Chapter 5

It was the day she had been dreading all weekend long.

Monday. The day everyone was heading home.

I go for a morning walk alone on the beach to soak in my last day in Cousins. I memorize it all. The sand between my toes. The salty ocean air filling my lungs. The yellow and orange sunrise. I'd like to believe it was Susannah painting the sky — her way of saying hello. I knew it would all still be here waiting for me to come back but I wasn't ready to leave. I had been away for far too long. I consider spending the summer in Cousins. It was a more enticing idea than moving in with Laurel while I job hunt. I watch the waves kiss the shore and reflect on the weekend.

It had been a rollercoaster of highs and lows yet the greatest surprise and the best gift of all had been him. Conrad Fisher showing up to my graduation with flowers. And when I saw him, I just knew. My heart just knew. It wasn't the last we'd see of each other.

I pull out the infinity necklace from my pocket and hold it to my heart with closed eyes. Being near him again and talking the way we used to touched me in the last place I wanted it to: my heart. Although the infinity necklace was a faded copper brown now it still held significant meaning. It would always be a part of my story just like Conrad Fisher. I understood that now.

I knew now that love wasn't something you could erase or forget. I had tried to forget him for years. Evicted him from my heart. I had learned to live without him but maybe I didn't want to have to do that anymore. I was tired of running from the past. I was tired of running from my own heart.

It takes her a few tries to clasp the infinity necklace around her neck but once it's on she doesn't take it off. She sits in the sand and admires the sunrise one last time. She could sit there all day like that. But she knew eventually she'd have to leave. It was time to say goodbye to Cousins.

She'd never been good at goodbyes.

She walks back into the beach house and quietly closes the door behind her trying her best to not wake anyone. She freezes when she hears her name coming from the kitchen.

"Belly mentioned that." Conrad smirks. "I'm happy for you."

"Thanks man. You'll have to stop by next time you're… around." Steven grins.

Conrad laughs. "If I stepped foot inside your apartment, I'm pretty sure Taylor would light me on fire." He jokes as he pours coffee into his Simpsons mug.

"Nah." Steven laughs. "Maybe a few days ago."

"What's changed?" Conrad jokes, taking a sip.

Steven takes a minute to answer him. "Well, for one I told her how you stuck up for Belly and punched Jere… She'll never admit it but Taylor is cool with you now."

They both laugh as they catch up over their coffees looking out the window. Belly sneaks over to the stairs. She wasn't ready to start the day or rather she wasn't ready to face Conrad after almost kissing him last night.

"So…" Steven sets his mug on the counter nonchalant. "What'd you guys do yesterday?"

Belly freezes at the foot of the stairs to listen.

Conrad shrugs, "We just hung out. Why?"

"Taylor swears she saw you leaving Belly's room last night."

Belly makes a face. Taylor saw Conrad leave her room last night? Blood rushes to her cheeks.

"You're really going to try to deny it?" Steven raises his eyebrows, laughing.

Conrad rolls his eyes. "Didn't we just talk about this?"

Belly briefly remembers Taylor mentioning Conrad had talked to Steven about her.

"Yeah, yeah. You're right…" Steven holds back a smile as he takes another sip. He decides to tease him some more. "So how's the 'just friends' thing working out for you?"

"It's fine." Conrad walks over to the fridge to grab a water bottle. When he turns back around, Steven is staring him down. Conrad takes a sip of the water, avoiding Steven's eyes.

"So that's it?" Steven leans forward with his elbows on the counter. "You're really not going to tell her how you feel? You're just going to leave?"

Conrad looks at Steven. The house was still for a moment as Belly holds her breath.

"I want to..." Conrad finally whispers. "I just don't think I should."

"Con, come on." Steven sighs. "I've heard this before. Look what happened last time…"

"I know, I know. I'm not trying to make excuses."

"Then what is it?" Steven presses him.

Conrad leans back against the counter. He looks in the direction of the living room where they had watched the movie together last night.

"Things are finally good between us." Conrad shrugs. "I don't want to fuck it all up again."

"And telling her how you feel would fuck it all up again?" Steven gives him a look.

"I don't know. Maybe." Conrad shrugs, looking back to the living room.

Steven walks over to Conrad. He puts a hand on Conrad's shoulder and sighs.

"Answer me this. When was the last time you did something for yourself, Conrad?"

Conrad exhales. "I know, I know."

"Do you?" Steven grips his shoulder. "I don't think you even know the last time you did something for you."

Conrad doesn't look at him. He takes a sip of his water instead.

"Look…" Steven starts. "I don't know everything that went down between you two but I do know it was years ago. You have to let all of that shit go. Even the Jere shit. Do something for yourself for once. She deserves to know how you feel. And you, my friend..." Steven jabs a finger at Conrad's chest with conviction. "You deserve to be happy."

Conrad's eyes flash to Stevens then he looks away.

"I see the way you look at her." Steven nods with a knowing look. "It's the same way I look at Taylor. And if I had talked myself out of telling Taylor how I felt about her years ago then I wouldn't be moving into a nice ass apartment with her today." Steven smiles to himself and squeezes Conrad's shoulder. "That's all to say people change. You deserve to be happy, Con. You both do."

"She is happy." Conrad whispers, making eye contact with Steven. "And I'd rather be her friend than nothing at all… I can't lose her again. I won't."

Belly's heart flutters.

Steven shakes his head and drops his hand from Conrad's shoulder. He walks back around the counter laughing to himself. He looks amused.

"You know, for a medical student you can be so dense." Steven laughs, sipping his coffee.

"What?" Conrad finally looks at him.

Steven makes direct eye contact with Conrad. "There will always be something between you and Belly. My sister has never looked at anyone the way she looks at you. Not even Jere. And if you're not going to tell her how you feel for you or for her… then do it for your mom. She would want you happy, Conrad."

Conrad closes his eyes for a few moments then opens his eyes to look back to the living room. His expression was difficult for Steven to read but Steven knew he had gotten through to him.

"I mean, unless you want Taylor and I to do it." Steven suggests with sarcasm.

Conrad looks at Steven, shaking his head. "No! No. No thanks."

They both laugh together for a moment.

"That's what I thought." Steven jokes as he walks over to Conrad. He clinks his mug to Conrad's mug with a smile. "And hey, I'm rooting for you, Fisher. Go get your girl."

As soon as I reach my room, I close the door and sink to the floor. Maybe it was all a dream and I would wake up any moment. But it wasn't. This wasn't a dream. It was real life.

When I open my eyes, the first thing I see is my glass unicorn sparkling in the sun.

Oh my god my heart whispers. I still want you.

Of course I do.

Conrad:

After my talk with Steven, I feel hopeful. I go on a solo muffin run to get out of the house but to also buy myself time alone to think.

Could I do it? Could I tell her how I feel? Was it too late?

I had two choices: I could leave staying friends. Or I could lay it all on the line and risk losing everything.

As I drive, I think about the night of Jeremiah's bachelor party. It was the night I had told her I loved her. I had replayed the fight in my head for years asking myself why I hadn't told her sooner. Every "if only" thought crossed my mind that night. I'll never forget the look on her face as she walked away that night on the beach. It nearly killed me the first time.

I wasn't sure if I could survive that kind of heartbreak again.

There was so much I wanted to say to her. So many unsent letters I had written to her over the years about how sorry I was. How stupid I was to think I could ever walk away from her. How silly I was to think my heart could ever belong to anyone else.

I knew I could play the part. I could be Isabel Conklin's friend. I had pretended to be her friend our entire lives until that one magical summer when we became more. But I know in the back of my mind and inside of my heart I would always want something more. She was my girl.

When I get back to the beach house, Steven and Taylor's car is missing from the driveway. I enter the kitchen to find Belly sitting at the counter. She was about to pour cereal in a bowl when her eyes light up as she spots the muffins.

I slide the box with her favorite muffins over to her with a smile. "Morning."

She smiles back. "Good morning." She opens the box and claims a muffin.

"How's your head?"

"It's good. Yeah. Thank you." She touches her head nervously. "Sorry about last night…"

I freeze. I was surprised she had brought it up. I make eye contact with her and smile.

"You don't have to apologize for anything, Belly."

We hold each other's gaze for a moment as my words sink in.

"Want any?" I nod at the coffee machine, turning towards it.

"No thanks. Taylor and Steven are grabbing some. They'll be back soon." She nods.

Conrad smirks, turning back around to face her. "Let me guess. A frappuccino?"

Belly's eyes widen and he can tell he guessed right.

"What gave me away?" She laughs.

He eyes her sugary cereal box then her and they both laugh.

"Same Old Belly." He smirks, shaking his head.

"I blame college." Belly laughs. "And the awful vending machines."

Conrad laughs. "When was the last time you've had a vegetable? And no, muffins don't count."

Belly just laughs at him, shaking her head as she takes a bite of her muffin.

Conrad pours himself a new coffee. He leans against the counter to drink it.

After a few moments, he asks. "Are you excited to go home, college graduate?"

Belly sighs, looking around the beach house. "Totally."

"Why don't I believe you?" Conrad laughs.

She laughs. "Probably because I'm a bad liar."

Conrad smiles, taking another sip of his coffee. "True."

"What about you?" Belly says, looking at him again. "Are you excited to get back?"

"Totally," Conrad repeats back with the same bland tone making Belly laugh.

Conrad uses up the last of the eggs and ingredients in the fridge to make them each an omelet. They both sit down at the kitchen table to enjoy their breakfast together.

"Wow!" Belly says as she enjoys the omelet. "If you weren't in medical school, I'd say you should be in culinary school."

Conrad smirks. "Who says I can't do both?"

Belly smiles at him and goes back to eating. He observes her as she eats.

"So, what's next for Isabel Conklin?" He eyes her as he takes a bite.

Belly makes a face. "Did Laurel put you up to this?"

Conrad sips his coffee with an amused face. "What?"

Belly shakes her head and laughs. "Nevermind."

Conrad leans forward. There was something behind that and he wanted to know what it is.

"What is it?" He asks softly.

"I don't know." Belly sighs, looking out the window. "I guess I just feel like people put so much pressure on themselves on what life is supposed to look like after graduation. I just am not in any rush. I just want to have fun figuring it all out, you know?"

Conrad nods. "Yeah. I know what you mean."

Belly shoots him a look. "Coming from the doctor."

"Almost." Conrad corrects her. "I'm almost a doctor."

"Still." Belly laughs, looking out the window. "You're lucky. You've known what you've wanted to do your whole life. Some of us have no clue…"

"No one has it all figured out, Belly." Conrad reassures her. "If they say they do, they're lying."

"I guess I just thought I'd have it all figured out by now." Belly sighs, taking another bite of the muffin. "A job I love, a nice apartment or house, a serious boyfriend…"

Conrad smirks. "You can have it all, Belly. There is still time. You're not 70 years old."

They both laugh then she smiles at him. "What about you? What's next for Conrad Fisher?"

"Just trying to survive medical school."

"Is it bad?" She scrunches her nose. "Is it as bad as they say?"

I shrug. "I mean, if you're not good with sticking to a routine then yeah it's tough. But if you-"

"If you have been reading Encyclopedias since birth then it's easy." She jokes, cutting me off.

"Right." I laugh with her then I shake my head. "I was such a nerd…"

She places a hand over mine and smiles. "The best kind."

There it was — the magic again. She drops her hand and I catch it before she lets go.

"Hey. You'll figure it out, Belly." I squeeze her hand. "Good things come to those who wait."

I recite my mother's words to her without her even knowing. She smiles at me with those chocolate eyes. I have the most intense urge to kiss her. And I consider acting on it until I hear the front door open. We both drop our hands as soon as we hear Taylor.

She gives us a quick glance over when she walks into the kitchen.

"Good morning." Taylor says sarcastically.

"Is the one with the whipped cream mine?" Belly jumps up.

I collect our plates and walk over to rinse them off into the sink.

"The oreo sundae?" Steven laughs coming around the corner. "Yeah, that's all yours."

"It's a frappe, Steven." Belly makes a face. "You should try it sometime."

"I think Conrad and I will stick to black coffee. We know what we like. Right, Conrad?" Steven replies, sarcastically.

I laugh at him, rinsing off the dishes. We both knew he wasn't just talking about coffee.

I put off packing until the very last minute and I look out at the window at kids building sandcastles as I pack my bag to go home. I would do anything to switch places with them.

There is a knock on the door and Taylor pops her head in. "We're heading out soon, babe."

I hurry and hide the infinity necklace underneath my shirt so Taylor doesn't see as I turn to face her, folding clothes.

Taylor comes in and closes the door behind her, "Everything okay?"

"Yeah." I nod. "I just hate leaving this place."

"Is that it?" Taylor raises a brow. "It doesn't have anything to do with Conrad sneaking out of your bedroom last night?"

I laugh. "Whatever you think you saw, it's not what you think."

"We promised we wouldn't keep any secrets from each other, Belly."

"I'm not." I shrug, looking at her. "I slipped downstairs and he had to carry me to my bedroom. He was just making sure I was okay, Taylor."

Taylor sits on my bed, eyeing me. "It didn't look like that to me."

I look at her and just shake my head.

"He had that stupid smirk on his face." Taylor rolls her eyes. "The one he always has whenever he is with you…" She trails off.

I can't help but smile. "Well, sorry to disappoint you but nothing happened, Tay Tay."

"Whatever." Taylor laughs then she sighs. "Ready to go home?"

I sigh. "As ready as I'll ever be."

Taylor laughs then walks over to me. She sits next to me on the floor and helps me sort and pack. I give her a look after a few moments of silence.

"What?" She says, not looking at me.

"Taylor, what's up? You never help me pack or clean or anything." I laugh.

She throws a swimsuit at me playfully. "Hey!"

We both laugh as I pack the swimsuit away.

"I don't know…" Taylor sighs, looking down. "It's just going to be weird not seeing you all the time, you know? It's going to be weird to not live right next to you in a dorm."

"Yeah." I nod. "I know..."

Taylor looks at me with a sad face. "Are you going to miss me?"

"Of course I'm going to miss you!" I laugh. "You're my best friend, Taylor. Nothing will ever change that."

"Damn right." She smiles then she sighs. "Please come visit. I'll make the office into a guest bedroom just for you." Taylor smiles, tapping a finger on Belly's nose.

"I was already planning on it." I smile at her.

Taylor smiles back and pushes some of my hair behind my shoulder.

"Are you going to be okay, Cinderbelly?"

I look at her. "Taylor, I'm fine."

Taylor nods, looking down. "What about… Conrad?"

I start to fold more clothes and put them in my bag. "What about him?"

Taylor shrugs. "You tell me…"

"Taylor, I love you but you don't know everything." I roll my eyes.

"But I know you." Taylor says. I can feel her eyes on me. "Just promise you'll call me if you need anything? Okay. We're not that far away-"

"Taylor." I look into her eyes and nod. "I promise."

Taylor stands up and laughs. "I can't believe I'm about to move in with your brother."

I laugh, standing up with her. "It could be worse. It could be Milo or something…"

Taylor shutters. "Ew. Ew. Yeah, you're totally right. I'm cured."

We both laugh as we walk out of my bedroom door. I follow her outside to say goodbye to Steven. Him and Conrad were talking by his car. Taylor giggles and flies down the steps to him.

"Ready to go home?" Steven asks, leaning down to kiss her.

"Ready!" Taylor giggles under his kiss.

I walk up to them with a smile. Conrad smiles at me and I smile back.

"Well, tell mom I said hi." He looks at me then at Taylor. "But we better get going. We have a brand new apartment to move into."

Originally I was going to ride back with Steven and Taylor but they needed the extra room in his car to pick up some more furniture and I knew Laurel's house was out of their way.

"Thanks for everything." I smile. "It was a great weekend."

"Yeah, it was a pretty wild party." Steven grins at Conrad and Conrad laughs.

Taylor turns towards me to give me a goodbye hug. "See you soon, Cinderbelly?"

I hug her back, closing my eyes. "See you soon."

Steven is the next to hug me. "Proud of you, sis. Come see us soon, okay?"

I nod, hugging him back. "Okay."

I was surprised to see Taylor acknowledging Conrad enough to say goodbye to him too. Conrad looked just as surprised as me which made me almost laugh out loud. Steven and Taylor shut the trunk then leaned against it.

"So…" Steven smiles at the three of them. "When are we coming back?"

Taylor chimes in, "Susannah's birthday. The Fourth. Duh."

Everyone looks at her and bursts into laughter.

"What?" Taylor says with her hands on her hips.

"The fourth of July is Susannah's favorite holiday. Not her birthday." I smile at her.

Taylor rolls her eyes under the hot sun. "Okay, well whatever."

Conrad speaks up. "I can come up for the Fourth."

I smile. "Count Laurel and I in."

"Nothing like a Fisher Fourth!" Steven smiles. "We'll see you soon!"

Conrad and I wave them goodbye as they leave the driveway and disappear from our view.

Conrad turns towards me as soon as they are gone. "Ready to go home?"

I sigh, turning around to face the beach house. I look at the sign above the door: Beck's House.

"You know, it never gets any easier." I say. "I hate leaving this place."

"Yeah." Conrad says next to me. "Me too."

I sigh and nod. "When are you heading out?"

Conrad nods "My flight got delayed so I'm not leaving until tomorrow."

"Oh" was all I could say.

"I was thinking…" Conrad says, looking at his car. "I can drive you home if you want. Laurel probably hasn't even left yet. It could save her some gas."

I look at him. "I don't want to make you do that. That's out of your way."

"It's fine." Conrad shrugs. "I don't mind."

I purse my lips and study his face. "Yeah. Okay. I'll text her."

Conrad:

I walk over to my nightstand and open a drawer searching for something.

And that's when I see it. An envelope with her perfect stationery on it.

I hadn't looked at it or touched it since the wedding day. It was a painful day to think about. I stare at the envelope for awhile then close the drawer in frustration. I continue to pack the rest of my things and when I'm finished, I look back at the drawer with a lump in my throat.

Minutes later, I open the drawer again and pick up the envelope with a deep breath. I take it to my bed and open the envelope. It was the letter my mother had written during her final days.

Susannah's Letter To Conrad:

Dear Conrad,

You were the first baby. I'll never forget the doctor bringing you to me and saying "It's a boy!". You wrapped your finger around mine and it changed my world forever. As soon as you could crawl, you did it all: surfing, football, sailing, science, math. You excelled at everything you set your mind to. You were the leader of the pack always looking out for Jere, Steven, and Belly. You were Laurel's special guy always following her around and asking her about the morning paper. I hope you know Adam and I couldn't love you anymore than we do. You and Jere are the two things I did right in this life and I couldn't be more proud of the men you are becoming.

Remember the day you broke your arm and didn't tell anyone? Laurel had to rush you to the emergency room. I couldn't believe my little boy had been in so much pain. You didn't say a word but that is my Connie. You never let others see when you're hurting. You've always looked after others which will make you an extraordinary doctor. Just promise your mother you will look after yourself too.

As I write to you today, I'm imagining the wonderful journey that lies ahead of you. I imagine you finding yourself on the West Coast and making memories that will last you a lifetime. I imagine you working in a career that fulfills you and others. I imagine you coming back to Cousins for Fourth of July barbeques, fireworks and digging up clam pits with Jere. I imagine you getting married and starting your life together. I've only had the pleasure of seeing you fall in love once but it was enough for Laurel and I to know you will make an exceptional father and husband. You've always been her sun, Connie. And when the sun comes out the stars disappear. Remember that, will you? Be good to each other.

I hope you find true joy in this life my son. Life is full of good moments. Look for them. Hold onto them. Live everyday like you're in Cousins. Don't forget the live part. That's very important.

I love you my sweet sweet Connie

My precious baby boy

The first baby

Take care of yourself and know I am with you every step of the way

"For whatever we lose (like a you or a me),

It's always ourselves we find in the sea." 3

With all of my love always and forever,

Susannah

A small polaroid falls out from the envelope. It's a photo of Susannah and Conrad. He couldn't have been more than one year old in the photo. Susannah is holding him up in the air kissing his stomach to make him laugh. Laurel had taken the polaroid and wrote Conrad a note on the back. She had given it to him at Susannah's funeral.

To my special guy —

This is my favorite photo of you and Beck. Keep it.

It's yours now. May we all remember her this way.

Love, Your Laur

I tuck the letter and polaroid back into the envelope and pack them to come home with me.

"What if we didn't leave today?" I blurt out as he sets my travel bag in his trunk.

"What?" Conrad says, looking at me.

" "Your flight's delayed. Laurel's not coming anymore." I shrug. "What if we just spent a day in Cousins doing all of our favorite things we used to do?"

A smile forms on Conrad's lips as he looks at her. "I'm listening."

"I mean what's the rush? You can just take me home later. We could go to the arcade, we could grab ice cream, we could…" I shake my head at the endless possibilities.

"We could go to the peach stand?" Conrad offers and I love him for it.

I bite my lip and nod. "Are you in?"

"Honestly." Conrad smiles, walking up to me. "I think it's the best idea I've heard in a long time."

I grab my travel bag out of his trunk to carry it back inside with an excited smile.

"Okay." I say, walking past him. "Be ready in 10!"

Conrad laughs behind me. "Where are we going?"

"You'll see!" I laugh as I head back inside to get ready.

I change into a comfortable pair of denim shorts, an old beachy tank top Susannah got me, and some converse then get ready for the day. I apply my favorite lip mask and some light mascara. I couldn't believe I was about to spend a day in Cousins with Conrad Fisher. Maybe her graduation weekend was over but she wasn't going to let it stop her from living. She had spent too long surviving. One thing she knew for certain was she wanted to live. And she knew in her heart it was what Susannah would want for her too.

"So…" Conrad smiles with one hand on the steering wheel. "Where to first?"

"Well, I think it's only right if we start with the arcade." Belly smiles at him from the passenger seat and Conrad smiles back.

Conrad laughs. "Just don't take it too personal when I kick your ass."

Belly laughs. "Speak for yourself!"

When they get to the arcade, it feels different. There is cliques of teenagers spread out everywhere and she feels out of place. She could feel their eyes on them as they walked.

"Is it just me or are we getting too old for this?" I laugh, whispering to Conrad as we walked.

Conrad smirks down at me. "We'll never be too old for this."

I buy us ice cream before we go into the arcade. It was a hot day in Cousins and it sounded better than water. He glares at me when I hand over my card to the cashier.

"It's only fair. You paid for like a million muffin runs. I'm just trying to catch up." I say.

We both thank the cashier and take our ice cream cones. The ice cream was already starting to melt and drip from our cones. We both laughed as we tried to lick them as fast as possible.

"Here." Conrad smiles, handing me some napkins.

I accept the napkins and laugh as I clean up my mess in my hands. He does the same with his.

"So, what do you think Laurel is going to say when she finds out where we are?" Conrad smiles.

"I'll just tell her you kidnapped me." I joke to him. It was an old joke of ours. I wasn't sure if he'd remember. He smirks at me with knowing eyes and I can tell he does.

"Oh, whatever. You begged me to come. I'm the one with the car, remember?"

I laugh. "Same Old Conrad."

"Same Old Conrad that can kick your ass at any arcade game." Conrad smirks, throwing away the rest of his ice cream.

I throw mine away too then hold out a hand. "Winner picks the next spot?"

Conrad laughs, shaking her hand. "Winner picks the next spot."

They start with Shoot Your Shot. Conrad wins the first round and Belly squints at him under the sun. "Best two out of three?" They keep playing and Belly wins the second round. The third and final round Conrad wins and Belly rolls her eyes. He was too good at this game it wasn't fair.

"Alright." She claps sarcastically. "You win!"

A worker comes up to Conrad and nods at the prizes. "Which one do you want?"

Conrad looks at me then back at the prizes. He takes a minute to think about it then points.

"Let's do the polar bear." He smirks then looks at me. "A friend for Junior Mint."

I laugh at him. "You know you're supposed to pick a prize that you like, right?"

Conrad puts his hands on his hips then looks me up and down. "Okay then what else do I get?"

He looks at me in a familiar way and I feel lightheaded under his gaze.

"Another ice cream cone?" I say and we both laugh.

We go inside the arcade to escape the heat and play some games. Conrad immediately finds a Pac Man game he knew by heart as a kid and wins us ticket after ticket. It was nice to see him be a kid again. We play a few more of his old favorite games then I spot the Dance Dance Revolution game next. Conrad shakes his head at me right away as I look back and forth between him and the game.

"I'm not getting on that thing, Belly." Conrad laughs. "Not a chance."

"Come on…" I make a pleading face. "Just this once. For me?"

Conrad sighs then looks at me after a few moments. I watch his face grow soft

. "If you tell anyone about this…" He whispers with a finger.

I giggle. "Come on!" I grab his hand and drag him behind me. "Live a little!"

We dance our hearts out and I sneak a few looks at Conrad the entire time. I loved everything about him: the concentrated look on his face, his stiff dance moves, everything. I couldn't help but stare at him. I had missed this side of him. The side where he let his guard down.

"Hey!" Conrad laughs, looking at her. "Eyes on the screen, dancing queen!"

So Hot You're Hurting My Feelings by Caroline Polachek plays as we dance:

And I'm out at a party, they're playin' our song

I cry on the dance floor, it's so embarrassing

Don't send me photos, you're makin' it worse

'Cause you're so hot, it's hurtin' my feelings

I get a little lonely

Get a little more close to me

You're the only one who knows me, babe

So hot, you're hurtin' my feelings

I win almost every round and I'm feeling pretty good about myself. Conrad spins me around to our last challenge to spend our tickets on: laser tag.

"Alright." Conrad smirks. "If we win, we don't have to ride the Tower of Terror but if we lose, then we have to ride it. That's the bet. You in?"

I smile. Conrad and I both played to win. I had no doubt in my mind we would lose this bet.

"Let's do this!" I bump his fist with mine as we enter the laser tag enterance.

30 minutes later, we walk out in defeat. Turns out it was some teenager's birthday party and he brought all of his friends. They schooled us. We didn't stand a chance.

"Well." I can't help but laugh as we walk. "I bet you're really regretting that bet now."

Conrad looks at me. "You know I was joking, right?"

I grab his hand and lead him outside. He wasn't going to get out of this. Not this time.

"A bet is a bet!" I laugh as we make our way to the Tower of Terror.

"Don't tell me the Conrad Fisher is nervous." I tease him as we find our seats.

Conrad shakes his head, sitting right next to me. Our knees were touching. "Never."

The ride begins and we soar to the top. I can feel the anticipation build in my stomach as we get higher and higher. I look at Conrad who was taking deep breaths, looking at the sky.

"I bet you really hate me right about now." I tease.

Conrad looks at me with a smirk. "Who could ever hate you?"

And just like that – we are falling. The ride drops. We both scream with our hands in the air as we fall. Conrad's hand find mine and we both look at each other the entire way down. We didn't even realize the ride had stopped until people started walking up to us to take their seats. We both laugh and exit the ride, still holding hands. It was a rush to be with him like this.

"Alright." I say, dropping his hand. "Where to next, winner?"

Conrad smiles, looking down at me. "Follow me."

We make our way back to his car and he takes us back to the beach house.

"Wait-" I say as we pull into the driveway.

He laughs. "Don't worry, we're not done. We just have to change first."

I feel nervous. "What are you plotting in that head of yours?"

Conrad smiles. "Meet me in the backyard in 5. Oh, and bring your swimsuit."

I run inside, feeling like a kid again, with Junior Mint's new friend in my arms.

Conrad:

I throw on my wetsuit and grab my surfboard, walking to the backyard. Belly had never been much of a surfer. But I knew she could do it. I knew she could do anything she set her mind to.

She meets me in the backyard minutes later in a gorgeous one piece I'd never seen before.

"Ready?" I smile, hugging the surfboard at my side.

She eyes the surfboard and wetsuit then me. "Uh oh. You're not taking my surfing, are you?"

I laugh. "You said we would get to do all of our favorite things, Belly."

Belly purses her lips and nods slowly, regretting her words.

"Come on." I laugh, holding out a hand. "It'll be fun. Trust me."

She sighs and takes my hand as I lead her to the beach. I show her the basics of surfing and we do a few practice drills before we get into the water. She impresses me when she is able to stand on the surfboard with waves nearly knocking her over. Eventually one wave does knock her off and her body falls deep into the ocean. I dive and bring her back up to the surface. She gasps for air as I hold her in my arms with her eyes closed. She had taken a hard hit.

"Belly, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have taken you-"

She opens her eyes and sits up in the water, catching her breath.

"Conrad." She laughs. "I'm fine. I'm fine."

I look at her with amazement. There was truly no one like her.

I let her catch her breath as we bob next to the surfboard.

"Having fun?" I laugh.

She nods, squinting at me then laughs. "You look surprised."

"What can I say?" I smirk. "You're full of surprises, Isabel."

I held her gaze until she splashes me then I splash her.

"Let's get out of here. That's enough surfing lessons for one day." I wink and help her get back onto the surfboard. I guide her back to the shore and we both collapse once we reach the sand.

"I have to hand it to you." I laugh, looking at her. "You're not a bad surfer."

She smiles laying down next to me. "Thanks. I think I'll stick to Volleyball though."

I laugh. "That's fair."

"I can see why you like it though…" Belly says, looking up at the sky. "It takes your mind somewhere else for awhile."

I smile at the sky. "I knew you'd get it."

Belly sits up and sighs. "Well, I'd say we earned a treat. You hungry?"

I sit up with her and nod. "It's your move, Isabel Conklin."

She smiles at me with the most gorgeous smile I'd ever seen and goes,

"I have an idea."