guy he was chatting to was Cam Cameron. From years ago. Shit.

It had ended weirdly with Cam. He'd asked if I wanted to still talk after summer was over at the point I realised I still liked Conrad, and that was it, the end of our summer romance. We hadn't spoken since.

I tried to turn around, hope they hadn't noticed me but too late, 'Bells!' Jere called, 'Come here, look who's here!'
'Hey Jere, hey Cam' I said to them, 'Been a while' Iadded to Cam, he just looked at me shocked, raising his eyebrows before finally responding, 'Belly' and walking away.

'Wow' Jere said, 'he seems happy to see you!'
'Shut it Jere, have you seen Conrad?' I queried
Jere started to shuffle on his feet looking down as he said, 'Yeah, he's over there Belly'
I turned to look at where he was indicating to see Conrad leading a girl out of the patio doors towards the beach. My heart dropped and I realised I had done what I knew would happen, but had tried, unsuccessfully to stop, once again. Me falling for Conrad. 'Oh well' I said to Jere, 'who is she?'
'Her name's Brittney, she's 21 and works at the bar down the road.'
'Sounds cool, see you later Jere' I said trying my hardest not too cry. This was the sort of time when I needed my girls but me and Taylor obviously weren't speaking so I needed Anika.

Where was she? I'd spent the last 20 minutes trying to find Anika with no luck. 'Eurgh' I thought to myself, 'where could she be?' I went out to the beach to see if I could spot her but no luck, I tried the kitchen, patio and lounge before seeing if she was upstairs. As I walked up the stairs it sounded like I could hear her voice. I checked the first bedroom and second but no luck. Finally the only room left was the upstairs bathroom, I hesitated outside before bounding in and seeing Anika and Jeremiah kissing furiously, looking very intense.
'Belly!' They cried in unison
'Oh shit guys I'm so sorry, Anika I need to talk to you really quickly please.'
'Sure thing Iz' she responded.
At this point Jere said, 'I'll leave you too it, be back in 10 kay?' Anika just gave him a half smile and nod before turning to me, 'What's up Iz?'
'I still like Conrad but he's now with another girl and I don't know what to do' I blurted out.
'Listen Iz, you've spent two years away from him yet still like the guy, you have to go for it. I've seen the way he looks at you girl and there are feelings there I'm sure of it, just take the chance, you'll regret it otherwise. And you know what? If it ends up well the 4 of us can double date!'
At this I gave her a massive hug, 'Thanks An, you're the best!' I said before turning around and leaving. 'She's all yours' I said to Jeremiah who was stood outside the door eagerly.
'Wait, Belly' He responded
'Yeah Jere?'
'Two things, firstly you're okay with me and Anika right?'
'It'll take a little getting used to,' I replied honestly, 'but I want you both to be happy so yes.'
'Phew' He breathed, 'and secondly, tell Conrad something from me?'
'Um yeah?' I said puzzled
'Tell him: penser à l'infini'
'What does that mean?' I asked
'Don't worry, he'll know'
'Have a good night Jere' I said before turning and heading down the stairs to the boy I loved completely.